Features
What is the Bible and Quran saying about polygamy?
Recently there has been discussions about marriage specifically regarding the issue of polygamy and whether the Bible endorses it or not.
A WhatsApp video I watched showed an ‘Osofo’ justifying why he has more than one wife with quotes from the scriptures supporting his actions. Other pastors also have preached against polygamy also with quotes from the Bible and so which is the correct stand of the Bible?
Our traditional setting allows for polygamy and it is part of our culture but because it is part of our culture, does not mean the Bible endorses it?
When we go to the Muslim religion and therefore to the Quran, we see that the Quran does not forbid polygamy but wait a minute, there is a condition that when obeyed allows a Muslim to engage in polygamy but it is impossible to obey, hence Muslims who know their Quran well, abhor polygamy.
There is a historical background as to why our forefathers engaged in polygamy. In the olden days farming was the order of the day and because agriculture was not mechanised, it was labour intensive so it made a lot of sense to marry more to produce more children and therefore readily available labour to engage in various farming activities.
Now let us go into the Bible and examine whether the Bible endorses polygamy or not because a lot of people make the argument that the Patriarchs were all polygamous.
The first patriach was Adam and he had only one wife called Eve. The next patriach was Noah and he had one wife. The striking thing is that God did not instruct him to marry more than one woman even though he was going to destroy the entire human race except Noah and those in the ark, which should have been the logical thing to do so he can quickly replenish the population after the flood.
The next patriach was Abraham and he had one wife. Some will argue that he slept with Hagar and got Ishmael but the fact is that he did not marry her. Next was Isaac and he had one wife followed by Jacob who had more than one wife but his case is the exception and not the norm. He was tricked by his uncle into marrying a woman she did not love and so had to marry the one he really loved later on in addition.
David married more than one but check the problems that came his way and his son Solomon whose lust was way beyond normal. He too, just look at the problems he encountered.
In the New Testament the Bible is clear on marriage. It is one man one wife. It should be noted that the New Testament dispensation is where the whole world falls under in terms of how God wants everybody to live to please him.
The Old Testament was mostly specifically designed for the Israelites, the chosen people of God but the New Testament is for the whole of mankind.
In Timothy the Bible states categorically the qualifications of some desiring the office of a leader of a Bishop which among others include “…the husband of one wife…” according to 1 Timothy 3:2. Jesus, the Saviour himself, who according to John 1:1 was there at the very beginning of creation, in response to a question about divorce has explained that marriage was instituted by God and that it is one man one wife issue according to Mathew 19:4-5.
It is therefore quite disheartening to hear people who claim to be men of God declaring that the Bible does not speak against polygamy. What they ought to realise is that the word of God does not adapt to any culture rather it is the culture that must adapt to the word of God.
Therefore if your culture permits polygamy, you need to align it to what the Bible says and not the other way round. Out of ignorance, others out of desire for sinful pleasures want God to endorse what God’s word does not permit and go about deceiving people.
It is one man one wife, finito.
Laud Kissi Mensah
Features
The power of change: Understanding the process and catalysts
CHANGE is an inevitable and essential aspect of life, shaping individuals, organizations, and societies. It can be transformative, leading to growth, innovation, and progress. But how is change created?
This comprehensive article explores the process and catalysts of change.
The Change Process
The change process involves several stages:
1. Awareness: Recognising the need for change.
2. Assessment: Evaluating the current state.
3. Visioning: Envisioning the desired future state.
4. Planning: Developing strategies and action plans.
5. Implementation: Executing the plan.
6. Evaluation: Monitoring progress and making adjustments.
Catalysts of Change
Several factors can catalyse change:
1. Internal Motivation: Personal or organisational desire for improvement.
2. External Pressures: Market trends, technological advancements, or regulatory requirements.
3. Leadership: Visionary leaders driving change.
4. Crisis: Forced change due to unexpected events.
5. Innovation: New ideas and technologies.
Types of Change
Change can be:
