Does the Bible allow polygamy?

Proponents of polygamous marriages say that the Bible seems to allow polygamy, saying that indeed, there are several holy men such as Abraham and Solomon that had multiple wives though a number of churches don’t agree with this. They also cite the book of Exodus 20:10, and Deuteronomy, among other passages, as talking about polygamy as if it were acceptable, saying that it seems pretty clear that God doesn’t mind polygamy. Therefore, if such views hold any water, then why does the Church preach against polygamy? Polygamy comes mainly in three different forms: polygyny (where a man has more than two wives at the same time), polyandry (where a woman has more than one husband) and there are also the plural marriages (where a family is made out of multiple husbands and wives at the same time). The history of polygamy dates back to a long time ago, since this has been practiced for many centuries by cultures from all over the world. The Hebrew society has partially accepted polygamy and there are traces that say that it happened in the classical China, too. According to john S. Mbiti in his book, African Religions and Philosophy, “Polygamy helps to prevent or reduce unfaithfulness and prostitution, especially on the part of the husband, especially in modern times when spouses are separated from each other. The husband works in the city and the wife stays at home, thus it’s only logical that the man should have another wife in the city to prevent prostitution.” On the contrary, Africa tradition didn’t accept polyandry and women who had more than one husband were labeled prostitutes. According to Peter Habimana, a worshipper in Remera Catholic Church, while his Church officially condemns the practice of polygamy, it has a long tradition of its leaders being engaged in what could be called polygamist relationships. “These relationships were not often between married couples as the Church leaders involved were not allowed to marry but many Church leaders did in fact have multiple women they lived and had sexual relationships with.” He adds that African tradition accepted polygamy and the Church or the government for that matter shouldn’t enter into private arrangement between two adults. “In African tradition, it was common for the wife to tell the husband to marry other wives to “help her.” There were many advantages of polygamy that cannot just be wished away because the Church says so,” he adds. However, Rita Mutesi, a lawyer, says that polygamy has a negative consequence on women and children in such a relationship, particularly when it comes to inheritance. “According to me, the most salient point against polygamy is the inherent inequality between men and women it enshrines. The law or the scripture cannot decree equality between the sexes even as it allows a man to at the same time have as many wives as he wishes while refusing the same right to a woman to have as many husbands as she wants. In my view, traditionalist and religious arguments, which many polygamists usually use to support the practice, are unacceptable in this modern age.” Abubakar Mwadime, an Imam in Nyamirambo, says that Muslim men are allowed to have even four wives and his religion doesn’t have anything against polygamy. Should polygamy be allowed?