In a statement that is bound to spark widespread debate, Apostle General Ray Michael, Head Pastor of the Cedar Miracle Center in New Legon, has asserted that Christians are biblically permitted to practice polygamy, claiming that the sacred scriptures protect the institution of multiple marriages.
Speaking at a Sunday service packed with congregants eager to hear his teaching, Apostle Michael argued that traditional interpretations of the Bible have often been misrepresented to enforce monogamy as the only acceptable form of Christian marriage. According to him, several revered figures in the Bible had more than one spouse, and these accounts were celebrated, not condemned.
“Look at the patriarchs,” Apostle Michael stated passionately. “King Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines, yet God blessed him. Abraham, Jacob, David — all had multiple wives. The Bible did not punish them for having more than one wife. So why should modern Christians think that having more than one spouse is a sin?
He went further to suggest that the popular belief that a Christian can only have up to four wives is a misinterpretation of the scriptures. “There is nothing in the Bible that limits a man to four wives. That restriction is man-made, not God-made. If we are truly following the Word of God, we must acknowledge that polygamy is protected in the holy book,” he emphasized.
Apostle Michael also addressed critics who have long argued that polygamy can lead to family disputes and societal imbalance. “The problem is not in polygamy itself,” he said. “It is in the lack of wisdom, understanding, and God’s guidance. If a man loves, respects, and cares for all his wives equally, as instructed in the Bible, polygamy is perfectly acceptable.
The sermon, which lasted nearly two hours, included biblical references from the Old Testament, particularly from the books of Genesis, Exodus, and 1 Kings, where the lives of multiple wives and concubines were documented. He encouraged men to pray for guidance and discernment if they were considering marrying more than one wife.
Reactions to Apostle Michael’s sermon have been mixed. Many of his followers expressed support, calling the teaching “eye-opening” and “a bold affirmation of biblical truths that have been ignored for centuries.” Others, however, have raised concerns about the social and legal implications of such a stance in modern Ghana, where civil law recognizes only monogamous marriages for Christians.
Sociologists argue that while polygamy is biblically recognized, it can present challenges in today’s society. “We must distinguish between biblical allowances and contemporary social norms,” says Dr. Kwame Ofori, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Ghana. “Encouraging multiple marriages without considering the economic, emotional, and social dynamics involved could lead to family conflict and societal strain.
Nevertheless, Apostle Michael remains firm in his position, stating that the modern church should not shy away from biblical truths, no matter how controversial. “God’s Word is eternal and unchanging. We should not be afraid to speak the truth, even if it goes against popular opinion,” he concluded.
As debates continue across social media and religious platforms, one thing is clear: Apostle Michael’s sermon has reignited a discussion that bridges faith, tradition, and modern morality, challenging Christians to rethink long-held assumptions about marriage
