Are Divorced Pastors OK?

In this column, Ben Witherington answers questions about the Bible and:

Some scholars would interpret 1 Timothy 3:1-12 to rule out the possibility of divorced clergy. However, the key phrase here--"the husband of one wife"--could refer to a prohibition of polygamy, or it could refer to an endorsement of only serial monogamy (that is, one wife at a time). Certainly it is true that religiously mixed marriages were viewed differently than Christian marriages (see, for example, what Paul says about a mixed marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16). Nowhere in the New Testament is divorce called the unforgivable sin. So it would be difficult to talk about the "biblical" view on divorced clergy when the key texts are interpreted differently by equally devout and careful scholars.

There is a scripture that says "be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect." I know I am not perfect, and I don't know anyone who is perfect. Please explain this. I do try to do right, but I cannot attain to what I want to be. --rainbowpak

You are referring to the verse in Matthew 5:48, which needs to be read in light of Matthew 5:43-47. Jesus is referring to loving others as God the Father loves us--in other words, following God's example and behavior, rather than that of others.

Jesus is probably not referring here to inward moral perfection, or even perfect execution of all the good things we intend to do. He seems to be referring to our intent and attempt to emulate God's love. Those things are attainable goals if we rely on God's grace to help us.

St. Augustine once said "give what you command, Lord, and then command whatever you will." In this case, we should pray for God to fill us with his love, and then share it with others. This is the perfection Jesus had in mind.

I have heard that your name can be blotted out of the Book of Life. Is this true? I have found several verses that say our name can never be erased but am still searching for the verse that proves otherwise (if there is one). --Jenny

You are thinking of Revelation 3:5 (see Rev. 17:8; 20:12; and 21:27). This passage involves a stern warning to Christians in Sardis that they must be faithful to Christ until the end of their life, even if that means martyrdom. The warning reminds us that we are not eternally secure until we are securely in eternity. We must rely on God's grace every day to remain faithful until the end. Apostasy is a possibility for Christians, and so this passage warns against it.

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