Those who practice polygamy are members of a cult- something that I appreciate has been clarified by many of the bloggers as not genuinely a part of Mormonism. We fortunately don't have too many cases of it here in America (there are about 500 families nationwide), so most move to Canada where it's legel. I'm just content in knowing that such incredible perversion of a normally respectable religion will likely never reach legalization in America- the only man to ever propose was a Utah Mormon Senator who argued that it should be considered "freedom of worship." As long as that never happens, I'm content.

The only issue that I have with polygamy is too many kids. Regardless of if they have the money to properly take care of them, this is a major contribution to the rapidly growing population of the US. We don't need that type of contribution, we need to slow down the population, because if we don't, we'll have problems like China does. But I hear polygamists say that it's not a big deal, because our time here on earth is limited and they are going to heaven anyway. Well, even if I believed that, do they realize that they and their children and OTHER Americans still have to live with their rapid multiplication? I am not talking about all polygamists, only the ones that reproduce like rabbits. That's the only problem I have with them. Otherwise, I don't care.
Another thing I wanted to ask, and I really want to know, I am not trying to offend or ridicule, but does the husband and all the wives ever have orgies or group sex? Or is it one at a time? What about beds? Who does the husband sleep with at night? Does he have his own room and they take turns sleeping with him, or do the women have their own rooms and he is the one that switches? Or do they all sleep together on a big king or california king bed, depending on if they all fit? And back to sex, obviously there isn't jealousy, but what about at night? What about when you are listening to the man that you love bang the wall and moaning with another woman? I honestly can't believe that wouldn't bother a woman. I just don't understand how that would be okay. I am not trying to poke fun or offend, I just want to know. Besides the matter with the kids, if it doesn't bother them, it doesn't bother me.

I'm patiently awaiting a show about polygamy that features one woman married to 5 or 6 men! For some reason our current concept of multiple marriages seems only to be a variation of a same sexist theme. All of this polygamy nonsense was created by men for men and women need to be brave enough to demand a husband of their own!

I think that people should be able to have multiple wives, as long as all parties are happy with the situation. and as for being damned to hell when you die, A marriage contract says Till Death us do part!

I have a hard time reading some of the comments made by so called Mormons/LDS. Because they are saying the same to great men like Joseph smith and Brigahm Young and even Jesus. Why do they say polygamy is sick? I say because of the world we live in today is sick. Let people try to be happy in the short time they have on earth and YOU do your part in making the world a better place. Yes those who are harming others should be judged in court, but let the ones who are kind and loving be.

I think everyone is intitled to do their own thing and all, but that still doesn't make it right ... I think anyone who would actually be in a relationship like this don't love themself ... And if you don't love youtself YOu can't love someone else ...

I dont think religions should be allowed to tell us what our laws ought to be regarding marriage. If someone wants to be married to more then one person, that is their business, not mine. Its not hurting me or affecting me, or anyone else. so whats the big deal? I also think that if gay people want to marry they should be allowed to do so. They should have the right to suffer just like the rest of us!

Like many things in this in this world, everyone is intitled to their lifestyle when it doesn't affect anyone else. My comment on this is I'm actually happy that for once I see a comment box/forum where people can answer such things very...very calmly and with the all knowing fact that everyone is intitled to their own opinions/understandings. I live in Utah and I tell you this. I CAN NOT Tell a polygamist from a normal family because they are still kind people. I feel bad everytime I drive through certain parts of this state and all of my friends are shouting, "Oh! There's a polygamist family!" knowing good and well they can't tell! Also with the association that the LDS Church still harbors polygamy within it's walls/teachings is bull. I'm NOT LDS but I've been around them long enough to know what the true, human LDS people accept and reject!

Hint: If God wanted one man to have 8 wives... there would be 8 times as many women as men. That's logic even if you don't reason from the bible. P.S. LDS is NOT Christian. I am a former LDS, I was raised in that church, until I learned the truth. LDS are not bad people, they are simply very misled.

Polygamy is for people that if it works for them out of the bible they will pick it. In the old testament it was ok for men to have multipile wives but it is not in our times to have that. People in our times pick and choose to have what ever comes from the bible that will enable them to feel free to be and still go to heaven.

I am hoping you will post my comments as I feel they are important. I am not mormon or a polygamist, but I grew up with a polygamist best friend. Her family was normal and their father took time with each of his children every day and supported their family. There was never any abuse or anything else. If we outlaw ploygamy where a man takes care of his children and wives, then we should really outlaw men having affairs with women and having children and not taking care of them. I honor a man who will stay with his family and support them whether he chooses to have one or two wives. Outlaw the crimes that SOME polygamists committ, do not outlaw the plural marriage, or you have to outlaw affairs too!!!! Most polygamist families are loving caring families-----not criminals!

I wanted to comment on joann's rebuttal. The LDS church does beleive in polygamy in the after life. They beleive your family is a unit in the here after. Only a man can be married to two or more women on earth and sealed in the temple. If a man marrys in the temple and his wife dies he can marry again in the temple. In the afterlife they beleive that this man will then have both wifes in the afterlife.....isn't that polygamy????????

I just have to say that every time I watch a show on polygamy, the details get messed up. As other viewers have noted, being a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does NOT involve supporting or participating in polygamy. We do not agree with it. The terms LDS and Mormon are being used incorrectly. Some of these polygamists claim to be members of the "LDS church"-this is absolutely not true. They should really get the terms straight and own up to the fact that they have nothing to do with us "Mormons". (except for the fact that for some reason they like to use our name!) A true Mormon follows the laws of the land, and that includes NOT supporting polygamy. I just feel that sometimes these shows give us a bad name. No one on the show seems to want to clarify who these people really are. In the future I hope that the correct information will be given.

In watching your show on Polygamy, I wanted to clarify a comment made by Rachel. She said that the LDS church still teaches polygamy today. This is absolutly not true. It is a practice that is frowned upon by the LDS church and is no longer in practice today. It has not been in practice for over 100 years. There are many splinter groups who are affiliate themselves with some of the teachings of the LDS church who do practice polygamy which, in my opinion causes the confusion. I encourage everyone to do their research. Form their own opinions and PLEASE, stop judging. Preconceived notions only further misconceptions and misunderstanding.

Dr. Keith,

Thank you for bringing awareness to the issue of polygamy. The only concern I have from your show today (October 18) is that you did not emphasize the fact that polygamists are not apart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church). Polygamy was banned over 100 years ago, and if there are people practicing polygamy in our Church, they are excommunicated. These polygamist cults are choosing to live this way on their own, and they have nothing to do with the LDS Church. In the future, please explain this to your audience, so they will understand that they are not members of our Church. Thank you.

I am pleased to see that you are doing a show on the bad side of poly life AFTER showing the positive. I don't think that those who have blogged negative responses to the Sep 28th show will notice (though I hope they do). It looks like Dr. Keith DID do his research and is airing a show from both points of view on poly life. I think the most disappointing comment I have seen on the blogs here are to the effect of "No self-respecting woman will share her husband unless forced into it" and I resent that. I share my husband because I WANT to, and poly was MY idea and I am the one who pursues it. As it is with most poly women who are not FDLS or "Mormon" polys. As to the unabated anger at the polygamists refering to themselves as "Mormon", it has nothing to do with the LDS church. It has to do with their CORE BELIEFS in the ORIGINAL founding of the church, not as the church is today. As to the church today, I believe it is more concerned with image and getting away from it's original beliefs that IT persecutes people wanting to live as polygamists more than any other group, including the government,

Well, I'd like to drop a comment on the term "Mormon", since it has been so hotly contested here as somehow only rightfully belonging to the card-carrying LDS. I'd like you all to remember that almost every "Christian" religion came out of Catholicism, and almost every "Christian" religion has argued at one time or another that they are the "REAL CHRISTIANS"....

Do we sound no less foolish when we argue who are the "REAL MORMONS"? The term is equally "owned" by the history of both faiths, those polygamous and those non-polygamous. So like it or not, not ALL "Mormons" are inside the LDS Church, in the same way that not all "Christians" are Catholic.

Food for thought.

