Polygamy in the Bible

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Okay, Dora may shoot me for this one, BUT:

Scripture does not clearly condemn polygamy. However, I don't agree scripture supports it or, worse, recommends it. I simply think that it was allowed, in the same manner slavery was allowed, and laws were put into place to regulate the practice and keep it humane.

Polygamy is out of line with scriptural ideals in the same way that slavery is out of line with scriptural ideals. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if a slave-owner from another country and culture were converted to Christianity, even if he were a kind and fair owner, he should be encouraged to set his slaves free, in order to be in line with Christian principles.

Polygamy is confusing, it is chaos, it is not in the best interest of the children in the household, and God is not the author of confusion.

Sister...God commanded polygamy to fulfill Liverite marriage. God also blessed David with wives. I honestly believe polygamy can't be judged outside of it's cultural context. In their cultural setting polygamy was a very moral institution compared to the alternatives for women.

By the way, the ten virgins are not support for polygamy. They were bridesmaids who were supposed to light the way with their lamps for the groom and his groomsmen as he made his way to his bride's house. The virgins were not brides. They were unmarried women, and as such, they were virgins. I know. Novel idea.

I was taught that too. But I'm curious as to the historical validity of this idea, I read somewhere that there wasn't a shred of evidence that this was actually the custom in ancient Israel.

Ms Bratt.. concerning Slave owners.. there were many good and godly slave owners who were Christian that let their slaves go only when we passed a law to do so.. Scripture encourages SLAVES to OBEY their MASTERS..... which is now Employees who are owned by their Employers.... we should obey our Employers....

Just as owning slaves is not UnChristian it is Un American and Un Western.. and as thus not recommended

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Dr. Vaughn

Ms Bratt.. concerning Slave owners.. there were many good and godly slave owners who were Christian that let their slaves go only when we passed a law to do so.. Scripture encourages SLAVES to OBEY their MASTERS..... which is now Employees who are owned by their Employers.... we should obey our Employers....

Just as owning slaves is not UnChristian it is Un American and Un Western.. and as thus not recommended

I disagree. As respectfully as possible.

A workman is worthy of his hire.
God is no respecter of persons.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Submit to one another.
Prefer one another.
Have all things in common.
If you have respect of persons, you commit sin.

I could go on and on....

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I disagree. As respectfully as possible.

A workman is worthy of his hire.
God is no respecter of persons.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Submit to one another.
Prefer one another.
Have all things in common.
If you have respect of persons, you commit sin.

I could go on and on....

"Slaves obey your Masters"

"Masters be fair to your slaves"

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Dr. Vaughn

"Slaves obey your Masters"

"Masters be fair to your slaves"

I know.

God instituted laws in the OT, and regulated the practice. In the NT, Christians were told how to behave and interact in certain circumstances. But that is not the same as an endorsement of slavery by God. The Christian thing to do, if you are held captive or owned by another person is to be obedient and godly, within the scope of your circumstances. But that doesn't mean God approves of slavery.

The scriptures in the NT seem to highlight potential conflicts that can arise, and tell Christians how to deal with them, master and slave alike. This is a great scripture:

I Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
I Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

I Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I know.

God instituted laws in the OT, and regulated the practice. In the NT, Christians were told how to behave and interact in certain circumstances. But that is not the same as an endorsement of slavery by God. The Christian thing to do, if you are held captive or owned by another person is to be obedient and godly, within the scope of your circumstances. But that doesn't mean God approves of slavery.

The scriptures in the NT seem to highlight potential conflicts that can arise, and tell Christians how to deal with them, master and slave alike. This is a great scripture:

I Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
I Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

I Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

So you are acknowleding that the NT endorsed slavery?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I disagree. As respectfully as possible.

A workman is worthy of his hire.
God is no respecter of persons.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Submit to one another.
Prefer one another.
Have all things in common.
If you have respect of persons, you commit sin.

I could go on and on....

It is written....

Colossians 3:22
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

1 Timothy 6:2
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Titus 2:9
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

Slavery (biblical slavery) was never condemned. However, ethical treatment of servants was admonished....

Ephesians 6:9
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Colossians 4:1
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Don't equate all forms of slavery to the way it was practiced in the Americas. The American institution of slavery was very brutal and wasn't anything like the biblical slavery.

[LUKE2447]

Wow slavery and polygamy are equal?????? uh no!

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by LUKE2447

Wow slavery and polygamy are equal?????? uh no!

Well sure they are different. Is one more deplorable than the other to you?

[Dora]

I believe there is much more than "feelings" behind my argument against the practice of polygamy. In researching the cultures that still engage in polygamy, I find that the practice is fraught with abuse of women and neglect of children. I can't see how this lifestyle aligns itself with Christ-like living. If you seek to live a Christ-like existence, then the practice of polygamy does not appear to be the best way to do it. One wife is usually prefer above another, the children of the preferred wife receive a greater inheritance or more attention from the father. It appears to be the antithesis of the teachings of Jesus.