1. Incremental: Gradual, small-scale changes.
2. Transformational: Radical, large-scale changes.
3. Strategic: Planned, deliberate changes.
4. Emergent: Spontaneous, unplanned changes.
Change Management
Effective change management involves:
1. Communication: Clear messaging and stakeholder engagement.
2. Training: Developing skills and knowledge.
3. Support: Providing resources and guidance.
4. Monitoring: Tracking progress and addressing challenges.
Resistance to Change
Resistance can arise due to:
1. Fear: Uncertainty and anxiety.
2. Habit: Comfort with the status quo.
3. Lack of Understanding: Insufficient information.
4. Power Dynamics: Threats to authority or control.
Overcoming Resistance
Strategies to overcome resistance include:
1. Education: Providing information and context.
2. Involvement: Engaging stakeholders in the change process.
3. Support: Addressing concerns and fears.
4. Leadership: Demonstrating commitment and vision.
Sustaining Change
To sustain change:
1. Embed Change: Integrate new practices and behaviors.
2. Monitor Progress: Continuously evaluate and adjust.
3. Celebrate Successes: Recognize achievements.
4. Maintain Momentum: Keep the change process moving.
Conclusion
Change is a complex and multifaceted process. Understanding the change process, catalysts, and management strategies can help individuals and organizations navigate and create meaningful change.
Recommendations
1. Develop a Change Mindset: Embrace change as an opportunity.
2. Build Change Capacity: Develop skills and resources.
3. Foster a Culture of Change: Encourage innovation and experimentation.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
This question of love
The question of love is something that will be talked about until kingdom come.
A discussion I observed on the internet about a 19 year old who had accepted the proposal of a 67 year old man reminded me of the preaching of Pastor Mensa Otabil.
He talked about the a scenario where a 60 year old man enters into a relationship with a 22 year old lady and the lady tells him I love you, when he has a protruded belly, with all the accompanying creases and he believes what she says.
He further went on to say that a whole grown up man, allows a young lady to call him “babe” and he does not feel offended.
He further went on to preach that, this young lady, young enough to be his daughter, says “babe, I love you” and this man sheepishly laughs and does not realise, he is being taken advantage of.
What keeps ringing in my ears is his statement that “what is there to love about a protruding sagging belly?”
There is no regulated way for how a person falls in love. It reminds me of a funny statement that Pastors or marriage counsellors often use, that if you fall in love, you may hurt yourself.
Love I believe is a beautiful thing but it is not something that should be toyed with. People getting into relationships should consider the realities that are bound to happen as the years go by.
Jealousy is a very destructive influence. It can influence a person to harm his wife or her husband or to even commit murder. There has been countless reported instances where a man has poured acid on his wife or girlfriend, slashed his wife to death with a cutlass because he suspected, the wife was cheating on him.
It is something that blinds one to right reasoning and once your reasoning stops functioning, then the wrong side of us takes over and the result is nothing to write home about. In most cases, it comes out after the horrible act has been perpetrated, that there was no truth in the issue that caused the jealousy, after all. However, a life would have been maimed, disfigured or destroyed forever.
One of the causes of jealousy in marriage is the age gap difference. Whether we like it or not we shall grow old one day if God by his grace enables us to live long. When we grow old, a lot of changes occur in our bodies and things we used to do with ease, suddenly become a huge challenge and it could be very frustrating.
One of the things that drives a man crazy is when he has grown weaker in bed and sees the wife interacting with younger men in a suspicious manner that seems to suggest that there is more to it than meets the eye.
Jealousy will definitely be kindled in the heart of such a man whose wife is far younger than him like this 67 year old man wanting to marry a 19 year young lady.
In 30 years’ time, this man will be 97 and his muscles would have become weaker affecting his erection. His wife would be 49 and will have to be satisfied in bed in a manner that this man cannot execute. What do you think is going to happen?
Marriage Counsellors advocate that the ideal age gap between marriage partners should not be more than 10 years. This is one way to eliminate suspicions which results in mistrust when the man grows old and gets weaker because it is a known fact that sex is very important to men than women.
A man becomes very worried when his sexual performance level drops. This is what causes some men to act in a manner that is condemnable. My advice, walk into love, don’t fall into it. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
