Scripture is very clear: Marriage is between one man and one woman. However, one pastor is trying to justify his decision to take a second wife.
According to Protestia, Rich Tidwell is a pastor at Ormond Church located in Canton, MO, and has been married to his wife, Brandi, for 14 years. Together, the two have seven biological and adopted children. On the surface, everything may seem normal. However, Tidwell announced this summer that he had taken on a second wife who was pregnant with his eighth child.
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As the outlet noted, Tidwell wrote an article following this bombshell announcement called “Biblical Polygamy.” Tidwell wrote:
In 2019, I discovered the surprising fact that God not only never prohibited polygamy throughout the entire Biblical narrative (as He did with polyandry or homosexuality), but He divinely ordained it in several cases, including David, among others. In contrast with homosexuality, which is outright prohibited…
Not all stories in Scripture are meant for us to celebrate, but rather to learn from, so we can avoid the destruction and unnecessary pain that others experienced. From the beginning, God ordained the marriage between one man and one woman, and it is this example to which Jesus points. Part of the great pain and hardship that Abraham experienced came from having his son, Ishmael, with Hagar instead of waiting for the promised child that God was to give him and his wife, Sarah. Polygamy doesn’t make life easier: it makes things complicated, messy and outside of the order which God has for humanity.
This story, however, is just one of the growing ways that people, even in the church, are seeking a precedent for entering into relationships with multiple partners.
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According to Prophecy News Watch, a church recently attempted to defend itself after a youth minister blessed a marriage union between four men. The outlet noted that the minister, Lena Müller, said that the men “showed such love” she couldn’t possibly turn them away.
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These stories point directly to the end times apostasy. We know that in the final days, many will turn away from the truth. As believers, we must hold fast to God’s Word and the design He set from the beginning. More than ever before, the Church must boldly proclaim God’s standards and lovingly call people back to the order and blessing He intended.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
