Some Russian Leaders Propose Legalizing Polygamy.

[Fiannan]

Speaking on Russian radio, the pro-Moscow leader said this was "necessary for Chechnya because we have war - we have more women than men".

He was backed by Russian parliamentary deputy speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

...

Mr Zhirinovsky, who is the leader of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), said polygamy should be applied across Russia "because we have 10 million unmarried women".

He told the state-owned Itar-Tass news agency that he would introduce an amendment in the spring parliamentary session.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4610396.stm

Well, it would give a different image to polygamy. In the US polygamist women tend to wear Amish-style clothing. In the Middle East they wear viels. If Russia would legalize it then we could expect to see a Russian man with several women (the women dressed in high heels, mine-skirts and fur coats -- standard wear for young Russian women).

This would also encourage some of our polygamists to learn Russian -- I have seen polygamist personals sites on the net, but most probably reach only English speakers.

[Guest Crazy Horse]

Speaking on Russian radio, the pro-Moscow leader said this was "necessary for Chechnya because we have war - we have more women than men".

He was backed by Russian parliamentary deputy speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

...

Mr Zhirinovsky, who is the leader of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), said polygamy should be applied across Russia "because we have 10 million unmarried women".

He told the state-owned Itar-Tass news agency that he would introduce an amendment in the spring parliamentary session.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4610396.stm

Well, it would give a different image to polygamy. In the US polygamist women tend to wear Amish-style clothing. In the Middle East they wear viels. If Russia would legalize it then we could expect to see a Russian man with several women (the women dressed in high heels, mine-skirts and fur coats -- standard wear for young Russian women).

This would also encourage some of our polygamists to learn Russian -- I have seen polygamist personals sites on the net, but most probably reach only English speakers.

If they do adopt polyamy as the new national sport, what will members of the church do? If it isn't against law...? Can't wait to hear what the Brethren say. B)

[shanstress70]

Will Fiannan finally get his wish?

Steady on there, fellas! I know it's too exciting to bear, but you can do it. Soon enough, maybe you will be able to acquire your harem.

[Aristotle]

Do LDS in China murder their baby girls because it is government mandated? I do know that Christians in China are very much persecuted, but I just wonder where one draws the line when subjected to an evil and corrupt government.

As for polygamist marriages, it tends to beat the women down into submission, as they are viewed more as property (cattle-like). I doubt that the Russian women will escape this mindset and treatment.

[Amphiblitz]

If they do adopt polyamy as the new national sport, what will members of the church do? If it isn't against law...? Can't wait to hear what the Brethren say. B)

I'm sure they will say something in line with Jacob 2:27 in the Book of Mormon. This, of course, is just one scripture that puts forth the Lord's general commandment on the matter.

Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none;

This has only seldom been superceded for periods of time when, for the Lord's purposes, it was necessary.

So, I would give it 1,000,000:1 odds (if not more) of not changing anything in the Church. (Some of the single guys are thinking "shucks!" The married guys are thinking "whew! THAT would be scary!")

Actually, I believe there are already countries that allow polygamy. Members of the church in those areas are not allowed to have more than one.

[Fiannan]

I have wondered about that though. My son's barber is Turkish and claims his brother is Mormon, lives in Turkey and has two wives. I suspected he was lying as I didn't think there were Mormon Turks but then I was reading that in the late 1800s and early 1900s there were branches in Turkey. Maybe he was telling the truth.

I know several large Protestant denominations allow 3rd. World converts to their religion (who have multiple wives) to keep them. Doesn't the LDS Church also allow this? After all, divorce aside for some major reasons, is a sin according to the Bible, polygamy is not.

[Guest Humble Pie]

I think it matters what GBH says not the Russian Govt. I mean, if they legalized rape or murder or taking candy from babies.....would it be ok for LDS to participate?

[Amphiblitz]

I know several large Protestant denominations allow 3rd. World converts to their religion (who have multiple wives) to keep them. Doesn't the LDS Church also allow this? After all, divorce aside for some major reasons, is a sin according to the Bible, polygamy is not.

You bring up a good point. When missionaries are planning to baptize unmarried couples living together, they tell them they must either get married or live seperately (& be chaste) before baptism. In the case you describe, however, the analogous solution would not be so practical. I can't imagine they would be denied baptism or required to divorce down to one couple.

I suppose the church would allow them to join and retain all marriage bonds, but not sanction any further marriages. This is just a guess, though. Anyone have anything concrete on this?

[Fiannan]

Perhaps exceptions are made. In Sweden the Church does not use the King James Bible. So different countries and cultures might be seen in different ways.

[Aristotle]

Edited by Aristotle

[Amphiblitz]

Many men may romanticize or fantasize about polygamy, but in reality, it would be an utter nightmare!

In more ways than one!!!

