Jehovah's Witnesses and Divorce
Jacqueline Harounian, Esq. 🪬
Family Law Attorney, Mediator, Peacemaker. 10 years rated "AV Preeminent". Twice selected Top 50 Woman Super Lawyer. Public Speaker. 🎗️
During my 25 years of practice as a family law attorney, I have represented several clients who are religious minorities. I recently represented a client who was a Jehovah's Witness which inspired this blog post.
Jehovah's Witnesses have a 130-year history, are in 230 lands and have seven million members. Jehovah's Witnesses adhere to the Bible’s view of marriage and divorce.
Monogamy between one man and one woman and sex only within marriage are requirements in the Witness religion. But Witnesses do permit divorce in certain cases, believing that the only valid ground for divorce and remarriage is adultery.
Divorce is not allowed except in extremely limited circumstances. This contrasts with civil laws of No Fault divorce in New York and most other states.
According to Christian scripture, God created marriage to be a permanent union between a man and a woman. The only Scriptural grounds for divorce is sexual immorality. -- Matthew 19:5, 6, 9.
Jehovah's Witnesses discuss practical advice for marriage at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions. This is similar to other religions and faiths that discourage divorce. Congregation elders provide personal help to married couples, directing their attention to scriptures. This is also similar to other religions and faiths.
A person who chooses to divorce without Scriptural grounds is not free to remarry.
According to the religion, the Bible encourages married couples to stay together even under less than ideal circumstances.Many problems can be resolved by praying earnestly, applying Bible principles, and showing love.
For Jehovah's Witnesses, the Christian Bible does permit separation (not divorce) in certain extreme situations:
- Willful nonsupport. —1 Timothy 5:8.
- Extreme physical abuse. —Psalm 11:5.
- Absolute endangerment of spiritual life. For example, a spouse might try to force a Witness to break God’s commands in some way, and the threatened mate might decide that a separation is the only way to “obey God as ruler rather than men.” —Acts 5: 29.
For more information about Religious Divorce matters, please contact me at Jackie@lawjaw.com.
Litigation and Bankruptcy Paralegal
11moThis is a really researched and in depth look at this religious faction. I appreciate your finding accurate information and putting it out there.
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2yOne exception to da rule ~ 'adultery' opens the door to the land of no end.., beastiality, paedophilia..,necrophilia and what about DEATH ??? Dear friend.
Senior Associate | Governance, Risk, and Compliance | Banking, Wealth Management & Financial Services
3yThis was an informative read. Thank you for sharing Jacqueline!
Online Divorce Mediator | Attorney NYC+MA | ABA Dispute Resolution Council | TEDx & Keynote Speaker | Author: The Secret to Getting Along + Better Apart; The Radically Positive Way to Separate
3yI always find your work fascinating. Thanks for sharing
Managing Director & Partner at Bison Wealth
3yOur religious, spiritual and moral feelings can really complicate things.