Defining the New Testament Logia on Divorce and Remarriage in a Pluralistic Context

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Synopsis: Christian marriage is a permanent union which requires the commitment of both spouses for its maintenance through fulfillment of its stipulations. The failure of the fulfillment of the latter provides legitimate grounds for divorce and remarriage of the innocent party. This work employs a fourfold approach for the development of NT ethical argumentation based on Richard B. Hays' Moral Vision of the New Testament. The author establishes the proper contextual grounds for the NT study through formulation of the Old Testament perspective on marriage as covenant. The relevant NT passages are examined through historical-critical and narrative-critical methods. A critical study of the main Christian traditions leads to an ecumenical formulation of the theological conclusions. Pragmatic implementation of the thesis follows an examination of the contemporary pluralistic context and applications in both Christian communities and the larger society within its legislative system. Endorsements: "Dr. Zhekov's book is an impressive piece of research addressing a very relevant, and yet sensitive issue of life--divorce and remarriage--offering a New Testament interpretation from a particular Protestant viewpoint. Reflecting a profound knowledge of, and solid interaction with, a broad spectrum of primary and secondary sources on the subject, the author argues for and qualifies a positive answer to the leading question underneath the entire study 'may Christians legitimately divorce and remarry and on what grounds?' The author proves himself a meticulous exegete as he offers a full discussion of each of the NT classical passages on marriage, divorce and remarriage: Mark 10:2-12, Matthew 5:31-32, 19:3-12, Luke 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. Using a combination of historical-critical and narrative approach to biblical texts the particular passages are carefully placed in their historical and literary contexts and are given a thorough exegesis with a view to establishing what they affirm (and do not affirm) about marriage, divorce and remarriage. In addition to the exegetical task, Dr. Zhekov has taken upon himself an overwhelming task, namely to offer an adequate treatment of a vast amount of literature related to marriage, divorce and remarriage in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant traditions. He succeeds in doing a detailed analysis of the most essential church documents, the leading exegetical interpretations of the key NT passages as presented by significant scholars in the field. This is an important book that responds to specific needs and challenges of the contemporary, pluralistic societies, particularly to the crises of the institution of marriage in today's world." --Dr. Corneliu Constantineanu Associate Professor of New Testament and Academic Dean Evangelical Theological Seminary, Osijek, Croatia Author Biography: Yordan Kalev Zhekov is a lecturer at South London Christian College in London. He is also the author of Eschatology of Ephesians. He has been a regular lecturer and Associate Academic Dean at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Osijek, Croatia. He has also served as Associate Pastor of the International Evangelical Church of Osijek.