[Aristotle]

Edited by Aristotle

[Fiannan]

Canadian study urges legalization of polygamy.

A new trend?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto...NStory/National

Also, can someone find what the policy in the Church is towards converts who might be polygamist?

[shanstress70]

Bruce McKonkie's sister spoke to the Relief Society in my stake, and recounted an event involving Joseph and Emma Smith. Joseph had received revelation that he was to marry Eliza Snow. Emma did her best to keep them apart, but in the end, they were married. That didn't stop Emma, though. During Eliza's pregnancy, Emma pushed her down the stairs!

This is an unverifiable statement. LDS people generally get angry if non-LDS make such statements. However, you say this as if it's a fact. I think that many times in history, Emma is villanized by the LDS, when it could be said that she was treated badly after Joseph's death.

[Aristotle]

Edited by Aristotle

[Fiannan]

Depends, was his sister actually there?

[Aristotle]

Edited by Aristotle

[Aristotle]

This is what I found on polygamy:

In 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley made the following statement about the Church's position on plural marriage:

"This Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. . . . If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church."

[shanstress70]

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Bruce McKonkie's sister spoke to the Relief Society in my stake, and recounted an event involving Joseph and Emma Smith. Joseph had received revelation that he was to marry Eliza Snow. Emma did her best to keep them apart, but in the end, they were married. That didn't stop Emma, though. During Eliza's pregnancy, Emma pushed her down the stairs!

This is an unverifiable statement. LDS people generally get angry if non-LDS make such statements. However, you say this as if it's a fact. I think that many times in history, Emma is villanized by the LDS, when it could be said that she was treated badly after Joseph's death.

First of all, I'm not non-LDS; secondly, I heard his sister tell this story, so it is verifiable; thirdly, I think it only demonstrates Emma's human-ness...and something I probably would have done as well. ;-)

- Mrs. A

I know you are LDS. That's my point... LDS don't like it when we non-LDS make statements that are hearsay, but that is exactly what you did as an LDS. Sure, there may be people who said she did it, or even said they saw it, but there are also those who say she did not. I believe Emma herself said she did not.

[Aristotle]

Edited by Aristotle

[Outshined]

<div class='quotemain'>

Bruce McKonkie's sister spoke to the Relief Society in my stake, and recounted an event involving Joseph and Emma Smith. Joseph had received revelation that he was to marry Eliza Snow. Emma did her best to keep them apart, but in the end, they were married. That didn't stop Emma, though. During Eliza's pregnancy, Emma pushed her down the stairs!

This is an unverifiable statement. LDS people generally get angry if non-LDS make such statements. However, you say this as if it's a fact. I think that many times in history, Emma is villanized by the LDS, when it could be said that she was treated badly after Joseph's death.

I agree; it's certainly not appropriate to tell such tales in Church. I've never seen any historical evidence of Emma Smith pushing a pregnant woman down stairs (which is attempted murder), or even of Joseph getting another woman pregnant (and believe me, people have tried to prove that one).

Sounds like she was trying to spice up her talk with some sensationalism.

[Fiannan]

So what would this prove anyway, that two church women got into a cat fight? Personally I have never really paid much attention to Emma Smith.

[shanstress70]

Personally I have never really paid much attention to Emma Smith.

Well there's a surprise!!!

<div class='quotemain'>

I know you are LDS. That's my point... LDS don't like it when we non-LDS make statements that are hearsay, but that is exactly what you did as an LDS. Sure, there may be people who said she did it, or even said they saw it, but there are also those who say she did not. I believe Emma herself said she did not.

Can you verify that Emma did not say it? Bruce McConkie's sister addressed the Relief Society in my stake and gave an account of that story. If she was guilty of making up stories, I'm quite sure the brethren would discontinue her activities post haste. But this sister is very credible, one who takes a special interest in Emma by addressing members in that regard. As a LDS, I did not make an untrue statement. Perhaps some people find this subject very disconcerting, since sisters in the Church are prompted to support the brethren. However, it is common knowledge that Emma disapproved of Joseph bringing home a "sister wife".

- Mrs. A

I will look into this further and see what I can find out. I read a bit about it in Mormon Enigma, but will have to refresh my memory. You ask me if I can verify that she did not push Snow, which I cannot. I'm asking you if you can verify that she DID push her. I don't think you can verify that either. That's my point... it's all hearsay.

[shanstress70]

Aristotle,

Granted, it is hearsay, as everything will be on the matter, but I did find this page with a quick search. My point is just to show you that there are people on both sides of the fence who would swear they are correct. It all depends on who you decide to believe.

Link

[Amphiblitz]

This is what I found on polygamy:

In 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley made the following statement about the Church's position on plural marriage:

"This Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. . . . If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church."

So, can we deduce from this statement that polygamist converts, in countries that allow it, would be required to give up all but one of their wives?