Dr. Sophronia,
I regret that Reid's lecture caused you to confuse "polyamory" with "swinging," or "hedonism." Swinging is about sex with no commitments; polyamory is about love and commitment to multi-partner relationships.
You seem to equate "non-monogamy" with "hedonism." However, the patriarchs of Israel were polygamous. Since they define what the Bible considers a "good man," it is inconceivable they would be considered "bad" or even "hedonistic." Thus your assumption that "non-monogamy" = "hedonism" seems to reflect your prejudices rather than Biblical teaching.
If we look at the NT, the passages you suggested dictate monogamy involve Paul's recommendation that a bishop or deacon be the husband of one wife. (1 Timothy 3:2-12) You make the assumption that this was supposed to be an example which applies to all followers. If the Pope is celibate, does that mean all Catholics are expected to be celibate? Paul wanted bishops to stand out from the norm, but even Paul doesn't preach monogamy for all Perhaps even he must have seen how ill suited monogamy is to normal human nature.
Note in 1 Corinthians 7:25 Paul states, "Now concerning the unmarried I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion...(28) if you marry you do not sin." Note, no words demanding monogamy.
Note also in 1 Timothy 2:12 Paul states, "I permit no woman to teach or have authority over men; she is to keep silent." If you consider Paul to be articulating "God's plan," why do you ignore 1 Timothy 2:12 which is unequivocal, then read your own interpretation into 1 Timothy 3 ?
Given the 50% divorce rate I believe monogamy has been shown to have failed. Yet you seem certain monogamy is "God's plan," although there's no Biblical evidence, and in fact polygamy was the OT norm, and in the NT what Jesus says is, "In the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage," Matthew 22:30, which certainly doesn't sound like monogamous marriage is the "divine plan." Rather from that, and similar passages (Mark 12:25, Luke 20:35), it appears Jehovah's "plan" is to end marriage.
I find it ironic that you are certain your interpretation of "God's will" is the correct one, when probably 95% of Christians believe you are damned for denying the divinity of Christ. They are wrong, of course, you're damned for denying the Holy Ghost: Matthew 12:31 "Blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks against the son of man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come." Yet you're certain poly Christians aren't true Christians, but you are. Certain they'll go to hell, but you won't. Good luck.
Anyway, I haven't found a ride and I've learned there are no bus routes to Seneca Rocks. There is a bus line that runs 40 miles away from the campgrounds, but that bus doesn't interconnect with any other bus lines. After thinking it over, I've decided to cancel my plans for a visit to your area completely as I don't see any alternative for conveniently getting to the poly camp. I hope you understand.
Peace,
Flash
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