Protestant Pastor Sparks Controversy After Publicly Embracing Polygamy, Calls It “Biblical”
Protestant Pastor Sparks Controversy After Publicly Embracing Polygamy, Calls It “Biblical”
A Protestant pastor in Missouri has ignited wide debate after announcing that he now has two wives and believes polygamy is supported by Scripture.
Rich Tidwell, leader of Ormond Church in Canton, Missouri, made the revelation earlier this year on his Instagram page, declaring that he is “thrilled for what the Lord has done” in expanding his family.
Tidwell, who has been married to his first wife, Brandi, for more than 14 years, shares seven children with her some biological, others adopted. The couple lead a small non-denominational fellowship founded over a decade ago. On his ministry website, Tidwell describes himself as a husband, father, YouTube apologist, polemicist, and “passionate follower of The Way.”
“I Have Two Beautiful Wives” Pastor’s Public Announcement In a June Instagram post that drew immediate attention, Tidwell declared:
“My name is Rich Tidwell, I have two beautiful wives, and my second wife is expecting my 8th child! We’re thrilled for what the Lord has done for our family (see Luke 18:29-30)!”
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The announcement was followed by a lengthy explanation on his website titled “Biblical Polygamy”, where the pastor laid out his theological argument for plural marriage.
His Biblical Argument for Polygamy
Tidwell claims his conclusion results from examining original biblical languages, cultural context, and what he calls “multi-verse coherence.” He argues that Scripture never prohibits polygamy outright and instead regulates it.
In his article, Tidwell wrote:
“I discovered the surprising fact that God not only never prohibited polygamy throughout the entire Biblical narrative… He divinely ordained it in several cases including David (2 Sam 12:7-8), Jacob (Gen 30:18), and Joash (2 Chron 24:2-3).”
He contrasted this with the Bible’s condemnation of homosexuality, citing Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27, and asserted that God “lawfully regulated” plural marriage through passages such as Exodus 21:10, Deuteronomy 21:15-17, and Leviticus 18:18.
A Call for “Reformation”
Tidwell says the modern church is “crippled by fear and compromised by tradition,” insisting that a “second reformation” is needed one that re-examines long-held assumptions about marriage.
His stance has generated significant discussion online, with many Christians expressing concern, confusion, or outright disagreement.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
Image Credit: Google .Com
