Today’s commentary was written by 2025 Phyllis Schlafly Eagles Intern Cecilia Hellmuth (Benedictine 2027).
Monogamy used to mean that one person would be in a relationship with another person for the rest of their life; now, people have begun to define monogamy as being in one relationship, with one person at a time. The lifetime commitment part of the deal has been removed. Why is this?
“Modern Monogamy” is the new trend. This means exactly what I just said, being in one relationship with one person at a time. This gives people the “freedom” to change and grow as they like, not being tethered to any sort of risk that they are in a relationship with someone who may not change with them at every moment. Monogamy has become another definition overthrown by moral relativism. It is no longer monogamy.
The Greek roots of the word monogamy are “monos,” meaning single, and “Gamos”, meaning marriage. The word monogamy translates to ONE MARRIAGE. The objective truth is that monogamy means one marriage, for life. The definition cannot be changed, and should not.
The truth is that individuals who are unwilling to practice monogamy are uncomfortable with their lifestyle, as they should be, so they want to market it as “normal.” Instead of just quietly living their lifestyles, people feel it necessary to “change” the definition of a traditional term, forcing others to accept their choices!
Moral Relativism has struck again, and we cannot stand for it. What these people are practicing is not monogamy, and we should not allow the definition of something so sacred to be destroyed. Monogamous marriages are the foundation of our society, and this should be encouraged. Maybe it is “individualism” that causes so many to practice “modern monogamy” because they are unwilling to compromise, so they need to be able to walk away from any relationship.
Let’s call each other a higher purpose. Let’s get people to be team players again, putting others needs above their own. We must encourage the true definition of marriage. Monogamy is not something to be feared, but non-monogamy should be, as it destroys family, culture, health, and all sorts of good and beautiful things God has given us. Commitment is good. Self-sacrifice is good. Putting your spouse’s needs before your own is good. This kind of sacrificial commitment is not only right and Biblical, but frankly it does translate into loving yourself and loving others.
The traditional family is the building block of our nation. That’s why it’s imperative to support strong marriages, respect fathers, and champion stay-at-home moms. At PhyllisSchlafly.com, we oppose the liberal attempt to re-define marriage and family. To join us, visit PhyllisSchlafly.com and sign up for our emails. Thanks for listening and join us again next time for The Phyllis Schlafly Report.
This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/family/relativism-takes-on-monogamy/
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