| Marriage Ministry |
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Article: | |||
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Background: | |||
| The following as an excerpt from the book,
"The Blended Family: Achieving Peace and Harmony in the Christian Home" by Edward and Sharon Douglas "The blended family or stepfamily is very common today. According to U.S. census figures, about 70 percent of stepfamilies dissolve within ten years. Couples in blended families divorce at a higher rate than those in traditional marriages. Statistics reveal that 50 percent of first marriages fail, while 70 percent of second marriages end in divorce. It is noted that arguments about children are the main factor in the breakup of second marriages..." | |||
| "The National Center for Health Statistics also reports that the number of stepfamilies increased 36 percent from 1980 to 1990 and the number is still increasing. The U.S. Census Bureau reports one out of every three Americans is now a stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, or some other member of stepfamily." | |||
Biblical Perspective: | |||
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While the above statistics are alarming, it should be noted there are examples of blended
families in the Bible. Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, who had compassion for him (Exod. 2:20). Moses was raised by Pharaoh, and he called him son. In the story of Ruth, Ruth and Boaz cared for Naomi, who was Ruth's mother-in-law from her first marriage. It is also the Bible we use as a guide to resolve conflicts within the Blended Family. |