Why do Christians divorce at the same rate as non-Christians (and at a higher rate than atheists)?

Question

What should Christians do to strengthen the family?

("Christians Have Same Incidence of Divorce

Although many Christian churches attempt to dissuade congregants from getting a divorce, the research confirmed a finding identified by Barna a decade ago (and further confirmed through tracking studies conducted each year since): born again Christians have the same likelihood of divorce as do non-Christians.

Among married born again Christians, 35% have experienced a divorce. That figure is identical to the outcome among married adults who are not born again: 35%." )

http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=170

Answer 1

I've seen similar stats (sorry don't have the link handy), only non-Christians had a slightly lower rate then Christians with atheists even lower than both. Not to nit pick over which one is correct, but if the stats I've seen are closer to what is going on, then the explanation may be that Christians are more likely to marry at a young age due to being pressured to wait till marriage to have sex; while those who aren't Christians or are atheists likely do not have that same pressure on them. Considering that young marriages are less likely to succeed than when older people marry...that would seem like a reason for the differences in divorce rate. In short, Christians likely have a higher tendency to marry for the wrong reasons (sexual frustration) while others have the benefit of being able to wait till they find someone that is a better overall match. (Having to wait till marriage then finding out the partners are a poor sexual match may also play a role in the higher divorce rate...and also shot gun weddings due to abstinance only education.)

Answer 2

The devorce rate has nothing to do with wether or not people are tought we are born good or bad! It has to do with how you begin your marriage. It also has to do with the fact that not everyone who says they are christians have given theire lives over to the Lord. When He is the third cord in our marriage then we have His streangth. If we have Christ in our lives to remind us that we are not perfect and that we needed His sacrifice than we will easily be able to look past any imperfections our spouse has and we can easily forgive one another if we are wronged. I know that if I get in an argument with my husband wether or not it is something he did or I did, I know that we are both human and that we make mistakes so it is that much easier to forgive him and get over it! Do you really think that we are born good? I have three little girls who even as little babies know right from wrong and they will test you every step of the way. I dont know if you have children or not but if you dont then spend the day with a young child and tell me that they dont do bad things. I mean a six month old. We are ALL sinners. Even athiests who do so many great things with their time and money. At the end of the day can you sit down and say that you didn't do one bad thing? Have you ever lied? Cheated? Stolen? Had a bad thought about someone? Had a lustful thought about someone you are not married to? Maybe you are angered by this answer? Those are all the reasons Jesus was crusified on the cross and rose three days later! Because no one is perfect on this earth accept Him. He loves us so much that He died so we can spend eternity in heaven. Christianity is the simplest faith! Just believe that Jesus died and rose and that He is your savior and that is it. It is a free gift!!!!!! " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Answer 3

Because there is no such thing as god. I would guess that an atheiests couple would have 1 less thing to disagree on. And that is religion. I have never been treated any better or worse depending on anyones beliefs are. As a matter of fact I would love to find an atheist girl that I can spend my life with. With out the confusion of a book and beliefs. I wonder what the divorce rate for christians vs atheist. Although since they dont follow any religion why marry? Its gets difficult. Any how. Dont get married. Its a bad contract. she gets half just for hanging out with you. Hahaha.

Answer 4

Because marriage is work and people want it to be easy and and emotional high. Both my husband and I are Christians and we pray together and we put a lot of work and effort and prayer into our marriage to make it work, Unlike many cultures that have arraigned marriages in the USA marriage is a choice and you choose who you marry. It is not just about sex and feeling good and the emotional highs it is also about weathering the hard times the tough times the rough times and the uncertain times we are not teaching our younger generation that there are things worth living for, waiting for, fighting for praying for and dying for.

Marriage is not instant gratification it is a process and sometimes you go though things you don't like.

Why are there so many divorces amongst Christians are couples praying together, are couples communicating are couples guarding themselves against lust and ungodly passions? Are couples Reading the word together? IF more couples did this there would be a lot less divorce.

If the structure is weak the foundation will fall and your marriage is only as good as the foundation and priorities you build it on. Our marriage is founded on the rock of Christ and godly principles and Matthew 7;12.

I hope this helps and thanks for posting.

Answer 5

Yes, George Barna is a highly respected source of societal information as he studies Christianity and its societal influences from an unbiased analysis of data. But to answer your question, probably because the Christian community seems to thoroughly enjoy arguing over everything and many are unwieldling in maintaining their perspective of right and wrong (in other words, I'm right and you're wrong). How do I know? It's a secret...lol

Answer 6

Christians are still human too. Unfortunately there are a high rate of divorce among the christian families due to human frailties, weaknessess or whatever maybe going on in that marriage.

Answer 7

That statistic sure is depressing. On the one hand I could bicker over the inaccuracy of calling anyone a Christian who claims to be one, but the perception is still that committed Christians are no better at their marital commitments than non-Christians. It stinks of hypocrisy. I promise to do my part and keep strengthening my own marriage.

Answer 8

Well, I'll probably get thumbs down, but hey, you asked and I have a right to voice my thoughts too.
I personally think that Christian marraiges and families are attcked more by the enemy. The devil hates union. He loves division. Two people doing Gods work is more powerful than one, a whole family devoted is even more powerful. Isn't is likely that the stinky little liar would try harder to split up couples who are believers...to take power from them, get them down, discouraged, etc.
Well, just my opinion.

Answer 9

Well, I guess Jesus has nothing to do with if we can stand each other.

Seriously, there are many factors that could bring about a split in a marriage. Money, career, children, and of course, infidelity. All of those problems are nondenominational.

Answer 10

I guess that means we're still human beings who still have issues to deal with and don't always act as we should. That's a poor reflection on US; not on God. But if we as humans can have rebellious children, and God calls Israel His children, Is it surprising that it is mentioned all throughout the OT that he calls them rebellious and that He first allowed divorce because of the hardness of their hearts?