Polygamy, Part 1

Shawn McCraney hosts "Heart of the Matter," exploring the intersection of Mormonism and Biblical Christianity, and invites viewers to watch the program live through enhanced streaming capabilities at www.hotm.tv. He also highlights upcoming events such as a new television program for teens, the "Burning Heart 09" tent revival, and shares personal stories of baptisms and conversions emphasizing a newfound personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Shawn highlights a profound moment during a baptism ceremony where a young boy spontaneously decided to accept Jesus as his Lord, illustrating the heartfelt impact and personal transformation that can accompany such commitments. Additionally, Shawn criticizes the practice of polygamy in Mormonism, encouraging individuals, particularly women, to critically assess the teachings and history of the church, promoting a more discerning perspective on its doctrines.

The teaching by Shawn exposes the evolution of polygamy within early Mormonism, highlighting Joseph Smith's secretive practice of marrying multiple women, including teenagers and married women, under the guise of a religious ordinance, which was publicly denied but privately embraced. It became a publicly accepted doctrine under Brigham Young, who institutionalized polygamy as a path to spiritual exaltation after the LDS followers settled in Utah, despite earlier church scriptures condemning plural marriage, showcasing a shift toward utilitarian and doctrinally based justifications.

Shawn critiques polygamy from both personal and biblical perspectives, highlighting its perceived male benefits while questioning its impact on women. He contrasts Mormon teachings on marriage and potential deity with a Christian biblical stance, emphasizing monogamy as theologically logical and marital institutions as earthly, not eternal, roles.