I agree with everything that Regina says several posts down. Most members of the LDS church don't hate polygamists just because we disagree with their choices. But we do get tired of being asked how many moms we have and other such questions. We only ask that there is clarification in the matter. Just like young African American males who are tired of being stereotyped as thugs or gangsters we, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, are tired of being stereotyped. A classmate of mine recently found out I am LDS and asked me, "Shouldn't you be wearing a bonnet or something?" These are the kind of people that NEED clarification because, quite frankly, they don't have a clue as to the difference between LDS, FLDS, Mormon or anything else. That is all we are asking. I don't hate anyone. I don't even dislike them. They are obviously very kind and generous people...I just don't want to be known as one of them. Is that so much to ask?
And on one last note, I am also not ashamed one bit that the great prophet Joseph Smith and others had several wives. I am proud of he who was and what he stood for and that he is the founder of my religion, the true latter-day church.

It is astounding that some folks still think all people who are fundamentalists Mormons (yes, that is what they are) belong to the FLDS church as several posters have now stated. The FLDS church is but one of many groups of people following what they perceive as the original teachings of Joseph Smith. The people that are in the different fundamentalist groups make up but a part of the fundamentalist community with many people living much like the Henrickson’s on Big Love, independents with no affiliation to any organized group.

The original effort of Joseph Smith was to restore the House of Israel. The pattern of Israel’s house, ie Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) and his four wives, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah, 12 sons and a daughter Dinah who did some remarkable stuff herself.

While LDS members today may not appreciate it, Fundamentalist Mormons are here to stay, they have not gone anywhere since 1904 when the second manifesto was signed nor are they likely to go anywhere soon. It might also be noteworthy for the LDS members jumping up and down over the manifestos (both the one in 1890 and the second one in 1904) to remember that Joseph F. Smith lead the church until November of 1918, a full blown, full fledged, child raising, father of 43 living plural marriage openly until his death.

Btw to the guy below. The Church of JESUS CHRIST of latter day saints, are in fact a CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Turn to page 100 of the book of mormon and after your done, tell me that mormons anrt christian.

Wow, I can't believe the comments on this one show. My husband and I had been married for close to twenty five years when we met Kat. We have been in a polygamous relationship for more than 6 years. It has been the most invigorating (This is not only sexually, she has opened my eyes to see Bear in ways I had never seen him before. but emotionally)thing I have ever been involved in. Just think, to always have some one to talk to, to share heartache, happiness, joy, work, hobbies, love, pride, priceless.
We also are getting older and are having physical problems that aging bring and we rely on each other when life gets too much. For example, Bears folks both died this last year and when one could not help the other did. We all pulled together and survived. We work like a team, where one may not understand something one of the others may know what would work. Or if one is ill it is easier to have two others to help. Some call their other wives as sister wives, I call her my best friend and this does not even start to explain how close we are.
No, it is not religiously motivated. When this all started, we were; Atheist, Christian, and Wiccan. We have the most interesting conversations about religion. And the children have been brought up to think for themselves and to find what they believe. Not all of our children agree with us. We are a very close knit family and are united in that this is what we want.
We are not on welfare nor do we get any help financially from outside our home. We have 6 children who have grown up and gone out on their own to be self sufficient. Our children were all in their teens. They have all grown up with what ever it was they needed, be it emotional or financial, we were and continue to be there for them. Our first grand children are due this year.

I felt like the term "mormon" was used very casually and the show was very offensive to the LDS church members. "Mormons" (LDS) have not been practicing polygamy for almost 120 years and I feel like the show gave only partial information about LDS religion. It is not fair for both LDS and FLDS members since there are clar differences in the believes. I think the show was poorly done and very disappointing for providing misleading information about mormonism.

I only know about LDS belief - which they believe in eternal family. The only way for this to happen, people need to either get married in the temple, or get sealed in the temple. As far as I know, the FLDS church members cannot practice because they can't get temple recommend to even get inside of the temple.

Please have another show to let the world know the difference between LDS and FLDS churches.

Great show! It's about time someone spoke for the majority of us. The FLDS/underage marriage types are less than 1/4 the polygamous population of the United States and because the FLDS won't talk to the media, those who have left there are offered money or other compensation for their "story", have been trotted out like obedient sheep and told to act righteously indignant for the crowd. Indeed, many of them have been abused and I am horrified at the treatment they have experienced, just as I am horrified by every other incidence of abuse I am exposed to. Rarely though, am I asked to shun an entire group of people as I have been the FLDS. As to the legality of the situation, polygamy is expressly unlawful in the Utah constitution, statehood, all that jazz. However, the lifestyle is not unlawful. If a man or a woman tries to legally embrace more than one spouse he or she is committing the crime of bigamy. To take more than one spouse spiritually is between them and God. If he doesn't like it, I'm sure he'll speak up. Most of us would just like you to move along, unless you want to help cook, or do some laundry. There's really nothing to see here.

The fact is, Sheri, the "other side" is all that is usually out there. Dr Ablow's show did do their homework. The fact is, if you want to understand about "polygamy" you should be talking to people who are happy in it. Just like when people want to know how to have a sucessful monogimist marriage you go to people that have been sucessful, not all the ex spouses.

Without question, polygamy is a subject America needs to know more about. I personally learned so much about this controversial lifestyle just this past week. I read an outstanding memoir by an ex-polygamist wife named Susan Ray Schmidt. This book is called HIS FAVORITE WIFE - TRAPPED IN POLYGAMY. A fascinating read I found on Amazon.com. The story is insightful, courageous, heartbreaking, very well written, and I highly reccomend it. If you want to know the real story about polygamous relationships and what they do to the people involved, read this book. Dr. Ablow, there is another side to polygamy that you really need to address on your show if you want to appear as fair. I personally believe the "other side" is the real story. Do your homework.

The courageous children who attended the polygamous rally felt very excited that you heard their voice and were very encouraged at seeing their friends speak on your show.
Many, many people from these families watched your show and said it is the best talk show ever done on the subject. They say you are very brave to show that side of polygamy, since it is a political hot topic and the LDS church is very powerful. I noticed a bit of their fury on the emails even though their prophet sent a press release about five years ago that members of his church will no longer refer to themselves as "Mormons". Maybe these members didn't get the memo.
You asked some very hard questions the public wants to know, and I trust that a forensic psyciatrist could detect "pad" answers vs. answers from the heart.
Dr. Keith,I've watched you on Oprah and recently watched all your shows so far. I see your compassion for the pain of the human heart and your passion for healing that pain. The polygamous sub-culture has been somewhat isolated from mainstream society for over 100 years in varying degrees. I imagine it may have a similar effect as an abusive parent locking a child in a closet for many years in order to control that child. It has the potential to destroy the child's self esteem or make them stronger. Where there are thousands of people involved in polygamy, this isolation affects them in varying degrees.
I appreciate the insights you offered the public about this little known sub-culture. I hope your peers and competitors can show as much maturity, open-mindedness, and compassion as you have shown with the courageous guests of this show, that is if they have the courage to show the normal, functional side of polygamy.

Where did the Ablow Show find these people? This is fantasy polygamy at its finest! Those women and kids were all polished up and had an agenda - to change history - to start the ball rolling for America to revamp our laws and allow polygamists the right to do as they will. Problem is, that's not real polygamy. In real polygamy, the man can't begin to financially support 20+ children and several women, nor can he have enough time or attention to go around. How many ball games can one father attend a week? How many PMS weeks can one husband handle in a month? How much health insurance does one man have to have to cover 30+ family members, and 3 new births a year?

What sane woman with healthy self esteem would ever desire to share her husband, the love of her life, either emotionally or physically, with other women? This goes against God's universal laws. I think Dr. Ablow needs his head examined for believing and defending such thinly veiled garbage.

While I know several very good, decent, upstanding citizens that are Mormon (LDS), the fact remains that this sect--which is not Christian, BTW--only "stopped" polygamy with lip service by force from the federal government. It occurred for many years with the blessing of the LDS leadership even after it was formally rejected. There is no Tradition or even Scriptural authority in their organisation--the main man in charge makes the rules; (remember the "revelation" about Black people a few decades ago??) Since the authority rests solely on the few in charge and their "revelations", what, other than state or federal law, would keep them from sanctioning polygamy in the future? A number of posts have made this point; 'it is illegal in the US, so it is not lawful for our religion.' What about the LDS in sovereign nations where polygamy is not prosecuted?
Good job Dr. Keith.

