Polygamy, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is defined as a “marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time”. Polygamy is described as a Godly or “celestial” marriage in some religions. The main religions that practice polygamous marriages are Muslim and Mormons. Although the Mormons rejected the idea of polygamy in 1890, there are still some sects of the Mormon church that believe it is the Holiest marriage (Jared). The biggest argument that follows polygamy is whether it is an abusive trap or not. Obviously, the intent of polygamy is not to go against universal values, such as sexual activities with minors or adultery, but there are groups of people who take the original idea of polygamous marriages and relationships and twist it into a sinister act. Polygamy, in its pure form, is a moral and valid type of marriage. The few who do abuse this type of marriage for odd and disturbing sexual habits would most likely continue to commit these acts whether or not they were polygamous. …show more content…
When gay marriage rights were a “hot topic”, the people on the opposing side believed that it challenged the original concept of what marriage was ‘supposed’ to be. "I think it's a matter of both biology and cultural values, and our western democratic societies' cultural values are most definitely [in favour of] one man and one woman, and polygamy threatens that just as same sex marriage threatened that. Polygamy threatens it on the monogamous level, same sex marriage threatened it on the biological level” (Hebbert). Due to the level of known abuse surrounding the Polygamist communities, most people think believe that if Polygamy was legalized that the government would be supporting this abuse and letting it happen. Not only are children in trouble in polygamous relationships, women can be too. Many women who are in Mormon sects are underage and forced to be
In his essay titled Gay “Marriage”: Societal Suicide, Charles Colson discusses fervently his opposition of same-sex marriage. The essay’s main point is constructed around Colson’s belief that if same-sex marriage were to be legalized, it would decouple marriage and procreation and thus destroy the “traditional building block of human society.” He states that same-sex marriage would lead to “an explosive increase in family collapse, out-of-wedlock births - and crime.” Colson presents us with a diverse set of evidence including statistics, studies, and his firsthand experience as a prison minister.
George Reynolds, was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in the Utah Territory under federal laws. Reynolds married Amelia Jane Schofield while still being married to Mary Ann Tuddenham, therefore he was charged with the violation of the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act which is a federal law forbidding polygamy in all federal territories. This act stated that "Every person having a husband or wife living, who marries another, whether married or single, in a Territory, or other place over which the United States have exclusive jurisdiction, is guilty of bigamy, and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500, and by imprisonment for a term of not more than five years..." Reynolds did not dispute the fact that he had broken the law, but instead argued that it was a religious requirement that he marry multiple women. The Mormon religion supported multiple marriages; in fact, polygamy was even seen as a religious obligation for most Mormon men.
It is the basic law of humanity, to say that no man woman or child should be subjugated or degraded by another human. In Flora Jessops (2009) book “ Church of Lies”, we are shown the absolute horror and maltreatment that one must endure when held captive in a hostile polygamist group. Flora Jessop, a former member of the Church of Latter- Day Saints Flora tells her story of numerous captures and her escapes in retaliation, and finally her life after she managed to get away for good. ‘Keep sweet or you will go to hell’, a phrase that nobody in the polygamist groups of FLDS will ever forget, for perfect servitude results in perfect faith. According to the leaders of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FDLS) women
Marriage was very common and a repeated act. Divorce within the Shawnee was common but there is no report of polygamy. When marriage did happen the man had to receive the goodwill of the bride’s family, specifically her brothers, uncle, and then the father; in that order. Gifts were given to the bride’s family. Once the acceptance of gifts were exchanged the marriage could commence.
When debating the legalization of same sex marriage, religious reasoning and accusations of bigotry often provoke obstinance. Instead of reiterating those arguments, William J. Bennett, a prominent cultural conservative, former secretary of education, and author of The Book of Virtues, focuses on societal effects in his op-ed article, “Against Gay Marriage.” Though Bennett’s piece conveys partiality, it also attempts to discuss this issue scrupulously to ensure readers will consider his argument and perhaps accept his implications. While some of Bennett’s word choices convey tolerance of the gay community, his rhetoric incites readers to accept that preserving society requires marginalizing homosexuals.
