Why are there so many examples of polygamy in the Bible, yet it’s generally frowned upon in modern Christianity?
If you pay attention to Genesis in particular you find that the polygamy practiced by the patriarchs was never encouraged or condoned by God. From the polygamy of Abraham and Isaac we have the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict today. Misery, strife, bloodshed, and corruption of the message inten…
The Short Answer
If you pay attention to Genesis in particular you find that the polygamy practiced by the patriarchs was never encouraged or condoned by God. From the polygamy of Abraham and Isaac we have the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict today. Misery, strife, bloodshed, and corruption of the message intended by God to be modeled by the Jews through history was the result. Counter to that, we have explicit encouragement of monogamous heterosexual marriage in Genesis 2. The polygamy was taken from the pagan culture Abram was taken out of. Now God did work THROUGH (and continues to work through today) imperfect people. He forgives, and calls us to get over it and move on. None righteous and whatnot. While that's the reality it should not be seen as a green light for the perversion of the picture of marriage (which is actually a foreshadowing of the union of Christ and the Church, hence why God hates divorce) given in the Garden.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Polygamy, genesis, today
This explanation focuses on polygamy, genesis, today and spans 160 words across 9 sentences. At 122% above the average Society explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “If you pay attention to Genesis in particular you find that the polygamy practiced by the patriarchs was never encourage” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 9 connected points.
How This Compares in Society
Ranked #22 of 500 Society questions by answer depth (top 5%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why there so many examples of polygamy in the bible, yet it's generally frowned upon in modern christianity?
If you pay attention to Genesis in particular you find that the polygamy practiced by the patriarchs was never encouraged or condoned by God. From the polygamy of Abraham and Isaac we have the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict today. Misery,…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Society questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 160 words, ranked #22 of 500 Society questions by depth. The key concepts covered are polygamy, genesis, today.
What approach does this answer take to explain there so many examples of polygamy in the bible, yet it's ge?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 160 words. It is categorized under Society and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.