Re: 'monogamous' rels.

Joel Cannon (cannon@alpha.centenary.edu)
Wed, 14 Aug 1996 14:44:44 -0600 (CDT)

>
> We find no prohibition of polygamy in the Old Testament, and limited
> prohibition of it in the New Testament, yet there seems to be the assumption
> that monogamy is the explicit norm.
>

Just to stir the pot a little bit.

I recall a case mentioned (I believe) in Williston Walker's one volume
history of the church, where Martin Luther OK'd a second wife for
feudal lord, I believe on the rationale that it was never clearly
proscribed in the bible and was preferable to adultery.

I'm sure someone out there can set the record straight here concerning
Luther. Apologies if I have gotten it wrong.

Stanley Haauerwaas also has made the statement that we should be more
honest. Our society doesn't practice monogamy. It practices serial
polygamy.

-------
Joel W. Cannon
Dept. of Physics
Centenary College of Louisiana
P. O. Box 41188
Shreveport, LA 71134-1188

(318)869-5160
(318)869-5026 FAX