Name
Writing Style Used: MLA
Course and Section Number: THEO 202
Anthropology: Marriage and Divorce
Marriage is viewed differently by today’s society than that of Biblical times. While there are still some similarities in the regulations and limitations of marriage, the overall view and importance has slowly transformed. Society has taken on the mindset that marriage is simply a document that means nothing and if the marriage ends up not working out then it is okay to divorce and move on to other relationships. The Bible is clear as to what marriage stands for and that it is something that must be fought for and should last a lifetime.
The concept of marriage was established when Adam and Eve were created. In Genesis 2:18-25 it tells not only of how Eve was created but why she was created. According to L.I. Granberg and J.R. Root, God made marriage so that a man and woman could be joined to form “one flesh” and reach a sense of completeness. (Granberg, 743). It can be found in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 what is required and asked of both the man and the woman to have a healthy, God honoring marriage (NIV).
The Bible does not give an exact moment in which a couple is considered to be married in the eyes of God, but rather lists three principles that should be followed. The first being that marriage should follow the marriage requirements the government has set. Romans 13:1-2 says that we must obey the government that the Lord has placed over us (NIV). The second principle, depending on cultural background, is to have some form of a wedding ceremony. According to R.S. Rayburn, the wedding ceremony and celebration plays a key role in the consummation of the marriage (Rayburn, 745). The last principle that must be acknowledged is the consummation of the marriage through sexual intercourse. Genesis 2:24 says that a man and woman should leave their parents side and join together to become “one flesh” (NIV). The connection and bond that is formed through sexual intercourse is what binds the couple as “one flesh”. Unfortunately, the people of today’s society choose to ignore these principles. More and more couples feel as though a document or ceremony is not needed to build a life together. Also, if it does not work out, a divorce will not be needed. In Scripture, both the Old and New Testament reference divorce. In the Old Testament, divorce was only allowed to be initiated by the man. Deuteronomy 24 tells of the divorce laws and grounds needed during that time (NIV). However, the New Testament allows divorce to be initiated by either party under certain circumstances. Matthew 5:31-32 says that the only grounds for a divorce is if the “one flesh” is broken by adultery (NIV). Some believe that it is okay to divorce if one is in an abusive home or if every path has been taken to save the marriage. While these are valid reasons, Jesus clearly states in Matthew and Mark that the only grounds for divorce is unrepentant and ongoing sexual immorality. According to D.J. Atkinson, a response to objections such as these, would be that man and woman were created in the image of God and the marriage we enter is an example and reflection of our relationship with God (Atkinson, 347). Today, divorce has become a common, quick fix to a small problem.
The only circumstances for a divorced Christian to remarry is if there is no possible way for reconciliation. When a couple is divorced, the “one flesh” has been severed and both parties are technically free to marry again (Atkinson, 1008). However, it all goes back to the reason for the divorce. As a Christian, a marriage is a resemblance to Christ’s relationship with the Church and His people; no matter what sin was committed or how hard the relationship is, it should always tried to be reconciled.
When it comes to divorce amongst church members, churches tend to vary on how it should be handled. There are two ways the church should handle the situation and that is by accepting and being an encouragement and support to both parties (Atkinson, 348). The church should make known its views on divorce and try to help the couple through possible counseling. In the end though, it is the couple’s decision and they must be shown God’s love no matter what the outcome.
Marriage is not something that should be taken lightly. God created marriage for three reasons: to mirror His image (Gen. 1:26-27), to complete one another (Gen.2:18), and to multiply sons and daughters of the King (Deut. 6:6-7). God created marriage to last a lifetime (Atkinson, 348). The world has lost sight of the meaning of marriage. As Christians, we are to remind the world of why marriage was created and the importance of keeping it.
Word Count: 800

Bibliography
Atkinson, D. J. "NT Teaching." Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984. 347-48. Print.
Atkinson, D. J. "Pastoral Implications." Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984. 348. Print.
Atkinson, D. J. "The Moral Question." Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984. 1007-008. Print.
Granberg, L. I., and J. R. Root. "Marriage, Theology of." Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984. 743. Print.
Rayburn, R. S. "Marriage Feast of the Lamb." Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984. 745. Print.
New International Version