Monogamy: Marriage for our Times

Paper Summary:

This paper defines monogamy as the condition, rule or custom of being married to only one person at a time. Polygamy is the practice of a man married to more than one woman at the same time, which has been practiced by some followers of the Mormon faith. The writer of this, brief yet concise, paper contends and explains why monogamy is the accepted marital practice and should remain as such. Monogamy provides a more stable atmosphere for raising children and it provides stability for adults as well. This paper discusses the moral and religious arguments in favor of monogamy. Western religious teachings have long supported the idea of monogamy as does most of contemporary Western civilization. This paper examines the practices of the Mormon religion that permit polygamy. The writer also touches on the various cultures and civilizations that have practiced polygamy in America.

From the Paper:

"Polygamy, or a man married to more than one woman at the same time, has been practiced in America, most notably by the Mormons in Utah. However, other groups, such as several Native American tribes, also practiced polygamy. The Mormons polygamous practices became known about the mid-1800s, and shocked most Americans. Mormon polygamy was outlawed in 1882. Some people believed polygamy was a religious issue, and it was not condoned by Christians. Others believe that many Christians did not condone polygamy because they associated it with the savagery of the Natives. Thus, polygamy has been practiced in our country, but it has never survived or thrived, and that is as it should be. There are many reasons why monogamy is the accepted practice in the United States, and many reasons why it should remain the only acceptable system of marriage."

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