With one exception, the class was absolutely silent, absolutely motionless through the whole thing. It was that intense, listening silence, and it was so still and quiet that I had a hard time judging whether people were accepting or rejecting it. The one exception tot he silence was an older woman who is always very supportive, who, when I spoke of the claims that only X% practiced polygamy, nodded vigorously and said, “Yes, yes, it was just 2%.” When I started to explain why that percentage was irrelevant, even she stopped and just listened.

The sister offering the closing prayer mentioned appreciation for that part of the lesson, and it’s what everybody wanted to talk about afterward. My co-teacher asked if I had ever written a paper on polygamy, and told me I ought to. He was holding my hand through that whole conversation, the kind of “I really mean this and you need to take me seriously” hand holding. Most people wanted to tell me privately that the children of those plural marriages had become the strength of the Church, and they wanted to line up with me in saying that plural marriage was nothing to be ashamed of.

Anyway, it went well, I think. People were interested, and appreciated hearing. They’re willing to listen, possibly eager, but where do you go for a discussion in a faithful, friendly setting?

One of our home teachers is a new convert, and after our most recent home teaching visit, he asked (after the kids left the room!) about the church’s history of polygamy, having just read something in some media outlet.

So, how did your class react? Any reaction?