Jesus Christ was very specific on this subject. Marriage had been created by God to unite a man and a woman for life. Therefore, what God had united, man should not separate.
The argueable point for several centuries (maybe even millenia) has been "what God has united". There are several marriages mentioned in the OT that were NOT God's will, and the act of repentence required on the believer's part was a divorce! Check out the books of Ezra and Nehemiah for this scenario. Other marriages (to unbelievers and close family members, for example) are strictly forbidden.
The demands of a Christian marriage include that the husband LOVE his wife: providing for her, caring for her, nurturing the relationship, and definately NOT abusing her! I find it tragic that many people trying to smack Christian rules on couples only focus on the woman's responsibility in a relationship, and ignore this point entirely.
2006-12-12 23:41:05
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answer #1
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answered by MamaBear 6
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First of all, no matter what view one takes in the issue of divorce it is important to remember the words of the Bible from Malachi 2:16a: “I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel.” According to the Bible, God’s plan is that marriage be a lifetime commitment. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God realizes, though, that since a marriage involves two sinful human beings, divorce is going to occur. In the Old Testament, He laid down some laws in order to protect the rights of divorcees, especially women (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because they were God’s desire (Matthew 19:8).
The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is allowed according to the Bible revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The phrase “except for marital unfaithfulness” is the only thing in Scripture that possibly gives God’s permission for divorce and remarriage. Many interpreters understand this "exception clause" as referring to "marital unfaithfulness" during the "betrothal" period. In Jewish custom, a man and a woman were considered married even while they were still engaged “betrothed.” Immorality during this "betrothal" period would then be the only valid reason for a divorce.
I am a catholic and divorced if I want to remarry I can get an annulment from the Church because my marriage was a violent one
2006-12-12 23:11:40
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answer #2
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answered by ? 6
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The Bible says the folowing things about divorce:
(1) From the very beginning (Adam and Eve), it has been God's will that husband and wife remain together till death part them (Gen. 2: 24; Matt. 19: 6)
(2) Moses permitted divorce among the Israelites (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) and Jesus says that this was becuase of their "Hardness of heart" (Matthew 19:8)
(3) God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16a)
(4) But it is apparently permissable on the following grounds:
(a) marital unfaithfulness (continuing and unrepentant sexual immorality) by at least one of the parties (Matthew 5:32 and 19:9)
(b) the unbelieving (non-Christian) partner leaves the Christian (1 Corinthians 7:15 ). in such an event, the Chrisian is "not bound" to continue the marriage.
Even more controversial among Christians is:
May a divorced person remarry?
Some say "no"
Some say "yes"
Hope this helps.
2006-12-12 23:52:52
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answer #3
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answered by Phoebhart 6
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The Option of DIVORCE
INFIDELITY and divorce can be very traumatic. Even though many have found reasons to reconcile with their mate and preserve their marriage, others have valid reasons to choose the God-given option of divorcing an adulterous mate. (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) For example, the safety, spirituality, and general well-being of a faithful wife and her children may be in jeopardy. She may also be concerned about being infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Or perhaps she has forgiven her spouse for committing adultery, but there is little basis for hoping that genuine trust can be restored and that she can continue living with him as her husband.
Enjoy the rest of this article right here! Just click on the link!
http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1999/4/22/article_03.htm
2006-12-12 23:11:59
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answer #4
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answered by Kevin 5
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The Catholic church (which is where I belong) does not recognize divorce, since Jesus clearly forbade it, and said that anyone divorcing and remarrying is an adulterer. Marriage is a sacred institution, where God himself has joined the couple together. No man may sunder what God himself has done. Divorce is a great scandal that affects innocents as well - any children of the marriage. They have done nothing to deserve having their home broken, and yet are forced to endure it anyway.
The only circumstance where we allow marriages to end is when a tribunal (no, not the Pope as claimed above) finds that a real marriage never occurred - this is called an annulment. They look at the maturity and sanity of the couple at the time of the ceremony, whether there was any coercion or deception, and at the nature of the celebration itself.
2006-12-12 23:16:46
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answer #5
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answered by evolver 6
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I am a Christian too! I believe that following the Bible in its every sentence may destruct us from the right meanings! I think that we should get divorced when we have tried enough to save our marriage and when no one is happy in the marriage! Especially when there are children in the middle of quarrels, it's better for them to have divorced parents!
I think God wants the best for people, as long as we don't hurt other people!
