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Letter: Letter

Published 12 December 1998

From Arthur Williamson

The statement that Christianity “enshrines the idea that humans are a
monogamous species” is historically erroneous. Ninety-eight per cent of the Old
Testament, and some of the New, tells of infidelities, polygamies and other
sexual meanderings.

Christianity has always recognised that humans have a “cheatin’ heart”,
explaining it as a consequence of “The Fall”—a calamitous (but not total)
loss of virtue. Indeed, the Christian religion holds out monogamy as an ideal, a
hope, a way to perfection for both individuals and society.

arthurw@synapsys.co.za

Issue no. 2164 published 12 December 1998

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