What amazed me about the show on polygamy was how one man could financially support 21 children. The three wives looked as if they were "stay at home moms" and they had a full time job at home feeding, cleaning and caring for a total of 21 kids. What kind of job did husband have that he could fund such a large family?

Futhermore, I wanted to know more about the living situation.. do they have a house with 3 Master bedrooms or do they have alternating nights to sleep with the husband?

Dr.Keith,I very much enjoyed your show on polygamy.It's time that these people are allowed to openly live their religious beliefs.
I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for fourty five years.I noticed that because of all the persecution that the church
received in the late 1800s;they now don't want to ever have to live to live plural marriage again and they don't want anyone else to live it .The members of the LDS church are the greatest pursecutors of polygamy today.By the way; The name Mormon is a slang name given to those who belive in the Book of Mormon.The name Fundamentalist Mormon is a name first used my Apostal Mark E. Peterson from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
arounr 1945.He taged us withw that name and it fits very well.
Thank you

Laura, I can see your points. I do; however, hope you are mistaken with your impression that the body of the LDS Church "Hates" polygamists. The point of all of this is the simple need for accuracy. I do not "Hate" those people who practice polygamy anymore that I hate a family member or neighbor who's made a mistake or chosen to do something I don't understand. The frustration is in being identified as someone who--for whatever reason--actively and blatantly breaks the law. As you've pointed out, the young people on the show displayed a great deal of courage to talk about how they live and how they've been taught due to the most common vision of polygamy which is, unfortunately, that of Warren Jeffs' group and those like it employing the outrageous practices of forced marriages, abandoned young men, and abuse with its isolation-caused ignorance and dependence. This is not a group of people I want to be associated with or identified as; I do not condone or foster these things in anyway nor do I or anyone in my family live them. Whereas, in other parts of the country there are many people who do not know much about our church, having the polygamist communities referred to by a name given to my church in its earliest days is of concern to me due to the common confusion.

I’d also like to say that having many people frustrated at the lack of distinction doesn’t mean anyone of us hate the guests or any other person living polygamy though we denounce the practice. Wanting to be known for who we are, represented correctly, is a basic human desire; a good example of this is my daughter hating it when people get her confused with her sister, they love each other but want to be know for who they are and not as someone else. Also, I want to be clear that not understanding or approving of another’s behavior and/or choices doesn’t equal “hate.”

I don’t disagree with Dr Keith about it possibly being a positive environment; there are benefits that can be experienced within the setting of plural marriage. However, the majority of our society, in my opinion, couldn’t handle it. Many societies do though, but the men and women have to be so extraordinary to keep a happy, healthy and balanced world that I don’t see it being something we should readily encourage.

As far as Dr Keith’s show, with all due respect, when approaching any subject it’s their responsibility to research it fully to avoid misinformation and gain insight. If guests on the show pointed out the difference then there’s even a bigger problem, it certainly takes away any merit of genuine ignorance.

I was glad to see the response to Dr. Keiths incorrect use of these families as "Mormon". The anger from those of us who are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that by simply refering to these very pleasant people as Mormon, it perpetuates the belief of many Christians that we do live the law of plural marriage. Dr. Keith showed a lack of knowledge or lack of concern in getting these facts to his viewers. The families were fine, they just don't belong to the church I believe in.

I watched the show on plural marriages and found it quite interesting. I am an Orthodox Christian woman deeply rooted in my faith. However, I found myself really feeling for these women and children in these families. They seem very happy with their lifestyles and very well-adjusted. They were very well-spoken and intelligent. Although this would never be a choice for me, I am not in a position to be a judge of others. If this lifestyle is acceptable to them, I feel they should be able to live it. I do not let my religious beliefs get in the way of how other people live their lives, I just use them to shape my own. Thank you for opening our eyes to "different" lifestyles...It just goes to show that there are many types of families coexisiting in harmony in this world, and we don't all have to do the same things or be the same way to get along.

BRAVO! How refreshing to have someone in the media finally round out their focus. Thank you Dr. Keith!

It is sad that so many of the posts here focus merely on complaining that a distinction wasn't made between these families and the LDS church. The fact is, they are Mormon whether mainstream Mormon's like it or not. They believe in and embrace the Book of Mormon. That makes them "Mormons" just as much as the person sitting next to them on the school bus that is a good standing baptized member of the LDS Church.

It is embarrassing to mainstream LDS... sadly. After all the LDS church history is full of plural marriage (yes clear back in Nauvoo by God's command and for religious beliefs, NOT just to help all the widows while they moved to Utah.) The prophets esteemed so highly were living plural marriage too. Why instead of running from and covering up your past can't you LDS applaud your prophets for living their beliefs... even if a revelation was given to stop after a time. Are you ashamed of those in your church history who lived in obedience to what they believed to be God's laws? Just because you don't have to live that way now?

There was nothing shameful about it then and there is nothing shameful about it now WHEN lived as this and many families live it, without abuse, with consenting adults, and with glory to God. And with opportunities for the children to learn and choose for themselves which beliefs they will embrace.

It is sad that so many on this message board are blinded by the years of one-sided media reports focusing only on abusive families. I encourage you to open your eyes, your hearts, and your minds. Someone said that Dr. Ablow didn't show "the other, dark side" of polygamy. Hasn't that been all you've seen for years? Why haven't you been asking all these years to see the GOOD side of polygamy?

I am not a polygamist, however I know the family of those two young girls very well, and many other polygamous families like them. I have been a guest in their home, I have seen their children grow. I have seen their parenting practices, seen their children interact with each other, with others, and with life. I have never seen more stable, more well rounded, or more thoughtful, conscientous children that every parent would be proud of. It is rare to see a monogamous family put more emphasis on education and multi-cultural experiences than this family does. To say that these girls were coached and prompted as to what to say is a fallicy. Give them credit for having a brain in their head AND for being able to use it.

There are posts on this board about how the LDS is church is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world as though it is blasphemous to think that polygamists could be anything good that the LDS are. Are you being so un-Christ like as to judge all polygamists as non-caring and self centered? Because if so, you are wrong. Their parents are room mothers, PTA members, Community Council members, volunteer coaches on your child's sports team. I remember them volunteering for many good community causes including helping with events benefitting the foster care foundation, Adult Literacy programs and more. I know of them donating the homeless shelter, and to many families in need, anonymously. I am not just talking about this family in particular. I know of one family who was left fatherless after a death. The polygamist community (individuals, not a church or group) donated over $35000 to help that family through a very difficult time. Other families have lost homes to fire. The polygamous community has rallied around them as well. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of cases where the polygamists have been the ones GIVING humanitarian aid.

There are many references to polygamists only being able to support their families by welfare fraud and through other people's tax contributions. This is so untrue! I know of many, many polygamous families who are very well off due to a lot of hard work. Yes, they've all been through rough spots financially (haven't most all of us?) and some have been on food stamps at one time or another. Know what? So were half the families on my Salt Lake City suburban block during the 1980's when the economy wasn't doing so hot.

On the other hand, I know of many families who have shunned the whole idea of any type of government assistance. Do you want to know how most of them get through hard times? By working. Hard. Just the same as many monogamous families do. How many families do you know of with both parents working? Or perhaps one parent working two jobs? You would applaud them for taking responsibility for their families. Give polygamous families a little credit here too.

Do you know how else they get through the hard times? By taking care of each other. And by taking responsibility for their situation instead of waiting for the government or their church to get them out of a jam. Are you people who are so down on polygamists for their large families also down on those neighbors, friends, and co-workers who have ever taken out unemployment benefits, received food stamps, or received money from your church's tithe fund?

I know literally hundreds of polygamous families who work hard to make ends meet, and do an excellent job of it too. There is a large company in Utah headed by polygamists that still give out profit-sharing bonuses... sometimes in excess of $10G each year. Does your boss do that? (Sure, you might be thinking, but they only give the bonus to other polygamists.) No. They give it to all employees, regardless of ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. The taxes the owners of this company alone pay would stagger you. Rest assured that if all the polygamists in Utah alone stopped paying their taxes all at once, the state of Utah's budget would shrink drastically. Don't talk to me about how much of an added burden polygamists put on tax funded operations. You're finger pointing about things you just don't know the full details about. If you see one polygamous family at the store buying groceries with food stamps... does that give you the right to judge all of them as welfare abusers?

