Christians - what do you think about divorce?

Question

If we have children, do we really understand the cost to our children when we divorce?

Answer 1

The most controversial poll that the Barna group released was one on divorce rates in the United States which was published in December 1999. Barna's research showed that conservative Christians had the highest divorce rate in the country while atheists had the lowest as sorted by religious adherence (or non-adherence). There was also a significant regional difference with those in the conservative South having the highest divorce rates while those in the liberal Northeast had the lowest as sorted by region. This caused a firestorm among conservative Christians as it directly contradiced the common wisdom regarding the faiths and regions that pride themseves on "family values" but Barna stood by his research, saying,

"While it may be alarming to discover that born again Christians are more likely than others to experience a divorce, that pattern has been in place for quite some time. Even more disturbing, perhaps, is that when those individuals experience a divorce many of them feel their community of faith provides rejection rather than support and healing. But the research also raises questions regarding the effectiveness of how churches minister to families. The ultimate responsibility for a marriage belongs to the husband and wife, but the high incidence of divorce within the Christian community challenges the idea that churches provide truly practical and life-changing support for marriages."

The Barna Group, is a market research firm specialising in studying non-profit organizations and Christian groups. The Barna Group is led by George Barna, George Barna leads seminars for church leaders, speaks at ministry conferences, has taught at seminaries, and has been a pastor. He has also written a number of books on contemporary Christian issues, with topics ranging from children to leadership.


Therefore it is clear that the best way to reduce divorce is to increase the number of atheists and to decrease the number of Christians.

Answer 2

I definitely do not like divorce, especially when kids are involved. My parents got a divorce when I was 10ish(I can't remember exactly when, because it was such a bad experience) and it messed me up bad. I was depressed for about 8 years, became OCD, and caught myself thinking about sucide 3 times in 8th grade and planning suicide 3 times in the summer before the 12th grade. I became extrremely introverted and changed from the class clown in 5th grade to the guy that said almost nothing in the 8th grade. Also I lost emotion, I no longer felt. Unless it was an extreme, I would feel slightly happy, feel angry, or feel trememdous sorrow. But God has healed me now and He has broken me from the bondage that I was under. Now I am filled with His joy.

It is because of my experience that I do not think that divorce is right, unless it involves separating the kids from a very abusive parent.

Answer 3

I believe in the unitiy of a marriage and the belief that you become one when united; however, if both don't believe in it, then what do you have?
You asked, "If we have children, do we really understand the cost to our children when we divorce?
My answer, do we really understand the cost to our children if we don't?

Answer 4

Children would rather come from a broken home than to live in one. Sometimes divorce is the only way for peace, no kid wants to live in a house with fighting going on all the time.

Answer 5

I hate divorce, and I am divorced. I had no children (Thank God) and my wife cheated on me. I gave her multiple chances to tell me the truth and she could not.

I then divorced her and have barely seen her three times in 14 years. I was completely justified, completely correct and completely destroyed.

I hate that I divorced her, I hate that I didn't try harder to work it out, and I especially hate that I never told her that I forgave her.

I have been blessed with a wonderful Christian woman in spite of the things I did wrong. I have sense been blessed with three beautiful Children, a wonderful job and a great home.

God is worthy to be praised.

Answer 6

when divorce occurs there are many factors to be considered. the people involved should come to this decision in a calm and rational manner. if children are involved and are old enough to understand an explanation should be given. seriously think neither parent should try and turn the child against the other.

Answer 7

Caused by selfishness by one or both. Usually best to work things out, particularly for the children (and that means both parties really working at it). But in the minority of situations it is better to cut your losses and get out like if there is abuse going on. While Christianity as a rule wants families to stay together, it is an absolute affront to God to coerce people to stay with someone who is abusive.

Answer 8

I found restoration through Christ when my marriage fell apart. Through His mercy, my husband and I re-discovered the love we had for each other just a few days before our very nasty divorce was to be finalized. All Glory to God on this one, really. Miraculous.
The Lord does offer us blessings and burdens and happiness is up to us. Divorce is not the best answer, but, I dont believe that God denounces divorce either.
He is able to see into our souls, He loves us, God does not want us to stay married to say a child molester, rapist, adulterer, athiest...whatever.
Blessings to you

Answer 9

Divorce occurs because people do not understand or grasp the commitment of marriage before they get married.

Answer 10

I don't like divorce but I see why it may be a necessary sometimes. Sometimes 2 bitter parents can make for a awful childhood and they don't deserve that.