Gospel Prism

Denny Burk has a nice summary of the debate by noting three views:

Does God permit divorce? Not all evangelicals agree on what the Bible teaches on this question. David Instone-Brewer has written a scholarly book on the subject, but his recent article in Christianity Today has stirred up some conversation in the blogosphere. Instone-Brewer argues that God allows for divorce in cases of adultery, abandonment, and physical/emotional neglect. John Piper has responded that Instone-Brewer’s conclusions do not faithfully render the Bible’s teaching. Piper also argues that divorce is not allowed under any circumstances. Andreas Köstenberger responds to both of these articles arguing that Jesus permitted divorce in cases of adultery and abandonment.

You can take a look at the articles on his site. At first glance JP’s position seems strange, especially in light of Matthew 19 which seems to clearly give an exception. But upon further reading of JP’s argument exegetically against divorce on ANY grounds, I would say he deserves a reading before passing judgment. But it still seems to me that the burden of proof always rests with the one arguing against the clear reading of the text. Imagine, the argument hinges on the word porneia. Why did Matthew use this word which means ’sexual immorality’ rather than moicheia which means ‘adultery’? Your answer to this question will determine your view on divorce and the exception clause.