Do Christians divorce at the same rate as the general population?

Many seem to think so, including this writer for the Christian website Focus on the Family:

“Unfortunately, the divorce rate in the church is comparable to that of the culture at large.”

But that writer is wrong.

If you ask someone to check a box if they are divorced and to check a box if they are a Christian, that doesn’t necessarily show any kind of relationship between the two. Just because a person checks a box to indicate they are a Christian doesn’t mean they really are a Christian or that they actually put their religion into practice.

Or to put it another way: If you call yourself a Christian, do you actually read the Bible? Do you pray with your spouse and go to church regularly?

For those Christians who put their faith into practice, they do NOT divorce at the same rate as the general population, as this article point out:

The factor making the most difference is religious commitment and practice. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes — attend church nearly every week, read their Bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples, but serious disciples — enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public and unbelievers.

The point I try to make in this blog is that putting your faith into practice can make a difference during tough times. Whether it’s reading the Bible or having faith, God is for you not against you, but you have to live out your faith.

If you are struggling through a divorce, you should read my book.