Conservative Christian views on marriage and divorce are often presented as bulwarks against the tragedy of marital breakdown. Yet the advice given to divorced Christians and those facing the disintegration of their relationships is often irresponsible and damaging. Women fleeing domestic violence are told they are bound to their abusers by indissoluble spiritual bonds. Some are sent back to face further violence. Children are exposed to further abuse. People are condemned to lives of unnecessary loneliness and second marriages are undermined. A pall is cast over many lives. Why? Why should vulnerable people be given advice that is so damaging? Those who protest are told that this is what the Bible teaches.

But does it? This book critically examines the relevant texts, revealing fundamental errors due to theological misconceptions and difficulties of understanding nuances of the original languages and the contexts in which crucial words were spoken. Properly understood, the relevant biblical passages do not lock people into intolerable situations. Christians are called to be faithful in their marital relationships, but not to pretend that former marriages still exist or refuse to recognize subsequent ones. And we are called to embrace, not condemn, the brokenhearted.