I would be interested to view quote/verse from the bible that endorses/condones/sanctifies pologamy.
His original example and intent was one man for one woman from the very beginning. Adam and Eve, not Adam and a harem. Granted, perhaps that's many man's idea of a garden of Eden, but it certainly wasn't God's.
Even some of the great men of the old testament fell into sin, so we can certainly use them as an example of how even the mighty can fall! Those sins were recorded for our own admonition - e.g. The most righteous King of Israel, David, had more than one wife. It would appear here that God was not happy.
Deuteronomy 17:17 Nor must he keeps on acquiring more and more wives, for that could lead his heart astray.
David’s wives were defiled publicly except for Bathsheba. But because of David's repentence? He was saved from death. The fruits of pologamy in the bible were evident.
King Solomon the wise. Started out good and faithful. But as time wore on, due to being lead astray perhaps by his own position and power, he wound up with 700 wives and 300 concubines.
“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 11:4).
It appears, at least biblically, that God never intended man to have more than one wife. Lamech, apparently the first man to have indulged in such a practice, was both a murderer and a degenerate.
Matthew 19:4 - He answered, 'Have you not read that the Creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh? They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh. So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide".
The apostle Paul reinforces God's disapproval of pologamy:
1 Timothy 3:2: “A bishop, must be blameless, the husband of one wife.”
Jesus came not to change the law, but to fulfill it. He confirmed the laws of the old testament. Jesus makes it VERY clear, that marriage between one man and one woman is God's will. Anything outside of this, is nothing short of adultery/fornication. One man and one woman, united under God to become one flesh. Those who violate such a union sanctified by God, are sinning.
Jacob 2:24 - 29: "Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord. Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes."
Now, unless God has changed His mind, or has somehow made exceptions, and there are quotes/verses that clearly depict this, then I'd say it's probably unwise to promote, encourage, condone and/or practice such and I'd question anybody who does.
Some will find a few quotes/verses and may twist it in an attempt to mean certain things, but certainly most of the quotes/verses contained in the bible are clear enough that children can understand and live accordingly.
One note, though..... Those propositions in CA which just passed on the good side for not legalizing marriage for gays?? Our church poured about 24 million in our tithing money to fight that! We normally don't get involved in political issues as a church, but when it affects the family and would have so many far reaching impacts - we had to do it.... You'd be surprised what a force for good the church is. its not this deep dark thing Abishag just painted the picture of.
Good on them for standing up for the family, and for morality and God's law. That's what we should all be doing! That goes also for adultery and fornication. All these things, outside of God's original intention, is a sin and an affront to Him and a scandal to others.
