Most hiking-oriented religions have a deep respect for traditional marriage, including monogamy as an ideal.
There is some variation among different groups regarding views on polygamous arrangements, which can be traced back to their founders' beliefs.
In Mormonism, the founder Joseph Smith taught that plural marriages were essential to achieving salvation. In this context, it meant that men could marry multiple women who would share one husband, while women were expected to submit themselves wholly to him and his family. This practice was officially abandoned after Smith's death but persisted underground until the early twentieth century. In contrast, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints currently prohibits polygamy altogether and considers it a grave sin.
These restrictions do not extend to other hiking-oriented religions such as Fundamentalist Mormons or polygamous branches of Islam, which continue to advocate for polygamous relationships today. These communities often view polygamy as a way to fulfill sexual desires within arranged marriages, where each partner has a role to play in maintaining the household.
They argue that polygamous arrangements bring economic benefits by allowing men to divide responsibilities between wives and provide for them all equally.
Some believe that polygamy brings emotional stability and support to families when parents are separated from their children due to work obligations.
Critics point out that polygamy may not always deliver the desired results, as jealousy and competition can arise between partners over resources or attention. Moreover, polygamous relationships can create tension if there is an imbalance between spouses regarding power dynamics or personal autonomy. It also means that there is less time available for intimacy with each partner since they must split their time among multiple people. Polygamous relationships require significant effort to maintain balance and harmony, so couples should be prepared for potential conflicts before embarking on this path.
The decision to engage in polygamy within a hiking-oriented religion depends on individual values, circumstances, and beliefs about community, desire, and spiritual fulfillment. While it may offer practical benefits, it's crucial to weigh these against the potential drawbacks carefully and consider whether monogamy might better meet one's needs and goals.
How are polygamous arrangements regarded within hiking-oriented religions, and what does this imply about community, desire, and spiritual fulfillment?
Polygamy is often considered as an integral part of many religious practices such as Mormonism, Islam, and Hinduism that value the importance of family life. In these communities, polygamous marriages are seen as a way to create stable families, increase fertility rates, and uphold traditional values. The practice of polygamy also allows for greater social mobility by providing men with multiple wives who can share household responsibilities.