The Revelation of Celestial Marriage: Joseph Smith and the Doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A Pivotal Moment in Mormon Theology and Practice

Happend on 22. October 1844

Founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith, receives a revelation on celestial marriage.

On October 22, 1844, Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), received a revelation on celestial marriage, which would become a pivotal and distinctive doctrine within the faith. This revelation marked a significant moment in the development of Mormon theology and religious practice.

Joseph Smith and the Restoration

Joseph Smith is revered by Latter-day Saints as a prophet who played a central role in the restoration of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He claimed to have received revelations directly from God.

The Context of the Revelation

By 1844, the LDS Church had grown, and its doctrines were evolving. Celestial marriage, also known as plural marriage or polygamy, had been a topic of discussion among Mormon leaders and followers.

The Revelation

The revelation on celestial marriage, now known as Doctrine and Covenants Section 132, is a lengthy text that outlines the principles and covenants associated with the practice of polygamy. It is considered one of the most important and controversial revelations in Mormon history.

Key Doctrines

The revelation taught that celestial marriage was essential for the highest exaltation in the afterlife and that it was to be practiced by select individuals as directed by God.

Implementation and Controversy

The practice of plural marriage was implemented by some Latter-day Saints, leading to both religious and societal controversy. It played a significant role in the broader conflicts between the LDS Church and the U.S. government.

The Manifesto

In 1890, the LDS Church officially disavowed the practice of polygamy with the issuance of the Manifesto, which led to the eventual renunciation of plural marriage by the mainstream church.

Legacy

The revelation on celestial marriage has had a lasting impact on the history and culture of the LDS Church. It remains an important part of Mormon theological history, even as the practice itself has been discontinued.

The revelation on celestial marriage received by Joseph Smith on October 22, 1844, was a defining moment in the development of LDS theology. It introduced the concept of celestial marriage and plural marriage, which would shape the faith and its history for decades to come. The legacy of this revelation continues to be a subject of historical and theological exploration within the LDS Church and beyond.