Adultery

1440 Words3 Pages

Adultery

People utilize many different words to describe, define and even attempt to dismiss adultery; unfaithfulness, infidelity, playing the field, extramarital relations, having an affair are just a few. The net result of this choice however is the destruction of a personal reputation, trust and respect, while at the same time laying waste to spouse and children alike. Even in the earliest days of civilization adultery was understood to be destructive, thus earning its own “Thou Shalt Not”, in addition to, at least 40 other less than positive references and assorted stories in the Bible. Many societies, including our own, have gone so far as to outlaw this practice; in some cultures penalties range up to death. So why do we allow the choice of adultery to be romanticized on many television shows, movies and novels? If centuries of humanity believe this to be a crime, a sin, an abomination, why is it allowed? We are responsible for slowly allowing adultery, a moral, ethical, and legal breech of contract to undermine family structures and lower the standards for acceptable behavior in society.

Morality in a marriage is more than a religious concept; there is a basic understanding that to be married is a choice and thus an exclusive commitment to ones spouse. Billy Graham who is world renown for his upstanding character and Christian beliefs was well aware of the attraction of adultery and the weakness of his own humanity. He, being wise, took precautions to safeguard his values and reputation by instructing that his staff “never leave me alone in a room with a woman who is not my wife.” (Miller). This measure may seem a bit drastic; however, maintaining a level of personal accountability and understanding of morality...

... middle of paper ...

....

Jonathan, Turley. “The scarlet letter lives on.” USA Today (2010): 09a. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 24 Jun. 2010.

Lauderdale, David. “Are Mark Sanford’s principles only skin deep?” The Island Packet (2009): n.pag. IPAK. FACTIVA. Web. 02 Jul 2010.

McLean, Candis. “Everywhere the scarlet letter.”Report/Newsmagazine (Alberta Edition) 26.47 (2000): 44. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 24 Jun. 2010.

Mckay, Judith. “Global sex: sexuality and sexual practices around the world.”Sexual and Relationship Therapy 16.1 (2001): 71-82. Sex surveys and their methodological problems. EBSCO. Web. 23 Jun. 2010.

Miller, Lisa. “Marriage Is Hard.” Newsweek 154.16 (2009): 25. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 24 Jun. 2010.

Tresniowski, Alex, et al. “WILL ELIN STAY? (Cover story).” People 73.8 (2010): 54-57. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 24 Jun. 2010.

Open Document