Question: .

Jon and Sue are married. Jon was previously married and divorced. Sue was not. Is Sue committing adultery in the eyes of God? If Jon and Sue divorce, must Sue remain unmarried?

Thanks,

Casey

Answer:

Dear Casey,

Your message is abbreviated. I presume these to be fictitious names, and it would seem that you are asking how I interpret what the Bible says as being "in God's eyes."

Divorce and remarriage is the issue. Denominations vary on what they believe is approved "in God's eyes" and what is not.

The Bible is clear. God hates divorce. Marriage should be "till death do us part." But, because of our human condition (in this area and in all others) humans often fall short of the mark. Remarriage, for one who has already experienced the pain of a broken marriage and divorce, should be carefully considered, and both parties should counsel with those they trust. Both Christian and secular counselors agree on such an approach, given the stark statistics.

But how does God view remarriage of one who is divorced? The answer hinges primarily on what is called the exception clause in the gospels, which is itself interpreted in a wide variety of ways. Matthew 19 is the chapter -- ironically the question posed by the Pharisees in Matthew 19:3 is much like yours. Jesus' answer appears in vs. 4-6, as well as 8-9. In verse 9 he allows, "except for marital unfaithfulness." The Greek word(s) used there are interpreted in a variety of ways -- and seem to have broad enough meaning to allow for remarriage for several reasons that would fit within "marital unfaithfulness."

Generally speaking, those who are involved in such a situation lean toward a wider allowance of what "marital unfaithfulness" constitutes -- and of course this is very human. Some who are extremely strict about the remarriage of those who are divorced believe marital unfaithfulness on the part of the offending spouse must be prolonged, continual, etc. before allowing the other partner to divorce and subsequently remarry, with God's blessing as articulated here by Jesus. Those who tend to take a strict view would include those who view marriage as a sacrament. Others take a variety of positions across the spectrum.

I cannot give specific counsel about a specific situation on the internet, but the above should give you an overview of how Christians view divorce and remarriage.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht