subject: Understanding Divorce and Religion [print this page] Understanding Divorce and Religion Understanding Divorce and Religion
Divorce and religion can be difficult to reconcile. Most religions have come to accept divorce as a fact of life and a social reality. Protestants, for example, view marriage and divorce as secular matters left to civil authorities. Muslims strongly discourage divorce, but accept that it is sometimes necessary. The Roman Catholic Church, however, view marriage as a sacrament and strongly condemns divorce among it's flock.
Should the Catholic Church reconsider its position on divorce? Or should it hold up tradition and insist that marriage is a sacred pact that must never be broken? Marriage is recognized as a contract entered into by two consenting parties, and if that contract is breached, shouldn't they be given the option to terminate it? At present, there is a huge disconnect between the ideal situation the Catholic Church preaches and the realities of our society. Marriage is not a trivial matter, and most couples do try to save their marriages.
But for those who have reached the end of their rope, divorce or separation really is the only option, and perhaps it should be made available to them. Rather than viewing divorce as an end in itself, it can be viewed as a chance to start anew. Is it time for the Catholic Church to welcome the 21st century? There are situations where spouses should seek divorce, especially if dealing with forms of abuse. There is no right or wrong reason to get a divorce, but religious entities need to understand that there are certain situations where the marriage will not get any better over time.
