Why polygamy? Was it all to grow the church? Did it grow the Church?
That seems to be at least part of the reason. Look up what Jacob taught the Nephites about plural marriage in Jacob 2:24-30 (especially verse 30). There may have been other reasons, including a lesson in obedience similar to Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac. Perhaps it was an attempt to make sure everyone had the sealing ordinance. Did the Church grow faster as a result? I assume so, but I haven’t been able to pin down any firm statistics.

Did Joseph Smith have multiple wives? Young ones? Already married ones?
He did. There isn’t strong evidence supporting the view that these were sexual in nature; DNA analysis of offspring from these women either show that Joseph was not the father or are inconclusive. Young brides were quite normal for the time period and region. LDS historian Richard Bushman believes this early form of plural marriage Joseph engaged in (as opposed to the later Utah period of the Church) was more in the vein of forming dynastic linkages between families, using the restored sealing power. I highly recommend his biography of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling.

Will plural marriage return? Will I have to participate?
I personally don’t believe plural marriage will be re-instituted on the earth, but I could be wrong. There will be some plurally-married families in the eternities, so we all ought to start thinking charitably about the idea if we intend to be their neighbors. Whether we will be required to participate in plural marriage or not, I take great strength in reading about how the early saints dealt with this difficult commandment. I recommend seeking out and reading their testimonies.

Joseph Smith had many young women in his home and later ‘married’ them. A classic case of a sexual predator grooming future victims of his child molestation.

I am going to refer to one of Thaddeus’ previous comments and say this, God has commanded or allowed a man to have more than one wife in many instances Biblically, I think that Jacob or Israel is a very good example of this practice. We believe firmly that Jesus Christ guides this church through his prophet, just as he guided Moses and the children of Israel in the wilderness. We obey his commandments and live our lives accordingly. I am not ashamed that Joseph Smith taught and practiced the doctrine of plural marriage, rather I am proud that he was obedient to the commandments he was given. You may be right, if it were legal in the US, it may still be practiced, but all I know is that God doesn’t want plural marriage to be in practice currently and we hold to that. Thanks for your comment. Posted below is Thaddeus’ comment:

“Heidi,

Thanks for your comments. In D&C 132, I don’t get any kind of message that eternal marriage = plural marriage. The first 30 or so verses explain that marriage (not plural marriage) is required for exaltation, or they ‘remain separate and singly…’ vs. 17 I see that whole discussion as a preface to understanding the institution of polygamy outlined in the rest of the chapter.

Plural marriage is not a principle of the gospel. It is a practice that the Lord commands when He deems it expedient (like food storage, or hometeaching), and only those who receive the command are authorized and expected to participate.

The Book of Mormon puts it so plainly: “Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none;” Jacob 2:27

Thus, monogamy is the rule. But he goes on… “For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.” Jacob 2:30

Plural marriage may become necessary from time to time to further the work of the Lord and to aid us in our efforts to keep that early commandment: multiply and replenish the earth.”

With all respect, I understand The LDS church does not practice polygamy because in the USA it is illegal — your belief system comes from the fact that polygamy is a civil crime in this country.

If polygamy were legal would the LDS practice it? That’s the real question.

I think the answer is yes it would be permitted.

Some women are unable to raise all their children to maturity, because their children die at an early age. The Prophet Joseph taught that many of these children were too pure and lovely to live in the corruption on earth. Even as we mourn their present loss to us, we have reason to rejoice because they have been delivered from evil. (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 196–97.) He also taught that those who die before the age of eight are saved in the celestial kingdom (see D&C 137:10). The mothers of these children, if they live faithfully, will raise them to maturity during the Millennium (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 455–56).

I’m not aware of any specific revelation regarding the “perfect” age of a resurrected body. Regardless of our age, I believe we will be healthy and strong and good-looking. It’s one of the things I eagerly anticipate.

An LDS friend of mine told me couples who were childless on earth will be able to have children in heaven- another beautiful concept, and I wonder about their children. Will they age just as they do on earth? And I assume then that the adult’s age- to what point? When do we stop? What’s the ‘perfect” age we will be stuck at for forever? And will those children born in heaven have an opportunity to marry and have their own families?

Just some questions!