THE ATHEIST'S COMPLAINT:
Is polygamy OK? Several verses say "yes" (Gen 4:19, 16:1-4, 25:6, 26:34, 28:9, 31:17, Ex 21:10, Deut 21:15, Jdg 8:30, 1 Sam 1:1-2, 2 Sam 12:7-8, 1 Kgs 11:2-3, 1 Chr 4:5, 2 Chr 11:21, 13:21, 24:3, Mt 25:1, 1 Tim 3:2, Tit 1:6-7). Other verses say ‘no' (Gen 2:24, Mt 19:4-5, Mt 19:9, Mk 10:11, 1 Cor 7:2). Is there a contradiction?

RESPONSE:
Are there men in the Bible who had more than one wife? Certainly. Pick from among the list of Old Testament texts which the questioner has given, and you will see that it was so. However, that is an entirely different question than ‘does the Bible say polygamy is OK?' Simply because the Bible mentions men who were involved in the practice, or that it acknowledges that the practice exists does not mean it condones it. With that type of reasoning, we should also conclude that it is OK to conspire and carry out a murder, as the Bible speaks about such things (2 Kgs 15:25ff). Foolishness!

In fact, of the passages where polygamy is reported, often in the same context we find the results of such relationships, namely, jealousy, strife and turmoil. Not once is an instance of polygamous relations in the Bible accompanied by happiness and blessings.

Two of the verses listed above are found in the law of Moses, where instruction is given regarding situations which involve polygamy. The fact is, God tolerated their ignorance, and supplied in the law of Moses instruction to temper their conduct. In like manner, the law of Moses permitted a man to divorce his wife if she did not find favour in his eyes (Deut 24:1), but this was not God's original structure for marriage (Mt 19:1-9). Jesus identifies why God allowed such things, not because it was acceptable before Him, but rather, "...because of the hardness of your hearts..."

As space does not allow presently, we will continue with this discussion in next week's Answering The Atheist. However, realize, thus far as we have considered the Scriptures given by the complainer, there is no contradiction.

This article is a response to Skeptic's Annotated Bible, but original article is no longer listed

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