Mormon Stories Podcast 1555: Mormon Polygamy Apologetics w/ Sandra Tanner Pt. 1 - A Mormon Scoops Special!
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Mar 4, 2022 Sandra Tanner, researcher and author known for Utah Lighthouse Ministry, provides historical critique of Mormon polygamy and D&C 132. Conversation traces early secrecy, contested revelations, coercive language about sealings, power dynamics around Joseph Smith, and real-life harms and fallout. Listeners hear analysis, scripture reading, and callers sharing personal experiences.
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Church Published Denial While Practicing Polygamy
- Early LDS scriptures (1835 D&C Section 101) explicitly denied polygamy while secret plural marriages were already occurring.
- Tanner notes the contradiction: the church kept the anti-polygamy text public while practicing and hiding plural marriage.
DNC 132 Uses Damning Language As Coercion
- Section 132 uses repeated threats of damnation to coerce acceptance of the new and everlasting covenant tied to plural marriage.
- Hosts argue Emma faced pressure after Joseph had dozens of wives and the revelation was pitched as mandatory for exaltation.
Sealing Power Centralizes Authority In Prophet
- D&C 132 centralizes priesthood 'sealing' power as the gatekeeper for eternal relationships, giving enormous unilateral authority to the prophet.
- Tanner highlights the line that 'there is never but one on the earth at a time' who holds this power, framing it as a power grab.
