Outline
- Introduction
- Definition of terms
- Marriage is a social unification between two people that produces kinship
- Divorce is the termination and annulment of the legal responsibilities of marriage
- Causes of divorce among married people
- Financial instability, unemployment and insecurity cause conflict within marriages.
- Communication barriers and poor techniques of expression by spouses create rifts that lead to divorce in marriages.
- Definition of terms
- Conclusion
- Solving problems within marriage helps in avoiding divorce
- Basing a marriage on Godly principles makes the bond stronger and less likely to break due to issues aforementioned
Marriage and Divorce
Marriage, wedlock or matrimony, is a social unification between two people that produces kinship. The aspect of marriage is interpreted differently by different cultures, but among all these cultures, there is a general understanding that it is an intimate institution of interpersonal associations. Whereas annulment declares the marriage cancelled, divorce involves cutting off the bonds that tie two people. The teachings of the bible explicitly forbid couples from pursuing divorce as an option in the event that a marriage experiences problems. Therefore, married couples should strive to find different ways of coming to an agreement and living peacefully without divorcing each other.
Marriages are normally formalized through wedding ceremonies. Most marriages that are legally recognized by states are those between two people of the opposite sex and polygamy. As of 2000, some countries have legalized same-sex marriage. Conversely, divorce refers to the termination and annulment of the legal responsibilities of marriage. Within the bible, there are substantial references toward marriage and its significance as an institution. Divorce has developed as an epidemic within the world. In reality, divorce is a direct violation of the biblical principles as God has declared marriage as an authoritative pledge between God and human beings that cannot be broken.
Divorce contains acts of selfishness that goes against the teachings in many books such as Corinthians. In Christianity, the greatest commandment is to love one another. Divorce puts the self above God and is disrespectful to God. His intention was to develop long life relationships that are bound by love, trust and marriage (Zimmerman 49). Blossoming marriages are blessed by God as can be witnessed by the prosperity that exists among married couples and families. These successful marriages continue for many generations and rarely experience any conflict or disagreements that could lead to divorce. Children whose parents have divorced tend to also divorce when they get married.
Main causes of divorce among married people
Marriage was created and instituted by God, indicated in different parts of the bible such as Proverbs, and Genesis where God instructs the man and woman to bond together and create the family. The bond of marriage is strong and important such that the bible mentions that they become one. The consequences of divorcing a spouse are also mentioned as adultery and sin that means that divorce is explicitly prohibited within God’s values. The causes of divorce among married people vary from personal problems, financial constrains, communication and other minor reasons.
The modern socialization methods have introduced divorce as an easy way to solve any marital issues. Members of the society have learnt that problems that appear in the marriages can be resolved by divorcing their spouses. This generation also marries for other purposes besides love. These types of individuals have grown up in a society where it is perfectly normal to marry a person without having unconditional love, and divorcing them later if the marriage goes awry. Love is a crucial aspect of any marriage and in order for one to thrive, the two adults must love each other just as God recommended in the bible. People should enter into marriages with the notion that it is a lifelong commitment to one person that they truly love (Heffernan 89).
Another main reason for the increased number of divorce cases is the fact that they have not experienced functional relationships among their families or environment. Many individuals have experienced sad childhood memories in their broken families and tend to duplicate these tendencies in their own marriages. Because of the constant exposure to broken marriages, young people who enter into marriages do so with the hindsight that one day their relationship might flounder. Basing a marriage on secular principles such as selfishness, domination and aggression can break up any shaky marriage. Applying biblical principles can salvage such marriages as they are guided by God’s teachings (Levitt et al 15).
Couples that have broken up and divorced can also remarry after the recovery period. Some of the main issues that are at the heart of most divorces include financial issues, conjugal rights, and self-esteem and past relationships. The book of Matthew 19:9 states that men who divorce their wives for any other reason apart from sexual immorality have committed infidelity (Elizabeth 29). The verses Luke 16:18 and Mark 10:11-12 also share similar consequences. The book of Matthew 19:3-9 on the other hand, shows Jesus answering a question about divorce by stating that no man should separate a marriage. Within the bible, there are also recommendations from God on the proper way to live within a marriage. In 1 Peter 3:7, the bible instructs husbands to live peacefully with their wives and to honor them. These references in the bible show that God had an explicit view of divorce as being unacceptable.
Conclusion
The institution of marriage is greatly valued by God and therefore, Christians should similarly value it. Christian couples are responsible for maintaining the integrity and togetherness within their homes. The successful marriages also serve as a benchmark for other growing relationships to emulate. The sexual, mental, financial and other duties that married people have, serve to strengthen their bonds within the marriage. People should view this unique bond as a gift from God to increase the joy here on earth and strive to keep the holy covenant of marriage free from abuse, mistrust and other problems that lead to divorce. Husbands are also singled out as being responsible for their marriages and should therefore strive to fight for their spouses.
Work cited
Elizabeth B. Divorcé’s Guide to Marriage. The Wall Street Journal. Accessed on 19 November 2012. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444025204577544951717564114.html
Heffernan C. God’s Design for Marriage. Focus on the family. 2002. Accessed on 19 November 2012. Retrieved from http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/gods_design_for_marriage/marriage_gods_idea/gods_design_for_marriage.aspx
Levitt, Heidi M, and Kimberly N. Ware. Religious Leaders’ Perspectives on Marriage, Divorce, and Intimate Partner Violence. Psychology of Women Quarterly. 30.2 (2006): 212-222. Print.
Zimmerman R. Marriage, Sexuality, and Holiness: Aspects of Marital Ethics in the Corpus Paulinum. Acta Theologica, 2011. Accessed on 19 November 2012. Retrieved from www.ajol.info/index.php/actat/article/view/72871/61778
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