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“This is a "touchy" subject for many in various cultures. The U.S. government seems to have had a fixation with this subject for a long time. The Mormons of old and the newer Mormon sects of today are perfect examples of this. While the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" says that their official stand on polygamy is a big "NO", many of their families practice it and their leadership is well aware of it. When caught, the central leadership or spokesperson always says, "Well, they are a fringe group.... We banned that practice a long time ago."
In countries where monogamy is the law, then our people are expected to fully obey the civil law. When monogamous convert families come into the faith in countries where monogamy is the law, they are excepted to keep it that way. I have seen some men who converted into one of the Semitic faiths years ago using the excuse that "it's ok" and this has ripped the family apart. It was nothing but an excuse for him to cheat on his wife. When done outside of the family unit, it amounts to adultery.
In most cases with this issue, the law of the land overrides any and all cultural traditions. If I am not mistaken, in some states within the U.S. any sexual relationship outside state sanctioned marriage is considered to be adultery and in some of those states, adultery is illegal (although not always enforced). Thus as far as concubines are concerned, some governments would consider those as simply "adulterous relationships."
Polygamy has plagued many families that are not accustomed to it. Again, the Mormons and their various sects, are good examples of this. Even though it is a part of their history, they live in a society (as a whole) around them that look down upon it and this causes stress, physical and sexual abuse in the family and eventually separation and divorce with children ending up in state operated homes.
Many people in the West do not understand the proper structure of "family." Many in the East who do have more than one wife or at least one wife and a number concubines, fully understand that each of these individuals are a part of the family unit. People in the West, however, simply can not understand this and think of the husband as "a dirty old man." It has always amazed me how many Westerners have their mind in the gutter on any given subject - whether the subject is sexually related or not!
We highly encourage monogamy in a relationship, especially in lands where polygamy is frowned upon. In other countries where it is an acceptable cultural practice we do have some regulations. Someone can not have "as many" concubines as they wish. We encourage one wife and no more than that, with a limited number of concubines. As Abraham said, "The more women you have, the more trouble you have."
In lands where there is a mixed feeling on the subject, we again encourage monogamy and ask members not to judge others for their personal choices. In fact, we do not judge those in Texas and Arkansas who were in the "Latter Day" cult for their polygamist beliefs and/or practices - but we are appalled at the possible abuse that has taken place among many of the children. Sadly this is usually the case in many polygamist families. Only those who are extremely spiritually and mentally healthy can withstand the temptations that can be brought up for them, especially in a secluded community. Polygamy is a dangerous area.” - Akhnaten: Words of LIfe. Vol. 1
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