FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mormon ordinances/Marriage/Divorce
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- Divorce in the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormon")
- Mormonism and divorce in the nineteenth century
Divorce in the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("Mormon")
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FAIR Answers—back to home page
Doctrinal foundation of plural marriage |
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Introduction of plural marriage |
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Questions about Joseph Smith and plural marriage |
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Notable plural wives of Joseph Smith |
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Plural marriage in Utah |
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End of plural marriage |
Essays on plural marriage |
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John C. Bennett and plural marriage |
Mormon ordinances/Marriage/Divorce
Divorce among Mormons in the 19th century
Summary: Some critics like to emphasize that some LDS members did not receive civil divorces before remarrying—either monogamously or polygamously. They either state or imply that this shows the Saints' cavalier attitude toward the law.
Jump to Subtopic:
- Gospel Topics: "Divorce was therefore available to women who were unhappy in their marriages"
- Question: How were divorces formalized among Mormons on the frontier in the 19th century?
- Question: Was it normal not to obtain a formal civil divorce in 19th century America?
Some 19th century Mormons did not receive civil divorces before remarrying
Jump to Subtopic:
- Question: Was it normal not to obtain a formal civil divorce in 19th century America?
- Question: How were divorces formalized among Mormons on the frontier in the 19th century?
Joseph Smith's performance of marriages in Ohio
Summary: Critics charge that Joseph Smith performed monogamous marriages for time of already-married members, violating Ohio law in Kirtland. Such claims are false and represent a misunderstanding about the marriage and divorce law of the day.
Jump to Subtopic:
- Question: Did Joseph Smith violate marriage laws in Ohio by performing marriages?
- Question: When Joseph Smith performed the marriage of Newel Knight and Lydia Bailey, were they guilty of bigamy since Lydia had not been formally divorced from her previous husband?
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