Re: [TruthTalk] Judging by Doctrine

[Dave Hansen]

Judy Taylor wrote: Dave Hansen wrote:   DAVEH:  I believe there have been times when the Lord has not only allowed polygamy, but has actually encouraged it.    I'm curious about what you base the above belief on DaveH because Jesus said it was not so in the beginning. God ordained marriage between one man and one woman; He told them to "be fruitful and multiply"  When questioned about bills of divorcement Jesus said these were because of the hardness of men's hearts (due to the fall). DAVEH:    When was the law of monogamy introduced, Judy?  IF you believe it was initiated in the Garden of Eden, then at what point was it first violated?  Was there any prohibition against polygamy in the Law of Moses?  If God did not want polygamy practiced, there would have been a formal prohibition, wouldn't you think?      If on the other hand, you believe God did not want men to live polygamous lives, then how does one reconcile that many OT people lived in polygamous relationships....including prophets of God without being reprimanded for it, excepting those instances where such action was based on sinful intent and actions, such as was the case with Bathsheba.  2Sam 12:8-12 even suggests that in the aforementioned incident, God gave those wives to David, and furthermore would give those wives to his neighbor.  Does that not imply that God might be condoning this polygamous relationship?  Was David criticized by the Lord for his multitude of wives?....No, just for the manner in which he acquired one of them.     If polygamy were sinful in the OT times, why would an OT character described as doing right in the eyes of the Lord, only be chastened for wrongly taking one particular wife?  (1Kg 15:5)     So Judy.....at what point to you believe polygamy became unlawful?     BTW.........What better way for men to fulfill God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" than by polygamy!   At other times he has forbidden it.  As I see it, most Christians only acknowledge those times when it was discouraged or forbidden, apparently without recognizing that some of the Lord's chosen people (including his prophets) had multiple wives without His condemnation.   God put up with a lot in former times, Paul says he winked at it but he now commands everyone to "repent!" DAVEH:  When do you believe he told everyone to "repent!" from polygamy? Do you believe in a Jesus that allows marriage in heaven?   DAVEH:  I do not believe marriages are or can be performed in heaven.  I believe such unions are an earthly ordinance, that are meant to be sealed by one with the proper authority while in mortality.  And as Jesus explained to Peter, those servants who possess the power of the Lord to bind on earth, can join together man, wife and families that will remain bound together in heaven.....despite those who would wish to put such asunder.  That is the power of the Jesus in whom I believe.     Let me ask you a question, Dean.....Do you believe Jesus has the power to keep families together in heaven?   Since marriage on earth is so that human beings may procreate what would be the purpose of marriage in heaven? jt DAVEH:   Same reason.        However, as you may know but may not have considered......procreation on earth can be accomplished without marriage.  So......do you suppose there could be a deeper reason for marriage other than simply procreation, Judy?  For instance.....IF the only reason for marriage were procreation, then why would divorce by deemed so undesirable in the Lord's eyes?   After child bearing years are passed, what possible reason would there be to continue being married?  Wouldn't you think the Lord could/would allow divorces subsequent to bearing and raising families?     From my (LDS) perspective, marriage is much more than simply for procreating mortal children.  And, proper marriage (sealing) do not end in divorce or death, as do marriages performed by most Christian ministers.  The Lord has suggested that marriages should not be put asunder, yet that is exactly what happens in a traditional Christian wedding where the pastor proclaims the marriage will end at death.   If God does not want those who are joined together to part....why do you think most Christians believe the Lord does not families to be united in heaven? -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave Hansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.langlitz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you wish to receive things I find interesting, I maintain six email lists... JOKESTER, OPINIONS, LDS, STUFF, MOTORCYCLE and CLIPS.