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Are divorced women supposed to live alone?

Galateasdream

Active Member
I think the usual conservative interpretation is, 'yes.'

Or, at least 'yes' if they were the guilty party in the adultery (Jesus divorce condition) that led to the divorce (with the non-guilty party free to marry again), or if they were the Christian party in a mixed-religion marriage where the non-Christian refused to live with them (Pauline Divorce condition).

It does seem that that would be the implication if that passage is to be interpreted literally and authoritatively.
 

Galateasdream

Active Member
For those thinking about this topic, it might be handy to have the verse here:

Matthew 5:32 New International Version (NIV)
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
 
I think the usual conservative interpretation is, 'yes.'

Or, at least 'yes' if they were the guilty party in the adultery (Jesus divorce condition) that led to the divorce (with the non-guilty party free to marry again).

If so, how does the 'forgiveness" and grace for sin play into this? Just because they sinned, if they repented, doesn't this give them a right to pursue a new life instead of having to live alone?
 

Howard Is

Lucky Mud
For those thinking about this topic, it might be handy to have the verse here:

Matthew 5:32 New International Version (NIV)
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Whoa ! That’s horrible.

No wonder I think the Bible is runny dog droppings.
 

Galateasdream

Active Member
If so, how does the 'forgiveness" and grace for sin play into this? Just because they sinned, if they repented, doesn't this give them a right to pursue a new life instead of having to live alone?

From a conservative stand point, no, I don't think so.

Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean 'free from consequence'. For example, Jesus forgives criminals but they would still be expected to own up to their crime and serve their punishment (not sure that's a good analogy, but you get the point).

And the Jesus statement doesn't exactly leave much wriggle room for other interpretations.

I guess the theological issue here (again from a conservative POV) is that some things are irrevocable or dissoluble. And marriage seems to be something that changes one's spiritual condition on a somewhat permanent basis.

This seems a fairly typical example of conservative evangelical POV on the matter:

 

Galateasdream

Active Member
@seeking the truth

I should point out, in case it wasn't clear from profile or avatar, I'm not a conservative Christian, and thus don't agree with the conservative POV on divorce and remarriage. I think you should do what can reasonably be expected to make you happy, whole and healthy (so long as it doesn't hurt others). Obviously, many Christians disagree with that understanding, and I admit I may be wrong.

However, I do think it true that the conservative POV is how the Gospel account was meant to be taken (whether it was Jesus' POV or just the Gospel writers' is impossible to tell, but quite possibly both) in terms of spoken/written human authorial intent, and I think I'm right in saying that 'remarriage is impermissible' was the majority teaching for most Christians throughout most of history. I could be wrong on that, too, of course.

Regardless, if you're asking this question because of your own painful life circumstances you have my sincere sympathy, and I wish you the best whatever you decide to do.
 
Actually I was inquiring about a close friend of mine. She divorced her husband not due to a any abuse. She then said she became born again after the divorce so the "slate was wiped clean" that she is a new person in Christ so has a new life and would not be considered a married woman anymore. She then got remarried so I am just curios about all things relating to her and christ's words.
 

Galateasdream

Active Member
Actually I was inquiring about a close friend of mine. She divorced her husband not due to a any abuse. She then said she became born again after the divorce so the "slate was wiped clean" that she is a new person in Christ so has a new life and would not be considered a married woman anymore. She then got remarried so I am just curios about all things relating to her and christ's words.

Many different denominations/churches will give many differing views as to what her situation is, as no doubt you already know.

May your friend find happiness and blessing.
 

Audie

Veteran Member
For those thinking about this topic, it might be handy to have the verse here:

Matthew 5:32 New International Version (NIV)
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

It is a wonder any woman can be a "Christian".
 
So guys, does this mean we should consider a divorced woman who takes Christ's words to heart and lives her life alone as being a truly Christian woman and those who don't as not being truly Christian?
 

Galateasdream

Active Member
So guys, does this mean we should consider a divorced woman who takes Christ's words to heart and lives her life alone as being a truly Christian woman and those who don't as not being truly Christian?

Again, there's going to be a difference between denominations/ churches/ Christianities.

I think most would say that it's not about being a 'real' Christian or not, it's about sin and/or maybe hypocrisy.

If someone is a sincere Christian, but fails to live up to their own ethical standards they may be 'in sin' or even a 'hypocrite', but that wouldn't necessarily exclude them from being a 'real Christian'.

Of course, this is all going to hinge on how you define Christian. I doubt many, for example, would accept me as a 'real Christian'.
 

ChristineM

"Be strong", I whispered to my coffee.
Premium Member
This is one situation that islam is far more liberal than christianity
 
The question then I think is what makes a person Christian? is it listening to and following every teaching and command of Christ or simply saying "hey, I believe in Christ" so I am a christian.
 
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