A universal solvent
I’m sure you’ve all noticed, especially lately, that religion is great for justifying pretty much anything. Wars, stunting kids’ scientific education, stopping contraception in the midst of an AIDS epidemic – these are all things we’re used to seeing pushed forward by the great shoehorn of religion.
But what about sex between a father and a stepdaughter?
By 1985 Cooke [one of the wives of Mormon Fundamentalist Tom Green] couldn’t help noticing that her thirteen-year-old daughter, Linda Kunz, was “showing feelings” toward Green. Linda liked to sit in her stepfather’s lap and would “hang on to him for the longest time.” She talked about him constantly, and eventually asked Cooke if she could marry Green. Cook consented, and in January 1986, Linda married Tom Green in Los Molinos, Mexico, a polygamous outpost on the Baja Peninsula. “I was happy for my daughter because she was happy and it was what she wanted,” Cooke said afterward. “I was happy to share her with a man I loved very dearly and thought was a very special person.” Linda Kunz Green was pregnant with Green’s child before her fourteenth birthday.
–Jon Krakauer, Under the Banner of Heaven
I knew about polygamy as a Mormon practice from times past, but it never occurred to me that it was considered a holy practice. Catholic priests may sexually abuse young boys, but the Catholic Church brushes it aside. It doesn’t say that a prophet said that this is a great thing to do.
This really drives home for me that a religion can be used to push anything. Never again will I wonder at evangelical Christians pushing regressive tax policies or opposing environmental measures.
Under the Banner of Heaven, by the way, is a very eye-opening read, as you can tell. I’m only four chapters in because I started two other books at the same time (polygamous reading!), but Katt, who’s a really fast reader, went through it already and confirms that it’s good all the way through.
Add New Comment
Viewing 4 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment