Polygamy is illegal

The Monogamy-Only Objection

This objection claims that polygyny cannot be practiced by Christians today because:

1. Polygamy is illegal in most Western countries and many other nations around the world.
2. Christians are commanded to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7).
3. Therefore, regardless of what the Bible says about polygyny in the Old Testament, modern Christians cannot practice it without breaking civil law.
4. This makes polygyny effectively prohibited for Christians today, even if it was once permitted.

The Answer

While it's true that legal polygamy (having multiple state-recognized marriages) is prohibited in many countries, this objection misunderstands both the nature of biblical marriage and the distinction between civil and divine law.

Biblical Marriage vs. State Marriage

1. Biblical marriage does not require state recognition. Marriage in the Bible is a covenant before God, not a government license.

2. State marriage licenses are a relatively recent invention. For most of human history, including biblical times, marriages were recognized through community acknowledgment, religious ceremony, and covenant-making, not through government paperwork.

3. The Torah's definition of marriage involves a man taking a woman as his wife through covenant, consummation, and public acknowledgment—not through obtaining a government permit.

Legal Compliance Without Compromise

1. One can practice biblical polygyny without breaking civil law by:

   • Having only one state-recognized marriage
   • Having additional wives in covenant relationships that are not presented as legal marriages
   • Being transparent with all parties involved

2. This approach respects both divine and civil authority. It honors God's law regarding marriage while not violating the state's restrictions on legal marriage certificates.

Romans 13 in Context

1. Romans 13 commands obedience to civil authorities, but this must be balanced with the principle that "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29) when the two conflict.

2. The state regulates legal marriage, not biblical marriage. The state has authority to determine who receives legal benefits, tax advantages, and civil recognition—but not to redefine what constitutes a marriage in God's eyes.

3. Historical precedent: Throughout history, believers have maintained biblical practices even when not recognized by the state. Early Christians practiced their faith despite Roman prohibition; the underground church exists today in countries where Christianity is illegal.

Practical Considerations

1. Legal protections: When operating without a state-recognized marriage, it is important to structure your family in a way that provides protection and benefits to all the parties involved, this can be done through trusts, estates, and other legal means.

2. Transparency and honesty: All parties should understand the legal status of their relationships. Deception or misrepresentation would violate biblical principles.

3. Cultural wisdom: While biblical polygyny may be practiced without violating civil law, believers should exercise wisdom regarding their cultural context and the potential impact on their witness.

Conclusion

The objection that "polygamy is illegal" confuses state-recognized marriage with biblical marriage. God's definition of marriage does not require state approval, and throughout history, believers have maintained biblical practices even when not recognized by civil authorities.

A biblically faithful approach respects civil law by not claiming multiple state-recognized marriages while honoring God's law by recognizing covenant marriages as legitimate in His sight. This balanced approach allows believers to practice biblical polygyny without violating Romans 13's command to submit to governing authorities.

The question is not whether one can have multiple state-issued marriage licenses, but whether one can form multiple covenant marriages before God while respecting the legal limitations of their jurisdiction. The answer is, yes.