This volume examines the various theological aspects of divorce and
remarriage--historical, contemporary, exegetical, and
practical--recognizing that all are subject to the teaching of
Scripture. This is done in such a way that readers may follow the
author's thinking and so form their own practical theology of this
difficult ethical issue. Even though broken marriages are rampant in
North American culture, divorce and remarriage among Christians is still
the source of shame and judgment for many because of rigid
interpretations of Scripture and Christianity's suspicion of topics that
infer human sexuality. In scholarly fashion, David L. Smith, seasoned
pastor and theological educator, offers accessible and thoughtful
guidance to this enduring challenge for humankind. God's intention for
humans to live in faithful companionship is not abrogated by the many
failures of sinful humans, clergy included. Rather, divine compassion,
forgiveness, and the grace of new beginning is in keeping with God's
redemptive project. Smith advises that churches must do a better job of
educating about Christian marriage, yet realize that the ideal is often
not realized by couples. Most helpful is the author's perceptive
understanding of how pastors and churches can facilitate restoration of
those rent with the pain of divorce. It is wise pastoral counsel drawn
from a close reading of Scripture and keen observation of life. -Molly
T. Marshall, President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in
Kansas City. David L. Smith is Executive Vice President and Seminary
Dean of Heritage College and Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario, and has
over two decades of pastoral experience. He is the author of A Handbook
of Contemporary Theology, With Willful Intent: A Theology of Sin, and
All God's People: A Theology of the Church.
