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Let me answer your question by  supplying with a short research paper that is downloadable to paper.  Historical Polygamy In the Bible polygamy was forbidden in  Deut 17:17,  Lev 18:18,  Mal 2:14,  Mat 19:4&5,  Mark 10:2-8, 1Tim 3:2&12, & Tit 1:6.  But many wives were authorized in   2Sam 12:8   probably to show, the then  known world, that indeed David was "the king over all Israel".  Houses, wives, and lands were but  the trappings of any "top man" or king, in those ancient times.  Polygamy  was tolerated in    Exodus 21:10, 1Sam. 1:2, & 2Chron.24:3 and indeed was practiced by   Lamech in Gen 4:19, & Abraham in Gen 16 and onward, and by Esau in Gen 26:34, & again in Gen 28:9.  Then by Jacob in Gen 29:30,  Asher in 1Chron.4:5,  Gideon in Judges 8:30,   Elkanah in 1 Sam 1:2, David in 1 Sam 3:2-5, 1Sam 5:13, and 1Chron 14:3.   Solomon in 1Kings 11:1-8, Rehoboam in 2Chron 11:18-23, Abijah in 2Chron 13:21,   Jehoram in 2Chron 21:14, Joash in 2Chron 24:3, Ahab in 2Kings 10,  Jehoiachin in 2Kings 24:15, and Belshazzar in Dan 5:2. The rights of the firstborn in plural marriages was protected by Mosaic Law in  Deuteronomy 21:15 to 17 and during trying times, which was most of the time, women were protected, see Isaiah 4:1, by the allowing of polygamy.    The drawbacks of polygamy, mostly favouritism, were demonstrated in  Deut. 21:15 to 17, by Jacob in Gen 29:30, and 30:15, and by Elkanah in 1Samuel 1:4&5,  as well as with Rehoboam in 2Chron 11:21. Much domestic unhappiness is illustrated by Abraham in Gen 16, and Gen 21:9 to 16,  hatred in Jacobs family in Gen 29:30-34, and envy in Gen 30: 1-23. Solomon was led to "other gods" by his many wives in 1Kings 11:4-8. It is a known fact that in ancient times Polygamy was the accepted practice. This was quite probably the result of the man shortage caused by the many ongoing disputes and wars.  In a world were "might is right" it is only "the logic of survival" that females seek the protection of the male.  If all the males are already "mated" then polygamy ensues and thereby polygamy rapidly becomes the approved relationship of the society around. Historically, wives have even been held in "common ownership" by males when females were in great demand. (See the teachings of Ephiphanes and Carpacrates). The O. T. Scriptures include rules and regulations regarding polygamous marriages simply because they were a fact of life at that time. Inclusion does not necessarily mean it was condoned, only that it was a prevailing system at the time and rules, regulations, or controls had to be put in place. Exodus 21:10 offered the wife protection when another wife was introduced into the family. Leviticus  18:17, and 21:15-17  offered protection to female family members and protection for the survival of "the tribe". Deuteronomy 22:28,29  protected the seduced virgin. Deuteronomy 25:7-10 protected the widow of a deceased husband. Proverb 5:18 declares "Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth". Christian View & Polygamy  Granted polygamy was and is tolerated by God and is very visible in the O.T. Scriptures, but so was murder and other forms of mayhem.  All Scripture is, and was not written as a "how to", but often was recorded as an example or reminder of what not to do. Today's view of marriage is taken from the Genesis story of Adam and Eve. God, in his great wisdom, created only one woman for Adam. (Gen. 2:18) One helpmate!  God then told the two that they are to be as one person, "one flesh"(Gen. 2:24). This statement appears again three times in the New Testament in Matthew 19:5,  Mark 10:7, and Ephesians 5:31. In the writings of Paul we find that each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.  Certainly Paul was aware of polygamy, but realised it impossible for one man and a multitude of wives to be of "one flesh". In 1Timothy, Paul outlines the requirements for the men for the offices of the organisation we now refer to as "The Church".   The elders and deacons were to be men of high regard and examples for all to see.  One of the requirements was that they be married to but one wife.  I repeat, Adam and Eve  "made he a woman, and brought her unto the man Genesis 2:22,  Then, leave father and mother, cleave unto his wife, and shall be one flesh   Gen. 2:24, Please note that Noah, the second founder of the human race, had but one wife. Noah and his three sons, three daughters, and his wife     Gen. 7:7. In the New Testament, 1Peter 3:20 we are told "eight souls saved". Proverb 5:18 and Ecclesiastes 9:9 …...with the wife of thy youth…. Ecclesiastes 19:14 A prudent wife is from the Lord. Ecclesiastes 18:22  He who findeth a wife findeth a good thing.  It was in the line of Cain that multiple wives came in to being.   