Summary: <br> <br> Brian and Laura Hales are the authors of <a href="http://amzn.to/1lW6qQ5" target="_blank">Joseph Smith's Polygamy: Toward a Better Understanding</a>.<br> <br> Brian is an anesthesiologist. Brian’s interest in polygamy began when he had a family member who was excommunicated for joining a polygamist group. As a result he researched and wrote three books about polygamy. However, he kept getting questions specifically about Joseph Smith and polygamy, which is why he wrote <a href="http://amzn.to/1lW6qQ5" target="_blank">Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology</a> (plus 2 more volumes) and Joseph Smith’s Polygamy: Toward a Better Understanding.<br> <br> Laura is a copy editor for the <a href="http://mormonhistoricsites.org/" target="_blank">Mormon Historical Sites Foundation</a> and also edits on a freelance basis. Laura has always been interested in history. Her interest in polygamy was sparked after reading her husband’s trilogy, Joseph Smith’s Polygamy: History and Theology. These books were written for the historical community and she felt that they should write another book about Joseph Smith and polygamy for the LDS community.<br> <br> The interview covers common myths about polygamy, upcoming projects, their 7 most commonly asked questions, and helpful tips for church leaders who are addressing individuals’ questions and concerns about polygamy. Some of the helpful points they cover are:<br> <br> * The topic of polygamy needs to be addressed early and in a supportive and nurturing environment.<br> * Joseph Smith was human just like any other leader we see in the church. He made mistakes and didn’t do everything perfectly.<br> * Leaders and teachers should be open to questions and researching when they do not know the answer.<br> * Sometimes a person just wants to have their fears and concerns validated and heard, rather than discounted and ignored.<br> * When people have questions and concerns, information and patience are needed.<br> <br> Links<br> <br> * Purchase <a href="http://amzn.to/1lW6qQ5" target="_blank">Joseph Smith's Polygamy: Toward a Better Understanding</a><br> * <a href="http://josephsmithspolygamy.org/" target="_blank">Joseph Smith's Polygamy Website</a><br> * <a href="http://mormonpolygamydocuments.org/" target="_blank">Mormon Polygamy Documents</a><br> * <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/essays?lang=eng" target="_blank">Gospel Topics Essays</a><br> * <a href="https://history.lds.org/section/revelations" target="_blank">Revelations in Context</a><br> * <a href="http://josephsmithpapers.org/" target="_blank">Joseph Smith's Papers Project</a><br> * <a href="http://www.fairmormonanswers.org/" target="_blank">Fair Mormon Answers</a><br> * <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/my-gospel-study" target="_blank">BYU Religious Studies Center</a><br> * <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/" target="_blank">The Maxwell Institute</a><br> * <a href="https://byustudies.byu.edu/" target="_blank">BYU Studies</a><br> <br> <br> <br> *A big thanks to <a href="https://leadingsaints.org/success-as-young-womens-president-an-interview-with-heather-mecham/">Heather Mecham</a> for writing up the summary for this interview.
