Final Thought of the Evening

Tonight in World Religions we were discussing misconceptions about religions and in particular, Mormonism. We watched a documentary called "American Mormons" which was quite interesting in that people (at least, those chosen to be featured) don't know a whole lot about Mormonism (not that I claim to be any expert because I am not) and have it mixed up with many other ideas. What's on my mind right now--the polygamy idea. Or more specifically, polygyny as it was multiple-wives in particular that was proclaimed by Brigham Young in 1853 to be the new everlasting covenant of marriage (i.e. righteous men should take multiple wives--something that was not a new idea, mind you--and was put in place probably partly due to the fact that in their oppression as they moved across the country, many of their members were dying). However that practice ended in 1890 with the manifesto threatening immediate excommunication for polygyny among mainstream Mormons. Most interviewed thought that it was still standard practice.

Here's where the part that's engaging my mind at the moment comes in... according to the professor, 70% of societies practice polygyny. Granted, it's not for all men: they have to be wealthy and have a good reason. Still, monogamy is in the minority. That's staggering. I thought a lot last year about whether man (as a species) was supposed to be monogamous--whether it's our Puritanical American view that makes this a bone of contention (since many other countries openly speak out against our frigidness) and we're really fighting nature, or if it's purely a societal thing. Regardless, it's clear that in this country, it is not looked upon favorably. But does that mean it's "wrong"? Are we fighting a losing battle? When you consider 50% of marriages end in divorce in our country and, according to our counselor, somewhere around 70% of relationships deal with infidelity at some point (whether they know it or not), it does make one wonder...

And if it's the nature of the beast to want more than one (and it bears repeating that in the countries where this is in practice, it is multiple wives that is allowed--women are not allowed multiple husbands [not that they'd want multiple men to clean up after!]) then why bother? Why fight it if it's a losing battle?

I don't have answers. Heck, I don't even have an idea of what I feel on the topic; my opinions vacillate often and I'm not sure what I believe. I just know that a lot of people are dealing with this multiple partner thing, whether through a sanctioned multiple-marriage or by going outside a monogamous one. And yet nobody discusses it.