Polytheistic pagans, actually ...
I’m not LDS, but if Joseph Smith really had all of these wives, why hasn’t DNA proven it with offspring?
Joseph Smith fought against those who practiced polygamy.
Brigham Young didn’t introduce polygamy, until 1852, which was 8 years after Joseph Smith was martyred.
If you read the Kirtland Temple court case, the RLDS church was awarded the Kirtland Temple and not in the LDS church, in part, because Brigham Young introduced Adam-God theory, celestial marriage and plural marriage.
Brigham Young also introduced the ban on blacks in the priesthood.
When you’re looking for that 3rd or 4th wife, you “bring ‘em young” or you don’t bring ‘em at all.