Why do some Christians feel poyamory will somehow destroy their marriages and society?

Question

In biblical times many men had multiple wives, God even goes so far as to call these men "Just and Righteous." In our modern times the concept of polyamory seems to be causing quite a stir, is it because in following this alternative to monogamy women are also allowed to have multiple spouses/significant others as opposed to polygamy where only men are allowed multiple wives?

(Polyamory n. participation in multiple and simultaneous loving or sexual relationships with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved.)

(Polygamy n. the practice or condition of having more than one spouse, esp. wife, at one time.)

Tracy: I understand that if you interpret the bible in some ways you can get to that conclusion, but, why do christians feel threatened if others practice it, surely how others lead their lives shouldn't affect yours?

Answer 1

That would probably be the same heterosexual people who fear that same-sex marriages will somehow destroy the sanctity of their own marriages :-)

I've yet to find the quality of my own relationships, polyamorous or monogamous, with women, men, or women & men concurrently, to be unduly affected by those of anyone else. I think it's that whole "healthy boundaries" thing.

But then, I was pulled out of the Southern Baptist church, kicking and screaming, by my intellect. That was nearly 20 years ago. In finally settled a happy balance between well-grounded paganism and a libertarian approach to Unitarian Universalism. I suppose that might have something to do with my attitude ;-)

Answer 2

Because it brought destruction, strife, jealousy, and strained at BEST family dynamics on those marriages and families of those who did it in the Bible. Jacob (who was tricked into polygamy) had strife and discord and jealously between his wives and his sons constantly gnawing at his home. David actually had a civil war in the nation of Israel break out that originated in his FAMILY. Even Abraham, who's wife suggested polygamy as a way for her to have a child, had strife and emotional pain because of taking another wife and having a child with her.

When we were created, God gave Adam no other wives than Eve, and to Eve no other husbands. Monogamy was God's perfect plan. Why wouldn't we agree with God and submit to his plan?

Look at Hebrews 13:7 about how we are to look at our spiritual leaders - "Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

Notice it does NOT SAY "Imitate their way of life." It says "consider the OUTCOME of their way of life." As human beings, even righteous human beings, we are still sinners. NONE of us, including the men and women of the scriptures, get everything right in their life. Their FAITH is what we are to imitate.

Why would anyone want to imitate polygamous lifestyles? It's not a common cultural dynamic like it was in Biblical times. Women are able to be single in our culture! My guess is out of a spirit greed, adultery, and sexual immorality. That desire and spirit needs to be cut out at the root.

Answer 3

I am starring this one!

Polygamy was very prevalent and common in the Old Testament.

Answer 4

You're talking about the Old Testament. The New Testament, you're only suppose to have one wife and one husband. Jesus Christ taught all of this in the New Testament.