Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce: A Challenge to Tradition
David Instone-Brewer’s Divorce and Remarriage in the Church (affiliate link) offers a detailed exploration of Jesus’ teaching on divorce, especially in the context of what is often referred to as “divorce for any cause.” This term, rooted in the teachings of certain Jewish traditions, has sparked much debate within Christian communities. Instone-Brewer’s book challenges this interpretation, advocating for a more restrained approach based on careful exegesis of Scripture and historical context. His views provide an important framework for understanding how biblical teachings on divorce apply to contemporary Christian life.
The Hillel Interpretation: Divorce for Any Cause
The idea of “divorce for any cause” is closely linked to teachings from the School of Hillel in the first century. This influential Jewish sect interpreted Deuteronomy 24:1 as allowing a man to divorce his wife for almost any reason. Reasons could include minor issues like poor cooking or simply feeling personally incompatible with one’s spouse. During Jesus’s time, this interpretation gained traction in some Jewish circles and shaped views on divorce. As a result, many began to see divorce as something easily permitted under Jewish law.
Instone-Brewer notes that this approach was a departure from the more stringent understanding found in earlier Jewish teachings. The more restrictive interpretation of Deuteronomy, held by the School of Shammai, allowed divorce only for serious offenses, particularly adultery. However, the Hillel view became widespread, leading many to believe that divorce could occur for trivial reasons, as long as the man provided his wife with a certificate of divorce.
Search The Bible the way you have always wanted to.Jesus’s Challenge to the “Any Cause” Doctrine
Instone-Brewer argues that Jesus directly confronted the “divorce for any cause” teaching in His response to the Pharisees in Matthew 19:1-12. When they asked Jesus whether divorce was permissible for any reason, He countered by emphasizing that divorce was not part of God’s original plan for marriage. Jesus referred back to the creation narrative in Genesis 2:24 and stated that a man must leave his father and mother, join his wife, and become one flesh with her. He highlighted marriage as a sacred covenant and emphasized that no one should break this union lightly.
Instone-Brewer suggests that Jesus specifically addressed the “any cause” interpretation, which the School of Hillel had popularized. By restricting divorce to cases of sexual immorality (porneia), Jesus set a higher standard. This approach directly challenged the more lenient interpretation and reinforced the belief that divorce should occur only after serious marital betrayal.
Biblical Divorce Interpretations: A Restrained View
Instone-Brewer emphasizes the need for careful biblical divorce interpretations. In his book, he suggests that the Bible does not provide a blanket allowance for divorce over minor issues. Instead, Scripture permits divorce only when a spouse commits sexual immorality. This interpretation aligns with the teachings of Jesus and Paul, who both emphasize marital faithfulness as a fundamental aspect of the covenant. The “exception clause” in Matthew 19:9, which permits divorce for sexual immorality, offers a clear guideline for Christians facing marital difficulties.
Instone-Brewer warns against misapplying the “any cause” doctrine, noting that it has led to unnecessary divorce in many Christian communities. People should not view divorce as an easy or quick solution, especially when dealing with minor grievances. He advocates for a pastoral approach that emphasizes reconciliation and forgiveness whenever possible. The true spirit of biblical teachings on divorce calls for careful discernment and a commitment to preserving marriage whenever feasible.
A Balanced Approach to Divorce and Remarriage
While Instone-Brewer underscores the seriousness of divorce, he also acknowledges that there are times when it is necessary for the well-being of the individuals involved. He advocates for a compassionate approach that does not disregard the emotional and relational realities of broken marriages. Divorce, when it occurs, should be treated as a last resort, only after all attempts at reconciliation have failed.
Instone-Brewer explains that the Bible allows remarriage only in certain situations, such as after a spouse’s death or infidelity. He emphasizes that the Bible permits remarriage in cases of sexual immorality as one of the few valid reasons. He urges Christians to examine biblical teachings on divorce and remarriage with care and thoughtful reflection. They should also seek wisdom and counsel from Scripture and trusted church leaders when facing such decisions. The focus remains on preserving the integrity of marriage while approaching divorce with biblical faithfulness and compassion.
Moving Beyond the “Any Cause” View
Instone-Brewer’s work challenges modern Christians to rethink the common practice of divorcing for trivial or superficial reasons. His research into biblical divorce interpretations encourages a reading that stays faithful to the message of Scripture. This interpretation aligns more closely with the intent behind Jesus’ teachings on the permanence and purpose of marriage. By rejecting the “any cause” view, Christians can better respect marriage and resist casual approaches to separation. Such a stance also encourages healing and reconciliation when marriages encounter serious difficulties. This thoughtful, Scripture-based approach offers practical guidance for addressing complicated marital issues in today’s church context.
Ultimately, Divorce and Remarriage in the Church provides valuable insights into how Christians should approach divorce, reminding them that the goal is always to preserve and protect the marital covenant as God intended.
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