Sunday, August 16, 2026

Mormon News

News of the Mormon world  |  Home of the Mormon News Podcast

Polygamy

Why Emma Smith denied polygamy: Gospel study examines impossible position

August 15, 2026 at 10:18 AM MT · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

Stephen Jones examines Emma Smith's denial of Joseph Smith's polygamy practice, arguing she found herself in an impossible position trying to protect everything she loved. Jones suggests that when viewed in historical context, her later denials become more understandable given the painful chapter she navigated. The video explores how Church history's complicated stories reveal more about the world Emma faced than simply about her choices.

Mormon News summarizes reporting from established outlets and always links to the original. See an error? Report it.

More in Polygamy