Polygamy

Polygamy

A talk given an evening seminar at the Moore College Priscilla and Aquila Conference in 2016.

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Talk Outline

1. Raising an Issue
2. The Problems
   • Definitions
     • poly (gamy, gyny, andry, amory)
     • marriage  
     • how is marriage defined? 
   • Biblical Examples and Silence  
     • silent assumption
     • examples of what?  
     • relationship of Testaments
     • wives, slaves and concubines  
3. Biblical Data
   • Creation narrative
     • God’s purpose  
     • sin’s impact  
     • creation’s fulfilment 
   • Biblical Presuppositions
     • laws
     • warnings 
   • Examples of Polygamy
     • patriarchs
     • leaders
     • kings
     • commoners 
   • Levirate marriage 
4. Biblical Integration
   • Nature of the Bible
     • united under the inspiration of God
     • a progressive Christ centred revelation
     • appeals ethically to decree, intuition and utility   
   • God in History
     • sovereignty
     • patience, long-suffering
     • giving people up
     • law for the lawless
     • governments
     • fulfilling his plans in Jesus
     • regenerating his people 
   • Reading the Bible
     • examples that illustrate principles by propositions  
     • moral propositions  
     • moral consequences  
     • Jesus’ logic
   •   The Genesis of Marriage
     • creation of humanity   
     • fulfilled in Christ and his bride
     • overseers, deacons and widows
     • God’s way and Our way