214 - How Polygamy Affected Utah Politics I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters

214 - How Polygamy Affected Utah Politics I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters

From Church History Matters by Scripture Central

July 21, 2026 · 1h 7m · Episode 216

About this episode

The episode explores the political career of Brigham H. Roberts and the intersection of polygamy, religion, and politics in early 20th century Utah.

Religion and politics have always been intertwined in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—but where should the line be drawn? In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the remarkable life and political career of Brigham H. Roberts, one of the Church's most influential scholars, historians, and public figures. From serving as a General Authority to becoming a nationally recognized political leader, B. H. Roberts found himself at the center of some of the biggest controversies of his era. Scott and Casey examine his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, why Congress ultimately refused to seat him because he continued to practice plural marriage, and how his political ambitions reflected the changing relationship between the Church, Utah, and the United States during the early twentieth century. The episode also explores Roberts's service in Utah politics, his passionate advocacy for the Democratic Party, and the challenges Church leaders faced as members became increasingly involved in partisan political life. These events provide important context for one of the Church's most significant political…

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