Liberated Christians
PO Box 55045, Phoenix AZ 85078-5045
Promoting Intimacy and Other-Centered Sexuality
COPYRIGHTED 1999 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - MAY BE
REPRINTED OR QUOTED FROM ONLY IF CREDIT IS GIVEN LIBERATED CHRISTIANS, MAILING ADDRESS IS
SHOWN AND WE ARE SENT A COPY OF PUBLICATION.
MULTIPLE INTIMATE
RELATIONSHIPS
A SUMMARY OF LIBERATED CHRISTIANS' VIEWS
(IMPORTANT NOTE: This statement will show that
Liberated Christians' views are not to be identified with Mormonism or the
beliefs and practices of "Christian polygamists" groups which have
been recently profiled by the media. Recent news stories have mentioned
Liberated Christians along with these groups. This statement will also show
that, strictly speaking, our views are not to be too closely identified with the
patriarchal polygamy of the Old Testament Hebrews.)
INTRODUCTION
Recent media attention has been paid to fundamentalist Mormon sects and families
which continue to practice polygamy and also to certain groups which describe themselves as non-Mormon "Christian polygamists."
In light of these
developments, we feel it is important to make a statement which summarizes our
beliefs and distinguishes them from the beliefs of these recently publicized
groups.
This statement does not
contain biblical quotes to document or describe our beliefs. Various materials
on this web site deal in a more detailed fashion with these beliefs and the
relevant biblical material.
EVIDENCE
FROM THE BIBLICAL RECORD
We believe that the idea of multiple sexual partners is in no way prohibited by
the teachings of the Hebrew or Christian scriptures.
The ancient Hebrews, as
portrayed in the Old Testament, clearly believed in multiple partnerships and
this practice is nowhere condemned by God.
When the New Testament
scriptures are viewed as a whole, taking into account the cultural context in
which they were written, it is clear that neither Jesus nor the writers of the
New Testament condemned such practice, although it appears that polygamy had,
for non-religious reasons, substantially declined within Jewish culture by the
time of Christ.
Despite this biblical
evidence, the Christian church has persistently opposed polygamous relationships
and has, at times, actively persecuted families which chose to practice this
lifestyle. The church has also used twisted interpretations of various
scriptures in defense of its opposition to this lifestyle.
A
STARTING POINT FOR MULTIPLE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS
It is our view that God's evident acceptance of the type of polygamy that
existed among the Hebrews is a starting point for discussing and developing
modern views on multiple intimate relationships. However, it is important to
notice certain characteristics of that form of polygamy which we believe are
deficient in light of the perspectives of Jesus and the character of the New
Covenant in Christ that we find in the New Testament scriptures.
The practice of POLYGAMY
among the Hebrews was, technically, the practice of POLYGYNY, i.e., the idea of
one man having multiple wives. In the Hebrew culture and many others throughout
history, polygyny was connected with a strong PATRIARCHAL structure in which
wives were viewed as PHYSICAL PROPERTY of their husbands. This structure, shared
with other Near Eastern peoples who were contemporaries of the Hebrews, severely
restricted the rights and freedoms of women, even though certain protections for
them were built into the laws regulating
marital and family life.
A
NEW BEGINNING FOR MULTIPLE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS
While we view God's acceptance of this form of polygamy under the OLD COVENANT
(God's relationship with the Hebrews) as indicating his approval of multiple
relationships, we believe that under the NEW COVENANT (God's relationship with
both Jews and Gentiles through Jesus the Messiah) it was God's intention to
modify the patriarchal system in order to give greater equality to women. We
believe that substantial hints of a new order of respect and freedom for women
may be discerned in Jesus' relationship with women and their prominence in the
ministry of the apostles and the earliest Christian church. We see no reason why
this new freedom should not apply to relationship styles, as well as other
aspects of spiritual life.
Thus, our views of multiple
relationships are based on a greater freedom of BOTH sexes to relate intimately
to partners of their choice. This means that women may have multiple partners,
as well as men. (Technically, this form of polygamy is called POLYANDRY.)
Regardless of the form, these partners are not to be treated possessively and
jealously as property, but set free to share themselves, in Christian love, with
others, as they choose.
In some of the material on
our web site it will be noticed that we appeal to the practice of the Old
Testament Hebrews as support for our views. We continue to grow in our
understanding of the message of the New Testament regarding love, freedom and a
better perspective on the role of women in the family and church. As we do, we
are relying more upon these New Testament ideas as a foundation for our views of
multiple relationships than on the concepts found in the Hebrew scriptures.
"POLYAMORY"-A
NEW TERM FOR A NEW BEGINNING
The modern term, POLYAMORY (a Greek and Latin hybrid meaning "more
loves" or "loving more than one"), was coined a number of years
ago as an alternative to "responsible non-monogamy," a rather
cumbersome term that was current among those who believed in multiple
relationships. In Liberated Christians we also use this term for two additional
purposes: to indicate that the relationships we advocate should be founded on
principles of Christian love and as a way of distinguishing those relationships
from patriarchal polygamy.