Cain is also infamous for having committed the fist murder in mankind's history. Let us list some examples of "One Wife" in the New Testament Matthew 8:14  Peter's house he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick with fever… Mark 1:30  But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever  ( =same Simon Peter)  Matthew 19:5,  Mark 10:7 and Ephesians 5:31  Leave father and mother --cleave to one wife. Ephesians 5:23  Husband is head of the wife. John 19:25  Mary, the wife of Cleopas. Acts 5:1  Annanias, with Sapphira his wife. Luke 1:5  Zacharias, and his wife…... Luke 16:18  putteth away his wife, and marrieth another committeth…. Luke17:32 Remember Lot's wife. The Evangelical team of Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned three times in the New Testament! In Acts 18:2, Romans 16:3, and again in 1Corinthians 16:9. 1Peter 3:7  giving honour unto the wife…… Revelation 21:9  I shall show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. In John 4:16-20 We find Jesus conversing with the woman at the well.  It is obvious from that conversation that multiple partners are not acceptable. Let us take the example of the parents of Jesus, The Christ, HIMSELF.  Jesus had but one father (stepfather) whose name was Joseph,  and one mother whose name was Mary (Miriam). To those who use the family situations of the Old Testament as an excuse for polygamy I must ask, "Why then do you not follow the example of Noah, his wife, three sons and three daughters?"  Obviously, immediate family intermarriage is not acceptable today, but at that time it was the only way the world could be repopulated!"  Throughout modern history the New Testament Biblical view has been utilised by civilisation, that of a marriage being constituted by one husband and one wife. During the Greco-Roman times, while our Christ was walking in Jerusalem, the civilised world was already adopting the one wife for each man principal. One of the many hypocrisies Jesus pointed out was that many were using divorce as an excuse to be able to obtain a different woman.   Obviously, if polygamy were the norm the second or even the third wife could be acquired without the difficulty of obtaining a divorce. The Adam and Eve model is what we base our families upon today. Ancient Christian society was based upon that same model. It is absolutely true that the Bible does not condemn polygamy in so many words but the Christian model we should follow is very evident! Jesus The Christ came to this world to set us free, and free indeed we are. We are not under Levitical Laws but under HIS GRACE. Just like marriage between sisters and brothers was allowed in the time of Noah, for the purpose of repopulating of this world, polygamy was to some degree acceptable because it was a means of insuring survival of the "family line" and for the protection for the widow.   A real need for polygamy no longer exists so it is imperative we as True Christians accept and utilise the Biblical Christian model. That is "One wife for one man". Any and all True Christians who takes part in a polygamous, or polyandrous union will have to face Our Maker at the Bema Seat Judgement.  Non Christians will face HIM at the Great White Throne Judgement. Please consider this before taking part in any form of polyfidelity!   ~~~~~~~~ Q -- What have you got against churches ? You seem to down grade them, and  everything that goes on in them. A -- My negative comments about churches, and their pastors, include only those  churches that spend more time doing formalized rituals than worshipping. The pastors I castigate are those that have graduated from semitaries instead of seminaries.  Those teachers of incorrect, and extra biblical activities. A pastors job is to lead the group, teach, and keep the family in TRUTH. Robes, Rituals, and what I like to call "jube-jube" make me look for the  nearest exit! If its not in THE BIBLE its not correct teaching. No extra books, No extra revelations. ~ Q --  Who or what is the true God you write about?  Is Allah that God? A --  THE TRUE and only GOD is the God of THE BIBLE.  First HE  was The God of the Jews alone.  Later HE became THE GOD  for both the Jew and the Goyim   (that's us). Allah was found in the "Kaaba" along with many other gods when Mohammed broke in to the Kaaba to rescue his village god.  It was originally only the village god of those who lived in the village Quraysh.  Mohammed elevated that god and  proclaimed his village  god to be THE GOD.  ~~~ Saddam Hussein is also from  the village of Quraysh.  In the Qur'an  Allah is called "the arrogant" (Sur al-Hashar 59.23) and  "the most crafty" (Al Imram 3:54).    Regarding Our Saviour - "they crucified him not" (Sur al-Nisa' 4:157) ~  Q --  When will the end of the world come?  