So, it appears that the saga at the Yearning for Zion ranch is concluding (somewhat) with the return of most of the children to their families. Now, personally, I don’t really care what a person chooses to do or how a person chooses to live their life as long as no one is forced into doing something or living that way. While I understand where the practice of polygamy originates, I, personally, believe that, as a Christian, it is an antiquated practice that will no longer help you get into heaven.
Long before any of this hubbub started, I was intrigued by the beliefs behind the practice of polygamy and did quite a bit of research on the practice. I know that there are people who sincerely and earnestly believe in the practice, but don’t believe that anyone should be forced into a plural marriage situation. Might be odd, but if everyone is going into the arrangement with their eyes open and aren’t being forced into it, I really don’t have a problem with it. I realize that polygamy is an illegal practice, but there are other people who live illegal or what could be considered immoral lifestyles, and, as long as they don’t hurt anyone, I really don’t care.
There are also people, such as some in the FDLS, who will force their beliefs upon the women and men in the sect, even to the point of marrying 12 year old girls and forcing young men out of the sect to make sure that there are enough girls/women for the older men. In my opinion, that goes beyond religious beliefs, and more toward sexual gratification. Just my opinion.
I also believe that some of the children in this sect likely need some protective intervention. Women and girls are basically seen as “baby machines”, and I’m sure that in this environment, some men are sexual predators. It would be a prefect place for a sexual predator to blend in. Kind of makes me sick.
However, when the Texas government stepped in and took all of the children out of this very cloistered environment based on anonymous telephone allegations of one person, who couldn’t actually even be identified as being in the Yearning for Zion ranch, I was troubled. I was glad to know that the kids who need protection were going to get it, but troubled that the kids who didn’t need protection were taken from the only place that they have ever known and placed into an environment that they have been told they cannot trust. How traumatic is that to a child? The ability of a governmental authority being able to separate members of a family with no real evidence will never sit well with me.
Part of the blame falls squarely on the FDLS. Their protective environment allowed them to practice their unconventional religious beliefs basically undisturbed, but it also left much room for rumor and insinuation by the outside world, which is what lead the Texas child protective services to take all of the children. I do understand why Texas felt they needed to do what they did and don’t fault them for it.
But, I’ll always be just a little uncomfortable about it.
Long before any of this hubbub started, I was intrigued by the beliefs behind the practice of polygamy and did quite a bit of research on the practice. I know that there are people who sincerely and earnestly believe in the practice, but don’t believe that anyone should be forced into a plural marriage situation. Might be odd, but if everyone is going into the arrangement with their eyes open and aren’t being forced into it, I really don’t have a problem with it. I realize that polygamy is an illegal practice, but there are other people who live illegal or what could be considered immoral lifestyles, and, as long as they don’t hurt anyone, I really don’t care.
There are also people, such as some in the FDLS, who will force their beliefs upon the women and men in the sect, even to the point of marrying 12 year old girls and forcing young men out of the sect to make sure that there are enough girls/women for the older men. In my opinion, that goes beyond religious beliefs, and more toward sexual gratification. Just my opinion.
I also believe that some of the children in this sect likely need some protective intervention. Women and girls are basically seen as “baby machines”, and I’m sure that in this environment, some men are sexual predators. It would be a prefect place for a sexual predator to blend in. Kind of makes me sick.
However, when the Texas government stepped in and took all of the children out of this very cloistered environment based on anonymous telephone allegations of one person, who couldn’t actually even be identified as being in the Yearning for Zion ranch, I was troubled. I was glad to know that the kids who need protection were going to get it, but troubled that the kids who didn’t need protection were taken from the only place that they have ever known and placed into an environment that they have been told they cannot trust. How traumatic is that to a child? The ability of a governmental authority being able to separate members of a family with no real evidence will never sit well with me.
Part of the blame falls squarely on the FDLS. Their protective environment allowed them to practice their unconventional religious beliefs basically undisturbed, but it also left much room for rumor and insinuation by the outside world, which is what lead the Texas child protective services to take all of the children. I do understand why Texas felt they needed to do what they did and don’t fault them for it.
But, I’ll always be just a little uncomfortable about it.
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4 comments:
My God! You are turning into a Libertarian! I disagree with how many people live their lives, but I am also concerned about what the government can do to anyone they wish whenever they wish to do it. We must always be concerned about everyone's rights, not just those we agree with or relate to. But I guess the fact that children are involved makes this a more difficult situation.
And beyond the sexual gratification thing, I can't quite understand why any man in his right mind would want to be married to more than one woman. Often times, one marriage is difficult enough to navigate...
if you haven't yet read it, "under the banner of heaven" by jon krakauer is a good insight into polygamy and how it works. he really delves into the history of the church to try and get an understanding of the belief system. he also seems to manage to avoid being judgmental about it.
i agree, dane can't quite understand why any man would want to be married to more than one woman. i think it works in the church because these women are totally subservient and don't really have a choice.
That they went in and took those children also made me uncomfortable. I couldn't help thinking about it from my own children's point of view and how they'd feel to be taken out of their home. And, how I'd feel about being separated from them. The kids in this situation are the innocent bystanders and subjected to what their parents believe in and what the government took upon themselves to do based on a little bit of evidence. I believe they were just looking for a reason to get in there and bust it up.
Jon Krakauer's book sounds interesting. I'm always looking for something new to read and I have read him in the past. Since I know next to nothing about polygamy, sounds like an opportunity to educate myself!
Actually, it even goes beyond being subservient. Women and girls are taught that it is a blessing to God to be in a plural marriage because it has been ordained by God since the days of Abraham in the Old Testament, and that working through the challenges and human jealousies of sharing everything (husbands, home, chores, food, etc.) makes them stronger and closer to God.
I agree about Texas looking for an excuse to "jump the joint". I guess that the State of Texas had some "undercover" people in the compound for quite awhile prior to the raid. Makes me wonder why they couldn't have found any evidence before the phone call. Kind of odd.
Most of the information regarding polygamy is pretty negative, as would be expected. Keep in mind that most polygamists DO NOT live in compounds or secluded cities. They appear as normal as you and I [huh?], have normal jobs, women work out of the house, kids go to public school, etc. Most are not forced into marriage at the age of 12. Although it is true that most live in the southwest.
I can't imagine living in a house with a bunch of women either. Oh, wait. Is that like having 5 sisters? :-)
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