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Expert: - 5/26/2010


Question
Robert's wife died in 2004 and I divorced my ex Husband in 2009 after 20 years of Domestic Violence.
We have now found love with each other and want to spend the rest of our lives together.
We both attend our local Baptist Church and would love to be married with all our Church family around us.
What are the views of the Baptist Church Marrying Divorcee's

Love in Christ
Amanda %26 Robert

Answer
Actually, they vary.  Some teach that there are no grounds for divorce so to remarry would be to commit adultery. Mennonites and Amish also teach that as do some holiness groups. Some allow divorce for adultery only while others have no issues at all and would not question a divorcee remarrying no matter what the circumstances of the divorce.   Most would not let a man who was divorced or married to a divorced woman be a pastor or deacon.  Some would not let either one teach.  One place I knew would not allow the woman to play the piano during the services because she was divorced and remarried before she was saved.  That is another variation.  Did the divorce happen before or after salvation?  If before, some would say it doesn't matter and if after we go back to the other scenarios.  Who left who and was one an unbeliever and did the unbeliever leave?   That would change the answer for some churches.

I would read 1 Cor 7 and ask God to tell you what you should do, but be sure you listen not have Him say what you want to hear as is the case with many people. ;-) It speaks in that passage to marriage, separation and divorce.  After that, you need to speak to the pastor of the church where you wish to be married as he will have the final say on the issue for that church.

May God grant you wisdom as you seek His will!  

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Dr. Ronald E. Shultz

Expertise

I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.

Experience

I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73

Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000


Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975

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