Core response
The paper was right about two major points. Joseph Smith taught and practiced plural marriage, and his sermons speak of a plurality of gods. Its stronger claims need separate checks. D&C 132 promises eventual exaltation under stated conditions and describes consequences for sin. The sermon notes about a council of gods leave the paper’s claim that God could fall to be established separately. Repealing Nauvoo’s charter was an editorial demand.
Read the comparisons
The newspaper’s accuracy and the city’s decision to destroy its press call for separate judgments. Read the mayor’s order and council records
The Nauvoo Expositor printed one issue on June 7, 1844. God Loves Mormons argues that the paper was mostly accurate. The four checks below examine what the issue said about plural marriage, sealing, a plurality of gods, and Nauvoo’s charter. The paper’s other accusations require their own evidence. Original issue · God Loves Mormons’ argument
Did the paper accurately report plural marriage?
The central allegation is supported. On page 2, William Law swore that Hyrum Smith read him a revelation, then lent him the document. William said he took it home and showed his wife. Jane Law swore that she read it and reported that it authorized some men to have ten wives and condemned wives who refused to permit plural marriage. Austin Cowles said Hyrum presented a revelation in the Nauvoo high council. These affidavits tell us what each witness claimed to have encountered. June 7 issue, page 2
The surviving copy of Joseph’s July 12, 1843 revelation authorizes plural marriage under stated conditions. It discusses ten wives and imposes obligations on a first wife in verses 61–65. Verse 61 names the first wife’s consent, while verses 64–65 describe consequences for refusing the law and an exemption for the husband. The Church’s history essay also acknowledges Joseph’s plural marriages. Establishing what happened in each marriage takes evidence from that particular case. 1843 revelation manuscript · D&C 132:61–65 · Church history essay
The revised council minutes record Hyrum saying the revelation concerned former times. They record Joseph emphasizing marriage for eternity. Those explanations tell us how the brothers defended themselves in June 1844. The surviving revelation addresses eternal marriage and plural marriage, including instructions to Joseph and Emma. Revised council minutes, June 17 · D&C 132:51–56
Did sealing excuse every sin except murder?
The paper had a basis for the charge, but compressed the conditions and consequences. Resolution 2 called the sealing unconditional. Cowles described it as sealing people to eternal life despite sins other than shedding innocent blood or consenting to it. D&C 132:26 promises eventual exaltation to people sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise under stated conditions, even if they commit other transgressions. It also describes serious consequences before redemption. Verse 19 calls on recipients to abide in the covenant. Read both verses before drawing a conclusion about what the revelation promised. June 7 issue, page 2 · D&C 132:19, 26–27
Did Joseph preach a plurality of gods?
Yes. The stronger allegation needs separate evidence. The paper charged that Joseph and others taught a plurality of gods and that the God of this universe could fall with his creations. In his April 7 notes of the King Follett sermon, William Clayton records Joseph speaking of a head God and other Gods in a grand council. That predates the newspaper. It is a contemporary report, and its wording about a council leaves the stronger claim about God falling to be established separately. June 7 issue, page 2, resolution 2 · Clayton’s April 7 notes
On June 16, nine days after the issue appeared, Joseph defended plurality teachings publicly. Thomas Bullock’s report records him distinguishing the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and speaking of gods above. This later sermon shows how Joseph answered criticism. The April notes are the earlier evidence the newspaper’s accusation can be compared with. Bullock’s June 16 notes · Continuation
What did the paper want done about the charter?
The prospectus demanded repeal of Nauvoo’s charter and opposed the concentration of religious and civic power. That was an editorial position. The 1840 act granted powers to the city council and municipal court and provided for a militia. The paper’s demand, the charter’s actual provisions, and the merits of repealing it are separate questions. June 7 issue, page 1 · Illinois act incorporating Nauvoo
How could you answer?
“The paper got major facts right. Joseph did teach and practice plural marriage, and his sermons speak of a plurality of gods. The wording still matters when the paper calls the sealing unconditional or says God could fall. I would compare those stronger claims with the actual records. As a Latter-day Saint, I can take those records seriously and regard the destruction of the press as wrong.” The press order and council proceedings
