What you'll learn
This topic examines how different religious traditions and secular viewpoints approach divorce and remarriage within the context of modern relationships. You must understand the theological reasoning behind Christian and Islamic teachings, the diversity of views within these faiths, and how non-religious people form ethical judgments on these issues. WJEC exam papers frequently test your ability to explain, evaluate and compare these perspectives using religious sources and contemporary examples.
Key terms and definitions
Divorce — the legal termination of a marriage, ending the contract between two spouses and allowing them to remarry
Annulment — a declaration that a marriage was never valid in the first place, treated by the Catholic Church as if the marriage never existed
Remarriage — entering into a new marriage after the legal end of a previous one through divorce or the death of a spouse
Adultery — voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, considered a grave sin in Christianity and Islam
Sanctity of marriage — the belief that marriage is sacred and holy, established by God as a permanent union that should not be broken
Civil divorce — the legal process of ending a marriage recognised by the state, separate from religious teachings or ceremonies
Nikkah — the Islamic marriage contract which includes conditions that can affect divorce proceedings
Humanist ethics — moral principles based on reason, empathy and concern for human welfare rather than religious authority
Core concepts
Christian teachings on divorce
Christianity traditionally upholds the permanence of marriage based on biblical teaching. Jesus stated in Mark 10:9, "What God has joined together, let no one separate," establishing the foundation for Christian opposition to divorce.
Roman Catholic position:
- Marriage is a sacrament that creates an unbreakable bond before God
- Divorce is not recognised; Catholics who divorce civilly remain married in the eyes of the Church
- Remarriage while a spouse lives constitutes adultery (Mark 10:11-12)
- Annulments may be granted if the marriage was invalid from the start (lack of consent, psychological incapacity, concealment of infertility)
- Divorced Catholics can receive communion but not if they remarry without an annulment
- The Catechism teaches that divorce is a "grave offence against natural law"
Protestant perspectives:
- Most denominations accept divorce as a last resort when reconciliation fails
- Anglican Church permits divorce and will consider remarriage applications individually
- Biblical exception clause in Matthew 5:32 allows divorce in cases of "marital unfaithfulness"
- Emphasis on God's forgiveness and pastoral care for those affected by marriage breakdown
- Many churches offer remarriage ceremonies after considering individual circumstances
- Recognition that sin and human weakness can destroy marriages despite God's ideal
Biblical sources used in exams:
- Genesis 2:24 — "Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife"
- Malachi 2:16 — "The Lord God of Israel says that he hates divorce"
- 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 — Paul's instruction that married people should not separate
Islamic teachings on divorce
Islam permits divorce but regards it seriously. A hadith states, "Of all permitted things, divorce is the most hated by Allah."
Talaq (husband-initiated divorce):
- Husband pronounces "I divorce you" three times over three menstrual cycles
- Waiting period (iddah) allows time for reconciliation and to establish pregnancy
- Financial obligations continue; husband must provide mahr (dowry payment) and maintenance
- Reformed practice requires each pronouncement in separate months with attempts at reconciliation
- "Triple talaq" (three pronouncements at once) is controversial and banned in some countries
Khul (wife-initiated divorce):
- Wife may request divorce through Islamic court
- Usually requires returning the mahr or financial settlement
- Valid grounds include abuse, neglect, lack of provision, or incompatibility
- Court may grant divorce if marriage has irretrievably broken down
Remarriage in Islam:
- Both men and women may remarry after divorce
- Women must complete iddah (typically three menstrual cycles) before remarriage
- Men may marry immediately after divorce is finalised
- A divorced couple may remarry each other, but after a third divorce they cannot remarry unless the woman marries and divorces someone else (halala)
- Qur'an 2:229-230 provides detailed guidance on remarriage procedures
Islamic principles:
- Divorce recognised as sometimes necessary despite being disliked
- Protection of women's rights through mahr and maintenance
- Emphasis on family stability but acknowledgment of human realities
- Both parties retain dignity; blame should not be assigned publicly
Non-religious perspectives on divorce and remarriage
Humanist approach:
