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In my early years of preaching, starting in the early 1970s, I adhered to the traditional view of the Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage (MDR) doctrine. I never preached a sermon on this topic nor wrote any articles for journals because I was uncertain about the facts. It wasn't until Olan Hicks provided me with new material that I began to seriously question what I had been taught. He introduced passages that I had never encountered in discussions on the subject. Until then, I had primarily heard Matthew 19:9 cited as if it settled the question of who has the right to marry. Everyone assumed that "put away" was synonymous with divorce, and as a result, no one addressed the implications of that position.
As a full-time preacher, I relied on churches for my family's financial support, which made it difficult to study with an open mind and prepare myself to accept the truth. However, by God's providence, I secured a secular job that granted me independence from the church, allowing me to focus entirely on seeking the truth. This change happened alongside the rise of the Internet and the creation of discussion groups, where I could engage with others.
I rigorously tested my new perspectives through discussions, and when certain points did not hold up, I adjusted my views accordingly. One challenge was understanding the “exception clause” and accurately explaining what Jesus truly taught. I realized that Hicks did not have a complete understanding of this issue either.
My understanding started to take shape when a doctor from the church contacted me to discuss the meaning of "apoluo." This conversation deepened my insight into the topic and prepared me to talk with those who were hesitant to let go of their traditions.
In 2001, I published a book titled Put Away But Not Divorced, which has sold thousands of copies, with even more distributed as free downloads. The book has been well received, and many readers have reported that they are convinced of its truth.
The first chapter addresses the challenge of confronting tradition, which can often be difficult. In the subsequent chapters, I made an effort to thoroughly explore all aspects of the subject, tackling each objection I encountered. However, there is one argument that I find impossible to refute: when someone presents their teachings and beliefs as proof or a standard. But then this is not a valid argument, is it? It simply shows that the person is following the doctrines and commandments of men, which, according to Jesus, renders their religion meaningless. When a person views their tradition as the ultimate standard, they become unable to recognize the truth. This is because they perceive anything that contradicts their beliefs as being in opposition to the word of God. Those who adhere strictly to their traditions see anyone who challenges their teachings as a false teacher, regardless of the validity and reasonableness of their arguments.
To overcome the limitations of tradition, it is essential for us to pray for God to open our minds and to deepen our love for the truth. It is important to remember that those who "do not receive a love for the truth" will ultimately come to believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
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