Yes, I'm focusing on the good polygamists. Are their bad polygamists? Absolutely. Do I know them too? Absolutely. Do I condone their actions too? Absolutely not. Should abuse and fraud be addressed and dealt with by the law? Yes, just as abuse and fraud should be dealt with by the law regardless of skin color, religious beliefs, or whether you are a so-called "true LDS Mormon", Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Jewish, a believer of Islam, Atheist, or anything else!

Should all of the other families whose parents live plural marriage be punished, persecuted, and have the women and children labelled as "brainwashed", "uneducated", "abused", and "victims of incest" just because some people have behaved this way? NO. Not any more than the Catholics priests would all like to be labelled as "molestors" just because a few have done so. No more than all Mormons would like to be called "polygamists" or have "their reputations ruined" just because there are tens of thousands of people who believe the Book of Mormon and also practice plural marriage.

There are some with the viewpoint that "polygamy is against the law therefore they should be put in jail and punished." Shall I remind all of you who believe in the Bible (that includes you LDS!) that Daniel broke the law too when he prayed to God. King Darius followed the law when he put him in the den of lions. And God upheld Daniel for following the dictates of his conscience and worshipping as he felt was right. The law of the land was wrong in prohibitting Daniel from living his religious beliefs. Just as the law of the land today is wrong in prohibiting those who believe in plural marriage to practice their beliefs. Do we need to be reminded that many things in the past deemed unlawful are now legal? And other things now illegal were at one time completely acceptable?

Does that mean every religious zealot should be able to live their religious beliefs even when it hurts others? NO. And don't try to twist my words either. If you believe plural marriage (being the relationship entered into by CONSENTING ADULTS) is hurting people and should be outlawed, then you would also have to believe that gay and lesbian relationships between consenting adults should also be outlawed. And don't tell me that "it is demeaning to the woman" therefore it should be outlawed. Because then you would also have to agree that monogamous marriages should be outlawed too. After all, there are many monogamous marriages in which the woman is expected to stay home and take care of the babies, wash the laundry, make the meals, and just put up with it as part of life when the husband goes to the bar or watches football or plays video games for hours on end. Even if the wife is expected to be a toy in bed at the end of the day. Is this demeaning? It might be. But it is also their choice. They are allowed their agency. Why aren't polygamists?

Don't try to argue that "it's so hard for polygamists to leave" and that's what makes the difference. You cannot tell me that it is any harder for a polygamist to leave than it is for a born and raised Catholic to all of a sudden tell her parents she is getting a divorce and by the way has embraced Baptist beliefs. You can't tell me it is any harder for a Baptist to have their family know they are gay and by the way will now be worshipping at the synagogue now.

Does that mean that these religions are evil and should be banned in America? Because it is difficult for devout believers in ANY religion to come to the conclusion that they belong somewhere else and have the courage to follow through with that thought.

Wouldn't it be highly offensive if I were to begin campaigning that you and all followers of your beliefs need to be "saved" from your brainwashed, mindless state? It is also highly offensive to the many thousands of adult women who have chosen to live their beliefs in plural marriage.

Okay -- now on to the subject of underage marriages to polygamists. Has it happened? Yes. Should it continue. I say no. I agree that all parties in a polygamous relationship should be over age 18. Historically this has not always been the case HOWEVER... as Dr. Keith's show pointed out, there is a new generation, a new way of thinking. The Attorney General in Utah has talked with each of the main polygamous groups and all but one (FLDS) have given public notice to all their group members that they should abide by this.

To make it very simple and clear to everyone.... THE POLYGAMIST MAJORITY IS NOT SUPPORTING UNDERAGE MARRIAGE so stop judging the many by the few. Yes you can find it in history... just as you can find slavery in US History. Does that mean every white Southerner still believes its okay? NO!

And further more... ARRANGED MARRIAGES ARE ABHORRED BY MOST ALL POLYGAMISTS so stop labelling them with this too. Yes you can find it in history. Just as you can find polygamy in the Bible. Does that mean all Christians think it's okay to live today? NO!

One last point. There is some large misconception that all polygamists have a prophet -- and sadder still -- that they believe the prophet to be Warren Jeffs. CAN WE SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE!!!!!! There are so many different beliefs within the polygamous communities. There are some who worshp together in groups. Some who follow one ecclessiastical leader or another, and there are literally thousands who are what are called "Independents". They have one thing in common, that they have independent beliefs from each other as well as the "groups".

Think of it like the tribes of Native Americans. There are many many different tribes with different beliefs, customs, and cultures. Some tribes were semi-nomadic and lived in teepees. Others had longhouses and farmed. Some had schools and a written language. Polygamous comunities are just as varied and cannot be lumped together!

Thank you Dr. Keith for being willing to take a difficult issue to task and doing a great job.

Dr. Ablow, your show about polygamy portrayed your support FOR polygamy yet it’s quite obvious that what was shown to your viewers was atypical. The people on your show were not representative of MOST polygamous families. Many delivered canned answers that signal brainwashing, in the name of religion, probably stemming from childhood. Religion or no religion, Mormon or not Mormon, the simple truth is that most polygamous “girls” marry much older men before they have an opportunity to know what they want for themselves and before they have an opportunity to choose a religion. Many are naive and marry out of respect for their elders, without understanding, and often against their hearts’ desires. They are raised in small colonies and towns, shielded from outside influences, including education in many cases. They become trapped, often without strength and confidence in their abilities to escape their environment. Where is their Freedom of Religion?
I wonder if you’d support polygamy if you had an in-depth knowledge of what the life style is really like in many of these polygamous homes. By chance, have you read “His Favorite Wife: Trapped in Polygamy”? It’s a new, wonderful book that tells the other side of polygamy in an unbiased, straightforward manner. I challenge you to portray this other side and let your viewers decide for themselves if children are abused and trapped. --------
-- It is time something is done to help these children find their freedom to choose.

I think that this was a compleatly biased show in favor of polygomy. The fact remains that women in polyligomist relationships are horrible for women children and families speak to the victims and not women who are still in the clutches of thier opperessors. LDS banned this barrbaric practicefor a reason

Thank you for a refreshingly fair look at polygamy! There are several people who have asked why it was one-sided. For a very long time, coverage of polygamy has been horribly onesided--the negative side. You watch talk shows every day portraying the horrors of monogamy--abuse, fraud, adultery, violence--yet no one is up in arms about it. It's about time someone allowed the polygamists who are happy an opportunity to share their stories. Also, to all the LDS having a fit about the term "Mormon": for a long time most polygamists have been labeled FLDS though that is only one sect, and none of those women were affiliated with the alleged crimes within that group. It's not very fun to have people judge you because you are mislabeled, is it? Welcome to what polygamists face all the time. Polygamy does not equal FLDS!

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Lattero-day Saints. I see why the host would bring up that not all polygamist families have are involved in child abuse and other aspects. However, I believe it was very safe of the host to just focus on the positive. He should have brought up that no matter what their lives are inside the home they were still breaking the law. Many polygamist families do survive due to the false use of the welfare system. One guest commented that they were afraid to use some government agencies like CPS. That shows that they want to government to help them only when THEY choose. They forget that it is the law of the land to only be married to one person. Polygamists shouldn't be shocked that the government is not happy with a pick-and-choose mentality to what the law clearly states.

I'm impressed! Dr Ablow, I have so much respect for your courage to show polygamous families in a positive light. I think many people have been enlightened because of your show. I know polygamy is not popular, but does that make it wrong among consenting adults? America is about FREEDOM, freedom of religion being one. Wether people agree or not. How they raise their families is up to them. Many stereo-types will be broken down I'm sure. To see those women and children so happy and content with their lives shows me that they are in no way mis-treated!

In regards to the show, it reminded me of a situation I'm kind of in. I can't say I agree with polygamy but if it's not causing harm and the children are still loved and taken care of, I can't go against that. Same goes with the gay issue. After coming out, my mind has been opened to many things that my family has yet to open to. I believe the main concern is, is it harmful to society and children? If they can live peacefully in a polygamist home, that's there right. The government doesnt support gay marriage either, but we still have the right to have a partner regardless of what the legal system says.

