[Linux4christians] Baptists (was Re: Ex-Muslim's college, speech disrupted by arson.)

[Preston Boyington]

l4c wrote:
> Billy Staggs wrote:
>> *the husband of one wife*,
> 
> Is everyone completely sure that this is pertaining to divorce and not
> polygamy, which was quite commonplace in the day?

hmm, I've not seen/read where it was commonplace, although it was
tolerated.  In fact, most places I see polygamy in the Bible show that
it led to ruin.  Solomon is not quite the 'shining standard' he should
have been and therefore is not looked well upon when referenced by later
persons.

  Besides, the Bible
> does outline some good reasons for divorce, would they be the exception
> to the "husband of one wife" clause, or would you be excluded from
> ministry (as Deacon / Pastor) if you remarried because your spouse was
> unfaithful or died?

honestly I wish I knew for sure, but until I can find otherwise I have
to go by what scripture states (and speaking as a divorced man, that can
be trying at times).

> I wonder what the Catholics think of this since none of their pastors
> are married to "one wife" at all.  Do you think that passage works in
> reverse?  Do you have to be married to your one wife in order to qualify
> for being a Deacon or are you excluded on the basis of being single?

1st Corinthians 7:2 reads
Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife,
and let every woman have her own husband.

the words "own husband" also seem to dissuade polygamy since the woman
would be sharing a husband with other women.