People have been preaching about  it just about all of my life. A --  One word answer - "never" .  The world as we know it will be changed but will never be gone or annihilated.  Just more false teaching and probably scare  tactic. ~ Q  -- Can you give me a straight answer to this question?   I have asked many  people and  everyone seems to "him and haw". My question is ----- " What colour of skin did the man known as Jesus Christ have ? " A  --  No problem !    I can answer you.     Your answer in one word  "Brown" !  All the people on this planet Earth are descendants from the first couple -  Adam and Eve.  We are ALL just shades of that same colour ! Hold a sheet of Real White and Real Black paper up against your skin. I can tell you "for certain" that your skin colour matches neither of these paper colour samples.    We are all   "off white - or - BROWN !  WE ARE ALL OF THE SAME COLOUR because we are all indeed  descendants of that  couple.  Because of protective pigmentation we are of different shades indeed.  What a beautiful example of how OUR MAKER designed us and built  a protective system into our skins to protect us from the suns rays !  Few people realize that The Bible does not say anything in opposition to  what is referred to as "mixed marriages".   This is precisely why. If "mixed marriages" do not work in our society, as it is today, it is because of the arrogance of man. To "prove" superiority they often use gross  misinterpretations of Bible passages or misapply a Bible passage to make it look like it proves them correct. Q --  I keep hearing about a one world church.  Is this in the Bible? Is there  any fact to this happening? A --  Yes the "One World Church" is mentioned in the Bible. In the Old  Testaments it can be found it the Book of Danial.  IN the New Testaments it is found in the last book of the Bible, The Revelation of Jesus Christ. (THIS QUESTION HAS CAUSED ME TO ADD ANOTHER PAGE TO  THIS WEBSITE !  SEE U.R.I. --- UNITED RELIGIONS INITIATIVE ! ) ~ Q --  Trinity, I don't see the word trinity in the Bible. Were in the Bible is the  trinity mentioned  ? A -- Indeed the word trinity is not in the Bible, but the indicators certainly are.    Look up Psalm 45, and Psalm 110.  Both indicate THE GOD speaking to  "HIS OTHER".....also......The Trinity is indicated in 1 John 5:7 if you are using  a King James Bible (others have removed or altered same).    In the Old Testament see Isaiah 44:6 --- and His redeemer I am ---. and  Isaiah 45:11 --- And His maker --. My favourite indicator is 1 Corinthians 15:28 !  At some point The Trinity will once   again unite because THEN there will be no need for The Trinity !  Water appears as a liquid, steam, and ice.   All three are one.  A Clover leaf has three segments, it is but ONE clover. In both situations above, three are one. Why can't THE GOD do the same?   Q.  I was recently told that Christianity is not a Religion.  Please explain. A.  Briefly put, Religion is man searching for God. A "road or search" for The Divine. Religion (Religio)  is "a system", man working or do things to find, please, or placate God. Christianity is God (Jesus) looking and waiting for us!  Please read Revelation 3: 20. Q.  Astrology is big business and everywhere.   Is there any truth in it? A.   NO!  There are four basic systems of Astrology.  Indian,  Chinese,  Aboriginal,  and American.  Proponents of each claim theirs is " the accurate one".  Users also claim marvelous accuracy for the one they happen to use even though  ALL FOUR SYSTEMS CONTRADICT EACH OTHER IN MANY WAYS! Three of the four systems base their "charts" on fewer planets than really exist. (Obviously the magnetic attraction of the newer found planets "doesn't count".) Aboriginal astrology  bases its system on Seasons, etc. . Wishful thinking allows the human mind to remember the few successful  predictions yet forget the unsuccessful many. There is a very strong tendency for persons to "go out of their way" to make predictions happen!   (Called "self fulfilling prophecy") Relying on the position of Stars is certainly NOT a Christian way to live! Instead of Praying to God, through Jesus The Christ, one can rely on Blind Luck,  Biorhythm, a Rabbits Foot, a Lucky Coin, Crystals, The Stars, the "laying of Cards,  Moon phases, or even the" flip of a coin". Any of which could be, and sometimes is, controlled by a demonic force or demonic forces. I HAVE YET TO MEET AN ASTRONOMER WHO IS A BELIEVER IN ASTROLOGY! Q. Does the Bible make any comment about "shacking up"?  A.  The Bible, Gods Word, uses two terms for man-woman, in a living together, relationships.  The first  term, or word, is marriage - Hebrews 13: 4 says "Marriage is honourable in all,   and the bed undefiled: but whore mongers and adulterers God will judge."  