Divorce and remarriage
Recently the Elders of my church considered the issue of divorce and remarriage. This paper was prepared to help: explore the main biblical texts; summarise some of the current thinking; and provide a basis for informed discussion.
The paper argues that biblically divorce is only permissible on very narrow grounds and remarriage not at all. This of course runs contrary to all secular notions. Unfortunately, even as Christians, we are often more attracted to secular notions than to biblical standards that are usually more demanding. The arguments presented here therefore, to convince, must not only demonstrate they are biblically based but must overcome cultural prejudices.
The Elders’ collective wisdom in my church came to conclusions a little different from those in this study nevertheless the paper fulfilled its task – it provoked thought and stimulated the study of the relevant texts.
It is vitally important churches have a considered position on the issue of divorce and remarriage and it is equally important that this position is biblically based. For our response to situations involving divorce to be ad hoc, based on feelings or C21 morality, simply pragmatic, or worse still to respond by simply, ostrich like, burying our head in the sand is a recipe for disaster. For Bible believing Christians the only possible guide for thinking about and responding to divorce is the Bible.
This paper is an attempt to do justice to what the Bible teaches. How successful it is in doing so is for you to judge.
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About John
Hi there - I am a member of Greenview and have been for over 20 years. For a number of these years I functioned as an elder, however, indifferent health forced me to take more of a back seat. I see this as an opportunity to do a little writing, often focussing on issues that are a matter of evangelical debate today. Naturally the views expressed are my own and may not reflect the views of the elders or church at large, though differences are likely to be in the detail and not the substance.
These articles and sermons were written partly to clarify my own thoughts and partly with the intention of provoking thought in others who may read them. If you read one I hope you find it stimulating. Please feel free to give me feedback or discuss my articles in the forums.
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