are christians allowed to divorce a mentally ill spouse? e.g depressive, psychosis?

Answer 1

No, God only grants divorce in the case of Adultery.

Answer 2

I cannot speak for all Christians, but the Catholic Church does not believe in divorce. Once you have entered a valid marriage, it's until death do you part. As difficult mental illness may be, it does not give grounds for a divorce. The couple may separate, in case of serious threat, but neither can remarry until one of the other dies. It's tough, but after all the married couple vows to take each other as spouse throughout "good times and bad."

There is such a thing as an annulment, but this is a pronouncement that no valid marriage took place to begin with. If we make the assumption that a valid marriage took place between two Christians, there is nothing that can dissolve the marriage bond except death.

There are very specific circumstances when a marriage bond can be dissolved. These are the Pauline Privilege, or the very rare Petrine Privilege. These are explained below - I believe they are accurate to official Catholic Canon Law (I'm not an expert, but they match what I've heard). In both cases, the matter of contention is the serious incompatibility of the faith of one of the spouses with the marriage.

Answer 3

well, the bible really only considers death and adultry as grounds for a divorce because your vows arent only between husband and wife but also to God. so, even if you have a good reason to divorce (like your husband beating you) then you will still be recognized as married in God's eyes, becasue as Christians, the idea is to evangelize even people that you consider the worst sinners and also make your marriage work through God. This is just what the original plan is per the Bible, but honestly I've never had to deal with the mentally ill so I dont understand exactly what you are going through and I would never pass judgement.

Answer 4

Did you promise "in sickness and in health"? You are allowed to civilly divorce if there is a good legal reason (say you live in a community property state and you need to protect the nest egg from your drug-addicted or compulsive gambler spouse), but a civil divorce does not effect your marital status in the eyes of God.

Answer 5

umm.. Yeah!! Most sects believe in divorce. We try to work things out, but in certain cases, at least to me, there isn't a second chance. Those are infidelity, child abuse, and abuse of me in any way. I don't know which sects still don't believe in divorce, but for us, divorce is something you do as a last resort. But for mentally ill people, sometimes divorce is the only way to get away from the abuse, although some of those people would see it as a direct threat to them and could cause problems.

Answer 6

I am sure I am going to get slammed for saying this after so many people have advised you to run and run fast. But when you married your husband, and you looked across at him and said the words 'In sickness and in health', were you actually thinking in your head 'In sickness and in health as long as you don't develop schizophrenia'...? I am guessing you weren't. If you were the one that had developed this horrible illness, would you be happy knowing that he would cast aside the 'in sickness and in health' part so quickly? If you don't feel it would be safe right now to have children together, then don't. If you don't feel it would be safe to be living with him at this point, then don't. Your physical safety under the threat of actual harm should come first. But there are a lot of community resources and support groups that you can at least try first, that will offer support to you yourself. And if 'He does take medication and see doctors, but they seem to have a minimal effect'...Find another doctor! Try other medications! Exhaust every option! People, please don't bash me too hard. And OP, sincerely, the best of luck to you.

Answer 7

I don't think it's advised by the Bible. "jehovah hates a divorcing...." The only grounds for divorce are for adultery OR if you or your family is in danger. So it's possible that you could if your mentally ill spouse was a physical danger to you.

Answer 8

You would rather desert this person instead of help them through? If you developed cancer, would you be upset if your spouse left you?
If this person is truly ill they should be in a home, and if they're not going to get better then you should move on with your life.

Answer 9

Really, what do you think? Why would you leave your spouse when they need you most? If Jesus commands that you take care of the needy and sick, I am quite sure that includes your spouse! It is selfish that whoever is thinking of this has even pondered the thought to do it!

Answer 10

You have to study the Bible cause it does speak about on what cause you may get a divorce.I think that everyone needs to study the word and get their answer from God.