By Justina A. Adebamiwa

I read Idris Muhammed Abdullahi’s recent article with a mix of curiosity and concern. His central argument—that the Bible doesn’t say “Thou shall not commit polygamy,” so Christians should stop treating polygamy like a sin—sounds bold, maybe even refreshing to some. But as someone who believes in both scripture and fairness, I think we need to look at this issue with more clarity and less provocation.

Let me say this upfront: Idris is right about one thing. The Church does need to deal with its double standards. The way some Christian communities overlook adultery—especially among men in positions of power—while shaming polygamists, is not just unfair, it’s hypocritical. But here’s where we part ways.

1. The Bible Is Not Just About What It Forbids—It’s About What It Models

No, the Bible doesn’t have a verse that says “Thou shall not commit polygamy.” But that doesn’t mean the Bible encourages it. The deeper question Christians should ask is: What kind of marriage does the Bible point us to?

From the very beginning—Genesis 2:24—God’s model was clear:

“A man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

That’s one man, one woman, one union. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 19, reminding the Pharisees (and us) that God’s design has always been monogamy. Scripture isn’t just a list of dos and don’ts. It’s a story—and the story of marriage in the Bible, at its best, is about covenant, sacrifice, and exclusivity.

2. Yes, Some Biblical Figures Practiced Polygamy—But Look at the Outcome

It’s true that Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon had multiple wives. But do we really want to use those stories as examples of healthy families? Most of them were filled with jealousy, competition, heartbreak, and division.

Abraham’s home split over Hagar and Sarah.

Jacob’s wives fought for his affection.

David’s family was ravaged by betrayal and violence.

Solomon? His many wives pulled him away from God.

The Bible records these stories—it doesn’t recommend them.

3. The New Testament Raised the Bar

The early church, shaped by Christ’s teachings, didn’t encourage polygamy. In fact, when Paul wrote about the kind of person qualified to lead a church, he said clearly:

 “…a husband of one wife.” (1 Timothy 3:2)

That wasn’t a cultural suggestion—it was a spiritual standard.

Marriage in Christianity isn’t just about producing children or managing households. It’s about reflecting Christ’s love for the Church: selfless, faithful, and singular. That’s the picture of marriage Christians are called to imitate.

4. We Can Call Out Hypocrisy Without Tossing Out Truth

Idris asks why churches are quiet about adultery but loud about polygamy. Good question. But the answer isn’t to normalize polygamy. The answer is to stop being silent about adultery, not to lower the standard of marriage altogether.

We must call sin what it is—whether it happens in secret or in public. But let’s not confuse cultural acceptance with spiritual truth. Just because something is common in tradition or history doesn’t mean it’s aligned with God’s heart.

5. Faith Isn’t About What Feels African – It’s About What Reflects Christ

Finally, Idris suggests that maybe Christians should consider Islam or traditional religion since they “obey God’s commands” better than Christianity influenced by colonial ideals. That’s a heavy claim—and it’s misleading.

Christianity, at its core, isn’t British or Victorian. It’s rooted in Christ, not colonizers. And Christ’s vision for marriage is not outdated or Western—it’s redemptive. It’s about healing brokenness, honoring one another, and building homes rooted in love and faithfulness.

This is not a crusade against people in polygamous homes. I know many who’ve grown up in such settings and turned out kind, decent, and faithful. But as Christians, we don’t shape our ethics around what works culturally—we shape them around what reveals God’s character.

So no, the Bible doesn’t say, “Thou shall not commit polygamy.” But it gives us something far better: a call to love deeply, faithfully, and sacrificially—one person at a time.

Let’s stop cherry-picking what the Bible says and live what it means.

Justina A. Adebamiwa is a Christian writer, a wife, and advocate for ethical leadership in Africa. She writes on matters of faith, culture, and social justice.