The emotions elicited by this past assignment in which we must analyze marriage and divorce and make an argument based on our research for how we would best counsel a couple considering divorce or having marital issues.... including every member of the family and how they are each involved brought some memories, the struggle of faith in practice, a realization of the knowledge the secular world has about the destruction of divorce, and how to separate oneself emotionally in order to stop damage.
“What used to be seen as a weakness of the flesh has mutated into a personal entitlement.” (William Doherty, 2006, Psychotherapy Networker in his Couples on the Brink)
Through research, scientists are coming to the conclusion that the ramifications of divorce make it destructive to all the individuals involved and that it would be better to try to work out the issues within the marriage before deciding to have a divorce.
The Bible already gave us this advice before scientific research ever reached that point. From their claims in the 1970s that women needed to be "liberated" and "your choice for a divorce frees you," to the economic stability that women are now able to gain for themselves making them feel self sufficient, not in need of their husband's financial prowess, to today where they have discovered that divorce has long lasting negative effects when it is not ended upon civilly and that even a "good divorce" ended on positive terms will bring difficulties for the children and repercussions.
The Bible teaches that Love keeps no records of wrongs, bears long, is patient and kind. A reference point which would have greatly aided scientists in their insistence in scientific study to prove any such claims that the Bible would make. Their scientific research PROVES the wisdom of God. God doesn't ask people to stay married just so they would be miserable, but in his infinite wisdom wants the best for his children. Only few circumstances which research has shown make divorce reasonable and permissible, but the greatest love found in Christ seeks forgiveness and compassion.
(Please don't misunderstand me, because I do not condone abuse or affairs both of which are Biblical grounds for divorce.)
Comments from article "Is Dating Dead?" by Sharon Jayson in USA Today issue 3-31-2011
Another comment I have deals with the lack of push towards manlihood or courage in our society today which gives youth easy access to everything, yet leaves them empty of anything worthwhile. The issue, “Is Dating Dead?” sounds an alarm about the rising lack of connection with other people that our culture is facing. When someone trains to pursue a prize, the training and pursuit is difficult, as it should be, but the prize made it worthwhile. Cheating themselves of the challenge, many young people report cheap sexual games without the actual fulfillment of pursuit, romance, and risk. Of course risk means hurt sometimes, but the risks were worth it especially if it means a fulfilling friendship and marriage at the end. The article also mentions a group of people whose bold statements about their virginity should be praised. There is a difference between those who are virgins by their choice to wait, and those who are virgins simply in the physiological sense because of other internet sexual encounters which cheaply fulfilled their desires.
How would Christ respond to such deprivation in our society which has things backwards??
