About the Journal

Journal of Mormon Polygamy: Philosophy Statement

The Journal of Mormon Polygamy is dedicated to advancing meaningful discourse around one of the most complex and debated topics in Mormon history: early Mormon polygamy and its subsequent manifestations. Our mission is to foster a respectful, inclusive, and scholarly dialogue that bridges divides between credentialed historians and grassroots researchers, while adhering to high academic standards.

Historically, discussions of Mormon polygamy have often been fraught with polemics, exacerbated by the enduring schisms within Mormonism itself. This journal seeks to elevate the conversation by providing a platform for rigorous, thoughtful engagement with diverse perspectives. We acknowledge that everyone brings their own frameworks to the table. By democratizing historical research and embracing the accessibility of digital archives, we affirm that valuable insights can come from both credentialed and non-credentialed voices, as well as theological and non-theological interpretations.

To ensure that non-credentialed researchers can contribute meaningfully to the field, the journal will provide guidelines and resources designed to help them refine their methods. This approach levels the playing field, affirming that the democratization of historical research does not equate to a lowering of expectations for historical methodology and analysis. The journal aims to organize online workshops and mentorship programs, creating opportunities for researchers without formal academic training to receive support and guidance from experienced scholars. These initiatives will demystify the academic process and empower new voices, ultimately enriching the historiography of Mormon polygamy by fostering a more diverse and inclusive community of contributors. This journal integrates multimedia approaches—publishing articles online, through print-on-demand, and on Audible—to reach a broad audience, making complex historical discussions accessible to both scholars and the wider public. Additionally, our annual conference and comprehensive website will support exploration and dialogue, offering a central hub for the study of Mormon polygamy.

At the heart of the Journal of Mormon Polygamy is a commitment to rigorous historical inquiry. Our approach draws upon several key principles of historical methodology that shape the way we engage with the past. First, we adhere to the principle of empiricism—the reliance on verifiable evidence. Submissions must be grounded in primary source material, such as contemporary accounts, letters, diaries, affidavits, and official records, ensuring that interpretations remain anchored to the historical record. We emphasize double blind peer-reviewed scholarship as a foundation for historical inquiry, ensuring that all contributions undergo a critical evaluation process.

Second, we emphasize contextualization, recognizing that events, doctrines, and practices such as polygamy cannot be fully understood in isolation. We expect submissions to this journal to situate their analysis within the broader religious, cultural, legal, and social frameworks of the time, offering readers a nuanced view of how polygamy functioned within both early Mormonism and its later iterations. This commitment to contextualizing historical phenomena ensures that the conversation remains historically grounded rather than anachronistic or speculative.

The journal also embraces intersectionality, which highlights different viewpoints and encourages the inclusion of voices from various social positions. The study of Mormon polygamy intersects with a range of academic disciplines, including gender studies, legal history, theology, religious studies, anthropology, and sociology. We encourage contributors to draw upon these fields to enrich their historical analyses, recognizing that the complexity of polygamy as a social and religious phenomenon benefits from a variety of analytical lenses. We recognize that men and women, leaders and lay members, believers and dissenters, and branches of the Latter-day Saint movement experience polygamy differently. A key goal is to avoid monolithic interpretations and foster a more complete understanding of how people practiced, debated, and received polygamy. 

We recognize that historical interpretations evolve as new evidence comes to light. Our understanding of the past advances not primarily through the discovery of new historical sources, however, but by recognizing, utilizing, and re-evaluating the overlooked details in existing sources. The journal welcomes submissions that challenge prevailing narratives or bring fresh perspectives to long-standing debates, provided that they are supported by sound evidence and thoughtful analysis. This openness to revisionist interpretations aligns with our commitment to maintaining an ongoing, evolving conversation about the past.

Finally, we acknowledge that historical research, particularly on sensitive and controversial topics like polygamy, carries ethical responsibilities. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of those who were directly affected by these practices, whether in the 19th century or more recent times, are treated with respect and care. Our goal is to contribute to a thoughtful, empathetic understanding of history, one that recognizes the lived experiences behind the historical data.

Through these methodological commitments, the Journal of Mormon Polygamy seeks to engage not only in the study of the past but also in the broader intellectual project of understanding how historical narratives are constructed, challenged, and redefined. By creating a space for rigorous, inclusive, and respectful scholarship, we aim to enrich both the field of Mormon history and the public’s understanding of this vital topic.