'Til irreconcilable differences do us part
I tend to be against divorce. Just like Jesus.
Depending on which Gospel you read, Jesus prohibited divorce in all cases, or allowed an exception for adultery. But by and large, he was pro-marriage.
Some theologians believe that Jesus' injunction against divorce was a way of protecting first-century women. A man could divorce his wife for the crime of having burned dinner. And all he had to do was publicly announce the dissolution of the union three times. The woman would then be out on the street with no recourse. Of course, women could not initiate divorce proceedings.
It's not so easy to legally dissolve a marriage here in the Garden State. A couple that wants to split has to live apart for 18 months before the divorce is finalized. The process can be speeded up, however, if one member of the estranged couple accuses the other of "extreme cruelty.'' That's just the sort of thing to parade in front of the children.
Of course, some couples are so eager to get out of a marriage, they are willing to gnaw off their own legs to get out of the trap.
The state Legislature is proposing that the time for granting a divorce be reduced to 6 months with the addition of a category called irreconcilable differences. That sounds a lot more civilized than extreme cruelty, and it would make it easier and cheaper for couples to get on with their lives.
The state has an interest in fostering and supporting marriage. But to punish people for trying to end one seems wrong-headed to me.
Depending on which Gospel you read, Jesus prohibited divorce in all cases, or allowed an exception for adultery. But by and large, he was pro-marriage.
Some theologians believe that Jesus' injunction against divorce was a way of protecting first-century women. A man could divorce his wife for the crime of having burned dinner. And all he had to do was publicly announce the dissolution of the union three times. The woman would then be out on the street with no recourse. Of course, women could not initiate divorce proceedings.
It's not so easy to legally dissolve a marriage here in the Garden State. A couple that wants to split has to live apart for 18 months before the divorce is finalized. The process can be speeded up, however, if one member of the estranged couple accuses the other of "extreme cruelty.'' That's just the sort of thing to parade in front of the children.
Of course, some couples are so eager to get out of a marriage, they are willing to gnaw off their own legs to get out of the trap.
The state Legislature is proposing that the time for granting a divorce be reduced to 6 months with the addition of a category called irreconcilable differences. That sounds a lot more civilized than extreme cruelty, and it would make it easier and cheaper for couples to get on with their lives.
The state has an interest in fostering and supporting marriage. But to punish people for trying to end one seems wrong-headed to me.
posted by Michael Riley at 11:33 AM
8 Comments:
"amicable divorce" sounds like another oxymoron to me!
"I tend to be against divorce. Just like Jesus." -- Michael Riley
Christ's teachings on marriage and divorce are about as clear cut as they get. They are also in sharp contrast to the positions you hold, Riley.
You would have to employ some pretty perverse logic -- not to mention completely disregard Sacred Scripture -- in order to conclude that (a) Christ would welcome legislation that makes it easier for married couples to divorce simply because of "irreconcilable differences;" or that (b) Christ would welcome a clergyman blessing a gay civil union.
The 19th Chapter of Matthew
For anonymous: not every sin is a crime, and the state can't weigh in every time it gets its shorts in a bundle. Jesus was quite clear (although he did make that adultery exception) but Jesus always made the point that people are more important than rules. A loveless marriage is a terrible place for kids to be in the middle of...
That said, Margaret has a good point and a reasonable compromise.
"A loveless marriage is a terrible place for kids to be in the middle of..." -- Michael Riley
And what percentage of married couples, Mr. Riley, do you believe actually separate only after the final divorce decree is signed by the judge? How are the interests of those children you speak of in any way advanced because Dad would, under the proposed statute, be able remarry his new girlfriend in 6 months as opposed to having to wait 18 months?
Tell us again, "Reverend" Riley, how you believe that "the state has an interest in fostering and supporting marriage," or how you tend to oppose divorce, "just like Jesus."
anonymous: sounds like you could never keep a woman, let alone find one,,you are one creepy, fanatical, narrow-minded dude, man!
ChristianGayAmerican (Not McGreevy [sic]):
Thank you!
"11- Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12- Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:11-12
By the way, good luck on your Death Day. I'll be praying for you.
anonymous, news flash ! you ain't no prophet, nor very Christian! I'll pass you on the elevator ..I'll be going up and I suspect, you'll be going down to "the parking garage"...
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