Comments on: The Downfall of Civilization

Comment by: Stephanie

2008-06-27T15:36:02Z

Isn’t it nice that they have so much faith in the ability of men to control themselves?? It’s like the notion that a man could want only one woman is non-existent to them. Sick, sick, sick.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2008-06-27T15:44:06Z

Well, being a typical man (I think), I believe that I can say marital fidelity for men isn’t so much a matter of not desiring other women but rather being able to ignore desires for other women. I think desiring other women is inevitable.

However, I agree that it shows a rather dim view of men to believe that they can’t help themselves from indulging sexually and remain faithful to one woman. I think much of religious history can be explained as a fear of sexuality, both male and female. I’ve personally had no problem so far avoiding prostitutes or extramarital affairs even though I am monogamous.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2008-06-27T15:44:53Z

Though there are probably some exceptions out there who truly never desire other women after their marriage vows (just to test my rule).

Comment by: Sue

2008-06-28T00:44:21Z

Oy. Those quotes make me want to slam my head into the wall. Repeatedly.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2008-06-28T05:16:47Z

Beyond the “I can’t believe they believed that!” factor, the quotes also illustrate how Mormonism was once much more comfortable with experimenting with non-traditional marital arrangements. Well, I guess they saw it as a return to an even more traditional form of marriage. I wonder what they would have thought of same-sex marriage. They obviously would have thought it a sin, but would they have followed the eleventh Article of Faith and allowed other people to follow their own conscience without governmental interference?

Comment by: Stephanie

2008-06-28T09:54:51Z

The same could be said for married women: desiring other men is inevitable. These statements are also disturbing because they completely ignore the existence of female desire.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2008-06-28T10:00:12Z

I hadn’t looked at these quotes from that angle, though I’m aware that polygynous wives’ needs can be terribly under-served. These quotes do seem to assume that women can take or leave sex while also assuming that men are deprived if they are confined to only one woman.

Comment by: Stephanie

2008-06-28T18:36:44Z

I always thought that the only way polygamy, or I should say polygyny, would be close to fair would be if the “sister-wives” were able to have sexual relationships with each other. I wonder what old brother Brigham would have to say about that?

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2008-06-28T18:42:22Z

I agree. Being a plural wife could be a frustrating life, if my family history is to be believed. Why stop at sexual relationships between the sister-wives? Let’s lobby for full polyamory.

Comment by: Stephanie

2008-06-28T19:09:36Z

Well you might as well. If “people” are going to argue for abstinence outside of marriage based on the claim that sex is a sacred thing to be shared by two people, then polygamy certainly doesn’t make sense. In fact, it kind of ruins that whole argument.

Comment by: Rameumptom » Blog Archive » Polygamy, Monogamy, and Same-Sex Marriage

2008-07-08T15:16:17Z

[...] the irony of LDS church members seeking to restrict same-sex marriage and followed it up with a collection of quotes from early church leaders outlining their view of monogamy. I figured I’d add my [...]