Quick Overview
Whether it is a sin to marry someone who has been divorced is a complex theological question with different answers according to different Christian denominations. Some believe remarriage after divorce is always adulterous except in specific circumstances. Others believe remarriage is permitted in certain cases. There are also differences in whether one must be the “innocent party” in the divorce to remarry. Overall, there is no universal consensus among all Christians.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible passages most relevant to remarriage after divorce are:
- Matthew 5:32 – Remarriage after divorce may be adulterous, except for “unchastity.”
- Matthew 19:3-9 – Remarriage after divorce is adulterous, except for “unchastity.”
- Mark 10:2-12 – Remarriage after divorce is adulterous, no exceptions stated.
- Luke 16:18 – Remarriage after divorce is adulterous, no exceptions stated.
- 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – Believers must not divorce, but if they do they must remain unmarried or be reconciled.
- 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 – Paul permits remarriage if an unbelieving spouse divorces a believer.
These verses indicate divorce is discouraged and remarriage may be prohibited or sinful. But there are some apparent exceptions like “unchastity” and abandonment by an unbeliever. Overall, the Bible lacks absolute clarity on the issue.
Views Within Roman Catholicism
The Roman Catholic position is that remarriage after divorce is adulterous since marriage is intended to be a lifelong sacramental covenant. However, annulments can be granted determining the first marriage was not valid. With an annulment, remarriage is permitted. Key points:
- Marriage is intended to be permanent and divorce is not allowed except in limited cases involving adultery or abandonment.
- Annulments declaring the first marriage invalid can be granted by church authorities.
- With an annulment, remarriage is permitted since the first marriage is considered not to have been valid.
- Without an annulment, remarriage is not allowed and is considered adulterous.
Overall, remarriage is only permitted for divorced Catholics if they obtain an annulment of the first marriage.
Views Within Eastern Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodoxy permits remarriage after divorce, in some circumstances, based on the principle of “economia.” Key beliefs include:
- Marriage is intended to be lifelong and divorce is discouraged except for adultery and abandonment.
- Remarriage is allowed by “economia” or pastoral discretion in some situations involving adultery or abandonment.
- Each divorce and remarriage situation is addressed case-by-case by the bishop.
- Penances are often imposed for remarriage after divorce.
- Unconditional permission for remarriage is not granted, but pastoral discretion is used.
So remarriage is permitted in some cases based on pastoral decision-making, not as an automatic right.
Views Within Protestantism
Among Protestants there is a wider range of views about remarriage after divorce. Key perspectives include:
- No remarriage permitted – Some groups such as Amish only permit remarriage after death of a spouse. All remarriage after divorce is prohibited.
- Remarriage permitted for “innocent party” – Many conservative Protestants argue that the “innocent party” in a divorce due to adultery or abandonment can remarry.
- Pastoral discretion – Some Protestant churches decide case-by-case when remarriage after divorce may be permitted or not.
- Remarriage permitted – Many liberal Protestants place no restrictions on remarriage after divorce.
Unlike the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, Protestantism has no unified position on remarriage after divorce. Policies and practices vary widely between Protestant denominations and local churches.
Key Considerations in the Debate
Some key considerations that shape Christian perspectives on remarriage after divorce include:
- Biblical teaching – How literally to interpret Jesus’ statements on divorce and adultery in the gospels.
- Church tradition – How the historical teaching of the church should inform modern policies.
- Sacramental theology – Whether to emphasize marriage as a lifelong covenant versus the possibility of a “second chance.”
- Pastoral concerns – Balancing compassion for divorced people while upholding the sanctity of marriage.
- Changed cultural norms – How to apply Jesus’ teachings to modern societies where divorce is common.
There are thoughtful positions on various sides of this issue within Christianity.
Practical Advice for Those Considering Remarriage
For those who have gone through a divorce and are considering remarriage, some practical suggestions include:
- Examine your motives – Be sure your reasons reflect godly values and you have allowed time for healing.
- Seek counsel – Talk with your pastor and mature Christian mentors for advice and accountability.
- Understand your church’s position – Know your denomination’s beliefs so a potential marriage aligns.
- Consider thoughtfully – Weigh all factors prayerfully and carefully before proceeding.
- Focus on the present – Build a relationship centered on who you and your potential partner are today.
- Trust in grace – If you have confessed failures and sought forgiveness, believe in God’s mercy and a fresh start.
With wisdom and humility, Christians who have experienced divorce can make careful decisions about potential remarriage.
Questions and Answers
Here are some common questions and brief answers about remarriage after divorce:
Is remarriage after divorce unambiguously allowed or prohibited in the Bible?
No, the Bible does not give absolute clear permission or prohibition regarding all circumstances of remarriage after divorce. There are some passages prohibiting it, and others suggesting it may be allowed in certain cases.
What if the divorce happened before I became a Christian?
Most Christian traditions view a new believer as a “new creation” with their past forgiven. A divorce prior to conversion would not necessarily prohibit remarriage after becoming Christian.
Does it make a difference if I was the “innocent party?”
Yes, in some Christian traditions being the “innocent party” in a divorce resulting from adultery or abandonment permits remarriage. How this is determined and applied differs between churches.
If my ex-spouse remarried, does that free me to remarry as well?
Potentially, but not automatically. Some churches prohibit the remarriage of the original spouse after their ex remarries, while others still consider remarriage adulterous for either spouse.
Do my responsibilities to previous children or current family matter?
Yes, responsible care and support of any children from your first marriage should be thoughtfully considered when assessing the morality of remarriage. Current family obligations are also a relevant factor.
Should I only consider marrying another divorced person?
That is not necessarily required, though some feel both partners having previous divorces provides a unique understanding. As with any marriage, what matters most are the qualities of character and faith of your potential spouse, regardless of their background.
Conclusion
There is no unanimous agreement among Christians about the morality of remarriage after divorce. It remains a complex issue with reasoning and restrictions that vary across traditions. Yet through study, prayer, wisdom, and walking in God’s grace, Christians who have experienced divorce can make thoughtful decisions about potential future marriage. What is most important is an attitude of care and sincerity in seeking to follow Jesus faithfully in all areas of life, including relationships.