Divorce Statistics In The Church

If current divorce statistics in the church are any indication, the institution of marriage may not survive the next two decades. That's because couples who profess Christianity seem to be following the secular trend of rampant divorce. A holy ordinance of God, traditional matrimony has been held in high regard for nearly 2,000 years, but twenty-first century ethics have threatened to erode the very foundation upon human civilization is built: a lifelong bond between husbands and wives. The sad situation is that while divorces in the secular world steadily escalate, failed marriages among Christians come in at a close second. While nearly one third of all first time marriages end before the tenth year, a recent poll indicated that divorce statistics in the church fall along denominational lines and tend to decline with increased church attendance. Studies indicate the family that prays together really does tend to stay together. Believers who attend church at least once a week have a lower divorce rate than those who attend only sporadically or not at all.



According to divorce statistics in the church that polled attendance among Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals; Catholics who regularly went to mass were less likely to dissolve marriages than any other denomination. Only 21 to 23 percent of faithful attendees separated, while the rate nearly doubled for those who attended infrequently, at 41%. The lower rate for Catholics may be due in part to the fact that the Vatican used to excommunicate parishioners who legally separated. Decades ago, parishioners ran the risk of being cut off from partaking of the Holy Sacraments and other religious rites. Leniency on the part of the Vatican regarding divorce and remarriage may have emboldened couples to end marriages rather than stay in unhappy relationships. "But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave unto his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"..."...Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery" (Mark 10:6-9; 11b-12).



Among members of Protestant denominations who regularly attend worship services, divorce statistics in the church indicate a larger percentage of marital dissolution than Catholics. Almost one-third of Protestant church-goers of those queried had been divorced, ten percent more than Catholics. But Protestants who seldom attend worship services divorced at a rate of 42%. A ten percent difference between church goers and unfaithful believers clearly shows that dedicated Protestant followers of Jesus Christ seem to be more determined to stay married. From these findings, one could conclude that regular church attendance and fellowship with other believers has a positive impact on married life. Divorce statistics in the church clearly demonstrate that a believer who not only professes salvation and faith in Jesus Christ, but also actively practices their faith will have a tendency to avoid divorce. But in some cases, even the most faithful are not immune to the specter of a failed marriage. High profile cases involving Baptist preachers point out the fact that regardless of an individual's belief system, it takes both the husband and the wife to iron out marital difficulties and fight to save a marriage.



When it comes to non-denominational believers, findings indicate that Evangelicals who regularly attend church are also less likely to separate than those who rarely worship. Faithful Evangelicals divorce at a rate of 32 percent versus 54 percent for the unfaithful group. Reports of higher divorce statistics in the church for Evangelicals may be astonishing because more charismatic groups are known for preaching the full Gospel of Jesus Christ, including monogamous lifelong marriage, spiritual empowerment, and the baptism with the Holy Spirit. But like those in less charismatic denominations, several high profile divorces among popular televangelists could account for the higher rate of marital dissolution among average couples.



To decrease divorce statistics in the church, the solution for Baptists, Catholics, and Evangelicals may be to "practice what they preach." God's Word can only be as effective as followers desire to make it. A failure to adhere to sound biblical doctrine, especially when it comes to marriage and fidelity, could weaken a denomination and the Body of Christ as a whole. "And did not He make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That He might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that He hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously" (Malachi 2:15-16).



The Word of God gives explicit instructions to husbands and wives who are both believers or married to unsaved spouses to help overcome the perils and pitfalls that often plague Christian marriages. I Corinthians, Chapter 7 is also known as the marriage chapter. Couples should also read Ephesians, Chapter 5 to gain insight on God's purpose for holy matrimony, and how husbands and wives should entreat one another for marital success. Adherents of the Bible cannot easily break the wedding vow; nor are they eager to fall into disfavor with God by ending an institution He ordained. Divorce statistics in the church indicate believers who rely on a faith in God to sustain them through marital difficulties are less likely to wind up in divorce court. The solution for Christian couples in crisis is to seek the will of God through diligent prayer, faithful church attendance, and a practical application of the Bible. Seeking spiritual guidance or counseling with a seasoned minister will also help partners find solutions for marital difficulties and begin the road to recovery and reconciliation.