Addressing the Theological and Spiritual Issues of the Broad Messianic Movement
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics responds to three categories of questions: Tanach (OT), Apostolic Scriptures (NT), and theology/Biblical Studies.
1. Is it true that there are people in the Hebrew Roots movement who support polygamy?
2. The crowds recognized that God gave Yeshua a unique authority as a man.
3. What is the Messianic movement’s position on women in ministry?
No one who reads the Bible denies that polygamy—the practice of a man having more than one wife—is seen within the text. The Patriarch Jacob, who was the progenitor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, had two wives and two concubines (Genesis 31:17; 37:2). King David, who was testified by the Lord to be “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), had multiple wives (1 Samuel 18:17-30; 25:38-43; 2 Samuel 3:2-5). King Solomon, whom many consider to be the wisest man who ever lived, had hundreds of wives and concubines (1 Kings 3:1; 11:3) that made up an entire harem (Song of Songs 6:8).
“So what is the problem?” it is said. “Some of the most important figures in the Tanach Scriptures had multiple wives, and so Messianic men today should be able to have multiple wives as well. YHWH is restoring Biblical patriarchy! Women need to learn their place.”
There are, in fact, many problems to be explored when considering whether or not polygamy is an acceptable practice for today’s Body of Messiah. Was it the ideal at Creation for the man to have more than one wife? When a man has more than one wife, is he truly fulfilled emotionally and spiritually with his multiple spouses? Is the household where one man has multiple wives and children from those multiple wives truly a place of love and affection, or one of discord and suspicion? Does the Bible portray men who had polygamous relationships as being genuinely fulfilled, and children who were true examples of godliness? Does a man having multiple wives express the sentiment that he places great value on women, or that they are simply property to be acquired? And, how many in the Biblical period actually had the financial means to afford more than one wife? Does the Bible really lend support to the practice of polygamy today?
This one verse written by the Apostle Paul speaks of a new status for human beings that has been inaugurated via the sacrificial work of Yeshua, as God’s people are to be united as “one person” (NEB), actively accomplishing His tasks in the Earth. At times, we do find Galatians 3:28 quoted among those in our Messianic faith community, but its ramifications are not often fully considered or probed for their significant spiritual power. Current and severe developments in the Messianic movement in our day—with the future steadily looming—require that we take a fresh look at this verse, what its message of equality means for us, and things that we are certainly missing as we seek to be those who are useful in the Lord’s work. This single verse asks us many difficult questions about both Biblical equality and why the Messianic community seems to have less unity and more rivalry.
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics discusses some of the different literary and scientific approaches which are witnessed to Genesis chs. 1-11.
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics discusses how the question of our future is strongly pressing against the present Messianic generation. But, in order to understand our future, we have to first understand our past and our present.
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics addresses the question, “What do egalitarians frequently mean by emphasizing ‘mutual submission’?” Ephesians 5:21-33 is reviewed from a mutualist perspective.
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics reviews how within some of the current debates over polygamy raging within the Hebrew Roots movement, that Yeshua’s own perspective of marriage in Matthew 19:1-12 is being left decisively out.
Issues involving men and women in the Body of Messiah, are not too frequently discussed in today’s Messianic movement, unless they are from a relatively strict complementarian viewpoint. John McKee of Messianic Apologetics approaches the subject of men and women from an egalitarian perspective. In this episode, we respond to some of the feedback we have received throughout our Men and Women series, addressing: the issue of single and celibate men and women in today’s Messianic movement, and the difficulties they face in not being treated as the equals of married persons.
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics discusses a number of dramatic incidents that he has witnessed in his 25 years of being involved in the Messianic movement. These are supposed to be points of learning, but unfortunately the Messianic community at large often does not use them as such.
J.K. McKee of Messianic Apologetics reviews some of the important spiritual points that he picked up, during his commemoration of Passover 2021.
