How does religion sacralize or normalize polygamy?
Polygamy is the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously. It has been a common practice throughout human history, but it is usually associated with religious beliefs and practices. Religious leaders often promote and encourage this form of marriage to meet their personal or institutional needs.
There are many consequences that come with such marriages. Here are some ways that religions can make polygamy seem acceptable:
1. Prophetic Example - Many religions claim that their founders were polygamous. They assert that God commanded these men to take more than one wife as an example for others to follow.
Muhammad had nine wives when he was alive, and his teachings have inspired millions of Muslims all around the world today. This makes people feel like they must emulate what the prophet did because they want to be good Muslims.
2. Divine Order - Some religions justify polygamy by saying that God intended for men to have multiple wives in order to populate the earth. In Islam, Allah permits men to marry up to four women if they can treat them equally and provide for all of their needs financially. Christians also believe that Adam had two wives: Eve and Lilith, although they rarely discuss it openly.
3. Social Norm - Polygamy is often seen as a way to ensure that no man is left alone or without sexual satisfaction. Men are expected to fulfill their sexual desires within marriage, so if one wife cannot satisfy him completely, taking another woman may be necessary. This view promotes monogamy among married couples while accepting polygamy among those who desire it. It encourages men to seek out additional partners instead of satisfying themselves alone or exploring other options outside of marriage.
4. Religious Reward - Polygamy may bring spiritual rewards such as higher status or greater wealth accumulation. In some societies, having many wives indicates success and power since there are more hands available for labor or childrearing. In Mormonism, men with three or more wives receive special honors from their community and can serve in leadership positions more easily than those with only one spouse.
5. Family Values - Many religious leaders promote large families as a way of preserving culture and heritage. Having multiple wives ensures that children will continue to grow up speaking the same language, practicing similar traditions, and living according to the same values. This idea appeals to those who want to preserve their identity and pass on customs to future generations.
6. Male Domination - Some religions use polygamy as a tool for male domination over women. Women are expected to submit to their husbands regardless of whether he has one or multiple wives. They must accept their place and do what they're told because God ordained this arrangement. This attitude leads to abuse and mistreatment of female spouses who don't feel valued by their husband or his other wives.
Polygamy is often seen as acceptable or even necessary within certain religious groups.
There are serious consequences associated with these arrangements that should not be ignored. These marriages lead to jealousy, competition among women, financial strain, emotional stress, physical violence, and social isolation. It also contributes to gender inequality since women have fewer rights than men when it comes to marriage choices and responsibilities.