The Bible and Polygamy: Does the Bible Sanction Polygamy?

by Orson Pratt

"The Bible and Polygamy: Does the Bible Sanction Polygamy?" by Orson Pratt et al. is a theological discourse written in the late 19th century. The book presents a public debate between Professor Orson Pratt, a prominent figure in the Mormon community, and Dr. J. P. Newman, a chaplain of the United States Senate, concerning whether the Bible endorses the practice of polygamy. Through a series of arguments and counterarguments from both sides, the text delves into historical interpretations of biblical laws pertaining to marriage and family structures, particularly focusing on polygamous relationships. At the start of the book, the two debaters prepare to scrutinize the question of biblical sanction for polygamy before a large audience in Salt Lake City. Pratt opens the discussion, asserting that various biblical passages clearly imply a divine endorsement of polygamy, illustrating this with references to laws and narratives from the Old Testament that discuss multiple wives and their rights. He highlights legal structures around inheritance within polygamous families and points out examples of biblical figures who practiced polygamy. In response, Newman challenges Pratt's interpretations, emphasizing that the biblical text should be read with an understanding of its historical context and ethical implications, thereby arguing against the idea that the Bible condones polygamous practices today. The opening portion sets a stage for an engaging examination of how scripture has been interpreted in relation to contemporary beliefs about marriage.