What is Christian Divorce?
Christian divorce is the formal ending of a valid Christian marriage. A Christian can divorce the same as any other person, however unlike elsewhere, the Church holds divorcees to a different standard and generally frowns upon it. Not all churches across the world adhere to the same set of guidelines when it comes to divorce, but in general, divorce carries some form of consequence for the divorcee and for their children.
Biblically, the only grounds for divorce accepted by all Churches are adultery, desertion, and abandonment. An exception would be the Eastern Orthodox Church, which permits the dissolution of a marriage due to the natural death of the spouse or by a legal civil divorce.
What is the Impact of Divorce with Christianity?
In Christianity, marriage is seen as a life-long, binding commitment between husband and wife, made in the sight of God. Divorce is viewed as a failure in this commitment and can have significant emotional and spiritual consequences for all those involved. While some churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church, may not allow divorcees to remarry in the Church, some Protestant Churches may allow remarriage. However, the decision is usually made on a case-by-case basis by the Minister or other Church officials, who must weigh all the facts before determining if a remarriage is permitted.
Divorced Christians may also face other consequences, such as the feeling of being judged or shunned by peers. Again, depending on the church, this can range from subtle disapproval to outright condemnation. Divorcees can also face a loss of access to church activities or events, depending on their denomination.
How Does Christianity View Divorce and Remarriage?
In general, the Bible and most denominations of Christianity views any form of divorce as a major disruption in the sanctity of marriage. The Bible states that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and some denominations of Christianity view it as a sin. The Catholic Church does not allow for the remarriage of divorced individuals, however the Church does offer the option of annulment for couples who wish to end their marriage. For Protestant Christians, the process is slightly more lenient, with some denominations allowing remarriage and others considering a case-by-case basis.
In some Protestant denominations, a process called “covenant marriage” is available for devout Christians who want to be held to a higher standard of marital commitment. A couple wishing to partake in a covenant marriage must take additional steps to commit to their relationship and give up their right to a no-fault divorce.
What is the Church’s Role in Divorce?
Many Churches offer counseling services and support groups to help couples work through their marital issues. These services often include marriage education, premarital counseling, conflict resolution, and practical support. The Church also acts as a mediator between the couple to try and provide a settlement that is fair to both parties.
It is important to note that Churches do not condone divorce but instead try to keep the marriage together. Churches may also provide religious services for the divorced such as providing reconciliation services and offering counseling for the spiritual or emotional aspects of the divorce.
Can You Receive Support During Divorce?
Yes, you can receive help and support during a divorce from your Church. Different churches provide different types of support services. Contact your local church or denomination for more information about the services that may be available to you.
For example, some churches offer healing services for divorcees where the church community can pray with you and offer spiritual and emotional support. Other churches may offer support groups where you can talk with others who have experienced divorce and find comfort in their shared experiences.
Conclusion
Divorce is a difficult and painful process, and it is important to remember that no matter what your situation, there is support available. Contact your local Church to find out what services they provide to individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or any other issue resulting from a divorce.
