Finally, polygamy is brought out of the darkness and into the light. As a long-awaited approach to polygamy from a Mormon perspective, More Than One is a fascinating new book from LDS author Shane LeGrande Whelan. An excellent resource for those who have an interest in the Mormon Church, Tom Green and the confusing issues of polygamy. Whelan’s thorough research has resulted in a comprehensive collection of stories about life in early polygamous families. More Than One contains over 80 brief, first person accounts of pioneer life in plural marriage including how couples met through divine intervention, how they chose another wife, and how the husband shared his time and affection. The author also provides evidence that plural marriage was a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and paints an intriguing picture of how life would be today if we were to once again practice this divine principle. This unique book leaves the reader with a greater understanding of plural marriage as well as appreciation for those practiced it. More Than One enlightens the mind, touches the heart and moves the soul.
I've long felt one should be wary of someone who starts giving his/her opinion about something by stating, "I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ... " but that's exactly what this author does in the introduction.
I gave this book three stars because I liked Section One and greatly disliked Section Two. Section One is strictly the words of those called to live in polygamy when it was approved by God in the 19th century through His prophets. Reading their words of testimony helped strengthen my testimony that it was ordained of God at that time.
Then came Section Two. This was the tone of it in a nutshell: "Polygamy is coming back so we should all prepare for it. In fact, we should pray that it comes back sooner rather than later." That really turned me off. Had he finished the book at the end of Section One I would have given it 5 stars. Oh well.
I am so glad that I chose to read this book. Not only did it explain much of the history of Polygamy to me, but it increased my testimony of the practice of it. That's not to say that I will be entering any polygamous marriage any time soon, but I have faith in the principle of it, and it's sacred nature.