Friday, February 12, 2021

The Law of Sarah: A Look Into the Celestial Doctrine of Plural Marriage

 Marriage, relationships, and laws are topics that are discussed all the time, especially in this social/political climate. Often they can cause a lot of strife and tension between communicating parties. Many do not see eye to eye as others people, for good or bad. 

This book is an informative piece on how the Law of Sarah, also known as "plural marriage" or polygamy, is supposed to be done under the Laws of God. Here evidences are given using scripture, General Conference talks, Journal of Discourses, as well as life stories from non-apostolic persons who followed this Law. 

There are many things about polygamy/plural marriage that I didn't understand before I'd read the book. The misconception that it was only for passive women and overbearing, lusty husbands who wanted a haram is often what people instantly assume is wrong. Under God's Law, that is not how it is supposed to be.  It also lists out very plainly the qualifications, accountabilities, responsibilities, and social and economical benefits of living this law. 

The biggest and most comforting things I've found is that it is a Calling from the Prophet. Not everyone will be called to do it, and those who are will be asked by the Spokesmen of God. It's not just something a couple can decide and do on their own, whether or not the husband is pushy toward it. I also like the idea that is brought up that if someone would be gungho to jump into this (lusty idea in tow), that they wouldn't be asked. They would obviously need to work on their own self before adding in another member to their family in such a way. 

I also liked the emphasis on how much God loves His children, His daughters specifically. That potentially do to a lack of worthy men who wouldn't be able to take their wife to the Celestial Kingdom, women are given another choice. Instead of settling with a lowlife or abuser (whom I've seen my fair share of recently), they could join in a family to someone who has already proven themselves to be a good Father, Husband, and Priesthood Holder. When looking for a spouse to claim for eternity, the women "will take a terrible chance" on the man they marry (President Gordon B. Hinkley, April 1998). But in a society that accepts plural marriage, the chances are far less terrible. 

Another part I find comforting is in "The Benefits of Living the Law of Sarah," and how it focuses mostly on the benefits for women. It's important for all sides of this relationship to know what they are getting into, and to see that there are multiple benefits for the ladies involved is comforting. The ones that are listed here are: Personal Liberties, Mental Health, Emotional Strength, Physical Wellbeing, and Spiritual Development. Being a stay at home mom can be rather isolating. Bombarded by homework and tears, or absolute silence for many hours where all I want to do is go back to bed can be exhausting (mentally and physically). But to have someone else around, who is my friend--because who else would I have join in my family for eternity--that I can talk to whenever I want, someone to help with things around the house or who can watch the kids while I go to work or vice versa. The comradery, friendship, and assistance one could get in a world that expects so much out of the "mom"--which honestly no one can live up to that expectation--would be elevating and comforting. 

Plural marriage is an interesting topic that ends up getting people really fired up. Many dislike it, from what I've seen, because of thoughts of potential disloyalty or favoritism. They are valid concerns and come with any relationship, marriage or otherwise. But when all parties put God first, remember always the covenants they made to their spouse and to God, and communicate often and openly with one another in counsels things will work. 

God places laws to help us stay safe, so we can come back to Him, and to help us be happy. This is a Celestial Law, marriage is a Celestial Law, and He wouldn't give us commandments or laws if they weren't for our eternal good. 

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