I’m fully aware of the negative impact of divorce, how the divorce rate in the Church is no less than that of the world, and of the sanctity of marriage. I’ve even felt the affects of divorce in my own life, with my parents getting divorced when I was 6 months old. And, my dad is in his 3rd marriage while my mom just ended her 3rd. So, I know the facts and feelings that come as a child. Thankfully my wife and I have been happily married now for 8 1/2 yrs. Hasn’t always been easy, our feelings (key word) have wavered for each other at times, but divorce is not an option for us.

But what about people throwing a “divorce fair” for those desiring to leave their spouses? A big convention with lawyers, counselors, astrologists and lifestyle coaches to help people leave their “loved ones.” Probably smart business, but this could be a major moral issue – at least from a biblical perspective.

No wonder so many college-age people are freaked out about marriage…and have distorted views of what it means to be married? This is a major reason why we ought to be giving a different perspective, a biblical and godly one. Imagine if this was my only view of myself? I wouldn’t want anything to do with that image of myself. Know what I mean?

I read an article entitled, “50 ways to leave your lover: unhappy couples get advice, cake at Britain’s first divorce fair.” Organizer Suzy Miller said the event would aim to focus on the positive, starting with a warming cup of tea and a chunk of homemade cake. Musicians will play live and there will be play areas for kids. They will have psychics who would offer to heal people’s minds and bodies, and one company suggests boosting finances by selling a healthy version of chocolate, she said. Many of the 30 or so exhibitors, who have paid up to 1,600 pounds ($2,245) for a stall, plan to focus on having fun. “Sometimes people just need someone to talk to,” said exhibitor Martina Mercer-Hall, who uses astrology and alternative therapies to advise on designing one’s home after divorce.

If you’re working with college-age people who are thinking about relationships (which every one of them is at some level), this might be a good small group discussion to have. They probably don’t desire to get married anytime soon, but its certainly on the back of their mind…if not the middle. Printing this article and discussing it could be a great small group this week. Maybe ask some of the following GENERAL questions:

1. What role, if any should the Church have in something like this?
2. How do you think this affects societies view of marriage?
3. How do you think astrology fits into this conference?

And/or you can ask some more SPECIFIC questions:

1. How has divorce affected you personally?
2. How has divorce affected your view/feelings of marriage?
3. Do you think there are any reasons a Christian could be conscience free in getting a divorce? Do you have any Scripture that gives you that idea?

Spring time is a great time of year to talk through the topic of relationships. In college ministry I discussed this in a series at least once a year. If you want a couple resources to assist you thinking through communicating a biblical view of relationships specifically to college-age people click here.

In case you’re wondering we are working on a resource on dealing with homosexuality in your college ministry as well. Stay tuned for that…it’s coming!