Is polygyny actually permitted by Scripture—or is it a misreading of the Bible shaped by culture, confirmation bias and flawed theology?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I walk listeners through both sides of one of the most controversial theological debates in the modern church: the biblical case for and against polygyny.

On one side, Pastor Rich Tidwell argues that plural marriage is biblically lawful—and in some cases even prescribed—based on Old Testament precedent and the claim that "sex is marriage." On the other, I work through dismantling his framework, showing why descriptive biblical narratives are not prescriptive commands, why the "sex = marriage" premise collapses logically and morally, and why both Jewish history and the New Testament consistently point to monogamy as God's design.

This episode isn't about shock value—it's about discernment. If Christians can call anything "biblical" by isolating verses, what guardrails remain?

💭 A different way to reflect this week:

• When Scripture describes something, how do we know whether God is revealing truth—or warning us through human failure?
  
  
  
• What happens when we confuse what God allows with what God desires?
  
  
  

📌 In this episode, we explore:

✅ Rich's strongest biblical arguments for polygyny

✅ RIch's claim that "sex creates marriage" and why it fails both biblically and logically

✅ Why Old Testament plural marriages were descriptive, not prescriptive

✅ Evidence that monogamy was the Jewish norm before Roman influence

✅ Why "cleaving" in Scripture implies exclusivity—not multiplication

✅ How symbolic passages (Israel/Judah, Christ and the churches) are misused

✅ Why the New Testament sets a higher standard for marriage and leadership

✅ The demographic, economic and moral flaws in "polygyny solves birth rates"

✅ Why this debate matters far beyond marriage—it affects how we read the Bible itself

📢 TAKE ACTION:

📖 Read Scripture in context—especially when claims sound "new but ancient."

🧭 Test every argument, no matter how many verses are quoted.

🗣️ And don't confuse cultural frustration with biblical permission.

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Is polygamy actually "biblical"… or is that a dangerous distortion of God's design for marriage?

In this solo episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I respond directly to claims made by Pastor Rich Tidwell and explain why Tidwell's pro-polygamy case collapses under careful biblical, historical and logical scrutiny.

This isn't a personality fight—it's a truth issue. And if the church has learned anything over the last decade, it's that silence in the face of deception doesn't protect anyone… it normalizes the lie.

Instead of cherry-picked proof texts and arguments from silence, we go back to first principles: covenant, cleaving, sexual immorality and the consistent biblical picture of marriage.

💭 Consider this:

• What happens when "biblical" becomes a label we slap on whatever we want?
  
  
  
• How do you spot confirmation bias when it hides behind chapter-and-verse?
  
  
  
• And what's at stake if the church gets marriage wrong?
  
  
  

📌 In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why the "King David" argument (2 Samuel 12) is a rebuke—not a blanket endorsement

✅ The fatal flaw in the "sex equals marriage" theory (and why it collapses logically)

✅ Why "cleaving" is exclusive—just like cleaving to God excludes idolatry

✅ Why arguments from Jesus' silence don't prove anything

✅ Evidence that monogamy was the Jewish norm long before Roman influence

✅ Why symbolic claims (Israel/Judah, the seven churches) are being misread

✅ The demographic & economic fallacies behind "polygamy solves birth rates"

✅ Why polygamy tends to cheapen women and destabilize societies—not protect them

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🧭 Don't outsource your theology to clips, headlines or internet debates.

📖 Open the Bible. Read in context. Compare scripture with scripture.

🗣️ And if you're a leader—teach clearly before confusion spreads.

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What does the Bible actually say about polygyny—and what doesn't it say?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I speak with Pastor Rich Tidwell to examine his views on polygyny (plural marriage). This is a sensitive, controversial topic—and this conversation doesn't rely on soundbites. It walks through the key scriptures Tidwell cites, the theological definitions he argues from and the objections he believes don't hold up under close reading.

This episode is the first in a series of three where this topic is presented as an exploration of the arguments and the questions they raise—so listeners can think carefully, check the text and discern wisely.

