Save Your Marriage: Religious Marriage Counseling

 

In movies and television, rarely has the aspect of faith and religion been touched in screenplays pertaining to divorce. Unfortunately, this sends a wrong message to couples that they can just split up, without any thought to the possibility that their decision may have serious consequences on their relationship with their church.

 

For Christian and Catholic couples and those who belong to similar faiths that frown upon divorce, it is very important to go for religious marriage counseling.

 

What makes religious marriage counseling different from other types of counseling. Unlike other forms wherein the habits, behaviors, and attitudes that are detrimental to a marriage are addressed on a psychological standpoint, religious marriage counseling addresses these same issues based on the teachings of the church and the values that have been inculcated by said faith into one or both spouses.

 

For many religious, marriage is a sacred bond that should be broken, since the vows have been made in the presence of and sanctified by God. In the face of marital problems, religious counseling seeks to remind couples of these vows and then guide them through ways by which they could solve their troubles, particularly the spiritual aspect of it.

 

Let us take a look at infidelity as an example. Most faiths view having an extramarital affair as a sin. Religious counselors will determine why the act was committed. It could be that the cheating spouse was not strong enough to resist the temptation. Perhaps the husband or wife who has been cheated upon has been remiss in his/her “duties”. Whatever the reason, the religious counselor will impress upon both that separation is not the option that is recommended by their faith. They will be guided into finding solutions to their problems through Bible or other religious literature meditation. They will also be reminded of what could happen to their standing in the church if they should still persist in their desire for divorce. Some faiths would actually excommunicate one of their own if divorce from a husband or wife is pursued.

 

There are only a few instances wherein faiths will grant divorce. A good example is spouse and/or child abuse, especially when the abused spouse and/or children’s lives are in mortal danger. Even in such cases of abuses, some churches will go the extra mile to see that a marriage works out, through frequent home visits to check on the welfare of the family and stricter counseling for abusive spouses.

 

In a number of cases, members of the church will be asked to help couples in solving their marital issues through group sessions. Church members who have successfully hurdled these same problems offer valuable advice based on their personal experiences.

 

Learn more about how religious marriage counseling can help you to save your marriage today!