Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context

Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource; well-written and informative
Review: Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible by Dr. Instone-Brewer is an excellent help in looking at the issue of divorce and remarriage in the Christian church today. Having consulted many resources on this important topic, I have found this book to be the single most helpful and affirming book to bring together all I've learned about the issue.

There will of course be skepticism as with any book on a controversial subject, and people might question the hermeneutical system behind seeking the authorial intent; but in my opinion, this book is dead on in its analysis of the situation, and honestly seeks the truth. If you're unsure about buying the book, feel free to read as much of it as you like for free online before purchasing; the author has made not only this book, but also the other two versions of the book available... read it for yourself.

The author's main conclusions are that any break in the marriage vows is a grounds for divorce; however, Jesus and Paul, while both affirming this, don't recommend divorce, and say to always forgive someone who's broken the marriage vows as long as they're repentant. When a divorce does occur for valid grounds, the innocent party is free to remarry whoever they will (only in the Lord).

Rating:
Summary: Thorough Study
Review: I enjoyed reading this book and learned many new things. The cover painting was done by the Belgian surrealist painter Rene Magritte; this painting has been thoroughly studied by art students for many years, and I suppose it would only be fair to extend the same to the contents. I greatly enjoyed reading the book twice. I'm certain it will benefit every reader who seeks to understand divorce within the framework of the Judeo-christian faith.

Rating:
Summary: Simply superb
Review: Incredible book, breaks down the history and context quite well. To understand the meaning of the bibles discussions one must really strive to hear the words of a 1st century reader. Particuarlly on matters of law. In spirit the message is clear, marriage is sacred. But because of sin it often fails.

The problem begins when modern pharasees start making law out of what is supposed to be a positive message. If your going to make law from scripture you better understand the history of what your talking about. The author says there are quite a few reasons for a divorce, though all can be repented of and the marriage can survive any of them. The innocent party is then free to marry, such as the one left for another, deserted, cruelty,etc. He makes allowances also for the 'guilty' party. Repentence is possible. He cautions against remarriage of a person to a person who caused the end of a marriage.

It is very complete although truthfully had he delved into the misunderstanding surrounding 'put away' and legal divorce it would have been a nice section. This simple misunderstanding and misstranslation have shackled many divorced christians. All christians should have the right to a fresh start. Jesus absorbed all of our sins. Some legalistic christians make a mockery of Gods grace, by continuing to cause suffering to our brethren post divorce.

This book shows these texts have been missread for to long, the church's teaching off base, and their is hope for everyone involved in this sin, a new start, a chance to do it correctly.

With this book being required reading in seminary now, there is hope for the future.

Praise God.