THE EDITOR, Sir:
WITH SO many marriages today ending in divorce, it would be nice to find a way to reverse that trend.
I have always thought that a distinction needs to be made between 'marriage' versus 'holy matrimony'. In my view, holy matrimony is an institution ordained by God.
In the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, a specific type of plural marriage (polygyny) was sanctioned (which is a husband with several wives). Numerous men practised this form of matrimony: Abraham, Jacob, David, and King Solomon (among others).
I feel if some consenting adults who are honest with each other wish to practise this according to their religious beliefs, they should be allowed to do so, if they are financially and emotionally responsible and if no abuse or welfare fraud takes place.
Other people who wish to have monogamous marriages should remain monogamous. And, single people wishing to stay single would remain so.
Civil marriages are the province of religion. However, 'Holy Matrimony' is a religious rite which should remain sacred and based on scriptural precedent.
Therefore, plural marriage (or polygamy) should be legalised.
I am, etc.,
JAMES A. MARPLES
RoseHillKS@yahoo.com
Longview, Texas
Via Go-Jamaica
