Divorce and remarriage:
many different religious views
Sponsored link.
Overview:
With considerable justification, many people feel that the current high
rates of marital breakdown, separation and divorce are the most serious
social problem in North American today.
Many Christians have a keen interest to know what the Bible says about
divorce. For some, the significance is intensely personal. They feel
trapped in a toxic relationship, and are wondering what their religiously
acceptable options are. When they speak to their spiritual
counselor, they will usually obtain only one point of view. Within
society generally, and among religious leaders, there is little consensus
about divorce and remarriage. Even within one wing of one religion -- for
example, among Evangelical Christians -- there is great diversity of
belief. 1
Some faith groups have taken a very dim view of divorce. They have
responded with: "Modern day 'shunnings,' the Eucharist withheld,
remarriage denied, lifetime celibacy demanded, leadership opportunities
refused....some are excommunicated all together."
2Others take a more relaxed view. One United Church minister
said to me: "If a marriage has died, the only decent thing is to bury it."
One purpose of this section is to present the full diversity of biblical
interpretations on divorce, so that readers will realize that there are many
more beliefs concerning divorce than the one being promoted by their
denomination.
Because of the concept of separation of church and state (more accurately
called separation of religion and government) the criteria for granting a legal
divorce are more liberal than most religions would allow.
Disclaimer:
It is our policy to explain various groups' points of view in order to
help our visitors make up their own mind. It is probable that you will
reject as invalid many of the points of view described here. Please do not
Email us with complaints, accusing us of spreading errors. We are merely
reporters of the religious scene. On the other hand, if you feel that we
are not representing one of the viewpoints accurately, please do Email us.
H.W. House, Ed., "Divorce and remarriage: Four Christian
views," InterVarsity Press, (1990). Read
reviews or order this book. This book describes the beliefs of four
evangelical Protestant leaders concerning divorce and remarriage. All four
believe that their approach is biblically based; all four differ greatly in
their analysis of the Bible's message on the topic.
