I have been conducting research on this topic and I found that the most common reason given for practicing polygyny is the fact that it was commanded by God. “…Polygamy was a revelation received by Joseph Smith, and members of the Church could not receive their highest exaltation in the post-earth life unless they obeyed the commandment of plural marriage” (Embry, 1987). Though Mormons who practice polygyny have not heard directly from God that this is what they must do, they believe that this declaration is coming from God through Smith.
Those that practice polygyny believe that it is not only sanctioned by God but that it is something expected of them. Priests of the Catholic Church take a vow of celibacy because this is what they must do for God to show their faith, they do not question this requirement. They know that if they want to enjoy heavenly life after death they must do as God commands.
Living in these religious societies God is the important ruler, much more significant than the law or government. People follow what they believe he wants of them for fear of the alternative. “…in order to reach the highest degree of the celestial kingdom – life in the presence of God where they would be able to create worlds, continue to produce spirit progeny to people them, and become like God – would be withheld from those who did not participate in plural marriage” (Embry, 1987). The greatest authority that these people know is God and so they must follow what he commands.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Brief History of Polygyny in the United States
I wanted to know more about the history of polygyny, maybe by understanding how this culture originated I can better understand its practice as a whole. In 1841 the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Joseph Smith, first introduced the practice of polygyny to his followers (Christiansen, 1963). There is evidence that he may have preached informally of polygyny before this date, but this isn’t clear. Smith reported that plural marriage was a divine revelation from God. In order for his followers to achieve the highest possible position in death, one must follow the command of God and practice polygyny so as to populate the earth with the faithful.
Polygyny was practiced by the Mormon Church following this declaration, though it was strongly opposed by the non-Mormon public. In 1862 the Morrill Act was passed by Congress and prohibited plural marriage in the United States territories (Embry, 1987). A number of bills concerning the prohibition of polygamy in the United States followed the Morrill Act, including the Cullom Bill in 1870 which called for greater federal control concerning plural marriage, but was not successfully passed by Congress (Embry, 1987).
Mormons continued to practice plural marriage, believing that they were protected by the Bill of Rights and its Freedom of Religion clause. When a case involving plural marriage was brought to trial the Supreme Court, in 1879, upheld the Morrill Act, stating: “Laws are made for the government of actions, and while they cannot interfere with mere religious belief and opinions, they may with practices” (Embry, 1987). Since this decision there have been other legal rulings regarding polygyny. Today polygyny is still illegal in the United States, though it has an underground following.
Christiansen, John R. "Contemporary Mormons' Attidudes toward Polygynous Practices." May 1963. National Council on Family Relations. 18 Sept. 2008 http://www.jstor.org/stable/349176.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Polygyny was practiced by the Mormon Church following this declaration, though it was strongly opposed by the non-Mormon public. In 1862 the Morrill Act was passed by Congress and prohibited plural marriage in the United States territories (Embry, 1987). A number of bills concerning the prohibition of polygamy in the United States followed the Morrill Act, including the Cullom Bill in 1870 which called for greater federal control concerning plural marriage, but was not successfully passed by Congress (Embry, 1987).
Mormons continued to practice plural marriage, believing that they were protected by the Bill of Rights and its Freedom of Religion clause. When a case involving plural marriage was brought to trial the Supreme Court, in 1879, upheld the Morrill Act, stating: “Laws are made for the government of actions, and while they cannot interfere with mere religious belief and opinions, they may with practices” (Embry, 1987). Since this decision there have been other legal rulings regarding polygyny. Today polygyny is still illegal in the United States, though it has an underground following.
Christiansen, John R. "Contemporary Mormons' Attidudes toward Polygynous Practices." May 1963. National Council on Family Relations. 18 Sept. 2008 http://www.jstor.org/stable/349176.
Embry, Jessie L. Mormon Polygamous Families. Vol. One. Salt Lake City, Utah: University of Utah P, 1987.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
My Initial (Uneducated) Opinions
I have already stated some of my opinions on polygyny, but I feel as though I should explain and support these beliefs. If I am to arrive at a place of understanding I think that I should express my initial state of mind. I am discussing polygyny at this time with no formal knowledge of the culture. I don’t know the history or facts of polygyny, I don’t know the components or the dynamics of this culture, but I do know how I feel and my personal opinions.
