Polygamy?

Too much tv and online news. That's all I can say to explain what's on my mind today... this is certainly not typical of my bloggy content! :)

I like to think of myself as fairly open-minded. That said, I have always found the concept of plural marriage to be, well, interesting. Make no mistake, I don't agree with it, but it amazes me that it's such a foreign lifestyle to me, yet it's practiced right here in our United States.

I've seen some tv programs in the past on women who choose to live in a plural marriage. They seemed like very decent, moral, intelligent Christian (their claim) women, the type I might chat with at the grocery store... until they started talking about how their husbands rotate which wife they sleep with on what night. What?!? There is NO WAY I could live like that, sharing my husband not only in day-to-day matters, but also knowing that he was down the hall sleeping with another woman. What if the kids all favor one "mom" over the others? What if one cooks better? And dealing with multiple sets of in-laws?? I can't even begin to imagine the jealousy that must play out in these homes each day.

I have also learned that there are two kinds of polygamy-- places like the compound Texas that was invaded this week, where women seem to be oppressed and forced to marry at young ages, and then there are polygamous churches whose members live in the community and, from the outside, look like any other family. (I'm not defending the practice, but I do think there's a difference in how those people in a compound interpret polygamy and in how the people who live elsewhere practice it.)

From a moral and religious standpoint, these folks supposedly have Biblical quotes and teachings that they used to back up their belief in polygamy. I think that just goes to prove that you really can twist the Bible to make it say anything you want it to say. If they want a Bible verse, how about this one?

Deuteronomy 17:17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. (New International Version Bible)

I'll be praying for all the children who were removed from the compound this week. I know they must be so very confused and scared right now, being torn away from the only life they've ever known. I'm praying that they are able to find a new and happy life away from the polygamous cult.

So, Biblical teachings aside, what do you think? Could YOU be one of many wives? Do you think others should be allowed to practice this in the United States legally?