‘Examine what one religion teaches about Polygamy and Adultery’ (30 Marks)
Christianity stresses the importance of marriage, before the 17th century marriage was seen as something very different. The purpose of marriage was for procreation of children, a remedy against sin and avoidance of fornication. “The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together in the delight and tenderness of sexual union and joyful commitment...”
Adultery, also called philandery or infidelity, is a form of extramarital sex. It originally referred more specifically to sex between a woman who was married and a person other than her spouse. Adultery applies to both the male and the female, but only situations where the woman is married. (Lev. 20:10). Adultery is considered by many Christians to be immoral and a sin.
Sexual intercourse outside a loving relationship can cause emotional pain and cause the breakup of families. One person might be left emotionally damaged for future relationships being left with feelings of mistrust, guilt, regret or hurt. It also has an effect on the children as they don’t have a stable family life and this can have an effect on their mental health.
One of the vows that a person makes in the wedding ceremony is to be faithful to one another and by committing adultery; one or both of the partners are breaking their vow. Extramarital sex that wilfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations; "adultery is often cited as grounds for divorce". Christianity doesn’t approve of divorce and it should be avoided when there is a possibility that the marriage can be fixed. If adultery leads to divorce which isn’t an approved action then it is best that adultery be avoided. Divorce is seen to be an undesirable act especially by the Catholic Church which doesn’t allow the wedding ceremony of two partners of which one may be divorced to take place in the Church.
The Old Testament prohibits adultery in the seventh of the Ten Commandments “Thou shall not...