Personally I could never participate in a plural marriage. I believe that marriage is the union between two people and this relationship is special and should be honored. I don’t think that the commitment that is formed between two people who decide to spend their lives together can be shared between more and still be as close or committed. I believe in monogamy, that people should be faithful to each other and polygyny is a form of infidelity in my mind. Personally I could not handle the emotional stress of being in a plural marriage.
I grew up in a family with one mother and one father. My dad worked and my mom stayed home when we were young. My parents are still married today; I guess I grew up in a stereotypically “happy family”, and I loved it. My parents were very involved, heading PTO’s and coaching my teams. I would think that children that grow up in polygenic culture would not have as close a relationship with their parents, especially their fathers, sense there are so many children. This lack of parental involvement I think would have a negative affect on children.
These are just some of my personally opinions opposing polygyny. From here I plan to look at the merits of polygyny and explore how this culture works. I hope to learn what people that practice polygyny must know and do in order to make this culture work.
Personally I could never participate in a plural marriage. I believe that marriage is the union between two people and this relationship is special and should be honored. I don’t think that the commitment that is formed between two people who decide to spend their lives together can be shared between more and still be as close or committed. I believe in monogamy, that people should be faithful to each other and polygyny is a form of infidelity in my mind. Personally I could not handle the emotional stress of being in a plural marriage.
I grew up in a family with one mother and one father. My dad worked and my mom stayed home when we were young. My parents are still married today; I guess I grew up in a stereotypically “happy family”, and I loved it. My parents were very involved, heading PTO’s and coaching my teams. I would think that children that grow up in polygenic culture would not have as close a relationship with their parents, especially their fathers, sense there are so many children. This lack of parental involvement I think would have a negative affect on children.
These are just some of my personally opinions opposing polygyny. From here I plan to look at the merits of polygyny and explore how this culture works. I hope to learn what people that practice polygyny must know and do in order to make this culture work.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Merits of Polygyny: An Introduction
With this blog I hope to explore the possible merits of polygyny. This statement may be misleading because it implies that all subsequent entries will discus the virtues of polygyny. On the contrary this opening statement refers to the sought after goal of my blog. While writing today no clear, realistic merits of polygyny easily come to mind. This does not mean that I am vehemently against this cultural practice. I like to think that I am a fairly understanding, accepting person, but I can’t currently arrive upon a solitary positive component of polygyny, from my personal perspective.
I am planning to specifically explore the culture of polygyny in the United States as practiced by groups within the Mormon religion. I am writing from my perspective, that of a young woman with strong, defined opinions. I want to start with my own personal views and opinions, which will be completely subjective, before I begin to research and understand this culture. I would like to have a sound knowledge of its history and different components as a foundation to build on. From there I hope to have more knowledge of polygyny and hopefully will be able to discuss how my original views have been affected. Throughout this I would also like to incorporate information from people who have first hand experience of polygyny.
I hope to reach a point in this study where I can honestly state that I understand polygyny not just from the position of a tolerant individual viewing from afar, but as someone who has truly explored this culture. I think as I discover more about this culture I will question my own beliefs and why they are the way they are. While I may never completely agree with nor partake in this practice, I hope to be able to appreciate polygyny as a culture and understand and appreciate its inherent logic.
I am planning to specifically explore the culture of polygyny in the United States as practiced by groups within the Mormon religion. I am writing from my perspective, that of a young woman with strong, defined opinions. I want to start with my own personal views and opinions, which will be completely subjective, before I begin to research and understand this culture. I would like to have a sound knowledge of its history and different components as a foundation to build on. From there I hope to have more knowledge of polygyny and hopefully will be able to discuss how my original views have been affected. Throughout this I would also like to incorporate information from people who have first hand experience of polygyny.
I hope to reach a point in this study where I can honestly state that I understand polygyny not just from the position of a tolerant individual viewing from afar, but as someone who has truly explored this culture. I think as I discover more about this culture I will question my own beliefs and why they are the way they are. While I may never completely agree with nor partake in this practice, I hope to be able to appreciate polygyny as a culture and understand and appreciate its inherent logic.
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