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Marriage and Divorce in the Bible
Marriage is often seen as a sacred engagement from a biblical perspective. The Bible does not spell out every detail of marriage, but makes it clear that certain requirements are necessary to make the union acceptable under God. Here, the research suggests that "it reflects the level of intimacy and commitment that distinguishes marriage from other relationships" (Carey, 2011). Marriage is the deepest relationship two individuals can have with one another. This relationship is based on respect and love, for one another, and for God. The Bible states that "love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs" (Corinthians 1:13). The Biblical assumptions of marriage require that God condone the union and remain at the center of the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Not only do they need to make promises to one another, but to God as well. Thus, "marriage is not a partnership or contract; not just a 50/50 commitment or an agreement based upon deeply held emotions of love and...
Marriage is a covenant" (Site Organic, 2012). Respecting this idea of a covenant is the major requirement for a morally acceptable marriage.
The Bible considers a couple married when they give their vows and consummate the marriage. Much of the biblical literature sees marriage as occurring after the union is first consecrated in a church under God, and then later consummated. Genesis states that "therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Once the marriage is consummated, it is official under the eyes of God. This is in many ways different than how we view marriage today. Marriage occurs when the licenses are signed and approved by a county judge. There are even some states that impose a common law marriage to couples that have cohabitated with one another for several years. Thus, the concept of when a marriage occurs is much different.
It is interesting to see how the Bible discusses divorce. On the one hand, divorce is essentially impossible because the married couple has become one. Yet, there are some rules that…
References
Carey, Greg. (2011). What does the Bible actually say about marriage? Huffington Post. Web. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-carey/bible-weddings_b_887979.html
Site Organic. (2012). What does the Bible say about marriage? The Word Out. Web. http://www.thewordout.net/pages/page.asp?page_id=74725
Marriage and Dating in the Middle Ages Throughout the ages the ideals a marriage is based on have greatly fluctuated. Whereas the practice of arranged marriages isn't common in the Western world, during the Middle Ages, marriages were often arranged on the basis of land ownership, or the acquiring of power and wealth. Dating in the Middle Ages was practically an obsolete step in the higher classes. Classes were not allowed to
But it was not like that from the beginning." The Reformed Theology looks at marriage and divorce from the standpoint of being covenantal. They quote the Bible as saying in Malachi 2:14, "…because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant" (Fielding, 2010). Fielding goes on to say, "In the Old Testament, "divorce" was carried out by a literal physical execution of
Marriage and Divorce There are many divorced (and also many remarried) Christians today, but Tom and Jane want to know what the Bible really says about the issue before they make what they consider to be a life-altering decision. Generally, there are four schools of thought on divorce and remarriage into which Christians fall. These are: Divorce and remarriage are both acceptable Divorce is acceptable but remarriage is not Divorce is acceptable but
Marriage and the Bible: Understanding the Concept In ancient Israel, marriage was largely a social construct arranged between parents for their children -- divorce was possible but largely for the very rich, and even the Old Testament presumption was that marriage was a lasting, lifelong covenant (Elwell 1996: 346). The custom of marriage was often that of a "family" affair, with the parents governing the union rather than the personal will
Marriage implies different meanings based on the time and place of the culture and people concerned. Some notions about marriage are clear for some people and absurd for others. None of the notions are either right or erroneous, but only refers to different forms of marriage. Thoughts of one culture should not be forced on other cultures. The viewpoints vary, that is, some believe in multiple marriage partners while others
Obviously, Jesus feels that the impact of divorce is hardest upon children within the church because he proceeds from his preaching on marriage and divorce to blessing little children. Certainly, one can not think of anyone who is hurt more in divorce than children. They are the most devastated by divorce and therefore require his special attention and blessing. In Matthew 19:14 it says: "But Jesus said, Suffer little