Expert: Bruce Gourley - 11/17/2009

Question
I am a new Christian. Many years ago I was 'married' by signing papers in a courthouse. No vows were said.  I would like to be divorced from my husband at this time because our child is now old enough not to be taken away from me. As a Baptist, can I be divorced and possibly some day remarry someone who shares my faith?  As our marriage has been in name only for over five years I cannot and do not wish to repair it. I thank you for your faithbased answer to this question.  

Answer
Hello Kim,

There is no official Baptist position on divorce. Yes, should you get a divorce, you could remarry one day and be a member of a Baptist church. Statistics show, actually, that Southern Baptists (in particular) are more likely to divorce than non-believers. Most Baptist churches have members that are divorcees and/or remarried. And biblically speaking, divorce is not an unpardonable sin.

Best wishes, and I pray for God's guidance in your future decisions.

Bruce Gourley
www.baptistlife.com
www.brucegourley.com