There are so many differing opinions about what the Bible says regarding divorce.  Does Dr. Dobson believe that it’s okay for Christians to get divorced?

Dr. Dobson has opposed divorce as an answer to marital discord with everything that is within him, and he is compelled to take issue with those who attempt to reinterpret the Scriptures on this subject.He believes that when Jesus said marriage is for life, He meant it!

Nevertheless, he feels that there are three occasions when divorce and remarriage appear to be justified in Scripture:

1. When the first marriage and divorce occurred prior to salvation.Although a person cannot undo all the sins he has committed, he is forgiven for the wrongs he did before accepting Christ (see II Corinthians 5:17).
2. When one’s mate is guilty of sexual immorality and is unwilling to repent and live faithfully with the marriage partner. Jesus states specifically that divorce and remarriage are acceptable when due to this kind of “hardness of heart” (see Matthew 19:9).
3. When one of the mates is an unbeliever and willfully and permanently deserts the believing partner.This does not refer to a temporary departure, but a permanent abandonment (see I Corinthians 7:12-15). Of course, Dr. Dobson recognizes that it is difficult to avoid misunderstanding when dealing with theological issues of this nature. However, we hope that this response is helpful in clarifying his position.

Having said this, Dr. Dobson would hasten to add that we must not become so caught up in defining the biblical justifications for divorce that we fail to have compassion for the individuals involved. They need our friendship and understanding regardless of the circumstances surrounding the breakup of their marriage. To treat them as “lepers” or second-class citizens is not only cruel and insensitive, it is also a breach of Christ’s commandment that we love one another as He has loved us. There can be no sense in inflicting greater pain upon those who are already hurting. Instead, we are called to become agents of healing in their lives.