The original piece is a lengthy and detailed discussion, and it is full of historical and theological scholarship. If you’ve never read it, or haven’t read it in awhile, then I’d suggest that it is well worth your time. Like so many of the best pieces that make up this blog, however, there are some pithy bits that carry the spark of the whole within them. Take a look –
…Monogamy is a much cherished concept within Christianity. It's basis is economic. It has no theologically historical basis …The statement that, "Throughout time and throughout all cultures marriage has always been seen as a union between one man and one woman," is a lie. It is not the Judeo Christian tradition prior to the 600's … It is not the practice of the Moslem world and has not been for thousands of years … adherence to monogamy is a social aberration throughout world culture, not a norm…
Our household has lived, for over eight years now, as a polyamorous, committed, intentional family. We are not alone. We’ve met and formed friendships with others who share our understandings of how love and family can occur outside the narrowly defined boundaries that some would insist apply to us all. Some. Not all. We have friends here, many friends, who choose to live in monogamous relationships, and yet honor us and our lives with acceptance and openness. We’ve marched with others of all orientations and all beliefs, who endorse the notion that love is the core value that we can all share. I love “The Origins of Modern Monogamy.” I love the passion and the fire and the conviction that pours off the page when I read those words written nearly five years ago. It is a remarkable and intriguing piece of research, but even more than that, it is an anthem and battle hymn for those of us who live and love and hope to one day see our families stand on an equal footing with our monogamous neighbors.
swan
Will be thinking of you all during these meaningful, and challenging days.
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