The Unbelieving Partner in the Dilemma of Christians’ Divorce: An Exegetical Study of 1 Corinthians 7:12-15

By Ihetu, Chukwukere Justice

Abstract

With the recent surge in domestic violence (which has been claiming lives) being witnessed in most Christian families especially in Africa, strongly heated debates on divorce is taking the stage amongst both the Christian clergies and laities. Of course, except for the sin of infidelity in marriage, Christ in the Holy Bible condemns divorce. But then when issues amongst married partners become as turbulent as to pose a threat to human life considering the sacredness of life, how can divorce be viewed especially when separation could not remedy the situation? This paper attempts an exegetical study and application to Paul’s epistle of 1Corinthians 7:12-15, arguing that divorce could be applicable in handling marital quagmire when traits of an unbeliever is discovered in a Christian partner. The paper submits that doing this would go a long way in reducing the loss of human lives through domestic violence as seen in most African societies today.