The verses in Matthew have to do with divorce, and do not specifically address polygamy. The next few verses also seem to say that Jesus is advocating celibacy. I don’t think you believe that, unless you are Catholic.
Also, Paul’s instruction was to specific church offices. The very fact that he gives that instruction suggests that there were other Christians who had more than one wife. He doesn’t condemn them.
And, do you think Abraham, Moses and Jacob were fallen prophets?
It makes me laugh when you take it upon yourself to pronounce judgment on my immortal soul. It sounds ridiculous and presumptuous.
Nice try, but I didn’t pronounce judgment on your immortal soul. Did you ‘feel’ judgment though? Take it as a hint from the One Who DOES pass judgment. And the parsing thingy is decidely your failing ... read what Jesus taught and do not stop your mind at divorce, for what Jesus taught applies to taking another wife ... without one of the two reasons He gave the act is condemned by Jesus, thus polygamy is condemned. How does it feel to be kicking against the teachings of The Lord of Life? Feeling like judgment is in the offing?... It isn’t coming from me, lawyer, it is coming from the One Who can touch your spirit when you try to make Him double minded or try to parse Him to allow your Mormon heresies to stand. Don’t ignore that ‘still small voice’ nagging at you, lawyer.
See my instructive comments to DU below regarding the far reaching consequences of Jesus' teaching on marriage
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2004714/posts?page=176#176
Also, Paul’s instruction was to specific church offices. The very fact that he gives that instruction suggests that there were other Christians who had more than one wife. He doesn’t condemn them.
This is an argument out of silence and is speculation. Divorce was common in the pagan world and this could well be reflected here. As the church leaders, they were to set the standard for the community. Therefore, in the absence of other NT instruction, ALL believers are to emulate the purity and scripturally-mandated characteristics of our elders--including the monogamous one.
And, do you think Abraham, Moses and Jacob were fallen prophets?
First off, Moses only had one wife - review the context of the 'cushite' term. Abraham and Jacob were blessed inspite of their behavior in this area. I know of no biblical passage that specifically commends them for being polygamous. Abraham's and Jacob's experience show that it was less than blessed given the issues that arose. In fact, to my knowledge, there is not one positive example of a polygamous situation in the bible.
They succeeded in killing Joseph, but he had finished his work.He was a servant of God, and gave us the Book of Mormon.He said the Bible was right in the main, but, through the translators and others, many precious portions were suppressed, and several other portions were wrongly translated; and now his testimony is in force, for he has sealed it with his blood.As I have frequently told them, no man in this dispensation will enter the courts of heaven, without the approbation of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jun.Who has made this so?Have I?Have this people?Have the world?No; but the Lord Jehovah has decreed it.If I ever pass into the heavenly courts, it will be by the consent of the Prophet Joseph.If you ever pass through the gates into the Holy City, you will do so upon his certificate that you are worthy to pass.Can you pass without his inspection?No; neither can any person in this dispensation, which is the dispensation of the fulness of times.In this generation, and in all the generations that are to come, everyone will have to undergo the scrutiny of this Prophet.They say that they killed Joseph, and they will yet come with their hats under their arms and bend to him; but what good will it do them, unless they repent?They can come in a certain way and find favor, but will they?
"If I ever pass into heavenly courts, it will be by the consent of Prophet Joseph"
--Brigham Young
--JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES, vol. 8, p. 224