2006-12-12 23:12:34
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answer #6
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answered by Roubini 5
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The Bible says it's a sin except for certain reasons. I've always said I don't believe in it. But I'm separated now and divorce is imminent. I wasn't going to tolerate the marital situation I was in any longer. So I'm a bit conflicted on divorce.
2006-12-12 23:26:46
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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First of all, no matter what view one takes in the issue of divorce it is important to remember the words of the Bible from Malachi 2:16a: “I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel.” According to the Bible, God’s plan is that marriage be a lifetime commitment. “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God realizes, though, that since a marriage involves two sinful human beings, divorce is going to occur. In the Old Testament, He laid down some laws in order to protect the rights of divorcees, especially women (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). Jesus pointed out that these laws were given because of the hardness of people’s hearts, not because they were God’s desire (Matthew 19:8).
The controversy over whether divorce and remarriage is allowed according to the Bible revolves primarily around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. The phrase “except for marital unfaithfulness” is the only thing in Scripture that possibly gives God’s permission for divorce and remarriage. Many interpreters understand this "exception clause" as referring to "marital unfaithfulness" during the "betrothal" period. In Jewish custom, a man and a woman were considered married even while they were still engaged “betrothed.” Immorality during this "betrothal" period would then be the only valid reason for a divorce.
However, the Greek word translated “marital unfaithfulness” is a word which can mean any form of sexual immorality. It is can mean fornication, prostitution, adultery, etc. Jesus is possibly saying that divorce is permissible if sexual immorality is committed. Sexual relations is such an integral part of the marital bond “the two will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31). Therefore, a breaking of that bond by sexual relations outside of marriage might be a permissible reason for divorce. If so, Jesus also has remarriage in mind in this passage. The phrase “and marries another” (Matthew 19:9) indicates that divorce and remarriage are allowed in an instance of the exception clause, whatever it is interpreted to be. It is important to note that only the innocent party is allowed to remarry. Although it is not stated in the text, the allowance for remarriage after a divorce is God’s mercy for the one who was sinned against, not for the one who committed the sexual immorality. There may be instances where the "guilty party" is allowed to remarry - but no such concept is taught in this text.
Some understand 1 Corinthians 7:15 as another “exception,” allowing remarriage if an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer. However, the context does not mention remarriage, but only says a believer is not bound to continue a marriage if an unbelieving spouse wants to leave. Others claim that abuse (spousal or child) are valid reasons for divorce even though they are not listed as such in the Bible. While this may very well be the case, it is never wise to presume upon the Word of God.
Sometimes lost in the debate over the exception clause is the fact that whatever “marital unfaithfulness” means, it is an allowance for divorce, not a requirement for divorce. Even when adultery is committed a couple can, through God’s grace, learn to forgive and begin rebuilding their marriage. God has forgiven us of so much more. Surely we can follow His example and even forgive the sin of adultery (Ephesians 4:32). However, in many instances, a spouse is unrepentant and continues in sexual immorality. That is where Matthew 19:9 can possibly be applied. Many also look too quickly to remarriage after a divorce when God might desire them to remain single. God sometimes calls a person to be single so that their attention is not divided (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). Remarriage after a divorce may be an option in some circumstances, but that does not mean it is the only option.
It is distressing that the divorce rate among professing Christians is nearly as high as that of the unbelieving world. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and that reconciliation and forgiveness should be the marks of a believer’s life (Luke 11:4; Ephesians 4:32). However, God recognizes that divorces will occur, even among His children. A divorced and/or remarried believer should not feel any less loved by God, even if their divorce and/or remarriage is not covered under the possible exception clause of Matthew 19:9. God often uses even the sinful disobedience of Christians to accomplish great good.
2006-12-12 23:10:27
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answer #8
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answered by dm 2
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I agree with all above on the religious aspects. No divorce except for adultery. Unfortunately, our culture has evolved into a disposable soceity. If we do not like what the Bible says we want to rewrite it. We jump into and out of relationships with no thought. Divorce is easily acceptable. This is where our problem lies.
2006-12-13 02:09:28
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answer #9
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answered by travelguruette 6
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I agree with DMJ, God hates divorce,because He knows what happens in the aftermath to the individuals & the children.Because of the hardning of ones heart divorce is allowed. I also believe He perfers forgiveness,but doesn't want any of His children to suffer abuse, verbal or physical.
Read the book of Hosea in the OT,about the marriage of Hosea & Gomer.It is a good example on How much God loves His people with a steadfast, unwavering desire for reconciliation and a promise of loving restoration,
2006-12-12 23:38:48
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answer #10
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answered by Faith walker 4
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