Ep 13. Polygamist Pilgrimage Into The Past

In Sister Wives season 3 episode 13, titled "Polygamist Pilgrimage Into The Past," the Brown family takes a trip to Nauvoo, Illinois, the city where the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) settled in the 1840s. The family, along with their friend Rosemary, explores the historic sites and learns about the polygamist past of the LDS church.

The episode starts with the family driving to Nauvoo and arriving at a beautiful bed and breakfast that they will be staying at during their trip. They are all excited to explore the historic town and learn more about their religion's past. Kody explains that the LDS church has always been a part of their lives, and they want to learn as much as they can about its history.

The first place they visit is the Nauvoo Temple, a beautiful building that the LDS church rebuilt in the early 2000s. The family learns about the temple's history and the importance of temple worship in their current faith. They also learn about the hardships that the early members of the LDS church faced, including persecution and violence.

Next, the family visits the historic homes of some of the early members of the church, including the home of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS church. The Browns are amazed at how well-preserved the homes are and how much history they contain. They learn about the difficult decisions that the early church members had to make, including the decision to practice polygamy.

As the family continues to explore Nauvoo, they are joined by a historian named Mark. Mark is an expert on the history of the LDS church and helps the family understand the context of the polygamous past. He explains that polygamy was a way for the early members of the church to keep their families together and maintain their religious beliefs, even in the face of persecution.

The family visits the home of Brigham Young, one of the early leaders of the church, and learns about his role in the practice of polygamy. They also visit the Family Living Center, a museum that showcases the daily lives of the early church members. The museum includes exhibits on everything from cooking and sewing to medicine and education.

Throughout the episode, the Brown family reflects on how they feel about the polygamist past of their religion. Some of the wives, including Christine, express their discomfort with the idea of polygamy, while others, like Meri, are more accepting of the practice. Kody acknowledges that the family's trip to Nauvoo has given them a deeper understanding of their faith and its history.

As the episode comes to a close, the family sits down for a discussion about what they have learned during their trip. They reflect on how the early members of the LDS church faced much more difficult challenges than they do today. They also discuss the role of polygamy in their religion and how it has evolved over time.

Overall, "Polygamist Pilgrimage Into The Past" is a fascinating episode that offers a unique glimpse into the history of the LDS church and its polygamist past. The Browns' trip to Nauvoo serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our religious roots and how they shape our beliefs and values today.