Polygamy is a form of marriage wherein an individual is married to more than one spouse. In mainstream Christianity, polygamy is seen as wrong and is not accepted as a form of Christian marriage. This is rooted in the belief that the Bible’s teachings have always supported monogamy, which is defined as one man being married to one woman.
The roots of the Christian objection to polygamy lie in the Old Testament book of Genesis. According to the text, “God created man and woman, and decreed that they should become one flesh.” This was interpreted by many early Christian thinkers as prohibiting any form of marriage outside of a monogamous relationship between one man and one woman.
Modern Christian teachings typically equate polygamy with adultery, as it is seen as an extension of forbidden “sexual immorality”. Polygamy’s exclusion from mainstream Christian marriage is seen as an attempt by the church to uphold the moral code set out in the Bible.
The arguments for why polygamy is wrong in Christianity often center on morality and the sanctity of marriage. It is seen as a violation of the laws of both natural and divine law, which prohibit sexual relations with multiple partners at once. In addition, many Christians argue that having multiple spouses undermines the exclusivity and intimacy that should characterize marriage.
While polygamy is still practiced in some areas of the world, it is not accepted in public or private Christian services in the United States. Many states have laws criminalizing polygamy, though enforcement of these laws is rare.
However, there are some dissenting voices within Christianity who argue that polygamy is allowable under certain circumstances. These arguments generally focus on the Old Testament practices of some of the ancient patriarchs, such as Abraham and Jacob, and on passages in the New Testament which describe a “second husband” or “additional wives”. This view is not widely accepted by mainstream Christianity, however.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to interpret Scripture for themselves and to decide for themselves whether or not polygamy is acceptable in Christianity. While some may disagree with the mainstream view that it is wrong, at the end of the day, the overwhelming consensus is that polygamy is not something to be encouraged in the Christian faith.
Agreement With Scriptures
The Christian position towards polygamy is based on the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, God speaks out against polygamy in Deuteronomy 17:17: “Anyone who takes multiple wives should be disqualified from serving as king.” This statement clearly indicates that having multiple wives is not something that is acceptable in the eyes of God. Furthermore, Jesus’ teachings of love and devotion to one’s spouse in the New Testament also seem to contradict any form of polygamy.
The Apostle Paul also spoke against polygamy in his letters to the Corinthians, advising that it was better to marry only one spouse “in holiness and honor”. This suggests that while polygamy may be allowed in some circumstances, it is certainly not ideal from the Christian perspective.
It is also important to note that some interpreters of the Bible believe that polygamy was only allowed as a temporary measure in ancient times. This is due to the fact that at that time, women were seen as property and men were permitted to take multiple wives as a sign of wealth or power.
Therefore, taking all of these teachings into account, it is clear that most Christian denominations do not support polygamy as a form of marriage.
General Moral Implications
In addition to the specific Biblical objections to polygamy, many Christians also have broader moral objections to the idea of having multiple spouses. It is argued that having multiple spouses can be detrimental to a marriage because the relationships tend to become less intimate and exclusive.
Furthermore, there is the potential for emotional harm when one spouse becomes jealous of the attention being given to the other spouse. Additionally, if children are involved, it is possible that they may feel neglected or that their loyalty to certain parents is divided.
In addition, it is important to note that there are often deeper implications to polygamy, such as questions of power, patriarchy and inequality. While it is often presented as an acceptable form of marriage in some societies, it is important to remember that it is usually still men who take on multiple wives, thus reinforcing gender inequality in those cultures.
It is generally accepted that monogamy is the preferred form of marriage in Christian teaching, as it is seen as a more stable and secure union. Monogamy also provides an opportunity for true love and companionship that seems to be lacking in cases of polygamy.
Implications In Developing Countries
In many developing countries, polygamy is practiced due to social and economic factors. For example, in many African countries, polygamy is seen as an important tool for providing financial security for women and their children. Women often enter into polygamous marriages in order to provide for their children in the absence of their husbands, which may be due to death, desertion or other factors.
In addition, polygamy is often practiced in order to strengthen family bonds and to maintain peace within the family. This is especially true in cases where the man is the breadwinner and the family relies on his income to survive.
In these circumstances, polygamy can provide security and stability for these families. Therefore, Christian teachings on the subject sometimes seek to reconcile these complex realities while also upholding the Biblical principles of monogamous marriage.
In most cases, Christian leaders strive to offer guidance that respects both Scripture and the individual’s culture and social context. While Christianity clearly upholds monogamy as the preferred form of marriage, it also seeks to be sensitive to the unique individual and cultural contexts in which polygamy is practiced.
Conclusion & Analyis
In conclusion, there is a general Christian consensus that polygamy is wrong and is not an acceptable form of marriage. This opinion is based on the Scriptures and on broader moral considerations. However, it is important to recognize that, in some contexts and circumstances, polygamy is still practiced with varying degrees of success. Therefore, Christian leaders often attempt to find a balance between respecting scriptural teachings and understanding the diverse cultural contexts in which polygamy is practiced.
From an ethical perspective, it is clear that polygamy is increasingly seen as morally wrong in Christianity. This is based on the notion that any relationship should be characterized by exclusivity and mutual respect, something which is often lacking in polygamous relationships. Therefore, most Christians believe that polygamous marriages should not be encouraged, regardless of the circumstances.
Social & Cultural Implications
Polygamy can also have a negative impact on the wider society. In some communities, it can lead to a distorted power balance, where men are seen as superior and women are seen as subservient. Furthermore, it can also lead to greater rates of violence against women, as there is nothing stopping a man from taking multiple wives, regardless of his financial or emotional predicament.
It is also important to consider the psychological implications of polygamy. Having multiple wives or husbands can lead to feelings of guilt, alienation and anxiety, as many people struggle to handle the emotional and physical demands of maintaining multiple relationships. Consequently, polygamous marriages can be unhealthy and damaging, both to the individuals involved and to society as a whole.
Finally, it is worth considering the way in which polygamy is portrayed in the media. Hollywood movies often depict polygamy in a romanticized manner, which can cause impressionable viewers to think of polygamy in a more positive light than it deserves. Consequently, it is important to be careful to not romanticize relationships which are seen as wrong from a Christian perspective.
Role Of The Church
Ultimately, it is up to churches and individuals to decide to what extent polygamy is acceptable in Christian marriages. While some may argue that it is permissible under certain circumstances, the overwhelming majority of Christian churches still oppose any form of polygamy.
In order to ensure that Christian teachings are respected, it is important that churches and Christian communities take a strong stance against polygamy. This means providing clear guidance on the issue and not shying away from having difficult conversations about the subject.
In addition, the church should provide support to those who have been affected by polygamous relationships. It is important that people understand that they are not alone and that help is available in regaining emotional stability.
Finally, the church should strive to educate its members on the Biblical teachings surrounding polygamy. Through providing Biblical instruction on the issue, it is hoped that people will come to understand why it is wrong in Christianity, and make informed decisions about their own relationships.