I was very impressed by Dr. Ablow's professional approach and in-depth questions to his fundamentalist Mormons guests. It was refreshing to see his ability to perceive the depth and quality of their lives beyond the stereotypes that are usually portrayed by the media. I am a sixth generation descendant of Mormons who practiced plural marriage in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Nauvoo and were among Utah's first pioneers,
The expressions of his guests were in keeping with the kinds of expressions I have read in the journals and histories of my Mormon polygamous ancestors.

I feel that Dr. Ablow did a wonderful job with his show on polygamy. I talked to some of the guests who said they did mention they were not main stream LDS, but that clip did not make the final cut. Dr. Ablow most likely was not aware of the strong animosity that the members of the LDS church have for their neighbors that they view as apostates. I feel that the postings on this website just emphasize the bravery these young kids have in coming forward, the persecution they experience from their neighbors and the need for them to have an opportunity to speak out. Good job Dr. Ablow!!!!

It is confusing for people outside of the circle of Christianity to understand the different sects among Christian churches; it also confusing for people outside the circle of Mormonism to understand the different sects among those who believe in the Book of Mormon. I don’t fault Dr. Ablow, the producers or the editors for not knowing the outcry that would come from mainstream LDS members at the lack of clarification. The hatred mainstream LDS members have for their neighbors who embrace the beliefs of the founders of the LDS church is not understood by most people outside of Utah. I hope Dr. Ablow is not disheartened or dissuaded from continuing to allow members of this minority class to speak out. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!

I very much enjoyed hearing about the other side of polygamy. I believe everyone should have the right to live their religion. It made me feel bad about the prejudices people have against their lifestyle. Good Job!

Good points, Regina.

Hello again, I came in to see the responses from your show yesterday on Polygamist Families. I see many of the viewers, like me, were LDS (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). I've read every comment and mostly agree. The show was respectful and kind to the guests. I was frustrated at the lack of distiction between the original Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the polygamist groups throughout the country. I read a couple of comments stating there is no Copyright or trademark to the name "Mormon". I'd like to remind them that the term "Mormon" was given to the original church PRIOR to the adoption of polygamy, throughout the practice of polygamy, and following the banning of polygamy over 100 years ago. The plain and simple fact is that the world knows the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the name or term of "Mormon". The world doesn't think of the spin-offs and break-away groups; people aren't even aware there ARE any unless someone is responsible enough to point it out when highlighting either group. There are a lot of nice concepts that can be expressed within polygamy; however, it's against the laws of the land and therefore is immoral and illegal. For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in living and upholding the laws of the land, therefore there is no polygamy; we only have sexual and intimate relations and commitments to the one spouse the government recognizes us as legally and lawfully married to. Lets put it this way: My sister and I were raised with our father's last name; she has a different one now, as do I...I came from my father but I do not carry his name anymore, nor does my sister. Once we left and took on a different life we took on a different name and are respectfully referred to by our new names. The same should be done with the break-away groups; they are not the traditional or mostly commonly known "Mormons". I think it's a simple matter of respect for each other and ourselves to make sure we're identifying ourselves accurately and not stomping our feet saying, "yeah but that's where we came from" because the most important words in that statement is CAME FROM.

In regards to the comment that the term "Mormon" is not used only for LDS members...this may be true. However, everyone knows that the term Mormon is almost ALWAYS associated with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dr. Ablow could have at least clarified that even though these people call themselves Mormons they are not affiliated with our religion. I don't care what they call themselves as long as there is clarification that they don't belong to the LDS church.

Just in response to previous comments made about the LDS Church and Polygamy, I want to say a few things. The LDS Church stopped the practice of Polygamy over 100 years ago. If members are found practicing polygamy, they are ex-communicated. Polygamy is wrong, and it is against the law. That is all there is to it.

Some people say that there is financial stability in these homes! Are you kidding me? There is financial stability in these homes thanks to the Tax payers! Some of these polygamists don't even finish their houses so that they don't have to pay taxes on them. The police in the communites of Hilldale, UT, and Colorado City, UT, are polygamists. They don't enforce any laws against the members of their sect. They run teenage boys out of their communites when they are too young to even get a job. They return girls to their perverted father's when they try to escape the abuse! It is a very serious subject, and I'm pretty sure that's the only reason they were on the show...to stir the pot, and bring the ratings from zero. Get the facts right the first time, and we won't have to correct you.

First of all in regards to Helen’s comments, I believe the argument about weather or not you can use the term Mormon for your fundamentalist religion is not the issue. The issue is that Dr. Keith Ablow never made a disclaimer that the people on his show are not part of the LDS church and that even though they call themselves Mormon, they are not the same as the Mormons who belong to the LDS church. And that the LDS church does not practice polygamy. He really should have done his research before this show. I also feel like his show was totally one sided. He only had guests on his show who believe that polygamy is good and the particular guest on the show may have healthy polygamist families but there is a whole other side of the story. There are groups of polygamists who practice insets and child abuse. He did not have anyone on the show who could share that aspect of polygamy. He should have showed both sides and let people make their decisions based on that. There is always two sides to everything and a psychiatrist should know that.
Dr. Keith Ablow, I ask you to publicly apologize on your show and on your website for the misinformation you shared on your show and correct it. Thank you

Dear Dr. Keith,
I thought the show on polygamy was very well done. It had a very positive impact on me and my family. Standing up for your beleifs and rights is not always an easy thing to do. I appreciated your approach to a subject that is so controversial. I like your style and will continue to watch future episodes.

Dr Ablow, I just wanted to say that I appreciated your show on plural marriage. It was handled in a positive manner and much appreciated. Plural marriage has had such a bad rap, it is nice to see the positive side for a change. I also wanted to make a request to the LDS viewers. Many of them have opposed the term "mormon" being used on your show to represent plural marriage. I am sorry that the LDS church has given up one of its most fundamental tennants of its religion, but I beleive that it is unfair for them to claim anyone who still espouses it, to not be mormon. The LDS church does not have a trademark on the term "mormon" nor would ever be granted one, the term is too widely used for one entity to make claim on the term. The term "mormon" actually refers to anyone beleiving in the "Book of Mormon" which includes many more than just the LDS church. To try and refute the fact that anyone not in the LDS church is not a mormon is futile, and it would be nice if they would quit discrediting all of the rest of us. Thank-you.

I watched your show on polygamy yesterday and enjoyed it. I actually found it funny that you kept calling them Mormons (Sorry EVERYONE else that commented). But they are Mormon, Mormon Fundamentalist, that is. But believe it or not people, they do come from the Mormon religion.

I come from a polygamist background and thought you did well with the questions. You asked them things that forced them to think about the unpleasant attributes in polygamy. They had their "pad" answers that every one of us is taught to say, or "recite" from the age of two.

I am from the same group as one of the women on the show and found it interesting how rehearsed her answers were and it makes me wonder if any of the others were. There are so many secrets hidden in polygamy. I would like to see a show where you have a member along with an ex-member present to call them out on their "little white lies."

I found your show on polygamy quite interesting. Usually when their is a show on the topic we see images of plain, sad looking woman or people of third world countries. Although I'm not in a polygamist marriage or feel that I could handle the challenge of it I do agree that it is a lifestyle that contributes more positive than negative to society especially if it was practiced more globally. I reason for this opinion is not only from what these families demonstrated on your show but also the dacts about the man to woman ratio in thie world. It's a fact that their are more woman then men and that 85% of refugees are more and children. What are they to do? Become outcasts as most are commonly treated in India or prostitute to support themselves or children. Or become a man secret affair? This is a very real problem and polygamy is a solutions that allows a woman to keep her dignity and to be taken care of. I would be a rich woman if I had a dime to everytime i heard a woman say, "all the good men are either married or gay." I fact of the matter is that their just aren't enough men to go round. This is a statisctical fact and it's getting worse because of war, famine, and simply because men don't live as long. If these people want to live this way then so be it. They aren't hurting anyone. They aren't being promiscous. How is it that men and woman can sleep around with who ever they want, have children with them ( maybe not even knowing who the father is) and it's ok but as soon ass they are called a "wife" it's illegal? In America monogomy is not at all a common thing in or out side of marriage and it's considered not a crime. The polygamist life outside of a marriage is what creates the real problems; just look at all the talk shows concerning DNA testing for paternity.
I don't think anyone should have a problem with this. And as far and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints goes, or any christians religion for that matter, I'd like to see proof in the Bible or Book of Mormon where is EXPLICITLY bans polygamy. I mean, the very prophets you hold so high were polygamists and were not punished for it. Unless God Himself banned in sometime in the near past I see no reason for any mormon to get upset unless they are threatened by the practice. I myself am a muslim convert and it was the one subject I had a hard time accepting. Comng from a christian background I was always taught, that was then, God allowed it but didn't like it, blah blah but now i see that it was and still is allowed for very good reasons. I do think their should be a limit and only with the womans knowlegde and acceptance but other than that it's all fine to me. By the way, I'm very proud of those woman and their husband for their courage and also for their children who seem like level headed kids who I don't expect to see on a later show trying to find out who their babies daddy is. They have great parents and a stable home as far as I can see.

