Religious Views on Divorce and Remarriage

Christianity and Islam both value marriage, but they differ in their teachings about divorce and remarriage. Views also vary within each religion. These are two examples for AQA Theme A: Relationships and families; in an exam, use the religions you have studied. Divorce ends a marriage in law; remarriage is marrying someone else afterwards. The key question is whether a religious marriage can end too.

Christian views

Many Christians believe marriage is a lifelong commitment. Jesus taught, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). Roman Catholics therefore teach that a valid marriage cannot be ended by divorce. A Catholic may obtain a civil divorce, but generally cannot remarry in the Church while their former spouse is alive. A civil divorce may settle legal matters without changing the Church’s view of the marriage. This is why the distinction matters. An annulment is different from divorce: it is a declaration that a valid marriage did not exist in the first place.

Some Protestant Christians accept divorce when a marriage has broken down, for example because of adultery. Some churches also allow a divorced person to remarry, although practices differ between denominations.

Muslim views

In Islam, marriage is an important commitment, but divorce is permitted. Muslims are encouraged to try to resolve serious difficulties before ending a marriage. Islamic teachings provide ways for a husband or wife to seek divorce, though the procedures differ. Remarriage is permitted after a divorce, subject to a waiting period called iddah in relevant circumstances. This helps establish whether a pregnancy began during the previous marriage.

Exam mistake to avoid: Do not write that all Christians oppose divorce or that Muslims treat it casually. Explain a teaching, then show how it affects attitudes to both divorce and remarriage. For comparison, focus on whether each tradition allows a new marriage after divorce.