Let’s retire the phrase: “failed marriage”

Let’s retire the awful phrase: “Failed Marriage.” I find this phrase obnoxious for several reasons. In general, my objection to its use is how it communicates things that ought to have no place among God’s people. Let me explain… First, what do we mean by “failed marriage?” This implies there are successful and unsuccessful marriages. … Continue reading “Let’s retire the phrase: “failed marriage””

But Christ pursued a spiritually adulterous people heresy…

True, Christ pursued a spiritually adulterous people… AND… Christ told a spiritually adulterous group of people to go to Hell (see Mt 25:41). One of the tired use of the Scripture for faithful spouses is the example of Christ pursuing the Church. The faithful spouse is shamed and browbeaten into staying married to an entitled … Continue reading “But Christ pursued a spiritually adulterous people heresy…”

Cheater-Speak: “I needed a break from our marriage.”

“Why did you take off your wedding ring?” asks Faithful Spouse. “I needed a break from reminders of our marriage,” says Cheater. Cheaters freely entered into the marriage–and marriage means a lifelong commitment. You do not get breaks from needing to honor this commitment. This sort of response from a Cheater seeking “a break” is … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “I needed a break from our marriage.””

Pro-Tip: Cheater attendance does not mean the affair is over!

Just because a cheater has agreed to see a Christian counselor or pastor to work on the marriage does not necessarily mean the cheater has ended the affair. It boggles my mind to think a cheater would attend Christian marriage counseling with a therapist or pastor while secretly continuing to cheat. But it happens! I know … Continue reading “Pro-Tip: Cheater attendance does not mean the affair is over!”

Failing to learn from Job’s friends: “The Assessment”

As I have observed, those who plow evil     and those who sow trouble reap it. -Job 4:8, NIV “The Assessment” Within the evangelical culture, the belief that the faithful spouse did something “to deserve” the adulterous desertion of their partner is all too prevalent. They have not learned from this erroneous assessment by one of Job’s … Continue reading “Failing to learn from Job’s friends: “The Assessment””

Their toasted conscience

But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith…[misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning]…. -I Timothy 4:1a,2, AMP When a cheater is telling their spouse, pastor, and/or Christian counselor that … Continue reading “Their toasted conscience”