| See the extensive discussion of polygamy in the section of the archives "Christian Living/Human Behavior - Sexual Behavior." It is briefly summarized below.
The Bible never explicitly prohibits polygamy, but it does state God's original intention for marriage: one man and one woman in a one flesh relationship. It also illustrates the ill results of polygamy. The list of arguments against polygamy presented by our Lutheran writers include the following, from Scripture:
- God's intention revealed at creation for a one man, one woman relationship. Two become one, but three cannot become one physically.
- Christ affirms the principle established at creation in Mt 19 and other passages.
- 1 Corinthians 7:4 establishes the principle of mutual control over the body of the other. 1 Corinthians 7:2 shows each should have their own husband or wife.
- Romans 7:2-3 shows it is wrong to marry a second spouse.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 affirm monogamy as the standard.
- From the analogy of Christ and the church: All NT references are to one husband and one wife.
- The origin of polygamy among the Cainites.
- The evil effects of polygamy apparent in the Old Testament. Hagar & Sarah, Rachel and Leah, Hannah and Penninah, etc.
- From the law of nature: testimony from the enlightened Gentiles; polygamy imposes unequal obligations on husband and wife; father does not devote enough attention to children; The clear tradition of the church.
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