Biblical Marriage . . .

[Doc]

. . . We were having a conversation at home fellowship last night about a new approach to identification when it came to beliefs regarding plural marriage. We were wondering if maybe a better definition would be "Biblical Marriage".

-the phrases "christian polygamy","christian polygyny", "Bible polygamy/polygyny" and even "christian plural marriage" come pre-loaded with negatives built in to the phrasology. In other words, when people see or hear these phrases, the first response is often negative. The phrase "Biblical Marriage" does not.
-"Biblical Marriage" is a better phrase than "covenant marriage", because the first implies the second. Also, "covenant marriage" is used by a number of ministries and modern churches as a definition for "christian marriage", as opposed to secular marriage.
-"Biblical Marriage" is a better definition than "Christian Marriage", because even the latter has an implied definition of traditional monogamy-only.
-"Biblical Marriage" is a better term than "traditional marriage", as that phrase has political baggage associated with it, and also implies monogamy-only.
-"Biblical Marriage" as a doctrine covers the entire definition of marriage in its accepted Biblical norms of celibacy, monogamy and polygyny.
-"Biblical Marriage" as a definition sets itself in opposition to unbiblical ideas such as polyandry, polyamory, and homosexual unions.
-"Biblical Marriage" by definition clearly marks itself as decidedly different in doctrine, function and purpose of marriage as presented by various branches of Mormonism and other groups.
-"Biblical Marriage" fits in wonderfully with the idea, concept and terminology of "Biblical Families".

By using the term "Biblical Marriage" in conversation and in writing, it forces the receiver to ask "Just what is meant by 'Biblical Marriage'?" This in turn will result in laity, and hopefully in turn, leadership and clergy, to search the Scriptures for themselves and come to their own conclusions about what the WHOLE Bible has to say regarding the matter.

I just want to say that this isn't an original idea, but was presented by our friends who fellowship together in Dallas (bless you guys!) Thank you Nathaniel, Pastor Randy, and all the ladies!

Any thoughts?

Koinonia and Maranatha!

 

[Shimon]

You have a good idea there Doc. My only concern is that people are so set in their ways that they might assume that they already know what a Biblical Marriage is. Never underestimate the power of cultural inertia. Most people rarely get into the Word other than to confim what they already believe.

 

[The Revolting Man]

I think this an excellent idea. The truths espoused on this board apply to all families and we should be working to apply them across the board and not nescessarily get hung up on just poly. Although I am not advocating watering down that issue or shying away from it.

 

[Tlaloc]

I honestly thought that was the term already in use. That's what I get for missing the radio broadcasts I guess...

 

[Doc]

Actually, this post is a lot more for my personal benefit, because I have been using the phrase 'Christian Plural Marriage'. I think that 'Biblical Marriage' seems to fit my overall perspective much better.

 

[Tali]

I think this is an excellent "key word." I don't mean that in the sense of Google, but rather something (as mentioned below) that sets us up to do what Yeshua did, and that is ask culture-melting questions that result in divinely orchestrated, holy, personal revolutions. ("Woman, where are your accusers?" "What would you have Me to do?" "What do you seek?") The list goes on....

I write for a living, being the staff writer for Athens Now. (www.athensnowonline.com.) The publisher knows my stand on biblical marriage, and has been comforted by what it illustrates about his own heart. I haven't told his wife yet, but will when the time is right. Nonetheless, yesterday while she and I were working, it was so nice to say that Steve and I were planning on attending a "wonderful Biblical Families Retreat" soon. Having lived amongst Navy SEALS in a combat zone, ya gotta know I love pure, holy, Ruach-breathed "covert ops!" Thanks for coming up with such a cool key word.

Shalom,
Ali T

 

[Mark C]

I like it.



(It occurs to me that a number of similar terms are also appropriate; "Scriptural marriage", for example.)

 

[CecilW]

THANK YOU, Doc. Will use it from now on.

 

[For Joy by Faith]

I agree that the term is accurate. Not to crazy about the acronym though (BM). :lol: