Why do you think that there are more divorces among Christians than non-Christians?

Question

2004 update
George Barna noted that one reason why the divorce statistic among non-Born again adults is not higher is that a larger proportion of that group cohabits, effectively side-stepping marriage - and divorce - altogether. "Among born again adults, 80% have been married, compared to just 69% among the non-born again segment. If the non-born again population were to marry at the same rate as the born again group, it is likely that their divorce statistic would be roughly 38% - marginally higher than that among the born again group, but still surprisingly similar in magnitude."

It is because the non-believers don't get married like the Christian does, they live together, so there is no divorce

Answer 1

There are more Christians surveyed than non-Christians surveyed. I am sure if you asked an equal amont of Christians and Non-Christians the numbers would be different.

Answer 2

It's also possible that there is more pressure to get married in "Born Again" church society and less support afterwards. (Born Again men might be less likely to joke about their wives and the disappointments of marriage.)

Another big possibility is that "Born Again" Churches believe in homosexual recovery and encourage GLBTs to try to be heterosexual. A gay man trying to be straight and marrying a woman would be more likely to divorce than a straight man.

Also, on the perverse statistics side, "Born Again" churches encourage a healthier lifestyle, including less or no alcohol, and possibly no smoking. Not doing those things might keep a person from dying, which would reduce the divorce rate. Remember, as soon as a spouse dies, the marriage is not going to end in divorce, and becomes a successful marriage.

Answer 3

The definition of Christian is debatable. For example in my denomination the percentage would be around 5-10%, if that. I only know 2 couples who have broken up. Lots of people who call themselves christian but do not practise a christian life would have been counted.

Answer 4

It's only right-wing Christians that have a higher divorce rate than atheists ... liberal Christians have a lower rate of divorce than atheists.

It may be the sex that is to blame, but I also think the rigid attitudes and judgementalism plays a large part.

Answer 5

perhaps it is due to the pre marital relations that many non Christians do not have such a problem with
a try before you buy kind of thing lol

but it does make sense to me that sex is a very important part of a relationship and if partners are not suited in this way , then it will lead to problems within the marriage

Answer 6

Well, you know, a Christian marriage is supposed to be between man, woman, and God.

And anybody who's ever been in a ménage à trois knows that there's two people having fun and one person being left out.

Answer 7

Because a lot of people who are Christians feel they shouldn't have sex before they're married, so they rush into marriage when they're young and then find out they aren't as compatible as they thought and run into problems.

Answer 8

A Christian is defined in the Bible as a disciple or follower of Christ.

(John 12:26) “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour”

Further, a true disciple is someone who continues in Christ’s words.

(John 8:31) “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed…”

Watched or alone, a true disciple continues to follow the ‘word’.

(Philippians 2:12) “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” A Christian couple is admonished by God to live under God’s law ‘until death do them part’.

(Romans 7:2) “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”

The preceding verse is a very equitable and sensible law coming from a wise Lawmaker that knows the caprices of man’s flesh. Whosoever will say that He is imaginary, is indecent, vulgarly lewd, and deprived of normal and common sense. Whosoever will say that God is imaginary because somebody did not obey His sensible laws is senseless, numb, and void of reasons.A Christian couple is commanded to keep marriage undefiled.

(Hebrews 13:4) “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous.” RSV

True Christians do not intentionally divorce their partner.

(1 Corinthians 7:10-11) “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”

(Matthew 19:9) “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”

(Matthew 5:32) “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.It is clear that the Almighty God teaches Christians to live a responsible moral life.Let me tell you something:There are many professing Christians, but not real Christians!

(Titus 1:16) “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Answer 9

because christians get married just to have non sinful sex. After they had it they realize they dont love the person they got married to

Answer 10

Maybe they get tired of arguing over their opposing interpretations of the same scripture.