Standard-Examiner Blog: “Oliver Cowdery’s ‘Article on Marriage’ embarrassed the LDS Church in its polygamy heyday”
Oliver Cowdery, principal scribe for Joseph Smith in the dictation of The Book of Mormon, once denounced Smith as an adulterer. Smith didn’t deny being a polygamist and he didn’t deny keeping as much from his wife—but he resented the adultery charge. In time, apparently conceding the technicality, Cowdery rescinded the charge.
Not long after, Cowdery penned an article on marriage, which for a time found its way into The Doctrine and Covenants, another book of Mormon scripture. Though officially removed in 1876, it has caused the church troubles ever since. One of the problems it caused? It says Mormons believe in one wife per husband. Or does it?, some ask, saying it depends on how you read it.
For a brief account of the Cowdery piece in today’s Standard Examiner Blogs, click here. Also see the comment appended by Catman at 9:26 a.m., which seems to put the whole thing in perspective. We also enjoyed this gem, cited in Bob Becker’s comment: “... history is constantly re-written, or re-interpreted, by nations, organizations, etc. all trying to ‘create a usable past.’”
Not long after, Cowdery penned an article on marriage, which for a time found its way into The Doctrine and Covenants, another book of Mormon scripture. Though officially removed in 1876, it has caused the church troubles ever since. One of the problems it caused? It says Mormons believe in one wife per husband. Or does it?, some ask, saying it depends on how you read it.
For a brief account of the Cowdery piece in today’s Standard Examiner Blogs, click here. Also see the comment appended by Catman at 9:26 a.m., which seems to put the whole thing in perspective. We also enjoyed this gem, cited in Bob Becker’s comment: “... history is constantly re-written, or re-interpreted, by nations, organizations, etc. all trying to ‘create a usable past.’”
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