Book Review: Divorce & Remarriage in the Church
Divorce and Remarriage in the Church
By: David Ipstone-Brewer
Divorce and remarriage are among the most painful and complicated pastoral realities churches face. Many sincere people are looking for clear, Biblical answers. Sadly, they usually hear conflicting messages, especially when there has been abuse, abandonment, or repeated covenant-breaking. The result is confusion, shame, guilt, and sometimes life-destroying consequences.
In this book, David offers a careful, deeply researched approach that tries to hold two things together: a high view of marriage and a Biblical path for navigating when vows are violated. He draws on the biblical text and historical context of a first-century Jewish and Roman world to unpack how Jesus and Paul taught about divorce and remarriage.
What you’ll find inside
A clear, Biblical depiction of God’s beautiful design and intent for marriage.
A deep understanding of the expectations for marriage (vows) and rights given to the victim when those vows were broken.
The historical context of the cultural battle raging in the first century, and the shorthand “for any cause divorce” that Jesus was directly responding to.
The specific legal argument Paul made in response to Roman law regarding divorce and remarriage.
The pragmatic and practical implications today for how God would have us navigate divorce and remarriage issues in a Biblical and compassionate way.
Why we recommend it
This is a useful book for anyone who wants a biblically grounded, pastoral framework that doesn’t minimize harm or reduce real suffering to spiritual clichés. It is the best book we’ve found on the topic, making a clear, academically rigorous yet Jesus-compassionate argument for navigating broken marriages and remarriage issues.