OUR
VIEWS AND THOSE OF MODERN "POLYGAMISTS"
In light of the preceding statements, it should be clear that our views of
Christian polyamory are not compatible with those of patriarchal Mormonism. In
addition, Mormons once practiced polygamy in obedience to unique doctrinal
beliefs, compatible with their patriarchal religion, which relate to heavenly
rewards for Mormon males. Although polygamy was formally renounced by the Mormon
Church more than a hundred years ago, some Mormons still practice the lifestyle,
many organized into fundamentalist sects. It is important to stress that our
views of polyamory have no such doctrinal connections.
Nor is Liberated Christians
to be confused with certain contemporary "Christian polygamy"
movements, which are clearly patriarchal in nature, even though they are not
Mormon in doctrine. Some of these groups have recently set up shop in isolated
areas of Utah and other western states, where they believe they will, like their
Mormon "cousins," be able to escape notice. They have, however, been
discovered by the media, which has produced numerous newspaper, magazine and TV
news-magazine reports on their beliefs and practices.
Typical of the sound-bite
culture of modern journalism, which seems to neglect thorough research under the
pressure of beating competing news organizations to sensational stories, some
recent news stories have lumped Liberated Christians in with both the Mormon
sects and the newly-noticed "Christian polygamists." It is important
to us that we distance ourselves from these groups.
WHAT
WE ARE AND WHAT WE AREN'T
In addition to distinguishing ourselves from the groups mentioned above,
it is important to note that Liberated Christians is neither a church nor a
cult. We do not advocate that Christians who share our views separate themselves
from their churches or isolate themselves in cult-like groups. However, we do
recognize that Christians who believe as we do may wish to find fellowship with
others of like mind. We encourage them to do that and try to facilitate it
through certain divisions of our web site and through personal contacts.
We in no way advocate or
support individuals who wish to cheat on their spouses by establishing intimate
relationships without their partner's knowledge and consent. In this sense, the
old term "responsible non-monogamy" or the term "consensual
non-monogamy" is a valid watchword within our circle. We believe that a
true, loving polyamory can only exist when all partners are in agreement
concerning the relationships.
We are primarily an
information source for Christians who are interested in exploring their natural
tendency toward multiple relationships and provide biblical study material
supporting their interests.
We have no formal membership. We do not sell anything except for packets of printed material for those who do not have access to our Internet web site and a few video tapes related to the poly lifestyle. We also offer Sybian machines for women at a discounted price and we receive a small referral fee from the distribututor to help defray our costs.
Liberated Christians is a
registered non-profit (though not tax-exempt) entity, almost the entire
financial support of which comes from the personal funds of the founders, who
earn their living through ordinary occupations. The founders, far from getting
rich through Liberated Christians, are, in fact, substantially poorer for their
efforts. This is a labor of love, not of profit. We are, however, grateful for
supporters who occasionally contribute to the ministry.
HOW
WE VIEW THE BIBLE
The founders of Liberated Christians accept the Bible as our teaching source
regarding our relationships with God and others and in that sense we might even
be considered "conservative" Christians. We simply believe that the
central biblical principle of loving God and loving neighbor may legitimately
cover the practice of multiple intimate or sexual relationships. We believe that
the tendency towards multiple relationships is a normal human tendency, not the
product of sin.
We also believe that the
Bible, especially the New Testament, does not teach the repressive, legalistic
style of life and spirituality that has tended to characterize traditional
Christianity and which stifles personal liberty in all areas of life, including
the realm of sexuality and intimate relationships. In addition to advocating a
liberated sexuality (which is not, by the way, the kind of
"licentiousness" of which we are accused by our critics), we believe
in a larger freedom to live our total lives under the "rule" of love
that is possible if the Bible and the gospel of Christ are taken seriously.
WHO
ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHARE OUR VIEWS?
Many of them are mainstream, evangelical Christians, including pastors and their
wives, church elders and Sunday school teachers. Some are seminary-trained
theologians. Others are lay men and women from many different church backgrounds
or no organized Christian background at all. They come from all walks of life,
including college students, doctors, ministry professionals, housewives and
blue-collar workers. They may be your neighbors, co-workers or even your
relatives. (Scary, isn't it?!) They are ordinary people who have simply
acknowledged that they have polyamorous desires, as do most other people who are
unable to admit it to themselves, their partners, their church or their God.
THE
FRUIT OF THIS MINISTRY
Thousands of people from all parts of the world "hit" our web
site weekly. Of the many who contact us, most indicate that they have considered
thoughts similar to ours for some period of time, but had no idea that such
views could be reconciled with biblical Christianity. Almost invariably, they
express their gratitude for finding relief from the conflicts they have
experienced between their faith and the inclinations they have had for expanding
their loving relationships.
In the more than six years
(including the two years that we have operated the web site) that we have been
hearing the "stories" of those who contact us, becoming regular
correspondents with many and personal friends of some, we have become convinced
that there is a substantial sub-culture of Christian individuals and couples who
believe essentially as we do. Many of these people are from
"conservative" or "evangelical" backgrounds and are
desperately looking for fellowship with those of like mind. It is those people
whom we are trying to assist in their growth toward a peaceful acceptance of the
basic goodness of their sexuality and their polyamorous desires and toward a
mature, spiritually sound practice of the poly lifestyle.
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Copyright © 1999, Liberated
Christians, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
E-MAIL: dave@davephx.com