New Article Available on Betrothal View of Divorce
Back in October, I posted an entry discussing the betrothal view of divorce and remarriage. The issue of divorce and remarriage continues to be a hot topic and one that I find my students are struggling to come to a consistent position. This issue probably generates the most response in my classes, and I have devoted an extra week of class this semester to the topic based on last semester’s discussion.
In the October 20, 2007 issue of Christianity Today, David Instone-Brewer wrote an article regarding his view of divorce and remarriage that is perhaps the most permissive view found within evangelical circles. Now there is a new article on the other end of the evangelical spectrum from Instone-Brewer. David W. Jones, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, has recently had an article published in Bibliotheca Sacra. His article is entitled "The Betrothal View of Divorce and Remarriage" and can be found in the January-March 2008 edition of BibSac. This is an academic journal that can be found at the libraries of your nearest seminary, divinity school, or university with a religion department.
Much of what Jones discusses in the article may also be found in the audio from his presentation at Southwestern Seminary’s 2007 Baptist Distinctives Conference on "The Family." Jones offers lexical and contextual support for the betrothal view and provides and academic source for those doing research on the issue of divorce and remarriage, specifically as it relates to the betrothal view.
I just read Jones’ article this week. While he doesn’t argue for or against the betrothal view, the material that he presents certainly establishes the position as a viable and academically responsible interpretation. I was previously unaware of the extent of the evidence for the betrothal view, as well as the number of advocates of this position–both historical and modern. Jones has certainly done the academic community a favor in producing this article. Those who want to investigate this position further, or just dialog with advocates will benefit.
I am not sure that I agree with the betrothal view, but many in the divorce discussion would do well to follow Jones’ balanced presentation here. Whereas some recent authors have appealed to their own credentials, pragmatism, and/or emotions in defending their respective views, Jones simply presents the biblical materials in favor of this position and leaves it in the reader’s hands. Upon reading the article I didn’t feel like Jones was trying to coopt me in to the betrothal view, just that he wanted me to understand the position. In fact, it is not even clear if Jones is an advocate of the betrothal view. It is clear, however, that he is a good communicator. One other thing, I am assuming that this is the same David W. Jones who contributed to Andreas Kostenberger’s “God, Marriage, and Family.” While the divorce chapter is this book does not quite achieve the balanced tone that Jones’ article does, this volume is probably still the best book in its field. I recommend it to all who have not yet read it.