Polygamy and Christian Teachings
Polygamy, or having multiple spouses, has been a controversial topic for centuries. Many early Christian societies, such as in France, had laws against polygamy, but official stances on polygamy have changed over the years and in many Western countries, polygamy is now accepted. While multiple marriage is legal for non-religious individuals and couples in some places, the principles of Christianity prevent believers from engaging in such practices.
The Bible, both the New and Old Testament, have clear teachings against practising polygamy. Jesus, who is considered the Son of God in Christianity and is the focus of the religion, advised only monogamous marriage: “Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mark 10: 9). He verbalized his opinion, that marriage should be a single man and a single woman, instead of multiple spouses in a single relationship.
Although there is no mention of multiple wives in Christianity, some argue that polygamy was, in fact, enacted at some point in the past. Deuteronomy 21 recognized a second wife for a man, should the man find disfavor in the eyes of his first wife. The first wife has to give consent for a second marriage to take place, but it still disproves the fact that the Bible only condones monogamous marriages. However, this acceptance by the Bible of taking multiple wives, was presented in a way that showcases the idea of multiple wives as a less desirable, secondary option.
Although polygamy has not been wiped out entirely, it has been made less common among the majority of Christian believers through the teachings of the Church and other denominational bodies. The Church provides guidance for believers in regards to marriage, instructing members to follow the Bible’s teachings and commit themselves to monogamous marriages. This decision is believed to help believers stay focused on full commitment to one adult partner as well as ensuring a safe, healthy and functioning relationship.
Today, people in the West rarely take on multiple spouses due to the beliefs instilled in them through Christianity and the Church. There are many reasons why the Church has discouraged polygamy for its believers, though it should be noted that polygamy is still a valid practice in many countries and cultures around the world.
The Negative Implications of Polygamy
When it comes to multiple spouses, there are several complications that can arise, both legally and socially. First and foremost is custody of children. Under the monogamous system, children stay with their mother and father, however, should there be multiple spouses, it is possible that the children could end up being split among them. This may lead to the mother and father having less time to spend with the children, which can be detrimental to their growth and development.
There is also the issue of jealousy and unfounded fear. One partner is not always enough to satisfy a person’s emotional needs, though there are expectations that a single partner should. As more females are added to the relationship, the potential for miscommunication and tension increases. This could lead to arguments and accusations of affairs, creating a stormy atmosphere that may not be easily resolved.
Additionally, because a marriage of multiple partners strays away from the norm, many people may judge, or worse, condemn a relationship between multiple spouses. This may be a difficult situation for the spouses to deal with, both when at home and when in public. This adds further strain to the relationship that would not otherwise be present in a traditional marriage with one husband and one wife.
Finally, the lack of legal protection can be invalidating to all the parties involved. The laws surrounding monogamous marriage are clear and provide spouses with a variety of legal protections, such as custody and child rights, but in a multiple spouse relationship, such expectations may not be met due to a lack of clear laws and guidelines.
Pros of Multiple Partners
Polygamy isn’t all bad, it has its own set of benefits. For example, in some cultures, having multiple spouses signifies a sense of male superiority and may be seen as an achievement for the husband. This can be beneficial for the husband in terms of gaining respect from others and fulfilling certain social obligations.
One of the more obvious advantages is that a husband can have the opportunity to beget multiple children with multiple wives. In some cultures, this is seen as a blessing from God, especially when the male offspring is low. This can help increase the family size and contribute to their social standing.
In addition to this, having multiple wives can provide economic benefits to many households. Multiple wives will mean multiple incomes, and while this may not be as appealing in the West due to the increased taxes, it is still a desirable option in places with high rates of poverty.
Finally, multiple spouses may provide added companionship and support. If a marriage is strained and tensions build, having multiple spouses can be beneficial, as they provide: additional emotional support, an increase in education, and an increase in human interaction. This can help provide members of the family with extra security and comfort when things are not going so well for them.
How Polygamy Can be Practised Responsibly
Many people who practice polygamy today do so responsibly. These individuals consider the moral implications of their acts and, if done properly, are respectful and considerate of their wives. This includes providing them with the same rights and respect as any other married couple. In some cases, polygamy might even enhance the quality of life for the individuals and families involved.
Responsible polygamy requires effective communication and mutual agreement among the spouses. All partners must be aware of the situation and accept it, as this can reduce any potential conflict. All partners must also be active in parenting and caring for the children, as well as providing basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter.
It is also recommended that individuals or couples interested in practicing polygamy seek the counsel of a therapist or counselor, to ensure that all parties involved understand the implications of their decision. This can help mitigate any potential problems that may arise and help ensure the health of the relationship.
Conclusion
Although polygamy is not officially condoned by the teachings of Christianity, it is still an accepted practice in some cultures and countries. Individuals and couples interested in practising polygamy should think responsibly and consider the implications of their actions, both legal and moral, before engaging in such a relationship.