dr.keith
I am not a Mormon. I have never been a Mormon. My parents were not Mormons. I have never known a Mormon and pretty willing to bet that I'll never be a Mormon. I am a Christian, a normal Christian with no cult involvement or a runaway, I am just a fundamental Bible believing born again Christian. Your show was enlightening to me in that it conveyed normal looking everyday average Mormons. After your show I went to this website and found the comments from the LDS even more intriguing. The LDS are saying that these people are not Mormons at all. This is of special interest to me in that now it has caught my attention that there are other polygimists other than myself that are not Mormons. Praise the Lord. Now I would be very interested in seeing you do a show on polygimists that are not associated at all with the Mormons, FLDS or any sect. I think it would please the Mormons and other polygimists as myself that have never associated with Mormonism. Dr. Keith, thank you for having this show on polygamy. I suggest that you find polygimists that are just polygimist, not necessarily because of religous background. Your show has given me hope that I and my family are not the only polygamous family that isn't Mormon. Maybe you can find more.

I viewed your show today on Polygamist. I don't really care one way or the other what their religon is. I'm with you on weather the children are ok or not. That's all that matters. If the kids are happy, healthy and secure.
I work with kids from all walks of life through my poetry. If anything ,I see a better support system within that style of family. I must be careful what I say. My one and only may think I'm a player wanna be. But this country has been driving relation ship differances down our throats as of late. Take Gay people for example. Out of the closets and kissing in the streets. Some folks don't like to see it but there it is. Interacial marriages, what else is there? Plenty I'm sure. How about single,straight and sober white guys? Now that's a minority who gets burned by uncle Sam alot. Now back to the guy on the show with all those wives. My hat is off to him. He's a better man then I. I really don't think I'd live long with more then one woman. I like living to much to want to try it. So my word to the public is. To each their own. They're not hurting you or anybody else. So get your heads out of the cloudes and except life outside of the box it's alot less cramped.

The term Mormon was applied to believers in the Book of Mormon (from 1829) even before the LDS Church existed. The LDS Church has no copyright or trademark on the term. It still applies to believers in the Book of Mormon today. It wouldn't be right for Baptists to label Methodists non-Christians, as the term pre-dated them and they don't own it. No-one can claim a nickname they didn't come up with only applies to them and no-one else can use it. The Encyclopedia of Mormonism calls polygamous believers in the Book of Mormon - Mormon Fundamentalists, as have most scholars and historians since the 1930s. Most of them are descendents of Mormons who knew Joseph Smith and Brigham Young and were asked by them to live this way - they are fulfilling Mormon beliefs given to their ancestors by Mormon leaders. They read Mormon scriptures, sing Mormon hymns, and think of themselves as Mormons. Perhaps if some don't like being associated with these polygamists maybe they should stop using the term Mormon!

I resent todays show on polygamy to no end! The show completely soft-pedals the lifestyles darker sides!!

I was taken back to hear several times on the show that these polygamist people are Mormons which they are not. The LDS church does not practice polygamy and. The fact that you refer to them as Mormons is false and misleading. I think you should do more research. Just because they claim to be Mormon doesn't mean that they are. Again, the LDS church does NOT practice polygamy.

I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was also disapointed when the term "Mormon" was used to describe your guests and their lifestyle. I wish you had taken the time to clarify to your viewers the difference between our church and those who are reformed or known as FLDS.
Other than the misleading of that information, I am glad you had these paticular guests come on and talk about their life and I hope as a society we can treat everyone as equals and respect their beliefs. I do not agree with their choice to break the law of our country. I am glad in your efforts to protect children as they are most precious.
Thank you.

The practice of polygamy in
any form is sexist!!! Period!!!!

I just want to re-echo the sentiments given by other posters concerning the use of "mormon" on the show. This show may go through re-runs and the incorrect association with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will harm the reputation of millions of people. You are encouraging a misconception.

I found this show very interesting, from a social perspective. I'd love to see more about the social interactions and the sisterhood of the wives.

I was browsing through the channels and saw your show about polygamist families. I was pretty enthralled, due to the media of late on this issue. I did notice that you referred to a polygamist as a Mormon and I was wondering why. "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints", (Mormon) has strictly denied being affiliated with any polygamist groups of any sort. I am for freedom and do not disagree with your topic and they are free to do what they will with their families, but to have a show and pronounce publicly these people as Mormons is wrong, and gives your viewers false ideas that those that are known as "Mormons" to the world (The Church of Jesus Christ as Latter-Day Saints) support polygamy. This is false and I think that you should mention the difference that polygamists might have their history TIED to The Church but are in no way connected to it, and so watching your show, and hearing you make that distinction was a bit misleading for myself and I assume countless others who might not know what any factions represent. Please do what you can to let your viewers know the difference of Latter-day Saint Mormons and fundamentalists that have historical ties but no current affiliation.

I am very disturbed by today's show on polygamy. These families claim that they are "Mormon". This is not true! I am a mormon (the correct name is Latter Day Saints), and our religion does not practice polygamy and hasn't for over a 120 years. The only reason it ever occurred was because there were more women than men and the women needed to be taken care of. These families on your show belong to a re-organized version of the LDS church, which is not condoned by our church. In fact they would be excommunicated from the church by paricipating in such activities. This re-organized religion broke off from the real LDS church and in NO WAY follow the real teachings of the LDS church. If your show wants to be taken seriously , then you need to do a little research before you broadcast a show that is based on a complete misrepresentation! Any writer knows that you need to check your facts before you publish a piece of work or else they run the risk of becoming discredited. It is the same for talk shows as well. People who don't know any better trust in you to deliver accurate information. Today's show does the complete opposite. I encourage you to research this and make the correction on your show.

This was a very interesting show to me. I am a Mormon and we DO NOT practice poligamy AT ALL!!! These people that are practicing poligamy do not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, "The Mormons". They belong to the re-organized Church. That is different than us! I don't believe that they even believe in the Book of Mormon. Hence the nick name "Mormons" We believe in obeying honoring and sustaining the laws of the land and poligamy is AGAINST the law. I felt that we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints, "The Mormons" were misrepresented. The Mormon church was founded by the Prophet Joseph Smith and at one time did practice poligamy but that practice is no longer a belief for us. I don't know what church they belong to but it is not ours. If it was ours they would be excommunicated because this is not an allowable practice.

These women did a beautiful job of portraying a "Normal" life but like I say poligamy is not a "Normal" practice for UTAH MORMONS.

It would have been nice to know who their Prophet is, it the Jeffs guy that was just arrested? What is he and their church doing for good in this world? Our Prophet is President Gordon B. Hinckely and as members of the "Mormon" religion our church is one of the biggest contributors to Homantarian in the world. Would it be possible to make a distinction so that we all understand? It would be greatly appreciated!

I want to thank you for today's show. It is so refreshing to hear a calm coherent dialog about plural marriage. You can find abuses in every segment of society. It is a human condition. Human beings abuse each other, not lifestyles or religions.

On Thursdays show with polygamist families I was impressed with the insight presented by the host, as well as the values and love demonstrated by the families. Hopefully the attitude of tolerance and respect will be contageous. Well done. I noticed however that you referred to them as "Mormon", when in reality members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or "Mormons" do not practice plural marriage.

I don't believe in polygamy, yet I can't help but wonder why people are so up in arms about a man being married to three women and yet the fact that an 80 year-old man has 3 "girlfriends" (who DEFINITELY share him for sex) all of whom are at the most 1/3 this man's age seems to be hunky dory - so much so, that they would actually televise this "relationship".