- Marriage viewed as a personal commitment rather than sacred institution
- Divorce acceptable when relationship causes unhappiness or harm
- Focus on individual wellbeing, children's welfare, and personal autonomy
- No theological objections to remarriage
- Emphasis on learning from relationship failures and personal growth
- Support for fair legal settlements that protect vulnerable parties
Utilitarian perspective:
- Evaluate divorce based on consequences for happiness
- Staying in unhappy marriage may cause more harm than divorcing
- Consider effects on children, extended family, and society
- Remarriage acceptable if it increases overall wellbeing
- Legal frameworks should minimise suffering and maximise flourishing
Contemporary secular values:
- Recognition that people change and relationships may naturally end
- Divorce removes stigma present in previous generations
- Children's interests paramount in divorce proceedings
- Equal legal rights regardless of gender
- Mediation preferred over adversarial court proceedings
- Cohabitation and serial monogamy increasingly normalised
Tensions between religious and secular views
Legal vs religious divorce:
- UK law permits no-fault divorce regardless of religious objections
- Religious communities may refuse to recognise civil remarriage
- Jewish "get" and Islamic divorce create problems when religious divorce withheld
- Civil partnerships and same-sex marriage complicate traditional religious positions
Practical challenges:
- Catholics in second marriages excluded from sacraments unless first marriage annulled
- Cost and lengthy annulment process (averaging £500-1000 and 12-18 months)
- Children from annulled marriages remain legitimate but parents face pastoral difficulties
- Muslim women may struggle to obtain religious divorce if husband refuses
Modern context:
- UK divorce rates peaked around 2003; approximately 42% of marriages end in divorce
- Religious believers experience divorce at similar rates to non-religious population
- Remarriage increasingly common; approximately 25% of marriages involve at least one remarrying partner
- Tension between upholding traditional teaching and pastoral care for divorced members
Arguments in evaluation questions
Case for accepting divorce:
- Protects individuals from abusive or harmful relationships
- Recognises human fallibility and capacity for genuine mistakes
- God's forgiveness extends to all sins including marital breakdown
- Forcing people to stay married contradicts free will
- Children suffer more in conflict-filled homes than from divorce itself
- Jesus showed compassion to outcasts and sinners including divorced people
Case against divorce:
- Undermines sanctity and permanence of marriage vows made before God
- Contradicts direct biblical teaching from Jesus
- Creates instability for children and society
- Normalises giving up rather than working through difficulties
- May be chosen for selfish reasons rather than serious grounds
- Weakens commitment if divorce seen as easy option
Worked examples
Example 1: AO1 Knowledge Question (5 marks)
Explain Christian teachings about remarriage after divorce.
Model answer: Roman Catholics teach that remarriage is not possible while a former spouse lives because marriage is a sacrament that creates a permanent bond. If a Catholic divorces and remarries without an annulment, they are considered to be living in adultery and cannot receive communion. However, an annulment may be granted if the first marriage was invalid, which would then allow remarriage in church.
Protestant churches generally take a more accepting view of remarriage. The Anglican Church considers applications for remarriage individually and many vicars will conduct services for divorced people. This is based on beliefs about God's forgiveness and the exception clause in Matthew 5:32 which allows for divorce in cases of adultery. Protestants emphasise pastoral care and supporting people through relationship breakdown rather than excluding them.
This answer gains full marks by: explaining two contrasting Christian views, using accurate terminology (sacrament, annulment, communion), referencing biblical teaching, and showing depth of understanding.
Example 2: AO2 Evaluation Question (15 marks)
"Religious people should never get divorced." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.)
Model answer structure:
Arguments supporting (paragraph 1): Religious teachings emphasise that marriage is sacred and permanent. Jesus clearly stated "What God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:9), and Catholics believe marriage is a sacrament creating an unbreakable bond. Getting divorced contradicts the vows made before God and undermines the sanctity of marriage. Muslims also view divorce seriously, with hadith stating it is the most hated of permitted things. Religious people should work through difficulties rather than giving up, showing commitment to their promises.