The second term, or word, is fornicators.  That is the term for people "having sex" outside of marriage.  Gods Word, in 1 Corinthians 6: 9 says "Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers  of themselves with mankind.  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers,  nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."   Please notice what grouping or classification GOD puts "shacker uppers".  Q.  Are we, or are we not, supposed to point out error in other peoples beliefs  or teachings?   Not even question them? A.  When corrected,  the person being corrected usually retorts with the Bible  quote from 1 Thessalonians 5: 19. "Quench not the Spirit,". It is sad that they do not read down to verse 21 to find "Prove all things"! WE ARE TO BE VIGILANT, AND COMPARE ALL BELIEFS AND TEACHINGS  WITH THAT WHICH IS TAUGHT IN THE BIBLE! We may "counter" with; 1 John 4: 1 "Try them..." Romans 16: 17  "Mark them..." Ephesians 5: 11  "Have no fellowship.." 1 Thessalonians 3: 6  "Withdraw thyself.." 2 John 10: 1  "Receive them not.." 2 Thessalonians 3: 13, 14  "Have no company with them.." Thessalonians 3: 10  "Reject them.." 2 Corinthians 6: 17  "Be ye separate.." Revelation 18: 4  "Come out.." 2 Corinthians 11: 13  "False Apostles transform themselves.." 2 Timothy 4: 2-4  "Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort.." 1 Peter 5: 8,9  " Be sober, Vigilant.." Galatians 1: 8,9  "We or an angel from heaven preach.." 2 John 7: 8  "Many deceivers confess not.." 1 John 3-7  "If you walk in the light-we.." Deuteronony 22: 9-11  "Do not sow diverse seed.." Ezekiel 4: 3  "Have nothing to do with.." Nehemiah 9:2  "separate selves from all .." 2 Corinthians 14, 15  " Be not unequally yoked.." Matthew 7: 20  "Beware false prophets.." Another comment from the person whose false teachings are being pointed out is often from Matthew 7: 1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged."! Let us go down to read Matthew 7: 5 ~  It clearly states that after you get yourself "straightened out" you should indeed correct others!  We are plagued with false teachers. There are many on the  television screen being  watched by millions. It is sad to realize that it is they that the general public think are the true Christians  and that their twisted thoughts are what we believe and Christianity is all about. Q.  Friends tell me I am poor because I don't pray enough or believe strongly enough, or possibly, I have not asked for financial help hard enough.   Possible? A.  True friends can give wrong advise sometimes.  Ones financial situation  has absolutely nothing to  do with ones belief. I am not saying that one should not  pray when having financial problems and needs.  What I am saying is that too may are missing the passage in 1 Timothy 6: 5 that tells us that people should NOT  confuse gain for godliness!  Q. I want a tattoo on my shoulder. Mom says "no way".  What does the Bible say? A.  The Bible says  1 Corinthians 6: 19  "Know ye not that your body is the temple  of The Holy Ghost?".        Listen to Mom. (This is also a good reason to stay away from Smoking, Alcohol, and other Drugs) The craze will soon be over and you  will not need surgery to remove the tattoo!  Q.  What can you tell me about the new card thing called "Yu-Gi-Oh" ? A.  Like Pokemon, and many other "kiddy entertainment things" it is a pseudo harmless way the Satan is promoting DEMONISM.  Just look at the  images on the cards the children are collecting!  It's all about power and spells and everything Jesus detested and still detests!  Enough said? Q.  My best friend attends a Church that insists on "Tithing". What can I tell her? A.  Your friend attends a church that is still under the impression that Christians are still under the Mosaic Laws! Point out 2 Corinthians 9: 7 " Each man decided  in his own heart to give....." Q.   I am terrified of losing my salvation!  Can God forgive me for living the way I do - and always "slipping?" A. There is absolutely no question that if indeed you became a True Christian by asking Jesus The Christ in to your heart, and repented of your sins, then you are saved. HIS salvation is PERMANENT! YOU ARE SAVED FOREVER! He stood at the door and waited FOR YOU!    Revelation 3: 20. Nothing can take your salvation from you!  "..tribulation, or distress,  or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword."     Romans 8: 35  It is even possible that GOD will allow ones body to be destroyed in order to save ones Spirit!  1 Corinthians 5: 5  (1 Corinthian ~ Chapter 5 & 6 deal with both Salvation and with Judgment of the Unsave) Have a Question? Touch Image To E-mail Donald F. Dutkowski HC   If You Have A Headset You Can Talk  With Donald F. Dutkowski ~ * |  |