That is inifitely worse than a man who supports not one, but three families and does it with love, caring, and respect.

In the case of the 80 year old man, he's only intersted in ONE thing, and the "girlfriends" are only prostituting themselves.

I am Mormon and it bothers me to see that talk shows fail to mention that polygamy is not a "mormon" practice. Yes, a time existed when mormons married many wives in order to save them from being killed but that was hundreds of years ago. Polygamy is not recognized by the church and definetly not practiced. There have been men in the church who have seen this perfect opportunity to be with several women and justify it by simply marrying them. They call themselves "Fundamentalist Mormons" so they can use religion as a basis for the wrong that they are doing. I do believe ,however, that children who have grown up in these families and as adults practice this lifestyle themselves are kind of brainwashed and believe they live normal lives. I just wish they would find their own name for their beliefs instead of demeaning a vary wholesome religion. Polygamy is not a "mormon" thing, it's some man living his fantasy and hiding behind Freedom of religion.

I think that it is an important fact to mention that These families are NOT in the majority of the Morman Religion. I would be interested in knowing if these families consider themselves RLDS (reformed Latter-Day-Saints) I myself am a member of the Mormon Church and feel that this show may give some viewers the idea that all Mormons practice Polygamy.

To call a polygamist a "Mormon" is wrong. The term that should be used for a person who claims he or she is mormon and practices polygamy is apostate. The Faithful members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Later Day Saints (Mormons)of today do not practice polygamy. Those who do have their membership suspended. Though it is true that the church once did practice polygamy for a short time in the early 1800s, it is clearly not taught nor prohibited today. Please research your topics better as to avoid labeling a majority with the foul practice of a minority and misleading your audiences in the future. Thank you.

I was outraged and shocked by the show polygamist lifesyle. Mostly because the show had their information wrong that is harmful to millions of people's repuation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or "Mormons" do NOT involve themselves in the polygamist lifestyle! They are excummunicated from our church. I was very mad that the show would have their facts wronge and put that we are polygamists when that is the opposite in what we belive in! For all of those who read this, please note that Mormons are NOT involved with the practice of polygamy, and never will be. We even have different leaders.

I thought that the show was interesting but I was a little dissappointed that the people on the show didn't correct Dr. Keith when he said they were Mormon. I am Mormon or from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I know for a fact that this kind of practice isn't allowed in our religion. We believe in following and abiding by the law and if someone in my religion were to break the law and be in plural marriage they wouldn't belong to our church any longer. Maybe the people consider themselves Mormon or LDS but I don't think so, It must be some sort of break off or their own religion. There are alot of people out in the world that think that Mormons are like this. The show wasn't really accurate and now I can see why people think that because some people that practice this and the media say they are mormon. I respect that this way of life is the way that they feel they should live. I don't agree with it but everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. It seems to work for them and that is good for them. I would never do this or even think about it and I don't know anyone in my religion that would consider this as a lifestyle.
I really enjoy the show but it would be great if everything could be accurate.

I am currently watching your show on Polygamy. I am disturbed that you keep using the term "mormom". I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints and we don't practice polygamy. In fact the church has not practiced polygamy for many many years. The prophet of our church, Gordon B. Hinckley said,
"We are faced these days with many newspaper articles on this subject. This has arisen out of a case of alleged child abuse on the part of some of those practicing plural marriage.

I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law. They are subject to its penalties. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.

If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church. An article of our faith is binding upon us. It states, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (A of F 1:12). One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time.

There is no such thing as a “Mormon Fundamentalist.” It is a contradiction to use the two words together.

More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage."
He said this in an article from our chruch publication in November 1998. I am amzed that for someone who has a whole team of people that you couldn't get it right. "mormons" aren't polygamist.

I am ANGRY! NOT ONCE did you, Dr. Keith, make it clear during this show that this is NOT a current practice of the mormon religion. You actually made it look like it is the norm. In fact, if these people "profess" to be polygamist, they WILL BE EXCOMMUNICATED from the mormon or, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is church policy and one of the fundamental beliefs of the church is Aricle of faith #12 which states: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining, the law." These people are breaking the law and the religious law they claim to live under. The term "mormon" is typically used to identify members of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS. However, many people who believe in the Book of mormon (like these polygamists) and do not practice the faith of the LDS still call themselves a "mormon." Majority of Utah mormons are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You did NOT make this difference clear. If you are going to discuss such topics, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT and find out ALL the information and present it truthfully. I have lost respect for you and your show. You have very little credibility if this is how you will present and address topics.
Shelley

I am sitting here watching your episode on plural marriage, and I will say I am upset. I am mormon,and have been my whole life. Granted, my ancestors practiced plural marriage, but Im sure you do not need to be reminded...this practice is AGAINST the beliefs of the church. I am dishearted that these women claim to be a part of the church, when they are, in fact, not. Practicing plural marriage is against the beliefs of the church, and those participating are removed from it. They claim that their reasons are deeply rooted in religion, but what religion is this?? I write this because it seems that mormons face certain discrimination every day, especially on this topic. I think it needs to be understood and expressed (which unfortunatly it wasn't) that this is NOT a practice of the mormon faith anymore. The people who do this have been grossly misguided and should be delt with accordingly.

Well, I'm watching the Show about Polygamy, and I am disappointed about a few things. Those women who are on the show are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mormons. Polygamy was abolished a long time in 1890. Any so-called members of the church who practice polygamy is excommunicated. The beliefs of the LDS church are we support the laws of the land. All laws including not-practicing polygamy. Please stop regarding them as members of the LDS church. Because they aren't. Thanks.

Dr Keith,
My wife and I are fans but were really slapped in the face today as we watched your special on Polygamy. I think that you should make it a point in one of your future shows to say that Mormon's do not believe in or allow Polygamy. Any member who practices it would immediately be excommunicated and forfeit their membership...NO EXCEPTIONS!! You made it sound very different today.
MORMONS DO NOT PRACTICE POLYGAMY!

Thanks, Terry and Patty

It should be understood that the guests on your show today are not Mormon. The term "mormon" is regarding to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Anyone who practices polygamy does not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While many of them consider themselves to be Mormon the church does not recognize them as members and that should have been made clear on your show.

I viewed your program on polygamy issues. I must admit I was very surprise with your creditials that you refered to the polygimist as Mormons when in reality, the people who practice polygamy are a break off of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). It is very misleading to viewers who are not of the LDS faith when you refer to polygamists as members of the LDS church. As a matter of fact, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints would be excommunicated imediatly if this was practiced. Perhaps next time, you will do more reasearch before airing a show on a topic you are unfamilar with.

Dr. Ablow,
I watched your show for the first time today mainly because I saw you were going to be discussing polygamy. This is a topic I am often interested in discussing as it has a connected past with my religion as a Latter Day Saint or also known as "mormon." I was extremely dissapointed today when watching as I heard you refer to these women in polygamist relationships as "mormons." They, I assure you, are not. Although polygamy was once practiced in my religion in it earlier days, it is no longer doctrine that we follow and if someone chooses this lifestyle they are actually excommunicated. There are several "sects" or spin-offs from the LDS church that continue the lifestyle, but true members of the Latter Day Saint (or mormon) Church do not and as one of the current over 12 million members of this church, I would appreciate you to be more professional next time and make sure to make this distinction.
Thank you.

Your show on polygamy was very interesting but I am Mormon myself and am tired of seeing the church brought down because some man decided to take something that happened hundreds of years ago and use it to sleep with many different women and justify it by marrying them. The church does not recognize polygamy. The term is "Fundamentalist Mormon" and is making the true religion frowned upon by people who don't no that they are two different things. I just wish somebody would include this bit of information next time a show about polygamy is aired. Thank you.

I was watching the show on thursday about polygamy and you said "what if you met someone here on the show who was Mormon too". Polygamists ARE NOT MORMONS! There are many, many people who do not know this. I wish someone would do a show about the difference in the 2 religions. I am a mormon and live in Utah and everytime I meet someone new they ask " are you mormon? how many moms do you have"? Its very frustrating how the media focuses on polygamy which in the mormon religion ended years and years ago.

Please do your research!!! The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints commonly called 'Mormons" DOES NOT PRACTICE POLYGAMY.
If they did they would be excomunicated.

