Christian attitudes to Divorce

In most religions marriage is sacred, although different religions have differing attitudes to divorce. The attitude of Christianity has altered slightly as society as a whole has become more accepting of divorce. Many consider Christianity as old fashioned, but in the area of divorce is has modernised somewhat with the times.

There are differing attitudes between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestants. Catholics are completely against divorce, and according to them it can only be dissolved by the death of one of the people involved in the marriage. The Catholic Church does allow annulments if a couple, or one half of a couple, can prove the marriage never existed in the correct form. Examples of reasons for annulment are if one party was forced into the marriage, the marriage was not consummated, or one of the couple does not want, or can’t have, children. Protestants do allow divorce, although it is discouraged unless there is no alternative and it is considered unreasonable to stay together. It also allows divorcees to remarry, as Protestants believe that God offers forgiveness, and therefore a second chance of a successful marriage. Divorce is disapproved but more accepting than the Catholic Church. Catholics believe marriage is an agreement with God, which can’t be broken, while Protestants believe that God will forgive people for a divorce.

Like most religions, Christians of all types believe that marriage should be sacred and last forever. Adultery is considered a sin as it breaks the marriage vow. According to Christianity, when a couple decide to marry they agree to live together and share their lives until death parts them, and they must remain faithful at all times. One of the purposes of a Christian marriage is to create a Christian family by bringing up children with Christian values.

General attitudes towards divorce have changed significantly over the last half a century. It used to be much more difficult to have a divorce accepted, and especially to remarry, both in terms of the law and the way it was perceived by society; divorce was largely frowned upon. This is no longer the case, and divorcees suffer no social disadvantages. It is now deemed perfectly acceptable for people to get divorced should they be unhappy within their marriage, and most consider this a good thing. Although few think of divorce as an option when they get married, if a marriage does not work out then it is an option. This hasn’t always been the case. Even when it was legalised many remained in unhappy marriages as they didn’t want the social stigma of being divorced. Although Christianity may not completely agree with the way things have changed it is has become much more accepting of divorce.

Andrew Marshall (c)


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