A question worth wrestling with:

If someone claims "the Bible permits it," what standard should we use to evaluate that claim—prooftexts, patterns, commands, or the full counsel of Scripture?

📌 In this episode, we cover:

✅ Tidwell's core claim: "no explicit prohibition" — and how he builds his case from that

✅ Key Old Testament passages he argues show precedent and permission

✅ The major text he cites about David's wives (and why it's central to his argument)

✅ His definition of marriage and how he connects it to "one flesh" language

✅ How he responds to common objections (conflict in plural marriages, legality and more)

✅ The difference between "descriptive" vs. "prescriptive" passages

📢 TAKE ACTION:

🧭 Don't take anyone's word for it—open the Bible and read the passages discussed in context

📝 Write down your questions and bring them to trusted, biblically grounded counsel

🙏 Pray for wisdom, clarity, and courage to follow truth wherever it leads

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What would make an artist walk away from a dream job at Disney—after working on classics like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mulan—to start over with nothing?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I have a great discussion with Davy Liu, a former Disney animator who believed God was calling him to something bigger than Hollywood: creating world-class, biblically grounded stories that can compete for the hearts and imaginations of the next generation.

Davy shares the moment he realized there was an "excellence gap" between Disney's storytelling power and the low-quality, faith-based content many kids are offered—and why he felt compelled to step into that gap, even at immense personal cost.

Have we underestimated how much our kids are being discipled by the stories they love most?

This conversation will challenge what you think "ministry" looks like and what excellence requires.

📌 In this episode, we uncover:

✅ Davy's immigrant journey from Taiwan to becoming a top Disney animator

✅ What made Disney "the best studio" in the world and why excellence matters spiritually

✅ The hidden "discipleship" power of iconic storytelling (and why it lasts for generations)

✅ The statistic that shook him: why so many kids leave the faith after college

✅ A defining pitch meeting that convinced him spiritual warfare was real in entertainment

✅ Why leaving Disney cost him his security and even his first marriage

✅ The mission behind Kendu Films and his "parable-style" storytelling strategy

📢 TAKE ACTION:

– Explore Davy's mission + resources: https://kendukids.org

– Visit Kendu Films: https://kendufilms.com

– Support excellence-driven faith storytelling that reaches the next generation

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What if we've been missing the heart of Christmas—not because the story has changed, but because we have?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I sit down with New York Times best-selling author Donna VanLiere to peel back the cultural layers that have distorted the Nativity. From the misunderstood Magi to the overlooked obedience of Joseph, we explore the deeper biblical truths behind a story most people only know on the surface.

✨ This week's reflection prompt (Rotation #4):

What if you've become so familiar with the Christmas story that you've stopped seeing it?

Let this conversation help you rediscover what's been there all along.

📌 In this episode, we uncover:

✅ Why the Magi were likely a large Gentile entourage—not three kings at the manger

✅ The startling truth that they worshiped Jesus alone and not Mary or Joseph

✅ Joseph's silent, immediate obedience—and why it's a model for modern believers

✅ How tradition has distorted Mary far beyond her own self-description: "servant of the Lord"

✅ The shepherds' role as outcasts chosen to witness God's glory first

✅ Why the religious leaders of Jerusalem missed the Messiah despite knowing the prophecies

✅ How spiritual warfare tries to twist and distract from the hope of Christmas

✅ Why believers today must study scripture personally and discern the signs of the times

📢 TAKE ACTION:

– Pick up Donna's book Looking for Christmas

– Read the 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App

– Visit Donna: https://donnavanliere.com

– Slow down this season and intentionally meditate on Luke 1–2

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🙌 SUBSCRIBE for conversations that bring biblical clarity back into today's cultural confusion.

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What if the abortion pill isn't the "safe, easy" option you've been told—but one of the most dangerous medical deceptions in America?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I sit down with Sue Liebel, Director of State Affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, to break down the shocking truth behind chemical abortion drugs, the FDA's deregulation and the real-world consequences women are facing.

The FDA removed in-person medical oversight. Mail-order pills are flooding pro-life states. Emergency rooms are miscoding complications. Women are being coerced, harmed and left alone in moments of medical crisis. And most Americans have no idea any of this is happening.

