Polygamy is in the Bible, even practiced by those who trust in the true God, yet that fact does not mean it is God’s will. Christ’s goes back to Adam and Eve for the pattern of marriage. While not as bad as fornicating with different people, abandoning and murdering children, and divorcing—that does not mean it is good or holy. Perhaps this is the reaction against feminism, though also error. Polygamy devalues women and makes marriage a human arrangement, exploiting the weakness of women. The appeal seems to be that it makes traditional feminism unworkable. Pastor Rich Tidwell does reference Luther, regarding his correspondence regarding Phillip of Hesse. Polygamy is a weakness, not a virtue.
There seems to be a market for this—as odd as it seems—among those completely disillusioned by societies current practices. But it is not God’s will, even if it is permissible, and cannot be encouraged as such. One comment on his Youtube video states: “The false doctrine of monogamy ONLY marriage is being exposed.” This is Tidwell’s response to the fact that what he is doing is illegal: “Prayer was outlawed in Babylon during Daniel’s lifetime, how did he get around that?” He claims polygyny (multiple wives, not multiple husbands) is divinely ordained, but did God ever specifically tell a man to take an additional wife? Is more wives better and one not good? Tidwell is spreading heresy – and auguring mainly from silence, even if believing men were misled in previous times. We should emulate their faith, not their sins and weakness. —ed.
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