well, probably most of the time, but there were 1 to many married wives in some situations. also, what about Ishmael?! he would’ve ended up being the heir if Isaac had not been born. Hagar wasn’t a concubine, and we know that God had a better plan, but i don’t recall God condemning any party, though He brought comfort to Hagar in the wilderness (that’s how wonderful God is!!!)
but i digress. there was nothing inherently sinful that anyone was condemned for in this passage…even the obvious lack of faith in God’s promise (if it had been given yet? memory fails me) wasn’t really condemned…in fact, Abraham was later praised for his faith!
but regardless, yes Melchizedek, i’m in the UK. i’m originally from Canada, though…where Christian morals are as Puritan, by and large, as our neighbours to the south. i’ve had to leave that environment and see other cultures and ways of life and get out of the Christian bubble to accept that not everything is black and white.
i can’t pretend that i know best, but i do feel alot of Scripture quoted as defining God’s 100% blueprint for marriage is maybe not as nailed down as i once did. i don’t know if i’m right or wrong, it’s just that i’ve seen so many hurt people from monogamous relationships, and i’m aware of apparently fulfilling relationships outside the norm…
also we do need to realise that now we have pretty good ways of preventing pregnancy and curbing the passing of disease.
the main issue though is that without honesty and communication…if we treat each other as things, then we are definitely sinning against them.
but is it possible to have a sex life that isn’t restricted to one partner, or perhaps doesn’t even require commitment, or multiple partners, without doing that damage? i don’t honestly know… all i can say is that some make it work.
my little brain has enough to cope with with one girlfriend, though…i could never organise the schedule my polyamourous friends have!
i do hope that heaven has some sort of sex though LOL…or at least the new earth!