Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible [Paperback]

Jay E. Adams (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 22, 1986 | Series: Jay Adams Library

If the church is going to use the Bible to decide whether divorce is legitimate in certain cases and whether divorced couples have the right to remarry with the approval and blessing of God's people, then the Bible must be studied without prejudice toward a particular answer. The author examines the relevant passages in both the Old and New Testaments so that his readers can consider the many issues and interpretations that arise in trying to establish a consistently biblical position. As a result, readers can see more clearly and accept more firmly the truth of Scripture. The book succeeds at being exactly what the author wanted it to be: 'a comprehensive, lucid, accurate study presented in a readable and practical style. . . .' It is a valuable resource for the pastor, counselor, church leader, and others who are struggling to understand and apply scriptural principles to the problems of divorce and remarriage.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is the book that many pastors, counselors, and theologians consider to be the most biblical and the most helpful on the issue of marriage and divorce. If the church is going to use the Bible to decide whether divorce is legitimate in certain cases and whether divorced people have the right to remarry with the approval and blessing of God's people, then the Bible must be studied without prejudice toward a particular answer.

The author examines the relevant passages in both the Old and New Testaments so that his readers can consider the many issues and interpretations that arise in trying to establish a consistently biblical position. As a result, readers can see more clearly and accept more firmly the truth of Scripture.

The book succeeds at being exactly what the author wanted it to be: "a comprehensive, lucid, accurate study presented in a readable and practical style." It is a valuable resource for the pastor, the counselor, and the church leader, as well as other individuals who are struggling to understand and apply scriptural principles to the problems of divorce and remarriage.

From the Author

Dr. Jay E. Adams is Director of Advanced Studies and Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California. He received his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, his B.D. from the Reformed Episcopal Theological Seminary, his S.T.M. from Temple University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. In addition to having served as a pastor and then a Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Dr. Adams has been the Dean of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Laverock, Pennsylvania, since its founding in the early 1970s. He has written over fifty books, translated the New Testament into English (The Christian Counselor’s New Testament), and lectured throughout the world. His books deal with many aspects of pastoral ministry and counseling as well as Bible study and practical Christian living

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 22, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310511119
• ISBN-13: 978-0310511113
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Church Administration
  • #78 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Ministry

More About the Author

Jay E. Adams (PhD, University of Missouri) is a former director of advanced studies and professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, as well as a retired pastor. He has written over fifty books on pastoral ministry, preaching, counseling, Bible study, and Christian living. His books include Competent to Counsel, The Christian Counselor's Manual, and Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book for it's size October 4, 2003

By Phil

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're divorced, know someone who is divorced, or even might think you could someday meet someone who is divorced, and think (as I did) that you already knew this issue, read this book and think again! This is a concise book. The text itself is only about 100 pages in medium print -- a breeze of a read. One of the most outstanding things about this book is that it not only presents the author's viewpoint, but also addresses and dismantles the claims and assertions of most opposing viewpoints. He goes verse by verse, in whole context, and not this "single verse theology" or Scripture hop-scotch that so often flows from the anti-remarriage crowd. He does this with great research from a variety of other authors (all Christians of course), including historical as well as Greek and Hebrew language background information. Tons of footnotes and references are included. There are even some issues he addresses that I didn't see addressed many other places, such as:

* How some divorce people are permitted to get remarried, but aren't allowed to do so in the church sanctuary like first-timers;

* How polygamy is proved to have existed in Paul's time, especially among the Jews and Christian converts, and the effect that has on Biblical interpretation;

* Remarriage of the so-called "guilty" party (and he debunks that term) after a divorce;

* how the church has failed to shepard married couples, and the confusion thereby brought about;

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The few negative reviews I see are mostly from those who obviously have NOT read the book, as they attribute ideas and concepts that are not actually in the book. [The one negative review here on Amazon was obviously from someone who didn't like what Adams had to say, but chose to malign the book rather than address the evidence and presentation.] Again, the evidence, presentation, and clear "bulletproof" logic and theology in this book are phenomenal. Many of the deeper concepts of true forgiveness and restoration in Christ are very convicting to read in light of how we think of other sinners -- and ourselves.

Fair Warning: This is not a "get a divorce, it's easy and God doesn't mind" book. He's very clear that all divorced results from sin. Period. Whether it's adultery (sin), someone divorcing for unbiblical reasons (sin), or even an unsaved divorcing a Christian (sin on the part of the unbeliever), it's all because of sin. You will not find the "marital euthanasia" garbage that says you can walk out because you're irritated. Remember, this man is an early founder of modern Bible-based Christian counseling. But he's also a pastor and extremely knowledgeable theologian, and it shows.

By the way, if you and an even more exhaustive study on the issue, I recommend "Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context" by David Instone-Brewer. It's three times the size, and even more "deep." This book by Adams is a WONDERFUL gift to someone stuggling after divorce.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A tough subject dealt with biblically and comprehensively September 7, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Jay Adams sets the tone quickly by first defining what biblical marraige is so that the divorce and re-marraige issues can be understood against this foundation. I believe he strives to teach the scripture in it's context even though it may be different than what is commonly heard among fundamental, evangelical Christians. I very much recommend this book for close study, as I have gone through it three times and have not exhausted it. Adams gives some case study examples in which he demonstrates how to apply the scriptures in twisted, complex, real life scenarios. While he is clear in maintaining that all divorce is the result of sin, he establishes that all divorce is not necessarily sinful to every party concerned. While many will not agree with all that Mr. Adams writes, most must conclude that his effort and desire is to honor the Lord in the proper and circumspect use of the Bible. This is not a 'divorce is o.k. and easy' sort of book. A helpful volumn that should get wide circulation.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Handy Summary for a Difficult Topic October 29, 2002

By David R. Bess VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Pastors increasingly are facing questions from parishioners regarding how the Bible itself defines marriage, divorce and remarriage. Offering answers based on church tradition is not sufficient -- persons want to know what God's Word has to say. In this book, Jay Adams provides a very concise summary of the Biblical understanding of marriage, divorce and remarriage.

I commend Adams for his loyalty to the Scriptures in this volume. On the one hand, he departs from the ultra-traditionalists who would say that any remarriage after divorce is sinful. On the other hand, he doesn't join ultra-progressives who would imply that divorce really isn't a major theological issue in today's society. While I do not agree with his interpretation of the Matthew 18 passage as applying to divorce proceedings among two Christians, he offers many other excellent, helpful points.

This small yet substantial book is the best treatment I have found to date on what the Bible itself says on this knotty church issue. Every church leader's bookshelf should have a copy. This volume is well worth the price!