Changes

===[[Baptist]]===

===[[Baptist]]===

To the extent that the topic is covered within Baptist denominational statements, the general consensus among the various conservative Baptist groups is that marriage is considered to be a covenant (as opposed to merely a contract), and as God will not break His covenant with believers to save them, marriage is intended to mirror that covenant.  Thus marriage is considered to be for life (of course, only between one man and one woman).  In the event of a spouse's death the other spouse is free to remarry if s/he wishes.

Because of the basic Baptist belief that each congregation is autonomous, any denominational statement, confession, or other such position is not binding on individual congregations, and some have adopted positions which go into detail (or not at all) and may even differ from their denomination's official position.  [[Independent Baptist]] churches may have their own statement on the issue.

But recognizing the realities of our sinful world, the groups generally permit divorce and remarriage on grounds of abandonment by a non-believing spouse (though in practice, the abandoning spouse is likely considered to not be a true believer no matter what s/he may otherwise say, and thus any abandonment is considered allowable) or adultery (but if the other party then commits adultery themselves, then divorce would not be permitted), and generally accepted in cases of abuse (especially if physical or sexual abuse of children is involved).  Some (using 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a supporting text) allow a divorced person to remarry if the person was divorced before becoming a Christian. The liberal Baptist groups generally have no limits on divorce and remarriage.

 

But recognizing the realities of our sinful world, the groups generally permit divorce and remarriage on grounds of abandonment by a non-believing spouse (though in practice, the abandoning spouse is likely considered to not be a true believer no matter what s/he may otherwise say, and thus any abandonment is considered allowable) or adultery (but if the other party then commits adultery themselves, then divorce would not be permitted), and generally accepted in cases of abuse (especially if physical or sexual abuse of children is involved).  Some (using 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a supporting text) allow a divorced person to remarry if the person was divorced before becoming a Christian.

 

On the other hand, liberal Baptists generally have no opposition to divorce and remarriage for any reason.

====[[American Baptist Association]] (ABA)====

====[[American Baptist Association]] (ABA)====