What Behaviors Qualify As Mental Cruelty?
Some couples change marriage partners almost as soon as the vows are exchanged. They sometimes claim mental cruelty. However, I do think physical brutality and abuse, and mental abuse of a nature that endangers the person’s mind or body, are clearly grounds for divorce. The Pauline privilege (see I Corinthians 7:15), which I mentioned earlier, permits divorce on the grounds of desertion by an unbelieving spouse. For mental cruelty to be grounds for divorce, it must involve conduct which makes it impossible to live with the spouse without endangering oneself. The sort of cruelty I have in mind would not spring from a criticism of a souffle’ or a brother-in-law. Minor irritations need loving attention, but should not be allowed to rupture a holy relationship. Obviously, a couple composed of two born-again Christians does not fall under the Pauline privilege. Divorce and remarriage for any reason are truly unthinkable for two people who sincerely love God and are trying to serve Him. Scri
