The Meaning of Remarriage In Christianity
Remarriage in Christianity means a person who has been married before enters into a new sacred marriage commitment. It is a new relationship between two people who have freedom to be joined together in holy matrimony. According to the Christian faith, marriage is a holy covenant between a man and woman, blessed and honored by God. Therefore, remarriage must also follow the same sacred commitment.
From the Catholic Church’s view, first marriages are sacred and indissoluble, which prevents a Christian from entering into a new marriage even if the first marriage has been dissolved. Therefore, a divorced Catholic must have their marriage declared by the civil court before they can marry in the church. In any case, remarriage after a divorce is not viewed positively and those who remarry are viewed as an example of sin.
In examining which opinion to follow, it is important to consider the perspectives of respected experts. Reverend Tim Jones, a pastor at Crosspoint Church, believes that remarriage is allowed in Christianity so long as the parties involved accept the sin of the divorce and make a effort to get back on the path of following the scriptures.
For another perspective, Dr. Tom Vest, a professor of theology at Emory University, believes that divorce is a form of infidelity, which is a serious sin that should be taken very seriously. He argues that remarriage should only be allowed if the individuals can demonstrate a real commitment to each other, to Jesus, and if they can mutually support each other in their faith and goals.
What The Bible Has To Say About Remarriage
When trying to answer the question of whether remarriage is allowed in Christianity, it is important to consider the Bible’s stance on the matter. The Bible expressly forbids remarriage in Matthew 19:9. Jesus, in this passage, states that anyone who divorces and remarries has committed adultery. This statement is indicative of the church’s belief that all marriages, even remarriages, are sacred unions.
The Bible also speaks to the issue of remarriage in other passages. In the case of death, the Bible allows remarriage in 1 Corinthians 7:40. It is written that, in this case, a widow is allowed to remarry if she chooses to do so. Again, the Bible stresses the importance of marriage and views a remarriage as a new and sacred commitment.
Furthermore, the Bible makes a distinction between remarriage and adultery in the case of a divorce. According to Matthew 5:32, “anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery.” However, someone who divorces their partner and remarries with another partner is not considered to be committing adultery. They are instead celebrated in the eyes of the church, making the new marriage a sacred one.
Rise Of The Second Marriage In Christianity
It is clear that divorce and remarriage are frown upon in the eyes of the church. However, with the rising tensions of a modernized society, the acceptability of remarriage has shifted. Many churches have begun allowing remarriage so long as certain conditions are met. These conditions include both individuals receiving pastoral counseling, complete forgiveness between the separating individuals, and familial reconciliation. For example, the same-sex marriage debate in the United States has had a profound effect. Churches have adapted to the changing atmosphere and adapted their message to embrace the remarried family.
According to research conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly 32% of marriages in the U.S. in 2018 were second or third marriages. Furthermore, a study of 2,269 leadership couples from 51 denominations from 1981 to 2006 showed that 55.9% of clergy members have remarried. The data indicates that the Protestant church is increasingly losing its reluctance to remarriage and is in fact openly embracing it.
The Impact Of Remarriage On Individuals
The impact of remarriage on individuals is a subject of debate amongst experts. Many believe that remarriage can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, remarriage can be beneficial because it often improves emotional circumstances, encourages family reconciliation, and offers individuals more agency. On the other hand, remarriage can be damaging because it can introduce feelings of mistrust, disrupt emotional attachment between family members, and cause difficulties if one partner remains true to the original vow.
From a psychotherapeutic point of view, remarriage can be beneficial if handled with caution. Licensed professional counselor, Dr. Franklin Gomez suggests that couples take the time to ensure that the previous marriage is completely finished before moving on to the next one. He states, “Before remarrying, couples should analyze why the previous marriage failed so that the same mistakes are not repeated in the new commitment.” This advice is echoed by other experts who believe that individuals should demonstrate a high degree of emotional maturity and self-awareness before entering into a new union.
The Impact On The Family Unit
When considering remarriage from a Christian perspective, it is essential to assess the effect that remarriage has on the family unit. According to Bradley Wright, author of Christians are Hate-Filled Hypocrites?, statements about remarriage are often written with adult feelings in mind, with little thought given to the consequences for children. He argues that if couples can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the new relationship, it can bring stability, security, and family harmony.
However, there are other experts who believe that the impact of remarriage on the family unit is more difficult to gauge. According to psychology professor Barry Knestel, parents often fail to understand the different needs of the children. He states, “Remarried families can be very complicated. It is important for parents to be aware of their children’s feelings and take the time to understand them.”
Views Of Professional Counselors On Remarriage
In order to ascertain the official views of counselors on remarriage, studies have been conducted on the opinions of professional counselors. The results of the studies show that counselors tend to be accepting of remarriage as they believe that the couples involved have formed a new bond. However, they are cautious in their approach as they know that remarriage can be a complicated and possibly contentious process.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Emma Browning, acknowledges that, “Remarriage requires caution for both the individuals and the family members. It’s a delicate process that should be approached with care and consideration.” In other words, although remarriage is possible, all parties involved should try to understand the complexities of the situation.
The Legal Implications Of Remarriage
Remarriage also comes with certain legal implications that vary from state to state. In some states, it may be necessary to obtain a special marriage license or a second hearing from a court before remarriage. In other cases, no additional paperwork is necessary. Understanding the specific laws in the individual’s home state is essential.
In addition, remarriage can also have an effect on the individual’s estate plan. According to attorney Joe Brady, any trust or will made prior to the remarriage must be amended to include the new spouse. This is done to ensure that the estate is distributed in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. Failing to do so could result in the estate being distributed to an unintended individual.
The Pros And Cons Of Remarriage On A Christian Couple
When considering remarriage from a Christian perspective, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the decision. On one hand, remarriage can offer stability, security, and a sense of family for individuals. On the other hand, it can also be a source of disruption, mistrust, and confusion for the individuals involved.
There are many things to consider before entering into a remarriage. Professional counseling is essential to understanding the complexities of the situation. It is also important to ensure that the former marriage is completely severed before moving forward with the new one. Additionally, couples should consider any legal implications that may arise. Finally, it is essential that all parties remain open to the potential difficulties and are committed to upholding the vows of the Christian faith.
The Impact Of Faith On Remarriage
The level of faith has a considerable impact on one’s decision to remarry. For those who hold to a traditional view of the Bible, remarriage may be seen as a form of disobedience and a sign of unfaithfulness to God. For those who are more flexible in their interpretations of the Bible, remarriage may be seen as an opportunity for redemption and forgiveness. What is certain is that each individual must decide for themselves if remarriage is something that they are willing and able to accept.
In addition, it is important to consider the views of family members and friends when making the decision to remarry. This can be a difficult conversation to have, as those closest to us may have strong opinions about the issue. It is essential that the couple remain open to the perspectives of others and take the time to discuss and understand their feelings before making a decision to remarry.
Conclusion Of The Remarriage Issue
The decision to remarry is ultimately a personal one. Couples must evaluate their individual beliefs and understand the implications of remarriage before making a commitment. It is important to seek the advice of experts, such as pastors and counselors, to ensure that the parties involved are adequately informed and that the relationship is one that is built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect.
