Amy Strickland
MLA
September 14, 2014
Dr. Alan Bandy
THEO 202 B02

Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce

I do have to say that I may not have personal experience with marriage but I do know what the bible has to say about it, and that is ultimately what matters. The modern view on marriage tends to be that of lesser importance. If it does not work, then no big deal because there is always the option of divorce. This view usually has the effect of not taking holy matrimony seriously because there is a backup plan. When things go wrong couples are just giving up. God never said marriage would be easy, but He is there to help us every step of the way. Marriage is between one man and one woman for life, and there is only one reason that a couple should ever get a divorce, according to the bible.

The bible gives us the guidelines for marriage and how it is supposed to look and work. Almost all marriages had to have the parent’s approval, and were more a matter of convenience rather than for love during bible times. (Elwell 741) Girls were usually between the age of twelve and seventeen; while boys were between fourteen and eighteen. (Elwell 741) The husband was responsible for providing for his family, and the wife was responsible for having child and talking care of them and the house. According to Elwell, matriarchal marriage occurred when a man went to live with and became part of his wife’s family. (740) Also, a “‘Betrothal’ was a legally binding contract between the parents of the bride and groom. It had the legal status of marriage…” (Elwell 741) Today, a couple is not considered married until they had a marriage license, usually through a ceremony, but can also be obtained through the courthouse.

The New Testament only gives one reason that in the eyes of God is a reason for a divorce, and that is sexual immorality. It states