“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, … Continue reading “Good Samaritan OR Religious Person?”
Category: Theology of divorce
Pastors, It is NOT an “Either/Or!”
THE “EITHER/OR”: EITHER you support marriages OR you support those going through divorce. When Mrs. DM and I were at our former church, I proposed to offer my services in starting a divorce and separated support group to help those who had experienced or were experiencing divorce, separation, and/or were considering such. The senior leadership looked … Continue reading “Pastors, It is NOT an “Either/Or!””
“I am so thankful my wife puts up with me.”
“I’m so thankful that my wife puts up with me.” -Old-School Evangelical huband This statement may be true. Plus, in some ways, it is a harmless statement of gratitude for a wife who is willing to accept her husband–minor flaws and all. That is good. However, I have heard it stated by individuals that go … Continue reading ““I am so thankful my wife puts up with me.””
Mindset Change: Default to Divorce Biblically
And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. – Jeremiah 3:8, KJV Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not … Continue reading “Mindset Change: Default to Divorce Biblically”
What if Hosea was an evangelical pastor today?
“Plead with your mother, plead— for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband— that she put away her whoring from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts, … For their mother has played the whore; she who conceived them has acted shamefully.” -Hosea 2:2, 5a, NRSV Join me in … Continue reading “What if Hosea was an evangelical pastor today?”
Asking Faithful Spouse About “Their Part”
The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. – Deuteronomy 24:16, KJV “What did you contribute to the breakdown of your marriage?” -Inquiring Christian I do not like this sort … Continue reading “Asking Faithful Spouse About “Their Part””
If he can’t get the pastor to cheat…
…Satan can target his spouse to eliminate another shepherd. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour… – I Peter 5:8, KJV But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. – Galatians 5:15, NLT … Continue reading “If he can’t get the pastor to cheat…”
Tell The Congregation!
Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. -1 Timonthy 5:19-20, NLT I am aware that these verses are sometimes abused in churches to … Continue reading “Tell The Congregation!”
Truly Repentant Cheaters Stop Managing Their Image
Surrendering Their Image Control A key piece in the testimony given by W. Paul Young, the author of The Shack, was how he did not make an excuse or try to hide the fact of his infidelity. He stopped trying to pretend or control how people perceived him. And, certainly, he did not put a muzzle on … Continue reading “Truly Repentant Cheaters Stop Managing Their Image”
“Date Your Spouse” Advice
“Date your wife. Take her out. Get her flowers. Maybe it will reignite something?” – Christian leader to faithful husband I find this advice obnoxious. Sadly, it seems ubiquitous in evangelical-land as a way to “affair proof” a marriage. Such is dangerous and delusional thinking. The state of the marriage relationship is not what causes adultery. … Continue reading ““Date Your Spouse” Advice”