Gramps,

In the early days of the church, polygamy was accepted and practiced by the saints. But, when it was made illegal, the church stuck to obeying the laws of the land. My question is: If polygamy was made legal again, would the church practice it? Thank you so much for your time.

Anon., from California

Dear Anon.,

Such compound hypothetical questions have no real answers. But to ponder the subject for a moment–

In the first place, the probability of the U.S. Congress enacting a law to legalize polygamy is practically nil, as there is absolutely no incentive for any congressman to introduce such a bill.

Another point you might consider is that in those countries where polygamy is legal, plural marriage by members living in those countries, even if there were a temple there, would never be sanctioned by the Church. So, I think that you could assume that if polygamy were legalized it would not be authorized by the Church. The only way that a change in the Church’s position that polygamy is not to be practiced would be by a direct revelation to the Prophet from the Lord, not by a permissive change in the laws of the land..

Gramps