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Religion and Divorce

Different religions have different perceptions of divorce, the relationship between religion and divorce is complicated and varied.

Some religions accept divorce as a fact of life, while others only believe it is right under certain circumstances like adultery.

Also, some religions allow remarriage after divorce, and others believe it is inherently wrong.

Let’s peruse this using different religious views on divorce

Christian Views on Divorce

The great majority of Christian denominations affirm that marriage is intended as a lifelong covenant, but vary in their response to its dissolubility through a divorce.

Many people wonder what the Bible says about divorce. Generally, in Christianity, marriage is viewed as a life-long promise between partners. While many believe that means God hates divorce, and Christian divorce is indeed normally frowned upon but divorce is allowed in Christianity.

The reasons for acceptable divorce in the Bible may include unfaithfulness and abuse.

Different denominations interpret these Scriptures differently. So, here’s a look at the general beliefs of some of them around divorce:

Protestantism: While it advocates against divorce whenever possible, many Protestant churches allow divorce if a marriage is beyond repair. Protestantism also permits remarriage in many cases.

Catholicism: Since marriage is considered a sacred sacrament, the Catholic Church doesn’t believe in divorce and considers it a sin.

READ ALSO: Are Married Women Expected to be Submissive in Islam??

To this religion, a marriage only ends in the case of a partner’s death or if there is a Catholic annulment that declares the marriage invalid and says it should have never happened.

Mormonism: Similar to Protestantism, Mormonism disapproves of divorce but permits it in some instances. Couples may be able to get a “cancellation of sealing,” which allows for an ending to the marriage in the eyes of the church.

Judaism Views on Divorce

Judaism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is centered on the belief in one God and his covenant, meaning a special agreement between God and his people. All of the laws and teachings in Judaism originate from the Torah, the sacred book in the Jewish religion.

Similar to many Christian denominations, divorce is allowed in Judaism, even if it’s not encouraged. According to traditional Jewish law, only the husband can divorce his wife, but, while some Orthodox Jews still abide by that thinking, most Jewish communities will now allow for a divorce initiated by either a man or a woman.

Hinduism Views on Divorce

Divorce is allowed in Hinduism, Historically, divorce was forbidden in Hindu relationships as women had an inferior standing in culture and society. And since Hinduism considers marriage a sacrament and life-long promise made in the presence of several gods, divorce was never an option. However, the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 in India allowed divorce under certain conditions, including infidelity, abandonment, cruelty, and absence of communication, among other reasons.

Islam Views on Divorce

As with many other religions, divorce is allowed in Islam, but it is considered a last resort.

in Islam, but it is considered a last resort. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad said “The most detestable of lawful things before Allah is divorce.” So, Islamic couples may be encouraged to work with their mosque to resolve any differences before taking steps to divorce”.

READ ALSO: Various Religious Beliefs About Satan

When it comes to remarriage, different rules apply to men and women. Differences include the principle that a man can immediately remarry after a valid divorce whereas a woman must not remarry for a certain period of time (usually three months).

Buddhism Views on Divorce

Since Buddhism doesn’t have strict tenets about marriage, divorce is allowed in the religion and is unrestricted. Divorce may actually be recommended if an unhappy marriage causes stress or suffering.

Effect of Divorce Based on Religious Explanations

Divorce is a life-altering decision that involves various thoughts before making the final legal decision.

Many couples chose to try separation before making the decision as a way to think of the personal and social costs of divorcing their spouse as well as benefits and the necessity. Thus choosing to divorce as their final decision can be a sign of people taking a different path from those who did not or did not need to make the decision. If the path people take in choosing to divorce is less socially protected than the path those who continued to be married take, not only lingering effects of divorce but also differences in the life course patterns could also influence their health in later life.

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