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Question #387

Is divorce permitted on the grounds of spousal abuse?

I have read Lesson 2 on marriage & divorce and agree with the whole lesson. One topic it did not delve into is can a spouse divorce in the situation of spousal abuse or even when children are involved and the safety of spouse and children are in danger? The argument is based on 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 which was briefly discussed at bottom of lesson 2. It is being argued a spouse can divorce in “man’s law” but are still married in “God’s eyes”. The spouse would not be able to remarry. And the reason they would need to divorce by “man’s law” is so they can better hide from the dangerous spouse and protect themselves and children. They can again do this because they are still married in “God’s eyes” and are obeying other scriptural responsibilities to take care of children. Verse 11 states if she departs (divorces), let her remain unmarried. This to me contradicts Jesus when he says only reason for divorce is fornication. Does not the end of verse 11 “let not the husband put away his wife” not mean “if she departs” means she left without getting a divorce? If not, why would verse 11 have to say “let not the husband put away his wife when that wouldn’t be an option if they were already divorced? I would appreciate input on this and what the scriptures speak on this. There are elders and preachers in the church of Christ teaching this and I clearly think the Bible does not allow this. Thanks.

The Answer:

The part of Lesson 2 under “Class: Questions” to which you refer is most likely:

“God permits divorce for causes other than fornication. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. In such cases, however, there can be no remarriage. They must remain unmarried or be reconciled. Thus the case is that divorce for whatever reason ends the marriage. If it did not Paul could not have said that those who divorced for causes other than fornication were to remain unmarried.”

If you read it carefully you will see that it does not say that a person divorced for a reason other than fornication is still married in God’s eyes. It says exactly the opposite – that a divorce for whatever reason ends the marriage. It does not contradict what Jesus taught since Jesus was discussing what happened when a person divorced for a reason other than fornication and then remarried. Paul did not reach that issue because he by inspiration said that the person who divorced for a reason other then fornication was required to remain unmarried. God does not require a spouse to remain in a marriage where the health and physical or spiritual welfare of a spouse or children are at risk. In such a relationship one or both of the participants made a serious mistake. God does not require that mistake to continue. He does require the participants to suffer the results of that mistake – remain unmarried.

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