✨ This week's reflection: Have you ever wondered why the "truth" keeps changing depending on who's talking? Let's dig into the facts no one else will tell you.

📌 In this episode, we uncover:

✅ How the FDA quietly removed safety requirements—and why experts call it "reckless deregulation"

✅ Why chemical abortions have far higher complication rates than surgical ones

✅ The shocking reality of ER miscoding that hides the true injury numbers

✅ How traffickers, abusers, and coercive partners are using abortion pills against women

✅ How "shield laws" let out-of-state providers break pro-life state laws with zero consequences

✅ The growing state-level strategies to fight back and protect women

✅ Why 7 in 10 American voters support medical oversight for abortion pills

✅ The overlooked truth: most women would choose life if just one person offered help

📢 TAKE ACTION:

– Learn more at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

– Explore the Her Plan network for helping mothers

– Support your local pregnancy resource center

– Contact your state representatives—state law is where the battle is now

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What if the biggest threat to your family isn't culture, politics, or education—but the smartphone in your pocket?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, media expert and author Phillip Telfer exposes how today's "culture of distraction" is quietly reshaping the minds, habits and spiritual lives of both kids and parents. With smartphones engineered to steal attention and families losing meaningful presence at home, Telfer gives a practical, hopeful roadmap for restoring focus, connection and peace in your home.

✨ This week's reflection:

Have you ever wondered why peace feels impossible in a world that never stops?

This conversation will help you find it again.

📌 In this episode, we unpack:

✅ Why today's digital environment is "unprecedented" and far more dangerous than past technologies

✅ The real reason kids can't focus—and why parents are struggling just as much

✅ How "fubbing" (phone-snubbing) is quietly damaging parent-child relationships

✅ Practical strategies to restore peace: phone-free zones, trading up, boredom reframing & more

✅ Why boredom is healthy—and essential for creativity, spiritual clarity and mental health

✅ How digital detoxes reset the brain, calm the nervous system and clear spiritual clutter

✅ Why parents must model digital discipline before expecting it from their kids

📢 TAKE ACTION:

– Explore Phillip Telfer's resources at MediaTalk101.org

– Read Help! My Smartphone is Hurting My Family

– Watch the award-winning documentary Captivated

– Begin a 3-day household digital reset this week

🔗 Follow Peter Demos:

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What if the real crisis isn't acceptance—but identity?

In this episode of Uncommon Sense in Current Times, I dig into the tragic story of Leah Smith, a trans-identifying athlete whose death is being used online as emotional leverage to demand that women's sports open up to biological men. I break down what actually happened, why the viral narrative is misleading, and how suicide is being weaponized to shut down honest debate.

From there, we go deeper—past politics, past talking points—into the real question underneath the pain:

👉 What happens when we build our entire identity on something fragile, temporary, and easily taken away?

If you've ever felt like your worth rises and falls with your performance, your politics, your body, or your community, this conversation is a direct challenge—and a lifeline.

📌 In this episode, we unpack:

✅ Why the viral Leah Smith post was misleading—and how "emotional blackmail" is used to control the narrative

✅ The uncomfortable truth about suicide being used as a political tool in the trans sports debate

✅ Why a sense of belonging in a group still can't heal the deepest loneliness and despair

✅ How building your identity on gender, politics, status, or success will always end in anxiety and collapse

✅ The difference between social identity and eternal identity—and why the first will always crumble

✅ What Scripture says about who you are: made in God's image, a new creation in Christ, and a child of God

✅ How a Christ-centered identity frees you from fear of rejection, failure, and even death itself

✅ A practical path for those struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts—and why there is still hope

💭 Ever catch yourself thinking…

• "If I lose this group, I lose myself."
• "If I can't keep this image up, I'm nothing."
  
• "If I can't be who they say I am, what's the point of living?"
  
  
  

Then this episode is for you. Not to shame you. To rebuild you—on a foundation that can't be taken away.

📢 If you're hurting or need prayer:

Visit peterdemos.org and use the contact form. You are not alone, and your life is worth more than you can see right now.

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