Divorce and Remarriage ? Four Christian Views

Divorce. No one likes it, but it doesn't go away. Even among Christians, the divorce rate continues to climb. How should Christians approach this issue? May Christians ever legitimately divorce? If they divorce legitimately, may they remarry?

Not everyone who appeals to Scripture agrees on how we should understand what it says about divorce and remarriage. In this Spectrum Multiview volume, four authors present their distinct perspectives. Carl Laney argues that the Bible indicates that marriages are always intended to be permanent, that there is never a need for divorce and that remarriage is never permissible after divorce. William Heth contends that while there are legitimate biblical grounds for divorce, thereare no legitimate grounds for remarriage after divorce. Thomas Edgar defends the position that Scripture allows for divorce and remarriage in cases of adultery or desertion. Larry Richards holds that Scripture, while decrying divorce and the pain itcauses, points to a God of grace who will not condemn those who divorce and remarry.

Such a sensitive debate cannot remain abstract, so a case study accompanies each position, followed by critical responses from each essayist. The result is a thoughtful, helpful resource for all who wish to think biblically about a crucial issue confronting the church.

Spectrum Multiview Books offer a range of viewpoints on contested topics within Christianity, giving contributors the opportunity topresent their position and also respond to others in this dynamic publishing format.

J. Carl Laney is professor of biblical literature and coordinator for Israel study programs at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of a number of books, including The Divorce Myth, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary (with Robert B. Hughes) and Answers to Tough Questions from Every Book of the Bible.

William A. Heth is a professor in the Department of Biblical Studies, Christian Education and Philosophy at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He is also coauthor with Gordon Wenham of Jesus and Divorce.

Thomas R. Edgar is Distinguised Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis at Capital Bible Seminary in Lanham, Maryland. He is also the author of Miraculous Gifts: Are They for Today?

Larry Richards taught at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, for several years and authored textbooks in Christian education that are widely used. Now a full-time writer, he has written over one hundred books, including Expository Dictionary of Bible Word, The Teacher's Commentary and the Revell Essential Bible Dictionary. Richards has also written many devotional books for young people and adults, and authored the notes for the bestselling Adventure Bible.

H. Wayne House is Distinguished Research Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.