Changes

== Biblical View ==

== Biblical View ==

Many believe that the Bible indicates that '''divorce''' is a sin in the eyes of God, and can lead to drastic consequences for those involved.

Many believe that the Bible indicates that '''divorce''' is a [[sin]] in the eyes of God, and can lead to drastic consequences for those involved. Indeed, God says "''I hate divorce.''" (Malachi 2:16 NIV version)

Many Christians believe that God's views on divorce are most clearly articulated in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9:  

Many Christians believe that God's views on divorce are most clearly articulated in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9:  

''"32: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery"'' (Matthew 5: 32) and, ''"9: And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery"'' (Matthew 19: 9)

''"32: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery"'' (Matthew 5: 32) and, ''"9: And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery"'' (Matthew 19: 9)

Most biblical scholars agree that these lines function as a total prohibition against divorce (as adultery is a sin) with a few scholars being of the view that "except it be for fornication" indicates that if one spouse committed adultery themselves then the other spouse is free of the marriage and may legally divorce. Many scholars, however, contend that these exceptions are not well founded in the scriptures.  In that regard, it is important to note that the corresponding passages in Mark and Luke lack the reference to fornication:

Most biblical scholars agree that these lines function as a total prohibition against divorce (as [[adultery]] is a sin) with a few scholars being of the view that "except it be for fornication" indicates that if one spouse committed adultery themselves then the other spouse is free of the marriage and may legally divorce. Many scholars, however, contend that these exceptions are not well founded in the scriptures.  In that regard, it is important to note that the corresponding passages in Mark and Luke lack the reference to fornication:

''Mark 10:11-12 (KJV): And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.''

''Mark 10:11-12 (KJV): And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.''

Some believe that this indicates that children produced with a partner after divorce, other than the divorced party, will be condemned to [[hell]], and that this will apply to their progeny for up to ten generations. As this is an Old Testament decree (unlike the previously-mentioned Matthew), it may no longer apply Post-Christ when the emphesis of salvation shifts from countries and family lines to individuals.

Some believe that this indicates that children produced with a partner after divorce, other than the divorced party, will be condemned to [[hell]], and that this will apply to their progeny for up to ten generations. As this is an Old Testament decree (unlike the previously-mentioned Matthew), it may no longer apply Post-Christ when the emphesis of salvation shifts from countries and family lines to individuals.

Many religions adopt the more liberal view towards divorce that advocates its free practice.  Most Protestant denominations have no prohibition on divorce. Catholics do not admit divorce. The Catholic Church has a process of annulment based on the non-fulfillment of any of the religious marriage requirements, such as individual freedom or previous unmarried state, among others. Technically, it is not a divorce but a declaration of non-valid marriage. In the 2004 Presidential election season many devout Catholics were scandalized by Senator John Kerry, now married to his second wife, taking Holy Communion without having obtained an annulment.

Many religions adopt the more liberal view towards divorce that advocates its free practice.  Most [[Protestant]] denominations have no prohibition on divorce. [[Catholics]] do not admit divorce. [[Catholic Church|The Catholic Church]] has a process of [[annulment]] based on the non-fulfillment of any of the religious marriage requirements, such as individual freedom or previous unmarried state, among others. Technically, it is not a divorce but a declaration of non-valid marriage. In the 2004 Presidential election season many devout Catholics were scandalized by Senator [[John Kerry]], now married to his second wife, taking [[Communion|Holy Communion]] without having obtained an annulment.

== Secular view ==

== Secular view ==