To Doctor Kieth Ablow Show:
I listened to your show today, and these indviduals are sick.
I firmly believe our Western States, local Governments, and our US Federal Government should form a task force to work in concert to permanently stop this ugly practice of polygamy. Potentially thousands of brain washed young women are prime targets for sexual abuse of which under-funded local law enforcement can only incarcerate at least a minimum of these shocking evil sex predators. Consequently, their young innocent girls are trapped into a sickened religious ideology of which they have not the least intellectual ability to grasp they are being abused by their own peers in these early years of their infancy. Furthermore for their young men of their faith, they become dispensable after they reach the age of 18 and are considered castaways with no family support. Also these sexual relationships of incest or inbreeding may affect future offspring with serious mental processes such as down-syndrome, other mental illnesses, and physical handicaps, and possibly with HIV.

Surely there is some practical solution to this problem, but in my opinion I do not believe it cannot be solved appropriately with a positive outcome in one particular state, we need the federal governments’ intervention, because of the many various social complications that are involved. Why, considering the large membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) in Utah, they were forced to stop polygamy earlier under duress from our Federal Government, but these other secret fundamentalists’ or off-shoots (formerly known as the Re-Organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and other Alias names have grown, and have increasingly migrated into other Western states such as Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, and Nevada.
------------------------
Under our US Constitution it says that politics and religious beliefs must be separated. I accept this premise.

However, for all those who profess to be Christians, and acknowledge that Christ is the only one that we may gain salvation through his grace regardless of one’s church affiliation. And I emphasize, no one, passes through this life unless he lives a Christ like example, of which they already know the difference between good and evil; is this not religious hypocrisy when we allow children to be abused in the name of living a particular life style of polygamy. Apparently Governments and Christian faith based religions have both lost their bearings

In my opinion it is a sad sack of and individual’s character who is content to be spoon-fed knowledge that has been filtered through the canon of religious or political beliefs, and a pathetic individual who will permit others to dictate what he must accept from the hierarchies of corrupt religious leaders. This being a true separation of church verses state.

Well I would like to say one thing about your show on polygamy. Dr. Keith kept calling them "Mormons" ANd I would like to say that there faction of the church does not cosedier themsevles "Mormons" I myself being a memeber of The church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, or "mormon" tell you that I do not practice polygamy and never will. It was stopped by are prophet 100 years ago because the lord commanded it. And those who are practiceing that are no longer apart of the "mormon" realigon the are the fendemenatles and other factions.I thought you should know so that you can have your facts straight for your next show. I am aware that the line between the FLDS and the church of Jesus Christ of latter days saints is very thin but there is a big differnce. I thought you should know.

What happens to the young men in the colony when they become of marrying age, I have heard they are harassed until they leave. True, if not true, what does happen to them.

The people on the show looked like good, cool, nice people...I think the government, the police, and everybody else should just leave them alone. Its unconstitutional! The Constitution CLEARLY states that we the people have the right to live the religion we believe...if they believe that they want to live plural marriage...You can't say it's illegal because thats there right! They can do it if they want...and those who discriminate them are rude,,,and mean! Why is Polygamy illegal and gay marriages not? Why can a man have a bunch of girlfriends...and then have a law that if you marry a bunch of ladies then it's illegal. A father devotes hiself to his family...a boyfriend can run off...and leave a family miserable...There isn't anything "wrong" with plural marriage...there are just people who can't except people who are "different"

I'm concerned about a great misconception with the general public - and its growing with this new media interest over polygamy.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since the organization of my faith in 1830, the world has generally nicknamed us "Mormons".
My Church has no affiliation with polygamy whatsoever today.
Another sect (not associated with my church whatsoever), Jeff James' group, are also referred to as "Mormons" in the media.
Still other groups and religions that practice polygamy (not associated with my church whatsoever) are also tagged "Mormons".
The public (and purhaps the media) is now totally confused over what a "Mormon" is!
I was concerned when Dr Ablow asked the question to the panel about being raised in a "Mormon" home. In the public's general view, my Church and all the polygamous groups are all meshed in together as "Mormons". When people know what religion I belong to, I can't count how many times I've been asked how many mothers I have. They don't believe me when I say we don't practice polygamy.
It is my hope that all in the media would properly identify the churches and sects- especially when using the nickname "Mormon". Even better, it would be much easier on all of us (and less confusing) if they didn't even use the term. "Mormon" IS a nickname and not the official name of any church.
Thank you

Shame on you for not doing your research better. Those polygamists on your show are NOT MORMONS!!!!! Anyonw who belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons") would tell you that. The Church officially ceased their practice of polygamy in 1890. Any member of the Church today who is found to be living in a polygamous relationship is excommunicated from the Church. Polygamy is not supported in ANY WAY by active members of the LDS Church. For you to constantly keep referring to your guests today as Mormons was a gross error on your part and you have done the Church and it's members a great injustice by telling those who watch your show that Mormons practice polygamy today in America.
The families you portrayed on your show today are so far from the "norm" from what I have seen myself of polygamous families. You should go to Arizona and southern Utah and observe some of the polygamous groups there (if they would ever let you get that close) and see what a large percentage of polygamous families are really like. I don't know where you found your guests but they do not portray an accurate picture of polygamous families in America. You defended their lifestyle based on what little you heard today, but do you really support parents who are committing felonies such as the people on your show who knowingly break the law by marrying into a polygamous relationship???? Wouly you suggest to any parent that they can pick and choose what laws they want to follow depending on what they want to do? How does that impact a child's life, knowing their parents are breaking the law and have to hide the truth from family, neighbors, teachers, etc.
Today is the first time I turned your show on and I will not watch it again, you can be sure. If you don't do your homework any better than you did today then I would not be able to trust any information you passed on to me in the future.
Again, Shame on you!!!

I personally know a friend who's family has been torn apart by polygamy. Her mother escaped, but the effects are still being felt 25 years later. You can't tell me that fathers with 30 children spend enough time with them, to raise healthy children. Also another common thing is inbreeding and the effects it is having on the children. My friend has a cousin with deformed and mentally handicapped children. I was kind of disturbed by how the show left off today. I felt like the show was one sided and polygamy was betrayed as just another choice people have and we should all be excepting and leave them alone.

In regards to your Polygamy program, I found it very informative. However, the one thing that was not mentioned is how they support such large families.
It would be interesting to have a show covering that issue.
Thank you

I was really confused with today’s families. Being a “Mormon” I didn’t understand why the families on your show were called “Mormon“. Because Polygamy was banned in our religion and those who practice it are excommunicated from the church. If they are “Mormon” then they are not following the guidelines of the church and are breaking the law. I am understanding of these wonderful peoples individual choices but don’t like the fact that these individuals might stereotype our church, because polygamy is not accepted in our religion.

i been watching your show and i feel ofend that you dont used the right term to call the religion of the polygamist family, they are not mormon, i am mormon and in my religion, we dont accept that , but we dont critic about it. be more careful next time to use the right name of that religion

Sr Keith Ablow,
THANK YOU so very much for your courage!!! AND HONESTY!
You showed the positive side of plural marriage. I am a plural wife and have been in this life style for 35 years. I am HAPPY!!!
Our worst troubles are from the bigoted people around us.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!
In fact, if you need another person to interview, I will be happy to do one. I was on Larry King a few months ago. It is so difficult to get the message out there that there are MANY happy plural wives, who love and adore their children and will not force any part of their life style on them. We abhore child abuse in any sense of the word.
I know that the ANTI-Polygamy people will be going on your show. Although some of their experiences have been bad........THEY SHOULD NOT SPEAK FOR EVERYONE. Please keep that in mind. I do not speak for them! Only for what I have experienced. I have many many friends that feel the same way. And that good experience, I would never change for anything.

Hello,
I am curious to know, when it comes to filing federal and state taxes, what do they do. How is this resolved? Do they include all the wives on the forms? Do the wives work, and if so, do they file their own return?
I also would like to know is it allowed for a woman to have more than one husband.
Thanks.

I just want to say that as a Mormon, or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these are not our normal beliefs. Yes, it was part of the lifestyle of our newly organized church and so people are to believe that we are still praticing it as our religious belief. It was discontinued over a centry ago. Our highest leader, our Prophet, has said publically (this is paraphrasing)that the "Mormons" invovled in polygamy are not members of our church. We are a very normal group of believers th