It is valuable to share awareness of truth about polygamy, but after decades of life in Cardston and area, unless things have changed recently, adults (still alive) that have come through polygamous roots, don't even want to speak of that time or lifestyle.
When working for the local newspaper years so, I loved associating with Leo Stutz. He would travel with me all over the area and share historical tidbits of interest to readers. When FAMILY DAY came round, I would beg him to introduce me to facts or people connected to polygamy. As a convert to the Church, my curiosity was great. Those were long before the days of SISTER WIVES. Leo was gracious but consistent in letting me know, the subject was taboo among the saints. He was firm in stating it would cause embarrassment and anger in the resident population. His own family came from polygamous roots and he said the subject wasn't even brought up at large family gatherings. Leo also said it would surprise me entirely to know what percentage of saints then (1985-95) had sprung from such roots. To this day I am amazed at the discomfort re the subject. It was a God given practice. It had it's strengths and weaknesses (related to participants), but without it's implementation, and despite abuses of the practice,(law breakers within the church) it created church growth that brings us where we are today.
It is valuable to share awareness of truth about polygamy, but after decades of life in Cardston and area, unless things have changed recently, adults (still alive) that have come through polygamous roots, don't even want to speak of that time or lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteWhen working for the local newspaper years so, I loved associating with Leo Stutz. He would travel with me all over the area and share historical tidbits of interest to readers.
When FAMILY DAY came round, I would beg him to introduce me to facts or people connected to polygamy. As a convert to the Church, my curiosity was great. Those were long before the days of SISTER WIVES.
Leo was gracious but consistent in letting me know, the subject was taboo among the saints. He was firm in stating it would cause embarrassment and anger in the resident population.
His own family came from polygamous roots and he said the subject wasn't even brought up at large family gatherings.
Leo also said it would surprise me entirely to know what percentage of saints then (1985-95) had sprung from such roots.
To this day I am amazed at the discomfort re the subject. It was a God given practice. It had it's strengths and weaknesses (related to participants), but without it's implementation, and despite abuses of the practice,(law breakers within the church) it created church growth that brings us where we are today.