Touchy Topics – Divorce

PODCAST

One of the functions of an intentional interim pastor is to address touchy topics that a permanent pastor might be hesitant to tackle. To that end, this month we will be looking at 3 touchy topics: divorce, women in ministry and tithing!

When it comes to divorce and remarriage, the Bible is far more nuanced than we realize. The Bible tends to talk in ways that were counter-cultural for the original readers, taking for granted what “everybody” knew about topics, especially marriage. But today, we don’t know what “everybody” knew when various passages of the Bible were written, so we have to do some homework to figure out what the Bible was saying. When it comes to divorce, failing to live up to the marriage vows to provide warmth or clothing, food and love was always a legitimate reason for divorce, and the person on the receiving end of that failure was free to remarry. Even by Jesus’ day, the Pharisees were missing the point of Moses’ words on divorce. Unfortunately, when it comes to divorcees, the church has a reputation for failing to be a place of repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and healing.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:1-4 & Matthew 19:1-12

(Recorded May 4, 2025)

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