Divorce and Remarriage

This volume examines the various theological aspects of divorce and remarriage--historical, contemporary, exegetical, and practical--recognizing that all are subject to the teaching of Scripture. This is done in such a way that readers may follow the author's thinking and so form their own practical theology of this difficult ethical issue. Even though broken marriages are rampant in North American culture, divorce and remarriage among Christians is still the source of shame and judgment for many because of rigid interpretations of Scripture and Christianity's suspicion of topics that infer human sexuality. In scholarly fashion, David L. Smith, seasoned pastor and theological educator, offers accessible and thoughtful guidance to this enduring challenge for humankind. God's intention for humans to live in faithful companionship is not abrogated by the many failures of sinful humans, clergy included. Rather, divine compassion, forgiveness, and the grace of new beginning is in keeping with God's redemptive project. Smith advises that churches must do a better job of educating about Christian marriage, yet realize that the ideal is often not realized by couples. Most helpful is the author's perceptive understanding of how pastors and churches can facilitate restoration of those rent with the pain of divorce. It is wise pastoral counsel drawn from a close reading of Scripture and keen observation of life. -Molly T. Marshall, President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. David L. Smith is Executive Vice President and Seminary Dean of Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario, and has over two decades of pastoral experience. He is the author of A Handbook of Contemporary Theology, With Willful Intent: A Theology of Sin, and All God's People: A Theology of the Church.