Is divorce allowed in Christianity? Is remarriage allowed?

Question

Are there any conditions under which either of these practices would be approved or disapproved?

Please cite any references to support your answer, and please state your religious affiliation (denomination) if applicable.

Answer 1

The bible indeed does have biblical grounds for marriage and divorce. In The bible in Matthew 19, the biblical grounds for divorce are only that of marital unfaithfulness. Some people think divorce can be done because too people in actuality don't get along, or they weren't right for each other after all. What foolish thinking, marriage is a covenant of Unity as one in spirit between two people under God. It's not like dating and breaking up. When you cheat on someone, you break that covenant and separate that Unity that was made under God, and that's why it is grounds for divorce. But any other conflict, usually can be reconciled if the two people would be devoted to the work and effort it takes. Marriage is a lot of work, sometimes very difficult, but it should never be the kind of work you're not willing to do.

Answer 2

Who told you that divorce and remarriage is not encouraged in christianity? Look, the reason Jesus made those remarks is that Jesus does not want us to divorce because marriage is meant to be forever even after death because the spirits of the couple live on. Moses law was the first law because the people couldn't understand so the law was a bit harsh because that's what they wanted and Moses knew that Jesus would come and set the rules straight and tell people never to divorce. However, when there are unavoidable circumstances then a divorce can be encouraged in christianity. For example if one partner walks away and travels abroad for a life time or if one partner wants a divorce then it can be encouraged if all reconciliation efforts fail. If you look at what Jesus meant in those scriptures, he was simply saying that married couple should not divorce but they should sort out their differences and safe their marriage. This is the same way Jesus wants us to keep forgiving like our enemies without end and that we should not revenge or hate our neighbours. Ofcourse Jesus knew that it won't be easy to do but he still wants people to do what he said no matter what. The main point in Jesus message is to tell us that love should be forever because with love God created the entire universe including us. In christianity a person can remarry even if it is with his or her previous divorced partner and Jesus would even be happy.

Answer 3

First, let me say I'm Catholic, so I'm going to be talking about Catholicism primarily.

Jesus said "What God has joined, let no man put asunder," and the Catholic Church takes Jesus at His word. When a Sacramental Marriage exists, there can be no divorce.

The caveats to this, however, get complicated. Who's to say a Marriage is Sacramental? The Catholic Church does not grant divorces, per se, but instead declares marriages "annulled" when the evidence produced by the participants shows that the Marriage never was, and is not, Sacramental.

So for Catholics, there is no "divorce." There is "annulment," a statement that the marriage never actually was.

Many Protestant groups recognize divorce and remarriage (Baptists, for one) but can then place restrictions on the offices bestowed by the Church upon those who re-marry. For example, most Southern Baptist Churches that I have been familliar with will not make a re-married man a Deacon (Church Corporate Officer). Many would never accept a Pastor who had been divorced and remarried.

Of course, the restrictions are purely religious in nature, and have nothing to do with the "civil law" involved in marriage and divorce.

Elizabeth Taylor, a Catholic, actually was divorced and re-married several times, but since only her first husband was recognized by the Catholic Church, she had to wait until he was dead to have another "Church" wedding.

Answer 4

Yes. The different denominations have different beliefs and rules on it.

In Protestantism, you can divorce and remarry without much trouble.

In Catholicism, you can get a divorce if one person cheated during the marriage. The cheating spouse can't remarry but the other can. Of course, there are extreme circumstances justifying a divorce, like abandonment over a long period of time or spousal abuse. (That might fall under anullment.) If divorce is not an option, then the couple can seek an anullment (for something like fraud, etc.) and the church would treat the couple as if they'd never been married.

Answer 5

You might ask here:

www.Catholic.com

Marriage and Divorce is a deep topic, but in brief, if it is determined that it was in face a Sacramental marriage in the first place, and neither party went into it wrongly, then it cannot be dissolved.

In cases of abuse and adultery, the couple can legally divorced, the Catholic Church does not expect people to live in an abusive situation. Getting re-married takes an annulment though, and it has to be approved. In most cases one party or the other did not enter into the marriage as required for it to be a sacramental union. (which is most likely why it did not work out as well)

P.S. the size of the check has nothing to do with it being approved or dis-approved. This is a myth.

Peace!

Answer 6

The Bible says that divorce is only acceptable if the husband or wife has been unfaithful. However, I know some Christians who've divorced for other reasons. Yes, it goes against what God commands, but because of his grace and mercy we are still loved by him.

In terms of remarriage, the Bible says it is acceptable for a man or woman to remarry if their spouse passes. I wasn't able to find anything about remarrying if one has been divorced. However, if the divorce was a result of unfaithfulness, I'm pretty sure it's acceptable for a man or woman to remarry. Again, people DO remarry even if the divorce was ill advised, but because of God's grace and mercy we are saved. My sources are listed below.

Oh, I'm almost forgot. I'm a non-denominational Christian.
I hope this helps. God Bless!

Answer 7

Baptist-yes it is allowed in certain circumstances and biblical reasons. Because this is a lengthy answer, it is best if you order booklet # Q0806 from the Discovery Series of www.RBC.net:
Divorce and Remarriage: what does the Bible teach?
I married a P.K. and would never consider divorce, even with abuse, until I realized I could not live like I was living. I filed for divorce, forgave him, and am happily married to a wonderful Christian man who walks the walk.

Answer 8

Yes:

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

And if the unbeliever is a drunkard, or an abusive mate, we are not held to that union. God does not require you to stay in an abusive marriage.

A number of people said no, and quoted Jesus' words, but did not take into consideration whom he was speaking to: Jews who were under the old covenant. Christians are not under that covenant.

Answer 9

If you know history that King Henry VII wants to have a male heir however he cannot divorce his wife because during the time England was a Catholic country, so he decided to create his own Chruch so that way he could get divorces.

Answer 10

Jer..3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.