*** lv pp. 219-221 The Bible's View on Divorce and Separation ***
Jehovah expects those who are married to remain faithful to the marriage vow. When uniting the first man and woman in marriage, Jehovah stated: "A man . . . must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh." Later, Jesus Christ repeated that statement and added: "Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart." (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6) Hence, Jehovah and Jesus view marriage as a lifelong bond that ends only when one partner dies. (1 Corinthians 7:39) Since marriage is a sacred arrangement, divorce is not to be taken lightly. In fact, Jehovah hates divorces that have no Scriptural basis.-Malachi 2:15, 16.
What forms a Scriptural basis for divorce? Well, Jehovah hates adultery and fornication. (Genesis 39:9; 2 Samuel 11:26, 27; Psalm 51:4) Indeed, he finds fornication so despicable that he allows it as grounds for divorce. (For a discussion of what fornication involves, refer to Chapter 9, paragraph 7, where fornication is explained.) Jehovah grants the innocent mate the right to decide whether to remain with the guilty partner or to seek a divorce. (Matthew 19:9) Hence, if an innocent mate decides to seek a divorce, that one does not take a step that Jehovah hates. At the same time, however, the Christian congregation does not encourage anyone to seek a divorce. In fact, some circumstances may move the innocent mate to remain with the guilty one, especially if that one is genuinely repentant. In the end, though, those who have a Scriptural basis for divorce must make their own decision and accept whatever consequences it may bring.-Galatians 6:5.
So we need to consult the WTS definition of fornication - the Bible is not sufficient enough?
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/102445/1/Elders-school-notes-Part-6-The-JW-Talmud-and-Trust-Us
In certain extreme situations, some Christians have decided to separate from or divorce a marriage mate even though that one has not committed fornication. In such a case, the Bible stipulates that the departing one "remain unmarried or else make up again." (1 Corinthians 7:11) Such a Christian is not free to pursue a third party with a view to remarriage. (Matthew 5:32) Consider here a few exceptional situations that some have viewed as a basis for separation.
Willful nonsupport. A family may become destitute, lacking the basic essentials of life, because the husband fails to provide for them, although being able to do so. The Bible states: "If anyone does not provide for . . . members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith." (1 Timothy 5:8) If such a man refuses to change his ways, the wife would have to decide whether she needs to protect her welfare and that of her children by obtaining a legal separation. Of course, Christian elders should give careful consideration to an accusation that a Christian refuses to support his family. Refusal to care for one's family may result in disfellowshipping.
Extreme physical abuse. An abusive spouse may act so violently that the abused mate's health and even life are in danger. If the abusive spouse is a Christian, congregation elders should investigate the charges. Fits of anger and a practice of violent behaviour are grounds for disfellowshipping.-Galatians 5:19-21.
Absolute endangerment of spiritual life. A spouse may constantly try to make it impossible for the mate to pursue true worship or may even try to force that mate to break God's commands in some way. In such a case, the threatened mate would have to decide whether the only way to "obey God as ruler rather than men" is to obtain a legal separation.-Acts 5:29.
If a mate does not agree with the WTS and tries to help the other party see the truth about the "truth," the other party can separate. The mate should be more loyal to WTS corporation than to their spouse! Where is that in the Bible?
In all cases involving such extreme situations as those just discussed, no one should put pressure on the innocent mate either to separate or to stay with the other. While spiritually mature friends and elders may offer support and Bible-based counsel, they cannot know all the details of what goes on between a husband and a wife. Only Jehovah can see that. Of course, a Christian wife would not be honouring God or the marriage arrangement if she exaggerated the seriousness of her domestic problems just to live separately from her husband, or vice versa. Jehovah is aware of any scheming behind a separation, no matter how one may try to hide it. Indeed, "all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting." (Hebrews 4:13) But if an extremely dangerous situation persists, no one should criticize a Christian who, as a last resort, chooses to separate. In the final analysis, "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God."-Romans 14:10-12.
Bible-based counsel - so can they do so without the aid of WTS publications?
Congregation "Bible Study" Comments - Week Commencing 26 October 2009
by LUKEWARM 4 Replies latest jw friends
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LUKEWARM
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WTWizard
Now, what about going after the root cause of most of these problems--stagnation? These marriages usually deteriorate when one or both partners gets into a rut (like wasting all their time in field circus, crap jobs, and everything they do is what they are told to). From there, little problems are grounds for arguments and fighting, and usually lead to bigger ones. Sometimes, it even becomes violent. And, a loveless "marriage" is almost always the end product. Adultery often results.
And not supporting the family? What happens when the father tries--going to college so he can land a decent job, spending "excess" time at work, or investing the money in the family instead of the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund? Invariably, Brother Hounder is going to show up with the "advice" to pio-sneer and sacrifice the money and time. This is what usually results in non-support. And, after field circus and boasting sessions have their cut, the father often has little or no energy to support the family (and this applies to hounders and assistant hounders, too).
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WTWizard
Now, what about going after the root cause of most of these problems--stagnation? These marriages usually deteriorate when one or both partners gets into a rut (like wasting all their time in field circus, crap jobs, and everything they do is what they are told to). From there, little problems are grounds for arguments and fighting, and usually lead to bigger ones. Sometimes, it even becomes violent. And, a loveless "marriage" is almost always the end product. Adultery often results.
And not supporting the family? What happens when the father tries--going to college so he can land a decent job, spending "excess" time at work, or investing the money in the family instead of the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund? Invariably, Brother Hounder is going to show up with the "advice" to pio-sneer and sacrifice the money and time. This is what usually results in non-support. And, after field circus and boasting sessions have their cut, the father often has little or no energy to support the family (and this applies to hounders and assistant hounders, too).
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insearchoftruth
Thanks for posting these again, wife off to meeting tonight, now dragging the child with her (hs Junior, he hates it)......
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wantstoleave
Well my husband was definitely the willful non provider/supporter. He had no reason other than his laziness not to work. Even now that he has abandoned us, and is not Df, he does not support his children.
And the 'extreme' physical abuse...isn't any abuse, abuse? It doesn't have to be extreme.