Clearly, Christians have thought about contradictions for a long time. But why link to an article that just says, no, there are not really any issues.

There are factual contradictions, which the article does not really address. Of course the Fast Times article lists things that are not contradictions (like Abraham discussion by Paul and James.)

But simply dismissing factual contradictions without discussing them really does nothing for one’s faith or the community.

“It’s interesting to me that, culturally speaking, we really have no defense against polygamy (based on all the other things our society accepts and celebrates).”

….and based on biblical precedent.

Gen. 2:24?

I think one can make a case for polygamy being wrong, based on the prohibition for elders and deacons and on the “two become one” principle. Also the binary nature of Adam and Eve.

On the other hand, I think the case for criminalizing it is much weaker, as is the case for making monogamy a prerequisite for believer’s fellowship.

Legality: Consider that a number of sinful practices were nevertheless permitted in Mosaic law and that Mosaic law was handed down by God himself. Divorce comes to mind. This was because the peoples’ hearts were hard. It’s not a stretch to imagine that polygamy was allowed for the same reason. On what basis do we now criminalize it, then, if God Himself didn’t see fit to do so? I won’t go so far as to say that “God didn’t criminalize X in Israel” necessarily implies “We shouldn’t criminalize X now”. However, when God refrains from criminalizing a practice we should at least consider whether perhaps we should as well.

Fellowhsip: Consider the restriction on elders and deacons. Suppose that the recipients of the restrictions believed polygamy was perfectly fine, and that the letter writer did not. Would he not then enjoin them against having fellowship with polygamists at all, much less making them elders and deacons? Now suppose that the recipients believed polygamy was grounds for severing fellowship altogether. If that were the case, why would the writer need to enjoin them against appointing polygamous men as elders? It seems likely that there were polygamous members of the church, but that the letter writer understood this to be outside God’s plan and so forbade their appointment as elders. On the other hand, he doesn’t go so far as to command the church to disassociate from them entirely, nor does he have any instruction for polygamous men (i.e. that they should leave their non-primary wives).

Having spent time among Tibetans in China a few years back, I must say that I am extremely grateful that you posted that video showing much of the reality behind Buddhism as actually practiced by those in Buddhist cultures and countries. I left China angry about how Buddhism and the Dalai Lama are portrayed here. I wish there was more awareness of what Asian Buddhists actually believe. It simply looks nothing like the peaceful, meditative religion we hear about all of the time. It’s also hard to have the same respect for the Dalai Lama after you see Tibetans prostrating themselves before his image set underneath a 40-foot tall idol of Vajrapani.

Thansk again for posting this Tim.