Religious Teachings on Ethics of Polyamory
Polyamory refers to multiple romantic or sexual relationships simultaneously. Consensual threesome is a type of polyamory where three people engage in a relationship together. It has been debated whether monogamy is healthy, natural or necessary for humans, but most religions consider it to be an ideal way of life.
Some religious teachings allow for consensual threesomes under specific conditions.
Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita permit marriages involving more than one man and woman if all parties are aware and agree to the arrangement. In Islam, polygyny is allowed, but polyandry is forbidden. Christianity views marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, although there have been reports of Christians practicing ethical non-monogamy with their partner's consent. Judaism also prohibits polyandry, but permits men to take multiple wives according to certain rules. Some Buddhist schools believe that polyamory can lead to liberation and enlightenment if practiced responsibly. This article will discuss how religious teachings define ethical boundaries for polyamorous and consensual threesomes and how they are navigated.
Definition of Polyamory
Polyamory involves emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy between more than two individuals. It does not imply promiscuity or sex outside committed relationships. The term 'poly' comes from Greek meaning many, while 'amour' means love. Polyamory is sometimes called "consensual non-monogamy" because it requires consent from everyone involved. Polyamory can take different forms such as swinging, group sex, open relationships, triads, quadruples, etc.
Teachings on Polyamory in Different Religions
Hinduism
Hinduism encourages monogamy, but some scriptures allow for polyamory under specific circumstances.
The Bhagavad Gita states that a husband can marry another wife if his first wife cannot bear children.
The Manusmriti says that when a man marries three women, he must treat them equally.
These exceptions are rare, and most Hindus prefer monogamy.
Islam
Islam allows polygyny (marriage with multiple wives) but prohibits polyandry (marriage with multiple husbands). A Muslim man can marry up to four wives provided he treats all equally. He should be fair in terms of time, money, affection, and attention. If he fails to do so, his marriage becomes voidable at any time.
Polygyny has caused controversies due to its unequal treatment of women. Many Muslims believe it is unfair to give one person more rights than another based on gender alone. Some scholars argue that this practice was only allowed during pre-modern times when there were more men than women.
Christianity
Christianity views marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, but some Christians may engage in ethical non-monogamy with their partner's consent. The Bible does not explicitly mention polyamory, but Romans 14:23 advises against condemning others who differ from us. In other words, Christians are free to live their own lives without imposing their beliefs on others. Some churches allow for consensual threesomes in long-term relationships where everyone involved is aware and agrees. Others take a hardline approach, considering it sinful outside of heterosexual marriages.
Buddhism
Buddhism encourages practitioners to follow the eightfold path, which includes right action or abstaining from sexual misconduct.
Some schools believe that polyamory can lead to liberation if practiced responsibly. They emphasize compassion and non-harm towards all beings, including oneself. This means avoiding jealousy and possessiveness while respecting boundaries and commitments. Polyamorous practitioners should also consider how their actions affect others and themselves spiritually.
How do religious teachings define ethical boundaries for polyamorous and consensual threesomes, and how are these navigated?
The idea of ethics is deeply rooted in most religions and religious teachings. In the context of polyamory and consensual threesomes, the concept of ethics becomes more complex due to the presence of multiple parties involved. Religious teachings have different perspectives on this topic and may vary depending on their belief system. Some believe that having multiple partners violates the principle of monogamy, while others consider it as an expression of freedom and individual choice.