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Huan Yi
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0 posted 2005-06-12 09:56 AM


“Polygamy is illegal, but it is believed that tens of thousands of Mormon fundamentalists and others across the West continue the practice. Polygamy is practiced openly in Colorado City, a remote enclave in Arizona on the state line with Utah that is dominated by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Polygamy also is practiced in Hildale, Utah, across the state line from Colorado City.”

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,159274,00.html


Illegal, but is it immoral?  I don’t hear President Bush or much of anyone else
raising a stink.


© Copyright 2005 John Pawlik - All Rights Reserved
Alicat
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1 posted 2005-06-12 10:31 AM


States verses Federal.  Some things the States themselves have to police.
SEA
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2 posted 2005-06-12 11:56 AM


I personally find it to be disgusting...it really sickens me that these young girls are being put through this. These men are twisted and very sick. Adults having sex with children is vile. Then to stand behind a religion saying that makes it be ok? Even sicker.
Alicat
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3 posted 2005-06-12 12:02 PM


Though I personally don't agree with the practice of polygamy, there's some things in that article which should be looked at, namely the age of the teen: 16.  Most states set statuatory rape at under 16.  And there's some cultures, even in the US, which allow marriage of early teens to each other, since 13 is the magic number for adulthood.  Then there's cultures and religions that favor polygomy, such as Mormon, some Muslim sects, and some Hindu sects.  Then there's tribal beliefs and customs, where many wives are a symbol of prosperity.
Stephanos
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4 posted 2005-06-12 03:58 PM


quote:
I personally find it to be disgusting...it really sickens me that these young girls are being put through this. These men are twisted and very sick. Adults having sex with children is vile. Then to stand behind a religion saying that makes it be ok? Even sicker.  



Polygamy has nothing to do with having sex with "children".  You're thinking of Pedophilia, or Pederasty, not Polygamy, which merely means to marry multiple partners, usually wives.  

quote:
Illegal, but is it immoral?  I don’t hear President Bush or much of anyone else
raising a stink.



The moral issue would depend on the motives behind such polygamous arrangements.  So, were the religious pronouncements of Joseph Smith, just an excuse to exploit, have sex with, or control more women?  I'm not saying that I know for sure, but there are some interesting things to note about his views...


Scripturally speaking, the practice of polygamy was made obsolete (ironically) by Jesus saying "In the Beginning it was not so", and clarifying the will of God for two "becoming one flesh".  So Joseph Smith's re-popularization of polygamy in America, came after the New Testament revelation, and also all the lamentable results of practicing polygamy recorded for us in the Old Testament.  For whatever reason, there is no explicit Old Testament prohibition of Polygamy by God, but there is certainly no lack of passages that relate to discerning readers that it is unwise, and typically leads to trouble / disaster.


So the moral question might be different for a man who is a polygamist because it is the predominate culture (such as in the Ancient Near East), and a man who now chooses polygamy despite the prevailing consensus which was based upon a fuller revelation.  And what of the man (or group) who knows the Bible forward and backward, but counts lightly the warnings given there, simply because he wants what he wants?


Is it illegal?  Yes.

Is it immoral?  Quite possibly, considering our time in history, and the accountability we have due to knowledge.    

Is it unwise?  How much trouble do people have properly relating to one spouse?  Now multiply that.  


Stephen.      

Stephanos
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5 posted 2005-06-12 04:05 PM


John,


Ever notice that when you post, you do so "polygamously"?

You're hardly ever satisfied with posting one topic at a time.  They come in harems.  


Stephen.

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6 posted 2005-06-12 06:47 PM


Stephanos,
thanks but I didn't confuse one with the other... you shouldn't assume.

Stephanos
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7 posted 2005-06-13 08:06 AM


quote:
I didn't confuse one with the other...  you shouldn't assume.



My Apology  ... I thought you were responding to John's quote, and to his thoughts on polygamy.  But I now realize that you were responding to other elements in the Fox News article.


I would however say we should be careful (in this case) to not let our feelings about child or early teen marriage, influence our discussion about polygamy.  If they are wrongs, they are separate wrongs.  


I was assuming of course (from John's statements) that polygamy was the focal point of the discussion.


Stephen.  


Huan Yi
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since 2004-10-12
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Waukegan
8 posted 2005-06-15 11:29 AM


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4091354.stm


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