AdulteryPeople use many different words to describe, define, and even attempt to reject adultery; cheating, cheating, playing the field, extramarital affairs, 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 destroying the spouse and children. Even in the earliest days of civilization, adultery was considered destructive, earning it its own “Thou shalt do nothing,” in addition to at least 40 other less-than-positive references and miscellaneous stories in the Bible. Many companies, including ours, have gone so far as to ban the practice; in some cultures, punishments include death. So why do we allow the choice of adultery to be romanticized in many television shows, films and novels? If centuries of humanity believe that it is a crime, a sin, an abomination, why is it permitted? We are responsible for slowly allowing adultery, a moral, ethical and legal breach of contract, to undermine family structures and lower the standards of acceptable behavior in society. Morality in a marriage is more than a religious concept; there is a fundamental understanding that getting married is a choice and therefore an exclusive commitment to one's spouse. Billy Graham, known worldwide for his honest character and Christian beliefs, was well aware of the lure of adultery and the weakness of his own humanity. Wisely, he took precautions to safeguard his values ​​and reputation by ordering his staff to “never leave me alone in a room with a woman who is not my wife.” (Miller). This measure may seem a little drastic; however, maintaining a level of personal responsibility and understanding of morality...... middle of paper .......Jonathan, Turley. “The scarlet letter endures.” USA Today (2010): 09a. Academic research completed. EBSCO. Internet. June 24, 2010.Lauderdale, David. “Are Mark Sanford’s principles only skin deep? The island package (2009): n.pag. IPAK. FACTIVE. Internet. July 2, 2010.McLean, Candis. “Everywhere the scarlet letter. » Report/Newsmagazine (Alberta edition) 26.47 (2000): 44. Academic research completed. EBSCO. Internet. June 24, 2010. Mckay, Judith. “Global sex: sexuality and sexual practices around the world. » Sex and Relationship Therapy 16.1 (2001): 71-82. Sexual surveys and their methodological problems. EBSCO. Internet. June 23, 2010. Miller, Lisa. “Marriage is difficult.” Newsweek 154.16 (2009): 25. Academic research completed. EBSCO. Internet. June 24, 2010. Tresniowski, Alex et al. “WILL ELIN STAY? (Cover story). People 73.8 (2010): 54-57. Academic research completed. EBSCO. Internet. June 24. 2010.