Polygamy Essay, Research Paper
Polygamy is defined as: marriage in which a spouse of
either sex may have more than one mate at the same time. (www.m-
w.com) Polygamy may be odd to most Americans, but in the global
community it is common, normal and accepted. Although the
percentage of men in the world who have more than one wife is
relatively small, almost one-third of the world’s population
belongs to a community that allows it, says Israeli
anthropologist Joseph Ginat. (www.hartford-hwp.com) Polygamy was
an accepted practice among early Hebrews, this was because the
Bible never spoke wrong about the practice, so no Jewish
philosopher opposed it publicly. Finally, in the 10th century, a
rabbi named Gershom outlawed polygamy for 1,000 years, saying
that allowing polygamy only made conditions in society worse for
Jews.
Polygamy is most common in Muslim countries where there are
no laws against it, and in communities that are more traditional
and agrarian. For example, it is common and growing among the
180,000 Bedouin of Israel. It is also frequent among some
Mediterranean Jews living in Yemen. But having multiple wives and
families requires money, so in each society that permits
polygamy, only 10 percent to 25 percent of men actually practice
it, and most have only two wives, the men most likely to be
involved are those with the most economic resources and most
status in the community. Also, many American Indian tribes allow
polygamy, several experimental Christian groups practice it; and,
of course, there are those famous offshoots of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Polygamy is only wrong if it violates your own personal
beliefs. For example, many people, especially Americans, are
uncomfortable with the thought of a male having more than one
wife. But many religions such as: Biblical Christianity, Roman
Catholic, Islam/Muslim, Jewish, and Mormon don t despise of this
belief but embrace it; creating a larger, stronger work force.
There are two sides to every controversy, whether they are right
or wrong can only be decided by you.