Headings and History: Why D&C 132’s Introduction Keeps Changing

 The section header for the celestial & plural marriage revelation (D&C 132) has been modified again:

• 1981 edition: “… Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, it is evident from the historical records that the doctrines and principles involved in this revelation had been known by the Prophet since 1831.”
• 2013 edition: “… Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet as early as 1831.”
• Online edition since Oct 22, 2025: “… Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet earlier.”

Why the changes? What happened in 1831 that led the LDS church earlier to specify that date. And why did they later remove focus from that date?

I wrote about the historical background of plural marriage ideology of 1831 in a chapter in about plural marriage revelations last year (2024).[1] Quoted below is a section from my chapter about the primary rationale for dating JS’s knowledge of plural marriage to 1831. I’ve added underline to the portions that interpret the question of whether this could constitute a plural marriage revelation. Note that my chapter includes additional discussions about other potential 1831 evidence for revelation on plural marriage such as JS’s 1831 bible translation, and recollections by plural wives of JS and others.

Isaac Bullard: Restorationist Prophet

Paper presented at the 2025 SLC Sunstone, # 271

2025-08-02

Clair Barrus

From Sickness to Revelation in Ascot, Canada

Isaac Bullard first appears in historic records in Ascot, Canada, in 1817, 30 miles north of the Vermont border where he was healed from partial paralysis. This proved instrumental in his prophetic calling as a prophet. Reports describe him fasting 40 days during severe illness, recovering suddenly through divine intervention, and declaring he was commanded to plant the church of the Redeemer in the wilderness.

Timeline of American Religious and Esoteric Movements to the Civil War

Clair Barrus

2025-07-02

Contents:

• Chronology (to 1860)
• Description, influences from other groups, impact on other groups, and notes on core themes.
• Synthesis and Thematic Analysis
• Analysis of recurring patterns such as charismatic leadership, communal living, gender innovation, non-monogamous sexuality, esotericism, and the construction of group identity
• Patterns of Transmission and Adaptation
• How ideas and practices were transmitted, adapted, and transformed across movements.
• Glossary of Terms