AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question Brian, I was under the impression that adultery was having sexual relations with another man's wife, not merely sleeping with two women. With that definition having multiple wives would not be adulterous. Is that right? Thanks.
Answer Hi David!
Thank you for your question – I think that this is the first time I have had an answer to one person’s question generate a question from another person!!
Your definition of adultery is, of course, quite correct. However, right at the beginning, we read that “... a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united as one” (Gen 2:24). Then, Jesus Himself says that “... anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery” (Matt5:32), indicating that, in the eyes of God, the first marriage is broken only by the physical death of one or other of the couple.
Paul also deals with this subject. Writing to the Corinthian believers, he says “... let each man have his own wife (sing.), and let each woman have her own husband (sing.).” (I Cor 7:2) – and it’s worth noting, in passing, that he deals with the situation from the perspective of each gender! Then, in his letter to the Ephesians, he likens the marriage relationship to that between Christ and the church. I would argue that even this indicates monogamous relationships, on the simple basis that there is only one Christ, and only one church – the body of those who have, through repentance and faith, placed their trust in that same Jesus, and received forgiveness of sin, and a new life in Him.
The whole subject of divorce and remarriage is, of course, one of those on which sincere Christians hold different interpretations and, in my opinion (!), is not something that is “of the substance of the faith”. However, in our modern situation, and in any Christian marriage service of which I am aware, the references (in slightly different wordings) to being faithful to one another and forsaking all others, and to being faithful to one another until God separates by death, indicate clearly that Christian marriage is seen as to one person only, and for life.
I never know where my questioners are living, but you may know that, here in the UK, many of our statute laws are based on the teaching of the Bible. Such teaching is the basis for the laws against bigamy. I do hope that I have given you a satisfactory answer but, as I always write, if you wish to take the matter further, please feel free to come back with a supplementary question. I would also invite you to visit my blog at www.crazyrev.blogspot.com It isn’t a “social” blog, and you might find it interesting – including some of the archive material.
