Legalizing divorce in the Philippines has always been a widely debated topic—but now more than ever, Filipinos are putting their two cents in on the discussion. With Catholicism being deeply rooted in Filipino culture, the discussion on divorce law is inextricably tied to religion; and so it is only appropriate that we explore the issue from a theological perspective as well.
The sanctity of marriage is revered in Catholicism. But is staying in harmful marriages upholding this sanctity?
The Catholic Lens
“What God has joined together, let no man separate.” Mark 10:9
This verse often highlights the sanctity and permanence of marriage. But it also raises the question: Are harmful and abusive marriages truly what God intended to join together?
How do we reconcile this scripture with the reality that some unions lead to suffering?
In the Catholic lens (and most arguably most lenses), marriage is intended to be a source of love. Many opposing the legalization of divorce fear denigration of love and marriage as we know it.
“If anyone does not take care of his own relatives, especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
Yet, many marriages are already corrupted by various forms of abuse, which begs the question…
Are these abusive marriages sacred in the first place?
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9
