NOT UNDER BONDAGE

Biblical Divorce for Abuse, Adultery and Desertion

By Barbara Roberts

Author David Instone-Brewer says, "This book bravely faces up to the consequences of abuse in a practical and theological way, without ignoring the complexities of the Bible teaching on divorce and remarriage."

This praise, from John Wilks, Director of Open Learning at London School of Theology, author of the Deeper Encounter series, a six-volume set of small group study notes published by Scripture Union, "This book deserves widespread attention, with a positive acceptance and affirmation from the academy and the pastorate."

Under what circumstances does the Bible permit divorce? May a divorced Christian remarry? Christian teaching on divorce and remarriage has varied widely. Interpretation of the biblical texts on divorce and remarriage has been hotly contested and the debate is still very much alive.

Among those most hurt by the uncertainty and lack of consensus are Christian victims of marital abuse (otherwise known as domestic violence, battering, intimate partner abuse, family violence). Such people often think they must choose between two unpleasant alternatives: endure abuse, or face condemnation by God and church people for disobeying the Bible.

Not Under Bondage, written by a survivor of domestic abuse,

• explains the scriptural dilemmas of abuse victims
• carefully examines the scriptures and scholarly research
• shows how the Bible sets victims of abuse free from bondage and guilt.

Some conclusions of Not Under Bondage are:

• The Bible distinguishes between "treacherous divorce" and "disciplinary divorce".
• Disciplinary divorce is permitted by the Bible. This applies in cases of abuse, adultery or desertion, where a seriously mistreated spouse divorces a seriously offending spouse.
• Treacherous divorce is condemned by the Bible. It occurs when a spouse obtains divorce for reasons other than abuse, adultery or desertion.
• If the offending partner was sexually immoral, the Bible allows the non-offending partner to remarry.
• If the offending partner abused, deserted or unjustly dismissed the other, and the offender has been judged to be ‘as an unbeliever’, the Bible allows the mistreated partner to remarry.

Visit the website, where you can browse through pages in the book, read about the author, and read more reviews.

David Clyde Jones (Professor of Theology and Ethics, Covenant Seminary, USA, and author of Biblical Christian Ethics) states, "Not Under Bondage will help quiet frightened consciences".