[.ca] Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible: A Fresh ... (ISBN 0310511119)

The best book for it's size:
If you're divorced, know someone who is divorced, or even might think you could someday meet someone who is divorced, and think (as I did) that you already knew this issue, read this book and think again! This is a concise book. The text itself is only about 100 pages in medium print -- a breeze of a read. One of the most outstanding things about this book is that it not only presents the author's viewpoint, but also addresses and dismantles the claims and assertions of most opposing viewpoints. He goes verse by verse, in whole context, and not this "single verse theology" or Scripture hop-scotch that so often flows from the anti-remarriage crowd. He does this with great research from a variety of other authors (all Christians of course), including historical as well as Greek and Hebrew language background information. Tons of footnotes and references are included. There are even some issues he addresses that I didn't see addressed many other places, such as: * How some divorce people are permitted to get remarried, but aren't allowed to do so in the church sanctuary like first-timers; * How polygamy is proved to have existed in Paul's time, especially among the Jews and Christian converts, and the effect that has on Biblical interpretation; * Remarriage of the so-called "guilty" party (and he debunks that term) after a divorce; * how the church has failed to shepard married couples, and the confusion thereby brought about; I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The few negative reviews I see are mostly from those who obviously have NOT read the book, as they attribute ideas and concepts that are not actually in the book. \oThe one negative review here on Amazon was obviously from someone who didn't like what Adams had to say, but chose to malign the book rather than address the evidence and presentation.\c Again, the evidence, presentation, and clear "bulletproof" logic and theology in this book are phenomenal. Many of the deeper concepts of true forgiveness and restoration in Christ are very convicting to read in light of how we think of other sinners -- and ourselves. Fair Warning: This is not a "get a divorce, it's easy and God doesn't mind" book. He's very clear that all divorced results from sin. Period. Whether it's adultery (sin), someone divorcing for unbiblical reasons (sin), or even an unsaved divorcing a Christian (sin on the part of the unbeliever), it's all because of sin. You will not find the "marital euthanasia" garbage that says you can walk out because you're irritated. Remember, this man is an early founder of modern Bible-based Christian counseling. But he's also a pastor and extremely knowledgeable theologian, and it shows. By the way, if you and an even more exhaustive study on the issue, I recommend "Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context" by David Instone-Brewer. It's three times the size, and even more "deep." This book by Adams is a WONDERFUL gift to someone stuggling after divorce.

In human terms:
The book is full of wooden exegesis. The twisting of God's word to make it say something that it doesnt say. No doubt this book will be embraced by all those that seek to get out of a marriage commitment that they dont want.

Handy Summary for a Difficult Topic:
Pastors increasingly are facing questions from parishioners regarding how the Bible itself defines marriage, divorce and remarriage. Offering answers based on church tradition is not sufficient -- persons want to know what God's Word has to say. In this book, Jay Adams provides a very concise summary of the Biblical understanding of marriage, divorce and remarriage. I commend Adams for his loyalty to the Scriptures in this volume. On the one hand, he departs from the ultra-traditionalists who would say that any remarriage after divorce is sinful. On the other hand, he doesn't join ultra-progressives who would imply that divorce really isn't a major theological issue in today's society. While I do not agree with his interpretation of the Matthew 18 passage as applying to divorce proceedings among two Christians, he offers many other excellent, helpful points. This small yet substantial book is the best treatment I have found to date on what the Bible itself says on this knotty church issue. Every church leader's bookshelf should have a copy. This volume is well worth the price!

Brilliant - Clear, Concise, and Authentic:
After my ex (of 16 years) left me with the aid of her cult (the mormons), I was devastated due to my vow to NEVER divorce. At the time we were married, I did not understand the implications of marrying a non-Christian. While I had been raised Roman Catholic, I wasn't a practicing one. Just the same, I still believed in the sanctity of marriage and had long discussions, with my soon-to-be spouse, that divorce was NEVER to be in the picture - no matter what happened, we were to always honor each other and seek help if (when) things got rough. Well...when things got rough, the mormons moved in and my ex refused counseling. The mormons even provided one of their VERY HIGHEST ranking members (let's just say this person is the DIRECT DESCENDENT of Joseph Smith \oyes, that's THE Joseph Smith\c) to serve as the divorce attorney. (Don't EVER let a mormon go on about how important "families" are.) In addition the reading the entire Bible (twice), in search for answers, I read every book I could lay my hands on regarding divorce. Other than the Bible itself, this book is remarkable in its comprehensive look at the sin of divorce. While it is certainly a "quick read" it is very thorough and, in my opinion, the very best on the topic.

A Great Suppliment to John Murray's book:
Mr Adams has done a fine job in dealing with the issue of divorce and re-marriage. He elaborates somewhat on the issues John Murray does not, and that is why I say that this book is a great suppliment to Murray's work on divorce.