In the second half of last century, laws in the United States and elsewhere became much less restrictive about allowing divorce. Some church denominations also relaxed their positions. I began wondering whether interpretation of the seemingly straightforward words of Jesus about divorce and remarriage had perhaps been somewhat loosened, while passages in the epistles about some other issues were being interpreted as rather strictly binding. I became curious what the journey had been for the Brethren in Christ specifically on the issue of divorce and remarriage, and where we are now, and that is what I will attempt to review here.
After World War II, the frequency of divorce in the United States escalated. However, the 1946 edition of the Brethren in Christ Constitution–Doctrine–By-Laws and Rituals of the Brethren in Christ Church, which was the predecessor to the Manual of Doctrine and Government (MDG), maintained a firm position on divorce and remarriage in Article XV (Marriage):
The marriage vow when once taken can never be disannulled, but is binding on both parties “as long as both shall live.” God’s Word clearly declares the unity and permanency of the marriage bond. “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Gen 2:24; Matt 19:1-9; I Cor. 7:39). While the Scripture recognizes that separation may sometimes be justifiable (Matt. 5:32; I Cor. 7:11, 15), such separation does not nullify the marriage vow, nor open the way for remarriage (I Cor. 7:11). We believe that divorce and remarriage while the former companion lives, constitutes adultery, both on the part of the divorcee and of the one whom he or she marries (Matt. 5:32; Luke 19:9; 16:18). The civil divorce laws which in their increasing laxity afford an easy means for release from the marriage contract are in direct contradiction with the teachings of Scripture and are subversive of God’s plan and purpose in the marriage relation.1
saylor-divorce&remarriage- Constitution, Doctrine, By-Laws and Rituals of the Brethren in Christ Church: Including Amendments up to General Conference of 1946(E. V. Publishing House, 1946), 34-35. [↩]