Divorce and Remarriage in the Church by David Instone-Brewer

Together For The Harvest

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Week of Prayer 2009

Book Review

“Divorce and Remarriage in the Church”

by David Instone-Brewer

Reviewer: Philip Dobson

Many of us hold what we believe are biblical views about divorce and remarriage. For the most part the teaching of the Church over the centuries is broadly that divorce is only legitimate in the case of adultery and that remarriage is not to be encouraged as marriage is for life. David Instone-Brewer examines scripture and the first century Jewish and Greco-Roman understanding of divorce and remarriage and comes up with some challenging conclusions. Wherever you start in your understanding you will be challenged to think afresh, something that’s hard for us to do if we have been taught traditional views. This book is a must for pastors and those who counsel people preparing for marriage. It would also be helpful for those who are experiencing abuse and neglect in their marriage. He draws from the teachings of Jesus, Paul and Moses and includes many insights from rabbinical teaching and the first century world at large. I could not put this book down. David’s scholarship and extensive studies in this area mean that you must read it if you have any expectation of helping others.

Whether you finally agree with him or not, you will think differently. His research is both biblical and scholarly. If like me you believe that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath, you will appreciate the biblical and practical approach of this book.

Paternoster Press