Adultery (aka infidelity) is destructive to the spirit of the marriage relationship. Besides being destructive to the spirit of oneness in that relationship, it allows someone to come between you and your spouse. Adultery often involves secrets and lies. Adultery involves breaking promises and vows. In most cases, adultery involves deception and fraud as well. In some cases the person deceived is the spouse and in other cases, it is the lover.
Marriage as an institution precedes the legal systems man has developed. The importance of the marriage relationship existed prior to the Egyptian empire, Babylonia, the Mosaic Law, the Koran or the Bible. Although man has attempted making modifications to the institution, it has managed to survive despite those modifications. Adultery violates this institution. It goes against the legal systems developed by every major civilization that contributed to the advancement of humanity. Given its ancient roots, marriage has a profound place of importance. Adultery lessens the status of marriage. Adultery lessens the humanity of people, turning them into instinct driven animals.
The inter-changeability of adultery and infidelity as terms for this practice provides some indication of its roots. In cases of infidelity, they have left their spouse for another person, much like they have left one god for another one. They do not have an exclusive, intimate relationship with the person they made a vow to. By violating their vow, they degrade themselves and their spouse.
Although critics of monogamy want to blame God, the Mosaic law, or the Bible for their anger, the source of their discomfort precedes those systems. Adultery is a wrong that forces those practicing it to move away from civilization and toward barbarism. It takes humanity backwards.
Best Regards,
Jeffrey D. Murrah
