In answering the above question, we will look at:
1. Introduction(definition);
2 The causes of divorce;
3. Who is Divorceable;
4 Can any spouse unilaterally walk out of a failed marriage or can they both agree and dissolve it?
5. Consequences of divorce.
6. Final Answer,
1. Introduction (Definition):
Divorce is the legal and formal dissolution of marriage by a court of competent jurisdiction or other competent body. Take note that it is not every union of a man and woman(women) that qualifies as marriage even though a child or children may have been produced by the union. Similarly, it is not every union of a man and a woman(women) that qualifies for divorce. Therefore, there must be a valid marriage in existence before divorce may be contemplated.
2. the Causes Of Divorce
It should be noted that divorce was not in the original masterplan of marriage from Almighty Yahweh. However, the way man attracted death through sin is also the way man may attract divorce through spousal abuses like:
-
- Infidelity
- Domestic violence: (a)verbal abuse, (b)battery (c)starvation (d) denial of conjugal rights and other abusive behaviours
- Greed and covetousness, impatience etc.
3. Who is Divorceable?
The only person who may approach the court with a divorce petition is a person who is duly married either according to the Marriage Act (Statutory Marriage) or according to the tradition and customs of the people(Customary Marriage). Majority of the marriages that went to court did not survive.
4. Can Any Spouse Unilaterally Walk Away Out of a Failed Marriage or Can They Both Agree and Dissolve it on Their Own?
No! Divorce cannot be taken or given by any of the spouses, even when it is obvious that they cannot live and work together again.They must follow due process in dissolving the marriage and this is the major point where all bottled anger explodes. Two lovers will become haters. The way the two lovers invited their friends and relatives to celebrate their love is the way the law requires them to approach the Court to dissolve it. The philosophy behind it is to make it difficult to dissolve and possibly discourage the dissolution or even reconcile the parties.
5. Consequences of Divorce
- Divorce leads to permanent emotional injury to the parties and strains the relatiohip between the families.
- Divorce limits spousal rights and priviledges.
- Divorce complicates parenting and limits children’s access to either parents.
- Children trained by divorced parents tend to be more hostile and aggressive in their relationship with others.
6. Final Answer?
Divorce is merely an unpleasant option to ventilate but not a solution to marital prolems except where life is in danger. May all sick Marriages be healed and revived in the name of Yahshua… Amen.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
The rate of divorce is increasing in the society. As Disciples of Yahshua, we must try to avoid being caught in that web. Marriage should be for those who are willing and ready to go all the way and not for those that will subject their spouses to abuses. Remember that divorce is not pleasant in the eyes of Almighty Yahweh (Malakyah 2 vs 16) Yahshua Maintains the same stance in Matthew 5 vs 32.
If you insist on going to court, lawyers and judges are there to receive you but will not solve your problems.
