Although it is stated in various ways, good intentioned Bible believing teachers argue that polygyny not only creates an opportunity for jealousy, but is also always associated with jealousy. Therefore, since it creates an environment in which sin can happen, it is bad.
(see the following websites for some of those who teach this: http://www.marriagemissions.com/polygamy-what-the-bible-says/ or http://www.eadshome.com/polygamy.htm or http://www.biblicalfoundations.org/?p=41 or http://bibleanswer.com/wives.htm or http://www.tbaptist.com/aab/pbc107.htm)
Exactly what kind of theology is this? What does it mean that “polygyny creates an opportunity for jealousy”? Is Biblical polygyny “always associated with jealousy”? Can an environment be created that causes a Spirit led believer to become jealous? Is this Biblical theology? Is this pop psychology? Is this logical? Is this sound Biblical hermeneutics?
Evidently, there are some Bible believing Christians that are so against Christian Plural Marriage that they have come up with an entire new theology – the Theology of Jealousy! What is the mantra of this new theology? Simply put, this theology teaches that “Circumstances Create Jealousy”! This is humanism, not Biblical theology!
Because this is one of the arguments used against the practice of polygyny, I will endeavor to discuss this topic thoroughly, answering all the questions that I have brought up – and more.
Blessings
Pastor Randy
© 2008 Biblical Families Association
You’re a bit kinder than I would’ve been, DaPastor, concerning at least one of those “good intentioned Bible believing teachers. Yeshua/Jesus certainly seemed to hold those who professed to teach to a higher standard, and a statement like:
“there is not one verse of the Bible that sanctions polygamy. God never approved it, nor gave anyone permission to practice it…”
is not only bad “teaching” – it’s a bald-faced lie.
Such a “teacher” should read Exodus 21, among MANY places where God provided guidance for the practice of marriage which undeniably includes polygyny. While he’s at it, he might want to see what God actually SAID about David, a “man after God’s own heart”, as opposed to just spouting unBiblical opinions.
Hubris like this wears thin quickly:
“I feel compelled to declare what the Word of God teaches on the subject.”
He should READ it first!
I’ve a bit of thought on this as well.
If polygyny ‘creates’ jealousy, what does should be monogamy create?
To me it is obvious that jealousy is a human condition, and most people who proclaim the monogamy only gospel seem to think that sort of jealousy is a righteous form of righteous indignation. People kill over jealousy, that’s why Scripture says jealousy is cruel as the grave. It’s the death that usually doesn’t physically kill, but it does kill the spirit of the hater and the hated.
Mark, let me correct you:
“there is not one verse of the Bible that sanctions MONOGAMY OVER POLYGAMY. God never SAID it, nor gave anyone permission to FORBID it…”
It is ridiculous to try prove something that is not in the bible.
This idea is not from me if you dont believe it is ok but is important for me to say it.According with Genesis we were created for eternal life but we lost it.Paradise marriage also was cursed.We were created for eating fruits with seeds only too.All this plans was canceled and our life begun based over curses and laws because the sin will be multiply.Women were submitted under man rule,pain in the pregnancy were part of all this,and still is present in our times.NOW we eat beef as a neccesary and most important part in our food.Can we pretend go back to the paradise food stablished in that time??that is imposible,we could die if we try it.Can we pretend to live etenal life again??that is imposible.Can we pretend to rebuild the paradise marriage back again???that was a catholic burden lay in the head of all human beeing.And protestants were deceived too,in the monogamy idea that we could return back there.Thats why 98% of men cannot be leal to his wives. Satan want to makes the children of God feel guilty as part of his plan to deceive everyone,because the guiltness send everyone to think that is impossible to be obedient to God and then humans began to be rebelious against God.