Polygamy is an unconventional marriage practice that allows one person to have multiple spouses simultaneously. It has been a controversial issue for centuries, but there are certain cases where it can be morally acceptable. In Japan, many new religions allow polygamous marriages due to their unique beliefs and values. This essay will discuss how these religions justify polygamy from a philosophical standpoint, and what psychological consequences might arise as a result.
One Japanese religion that promotes polyandry is Matsumoto Shizukuyo, founded by Matsumoto Shizuo in the late nineteenth century. The religion believes in reincarnation and karma and emphasizes the importance of achieving enlightenment through spiritual practices. According to its philosophy, men who marry more than one woman are believed to attain higher levels of enlightenment because they are able to experience more intimacy with different individuals. This helps them gain greater wisdom and understanding of life.
Another Japanese religion that supports polygamy is Tenrikyo, which was established in the mid-nineteenth century by Nakayama Miki. This religion also focuses on reincarnation and karma and encourages its followers to live harmoniously with others. Its teachings suggest that having multiple wives enables a man to learn compassion and empathy towards all women, which leads to personal growth and development.
In terms of psychology, research suggests that polyandrous relationships may have some positive effects on mental health. Studies show that people who practice polygamy tend to feel more satisfied with their sex lives and report lower rates of depression compared to monogamists. They also report feeling less stressed and more content in their relationships.
There are also potential downsides to polyandry, such as jealousy between spouses or difficulties maintaining intimacy within each relationship.
Japanese new religious movements provide unique justifications for polygamy based on philosophical beliefs. While there may be some benefits to practicing polyandry, it can also lead to emotional issues and relationship conflicts.
How is polygamy philosophically justified in Japanese new religious movements, and what psychological outcomes result?
The historical background of polygamy can be traced back to ancient times when it was accepted as part of many cultures and religions such as Islam and Christianity. In Japan, polygamy has been practiced by certain groups within Buddhism and Shintoism since the 6th century AD until 1948 when the government banned it due to the influence of Western ideals that monogamous marriages were superior.