FOUR Biblical Reasons For Divorce? (woman, church, believe, Jesus)

[BudinAk]

I saw this article this morning while reading the news, and thought some of you might like to read it. An author is claiming that there are FOUR legitimate biblical reasons for divorce, not one as has been commonly assumed from Jesus' comment on divorce. I really have not had time to read this over and think about it...just tossing it out for ya'll to check out. (which means I neither condone, nor condemn, the teaching...I just don't know, at his point...) What do you think?

An Evangelical Rethink on Divorce? - Yahoo! News (broken link)


Bud

[irishmom]

I think the four reasons he states are valid and are considered grounds for anulment. But by far the most interesting thought from that article is:

Still, the controversy suggests that even the country's most rule-bound Christians will search for a fresh understanding of scripture when it seems unjust to them.

[dojilynn]

I agree with the article. This is what my pastor teaches and it makes perfect sense. I know that there are many who will disagree and that's ok. I'm not someone who thinks it is ok to rush out and get a divorce for any old reason (and there are many lame reasons), but the four that are listed in this article are valid reasons, imo. I would never advise a battered woman to return to her husband...that is ludicrous. And if your spouse has abandoned you, what exactly are you supposed to do about it? Emotional and sexual neglect can be as excruciating as physical abuse if they are carried out for extended periods of time.

I think, when push comes to shove, that we just need to make it a priority to show Christ's love to whoever is going through a divorce. No matter who is at fault. This is one of the toughest times in their life and the last thing they need to hear is judgement coming from the church. Let Christ be the judge, He is way more qualified than any of us.

[bigthirsty]

Originally Posted by BudinAk

I saw this article this morning while reading the news, and thought some of you might like to read it. An author is claiming that there are FOUR legitimate biblical reasons for divorce, not one as has been commonly assumed from Jesus' comment on divorce. I really have not had time to read this over and think about it...just tossing it out for ya'll to check out. (which means I neither condone, nor condemn, the teaching...I just don't know, at his point...) What do you think?

An Evangelical Rethink on Divorce? - Yahoo! News (broken link)


Bud

That is a great read. Hopefully this quote is true..

"The heated controversy provoked by the story showed how Biblically flexible some Evangelicals can be - especially when God's word seems at odds not just with modern American behavior, but also with simple human kindness"

[kaykay]

I know this opinion won't win me any popular contests, but I think the church already has been too lax in accepting divorce and re-marriage among Christians. (And yes, I do believe that there are some legitimate "deal breakers in marriage such as unrepentant adultery, physicial abuse, etc.) But for the most part, I think Christians have not been taught the concept that Malachi states that for the most part "God hates divorce." I think the church has been for the most part remiss on teaching the sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant. I think the Catholics have done a better job than Protestants with this. Note: I am Protestant.(Now don't get me wrong, I think we need to show some grace for those who have already been through it, but I also think we should encourage people to stay in their marriages when possible.)


kaykay climbs down once again from one of her many soapboxes

[dojilynn]

Originally Posted by kaykay

I know this opinion won't win me any popular contests, but I think the church already has been too lax in accepting divorce and re-marriage among Christians. (And yes, I do believe that there are some legitimate "deal breakers in marriage such as unrepentant adultery, physicial abuse, etc.) But for the most part, I think Christians have not been taught the concept that Malachi states that for the most part "God hates divorce." I think the church has been for the most part remiss on teaching the sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant. I think the Catholics have done a better job than Protestants with this.


kaykay climbs down once again from one of her many soapboxes

Kaykay, I agree that protestants tend to have too lax of an attitude when it comes to divorce. I don't think it should be taken lightly. I believe that was the attitude that Jesus was addressing when he spoke regarding divorce.

For the reasons listed in the article, I believe that they are reasonable grounds for divorce. Now, can a spouse opt to stick with it and work it out? Definitely. But I don't think it is the place of the church to judge them if they decide to bow out. I think we should be there with our shoulders ready to be cried on. We shouldn't be out there shooting our own wounded. (Not that you would be one to do that, kaykay ...just the church in general.)

[kaykay]

Originally Posted by dojilynn

Kaykay, I agree that protestants tend to have too lax of an attitude when it comes to divorce. I don't think it should be taken lightly. I believe that was the attitude that Jesus was addressing when he spoke regarding divorce.

For the reasons listed in the article, I believe that they are reasonable grounds for divorce. Now, can a spouse opt to stick with it and work it out? Definitely. But I don't think it is the place of the church to judge them if they decide to bow out. I think we should be there with our shoulders ready to be cried on. We shouldn't be out there shooting our own wounded. (Not that you would be one to do that, kaykay ...just the church in general.)

No disagreement there. I don't think we need to heap condemnation or judgment on those already divorced but I do think the church, again especially us Protestants, needs to be more responsible to teach a Biblical view of marriage IMHO.

[irishmom]

Originally Posted by kaykay

I think the Catholics have done a better job than Protestants with this.

Ok first prize today for what is probably the most controversal post I've seen!

[yhwhshalomjr]

Originally Posted by kaykay

I know this opinion won't win me any popular contests, but I think the church already has been too lax in accepting divorce and re-marriage among Christians. (And yes, I do believe that there are some legitimate "deal breakers in marriage such as unrepentant adultery, physicial abuse, etc.) But for the most part, I think Christians have not been taught the concept that Malachi states that for the most part "God hates divorce." I think the church has been for the most part remiss on teaching the sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant. I think the Catholics have done a better job than Protestants with this. Note: I am Protestant.(Now don't get me wrong, I think we need to show some grace for those who have already been through it, but I also think we should encourage people to stay in their marriages when possible.)


kaykay climbs down once again from one of her many soapboxes

Hey kaykay
First and foremost You deserve the rep of all reps!!
Now if can give you one today....that's another Q&A
You never let me down when it comes to your sound wisdom. It's so admirable
So I don't have anything else to post but DITTO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
AMEN
God Bless You
p.s. Now having said all of that above.... I couldn't leave without putting my .01 cents in. I believe that this is why the body of Christ is in danger of being "lulled" to sleep, by the adversary of our souls; Just how does one reiterate the divorce laws?? Give me a break!! All that comes to mind when i read this link is " Any old excuse will do;" and "The Devil Made Me Do It".....LOL This guy.. I don't know.
"I'm getting down off of kaykay's soapbox now" LOL

[yhwhshalomjr]

Sorry guys;
I hit the wrong key and got a duplicate post, one ending with a quote that I never posted;
It's probably a cross between the cough syrup(hydrocodone in it") and the fact that I need a lesson on posting and quotes. At least I'm not saying the "devil made me do it".......HA!