In Fundamentalist Mormonism, there is no set limit to the number of wives in one marriage. Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet who first delivered God 's directive that Mormons practice plural marriage, ultimately took dozens of wives. In the United States, Fundamentalist Mormons are the most common groups to practice polygamy. For Mormons, polygamy is the Divine Principle, reflecting God 's wish that his people are "fruitful and multiply."
More specifically, by redefining Christian principles and promoting gender inequality, Joseph Smith and the Mormons strayed from the peaceful and inclusive agenda of Utopians and ultimately bolstered the chaos of society. Mormonism
However, in this case, the men have all the choice they desire. Daniel Kingston, for example, has 14 wives and a total of about 159 children (KingstonClan) and Warren Jeffs has 78 wives and 50 children between them stated an A&E special named “Warren Jeffs: Prophet of Evil.” In Mormon Polygamist groups, not to be confused with current Mormon Church of Latter-Day Saints who had outlawed Polygamy long ago, it was said that seven wives and beyond would grant you access to the Celestial Kingdom. These two men, who hold the highest power within their individual groups choose who they will marry, but for the woman, it is chosen for them who they will marry no matter how much older they are than the
Polygamy is more that just that it is mainly practiced by the Mormon church. Which was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, so it hasn’t been around as most other religions .The Mormons believe that a man must have at least three wives to achieve the" fullness of exaltation in the afterlife" Most Americans have and opinion on Polygamy such as myself that is against the practice. Then there
Old fashioned, hand made clothing, reserved lives, playgrounds that only consist of a cement slab, and a school system that only teaches through the eighth grade are peculiar to the outside world. These oddities are just the surface of the unusual practices that take place in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. The FLDS church is one of the largest Mormon fundamentalist denominations and one of the largest organizations in the United States whose members practice polygamy. Polygamy is illegal, in 1890 the Mormon church ended its practice of polygamy, which created a split in the church. Fundamentalists moved to secluded areas where they could continue their practice of plural marriage.
Monogamy was insisted upon, divorce and re-marriage became more difficult. Concubinage, though it could not be abolished, ceased to be lawful. A general rule is that respect for women is only found in a society in which monogamy is the rule. We must distinguish between the affected idolatry which was enjoyed by the customs of chivalry and the equality which was upheld by the Church.
Joey Cho Mrs. Middleton English 10 17 October 2016 Persuasive Research Essay Outline Introduction LGBT/ same-sex marriage is one of the most heated and controversial debates in our current society. Unlike the past thousands of years whereas marriage was defined as a legal union between a man and a woman, now the concept of marriage has been extended to a broader context. “Homosexuality” in most cultures is viewed as a disgrace, and it is often considered as a great sin from a religious aspect.
Every year forced marriage sentences millions of women and young children to a life in slavery. It’s a crime that’s widespread, but rarely spoken about – a crime that flourishes in the shadows of society. The UN says that forced marriage is likely to increase in the coming years unless major changes occur. Due to stigma and lack of awareness about forced marriages, many people do not report cases of forced marriages. We can help ensure that people at risk and their families know that forced marriage happens, forced marriage is illegal and activists around the world are taking a stand to end the practice forever.
For example the little girl from the movie water was already a widow at the age of 8. Some may not believed this is considered a forced marriage but in many ways it is. Although it never stated if she was forced or not she could of had. For example she was married at a very young age, an age where she probably didn't even know what marriage meant. This could be considered forced since she had no will, & no say since she was married at such a young age & didn't know how to speak/stand up for herself.
In Canada, many people understand marriage to be a legal union between a couple that formally recognizes their true love for each other. In other parts of the world, different cultures practice arranged marriages planned by the family or guardians of the bride and groom. Without a doubt, there are successful long-lasting love stories derived from arranged marriages. However, the whole process of an arranged marriage can have negative social implications. In my opinion, I believe that arranged marriages are wrong and should no longer be acceptable across the globe.