Mormon Dilemma 988 Joseph Smith, Mental Illness

The Psychology of Religious Genius: Joseph Smith and the Origins of New Religious Movements, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Volume 26, Number 4, Winter, 1993, pp 10, 13; “Although many people are aware that one of Joseph Smith’s brightest and most appealing sons, David Hyrum, tragically lapsed into insanity and spent the last years of his life in a mental institution, few realize that at least six other male descendants of the Mormon prophet also have suffered from psychological disorders, including manic-depression. The possibility that Joseph Smith himself may also have been subject to similar tendencies cannot be discounted…13 In no area were Joseph Smith’s manic qualities more evident than in his efforts to introduce and practice polygamy during the last three years of his life. The point at which Joseph Smith began systematically to introduce polygamy to his closest associates has strong suggestions of mania. . . . his subsequent surge of activity with the sixteen or more women with whom he appears to have sustained sexual relations as plural wives . . . is even more suggestive of the hyper-sexuality that often accompanies manic periods.” – Lawrence Foster

On this subject matter there’s just no way to assuage the truth or shelter Mormons from what I felt was one of the biggest surprises I’d learn about the Church’s beloved leader, Joe Smith. 

When I first discovered the writings on this I sat horrified and I’m certain that I’m not alone in my reaction. Once I decided to accept that where there’s smoke there’s usually fire, it all began to make sense. 

I often wonder if Mormons today would grant Smith the same berth of leniency they did back then. A convicted, and oft-times wanted, man on the run from the law is who sat at the helms of the early church and yet they continued to believe the guy.  It’s nothing short of amazing when you think of it.  Then as you read the historical documentations for Rigdon, Whitmer and Cowdery and the spiritual aptitude of early America it all starts making sense. 

I highly encourage people to read the full article from where I obtained the following info to get a broader understanding of the argument made showing Smith’s manic-depressive behavior and the analysis provided. Keep in mind that this isn’t the only ‘proof’ of Smith’s character so do your homework where you’ll be sure to find other writings that back this up.