Polygamy Essay Research Paper

Polygamy is defined as: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time. (www.m- w.com) Polygamy may be odd to most Americans, but in the global community it is common, normal and accepted. Although the percentage of men in the world who have more than one wife is relatively small, almost one-third of the world’s population belongs to a community that allows it, says Israeli anthropologist Joseph Ginat. (www.hartford-hwp.com) Polygamy was an accepted practice among early Hebrews, this was because the Bible never spoke wrong about the practice, so no Jewish philosopher opposed it publicly. Finally, in the 10th century, a rabbi named Gershom outlawed polygamy for 1,000 years, saying that allowing polygamy only made conditions in society worse for Jews. Polygamy is most common in Muslim countries where there are no laws against it, and in communities that are more traditional and agrarian. For example, it is common and growing among the 180,000 Bedouin of Israel. It is also frequent among some Mediterranean Jews living in Yemen. But having multiple wives and families requires money, so in each society that permits polygamy, only 10 percent to 25 percent of men actually practice it, and most have only two wives, the men most likely to be involved are those with the most economic resources and most status in the community. Also, many American Indian tribes allow polygamy, several experimental Christian groups practice it; and, of course, there are those famous offshoots of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Polygamy is only wrong if it violates your own personal beliefs. For example, many people, especially Americans, are uncomfortable with the thought of a male having more than one wife. But many religions such as: Biblical Christianity, Roman Catholic, Islam/Muslim, Jewish, and Mormon don t despise of this belief but embrace it; creating a larger, stronger work force. There are two sides to every controversy, whether they are right or wrong can only be decided by you.