How do believers construct meaning around sexual duty and pleasure in the context of religiously sanctioned polygamy?
Polygamy is a socially and culturally accepted form of marriage wherein an individual has more than one spouse. Religions that allow for this type of relationship often place specific rules regarding its practice, which include guidelines concerning monogamous relations between each partner. These guidelines may be based on belief systems that view sexual pleasure within marriage as having sacred significance, thus allowing for such pleasures to occur under certain conditions.
Islamic polygyny permits up to four wives per husband, though he must treat them equally and provide for their needs financially. Muslim men can also enjoy sex with all four women concurrently if they wish, so long as each woman consents to it separately. Meanwhile, Judaism permits polygamy but only under special circumstances such as when a man's previous wife dies or refuses to grant him divorce due to some reason outside her control. Mormonism also allows for plural marriages, although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints condemns it today and disavows members who engage in it.
Within these religious frameworks, believers construct meaning around sexual duty and pleasure by balancing spiritual obligations with physical desires. They may view sexual intimacy as part of their divine covenant with God and strive towards fulfilling those responsibilities through mutually pleasurable relationships with their partners. This requires open communication about needs and boundaries to ensure everyone feels respected and supported during intimate moments. Believers may also seek advice from clergy members or other trusted individuals to navigate any challenges associated with multiple spouses and maintain healthy interpersonal dynamics within this unique arrangement. In addition, believers may practice fasting or other forms of abstinence before indulging in sensual activities to heighten arousal levels or increase connection between themselves and their partner(s).
The pursuit of sexual satisfaction is seen not just as gratification but also as an expression of devotion to God and commitment to one's faith community.
How do believers construct meaning around sexual duty and pleasure in the context of religiously sanctioned polygamy?
According to research on religious polygamy, it is common for individuals who practice this lifestyle to view their sexual duties as part of a larger spiritual obligation to serve God and their spouse(s). This can include a sense of obligation to engage in sex with all partners regularly and enthusiastically, even when they may not feel like doing so (Derenne et al. , 2019).