Christianity & plural marriages

[Ewoq]

Christ talks about plural marriages and many of the forefathers of Christianity had plural marriages. Plural marriages are still practiced today by some Christians and was practiced by the early church. Why is monogamy the norm in Christianity when there is a clear prophecy saying good women will ask a righteous man to give them his name (be their husband) at the end of time?

 

[TheDude2011]

The early Christian Church didn't practice marriage of any kind. Early Christians looked at marriage as mostly a secular institution that had more to do with Rome than anything. The Christian preference for monogamy is clear as early as the writings of St. Paul, look at the requirements for a bishop.

Monogamy is important for social stability as well. In societies where polygamy is the norm the strong desire among women to marry above their station leads to a few elite males having almost all the women. Without any prospect of marriage and family rearing large populations of single males tend to become warlike very quickly. Just doesn't lead to social stability.

 

[elenore]

Christ talks about plural marriages

He does?

And the prophecy that I assume you're talking about is referring to a time of slaughter when so many men will be wiped out that to survive, women will be willing for polygamist marriages. Although I was under the impression that that prophecy has already been fulfilled, but if you want to post it we can go into it further.

God didn't make it illegal, but he did create a gender birth ration that is roughly equal (a couple of percent out which I think would take into consideration the amount of women who die in childbirth, particularly in the past.)

In a time of war, in an agrian society where the family land is entailed down through the male line, it's understandable for men to end up with more then one wife - specifically in a time of war when many men are killed. However it's obviously not Gods intention as normal or healthy.

If you look up the marriages of the patriachs, the ones who had more then one wife normally had pretty messy personal lives.
Job was a righteous man, and 'the wealthiest man in the east' however he only had one wife.
Even in the NT church leaders are only permitted to be the husband of one wife. Along with other detailed character qualifications.

To use people is to go against the whole purpose of christianity, and God created men and women to become one couple. 'Two become one'. Etc.
It's a partnership.
Not a car dealership for disgusting salesmen who think that women are possessions to glorify their ego through.

You can't be in partnership with someone unless they are truly your partner. When they are simply something you collect, the dynamic breaks down.

When you treat someone as something, they'll view you the same way over time. You can't use someone and expect not to be used in return.

We reap what we sow. Don't expect people to treat you differently to the way you treat them, or God not to hold you accountable for all of your actions and the pain it causes.
Generationally.

 

[Zach91]

I agree with what elenore said about the trouble that poligamy caused the patriarchs; one only has to look to the story of Jacob to see that.

Even if poligamy was still acceptable (which it's not) it would still not be ideal. There would be bound to be problems with jealousy, favoritism, etc. No good could come from it.

God's design is for one man to be with one woman, this is evidenced in Genisis where God created one woman (Eve) to be with Adam.

Besides, would you really want muliple wives? I mean I've never been married, but I'm sure one is trouble enough.

 

[Luther073082]

Christ talks about plural marriages and many of the forefathers of Christianity had plural marriages. Plural marriages are still practiced today by some Christians and was practiced by the early church. Why is monogamy the norm in Christianity when there is a clear prophecy saying good women will ask a righteous man to give them his name (be their husband) at the end of time?

While Plural marriages are not outright condemed, having one spouse is clearly preferable. Note that to be a bishop or a deacon in the church a man can only have one wife.

 

[jehoiakim]

As was mentioned before, New testament scriptures are clear that at least for elders and deacons they were expected to be "the husband of only one wife"

Also echoing the words of Christ it is hard to serve to masters, and a house divided against itself will not stand. I cannot imagine the difficulty you would have dealing with all the issues of jealousy, effectiveness as being an attentive husband, different opions on life choices that you would have to deal with on a regular basis.

Plural marriage might not be a sin, but it certainly wouldn't make you an effective christian much less an good husband. God permitted it at the time because simply in the culture a woman would not really exist apart from being part of a household. She would likely stave and live a destitute life. That is certainly not the case today. Plural marraige isn't something we should seek, God allowed it because he was merciful.