A record 70 percent of Americans believe divorce is morally acceptable, according to Gallup’s 2008 Values and Beliefs survey. That's an 11-point increase from seven years ago.
Mike McManus, co-founder of Marriage Savers, said two generations of high divorce rates have made divorce the norm in America.
“Since 1970, that’s 42 million divorces, shattering the lives of 40 million children," he said. "We have the highest divorce rate in the world, and for 70 percent of Americans to say it’s morally acceptable is really quite stunning.”
Of the poll’s 16 ethical issues rated for moral acceptability, divorce topped the list, followed by gambling, embryonic stem-cell research, homosexuality and abortion. Extramarital affairs — often a cause of divorce — are at the bottom of the list, with just 7 percent of Americans finding them morally acceptable.
H.B. London, vice president of Church and Clergy at Focus on the Family, said he is discouraged by the demise of the traditional family.
“Divorce violates the condition of the marriage vows, especially for Christians, because we commit to each other and to God until death us do part,” he said. “Marriage is a commitment that God instituted, and it is not up to mankind to determine what constitutes marriage and what doesn't.”
McManus said the Church is not doing its job.
“The Church hardly ever preaches on the issue of divorce or cohabitation or marriage," he said. "It’s God’s first institution, but it’s often the Church’s last institution. The good news is that the Church can turn it around.”
If churches take action and get involved, McManus said, they can virtually guarantee marital success.
“Those who go through serious preparation can divorce-proof their relationship,” he said. “(Churches) can require couples to take a premarital inventory. They can train couples in healthy marriages to mentor other couples to prepare them for marriage, and they can teach them skills of communication and conflict resolution.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Focus founder Dr. James Dobson and Focus President Jim Daly discuss the financial impact of divorce on society.
