Olatosho Oshoffa is the son of Bilewu Oshoffa. However, his late father is the founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, Worldwide. Pastor Olatosho has expressed his views on polygamy within the church, affirming that the church does not prohibit the practice.

Olatosho Oshoffa Defends the Tradition of the Bible

In defence of his late father’s extensive family, the leader of CCC International Headquarters in Ketu, Lagos, asserted that none of the prophets in the Bible was monogamous. Nonetheless, he argued that the Bible itself doesn’t explicitly forbid it. He also points out that many prophets in the Old Testament had multiple wives. Oshoffa suggests that the Apostle Paul’s writings on marriage in the New Testament are merely advice, not a binding rule. Nevertheless, he challenges readers to find a single prophet in the Bible who was monogamous.

“Let me share something with you… In that passage, Apostle Paul was merely offering advice. Find me a prophet in the Bible who had just one wife. Do your research and get back to me,” stated Oshoffa.

Does the Bible Support Polygamy?

Oshoffa’s claim regarding the prophets is partially true. Several prominent biblical figures, including Abraham, Jacob, and David, had multiple wives. However, the Bible also portrays the challenges and complexities that arise from such arrangements. Passages advocate for a husband to love and care for his wife faithfully (Ephesians 5:25-33).

Modern Considerations of Balancing Tradition and Practice

The practice of polygamy raises concerns in the modern world. Moreover, this specifically regards issues of equality and fairness within a marriage. The Celestial Church of Christ’s stance on polygamy allows individual leaders to decide. However, some see it as a progressive approach, while others find it lacking clear direction.

Even as the head of one of the Celestial Church of Christ congregations, the late Bilewu Oshoffa left behind 13 wives and 53 children. However, this has aroused concerns about his lifestyle.

Furthermore, the discussion surrounding polygamy in the Celestial Church of Christ highlights the ongoing conversation about tradition, religious interpretation, and social norms within Christian denominations. The church will need to grapple with how to balance its unique heritage with contemporary values as it moves forward.