Arguments against (paragraph 2): However, most religious traditions recognise divorce may sometimes be necessary. Islam explicitly permits divorce when marriages break down, with procedures like talaq and khul protecting both parties. Protestant Christians accept that human sinfulness can destroy marriages despite God's ideal, and emphasise forgiveness. Remaining in abusive relationships contradicts teachings about human dignity and welfare. The Bible itself provides an exception for adultery (Matthew 5:32), suggesting absolute prohibition is not required.
Alternative viewpoint (paragraph 3): Non-religious people argue divorce decisions should focus on wellbeing rather than religious rules. Humanists emphasise individual autonomy and believe staying in unhappy marriages causes more harm. From a utilitarian perspective, divorce may produce better outcomes for everyone involved, especially children who suffer in high-conflict homes.
Conclusion: While religious teachings value marriage permanence, most traditions show compassion for those whose marriages fail. The strongest position recognises divorce as a last resort when reconciliation is impossible, balancing ideal teachings with pastoral realities.
This answer would achieve high marks by: presenting balanced arguments, using religious sources, considering non-religious views, showing evaluation throughout, and reaching a justified conclusion.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: Treating all Christians as having identical views on divorce, ignoring Catholic-Protestant differences. Correction: Always distinguish between Catholic teaching (no remarriage) and Protestant acceptance (remarriage often permitted), using specific denominational examples.
Mistake: Confusing divorce and annulment, describing them interchangeably. Correction: Annulment declares a marriage was never valid; divorce ends a valid marriage. Catholics recognise annulment but not divorce as allowing remarriage.
Mistake: Claiming Islam forbids divorce entirely because it is "hated by Allah." Correction: The hadith says divorce is the "most hated of permitted things" — disliked but allowed when necessary, with clear procedures in the Qur'an.
Mistake: Writing about divorce without explaining the religious reasoning behind the position. Correction: Always link positions to beliefs about sanctity of marriage, biblical/Qur'anic teaching, or humanist principles like autonomy and wellbeing.
Mistake: In evaluation questions, presenting only religious views without considering non-religious perspectives. Correction: WJEC mark schemes require consideration of both religious and non-religious viewpoints for top band marks; include secular ethics even when question focuses on religious statements.
Mistake: Using vague phrases like "some Christians think" without specifying which denominations or movements. Correction: Name specific traditions (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, evangelical) and explain why they hold particular views.
Exam technique for divorce and remarriage questions
Command word recognition:
- "Explain" questions (5 marks) require two detailed points with development, using religious terminology and examples
- "Discuss" questions (15 marks) need balanced arguments from multiple perspectives with religious sources, non-religious views, and a justified conclusion
- Always reference specific teachings, texts or ethical frameworks rather than personal opinion
Structure for evaluation answers:
- Introduction stating the issue and your line of argument
- 2-3 paragraphs presenting different viewpoints with evidence
- Evaluation phrases throughout ("this is convincing because...", "however, this argument is weakened by...")
- Conclusion that weighs the arguments rather than sitting on the fence
- Aim for 3-4 developed arguments rather than many superficial points
Using sources effectively:
- Biblical quotations strengthen answers but must be explained, not just listed
- Name specific religious texts (Catechism, Qur'an 2:229-230) for precision
- Link teachings to contemporary issues (rising divorce rates, changing family structures)
- Compare how different traditions interpret the same concerns differently
Maximising marks:
- AO1 questions reward accurate knowledge and understanding with specialist vocabulary
- AO2 questions assess analysis and evaluation; every claim needs supporting reasoning
- Top band answers show "thorough" consideration of multiple views with "confident" evaluation
- Use paragraph structure to show clear progression of argument
Quick revision summary
Christianity: Catholics reject divorce and remarriage (sacrament is permanent); annulment possible if marriage invalid. Protestants generally permit divorce as last resort; many allow remarriage based on forgiveness. Key source: Mark 10:9. Islam: Divorce permitted but disliked. Talaq (husband) and khul (wife) provide procedures. Remarriage allowed after iddah. Qur'an 2:229-230 gives guidance. Non-religious: Humanists prioritise individual wellbeing and autonomy; accept divorce when relationships fail. Focus on consequences rather than sacred permanence. Evaluation requires balancing sanctity of marriage against compassion, protecting vulnerable people, and acknowledging human imperfection.