Is Polygamy The Next Moral Frontier For Evangelicals?

They are already in churches, perhaps sitting in pews, working in the nursery or teaching Sunday School.  Who are they?  They are ordinary looking Christian believers, but with a bit of a twist:  they believe that the Bible allows for a husband to have more than one wife.

Polygamy (or plural marriage, as some Christian advocates prefer), has traditionally been relegated to fringe off-shoots or fundamentalist Mormons or some modern Christian cults.  However, there is a growing movement of evangelicals who are re-examining the Scriptures, and who have determined that the Bible not only allows for the practice of plural marriage, but in some places, advocates it.

One of the leading groups that provide support and fellowship for those who either practice or who are seeking more information is Biblical Families (www.biblicalfamilies.org).   Their “About Us” page describes their outreach:

“This ministry is led by brothers in Christ who have a deep burden for strengthening families – including those who practice Biblical marriage with more than one wife. We are Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled believers who are serious about serving God and His people. We want to Glorify God, and to tear down the stereotypes and traditions of men that have caused Christians to not take an honest look at what the Word says about plural marriage.

Our mission is to support and encourage all families, to teach what the Bible has to say about marriage and family and the God-given roles of men, women and children, without bowing to tradition, and to support local groups – both existing fellowships that may come to accept this truth and those who are starting from the scratch, perhaps with just their own family. We recognize that through the centuries, and continuing today, there have been Christians who understood this truth, and were ostracized from the Body for it. We say that’s wrong , and we want to help those believers connect with others again – thus our emphasis on local groups, retreats, and building relationships.

We are not “one-issue” Christians – plural marriage is not a salvation matter, is not our priority in serving the Lord, and not how we wish to be identified. However, we recognize that others will seek to label us as such. We disclaim labels, and challenge those that may not yet accept plural marriage to see Biblical Families members for the God-fearing, brothers in Christ that we are, and not reject His servants by labeling and disfellowshipping them.

We are a diverse group of Bible-believing Christians. We do not consider ourselves special, any more than any other of God’s children. We do tend to share a “Berean” trait, taking at face value God’s Word, and not depending so much on the traditions, and additions, of man. Which of course is how we came to recognize the Biblical soundness of plural marriage. Among our staff and board members are those not currently married, those with one wife, and those with more than one wife. None of these states is better than another – what is ‘best’ is finding God’s plan for you.

We want to make clear that we do not condone or accept forced or coerced marriages of any kind, at any age. We believe that marriage is a covenant before God, not the state, between a mature, consenting adult man and a mature, consenting adult woman who believe that God has brought them together to be one. We also do not believe in “celestial” (eternal) marriage. We are not Mormons of any type, and make clear our fundamental disagreement with Mormon doctrines.”

Are evangelical leaders and churches ready to accept the presence and legitimacy of plural families?  For some, polygamy is equated as sinful as homosexuality, and is often condemned hand in hand.  Many in the plural marriage community hold to the same Biblical views on sexuality as most evangelicals, but would take offense at being lumped in the same group with those that subscribe to the gay agenda.

What does the Bible say regarding plural marriage?  In the case of homosexuality, evangelicals consider the Bible’s condemnation as final.  For those examining polygamy, the case is not so settled, as no single passage of Scripture specifically calls it “sin”.  In fact, some Old Testament passages seem to actually command the practice.

In the past decade, western culture has become more open to the concept of plural marriage, especially with the rise of television dramas and reality shows featuring the lifestyle.  The church, however, has been slow to respond in a positive way to those practicing or even accepting of plural marriage.  Families that are living in a polygamous relationship often find themselves unwelcome in most evangelical churches.  The ones that are able to maintain fellowship often have to keep their beliefs hidden.

The Biblical Families website (www.biblicalfamilies.org) defends plural marriage on a par with monogamy and celibacy:

Both monogamy and polygamy have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Neither are the overall ideal, but for each individual there is an ideal marriage situation. For one it may be celibacy, for another monogamy, and for another polygamy. Neither the word monogamy or polygamy is found in the Bible. The Bible simply calls them both “marriage”.