Guidelines in Divorce Counseling with Special Emphasis on "What is Malicious Desertion?"

Abstract

Edwin A. Breiling’s 1976 essay, Guidelines in Divorce Counseling with Special Emphasis on “What Is Malicious Desertion?”, offers a theological and pastoral framework for addressing divorce within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Breiling begins by reaffirming the divine institution of marriage as a lifelong union grounded in mutual love and faithfulness. He then explores scriptural and unscriptural causes for divorce, emphasizing that only adultery and malicious desertion justify dissolution of marriage. Drawing on biblical texts and Lutheran theologians, Breiling defines malicious desertion broadly, including physical abandonment, refusal of marital duties, persistent abuse, and even abortion or prevention of pregnancy. The essay concludes with practical counseling guidelines for pastors, both before and after divorce, stressing empathy, scriptural instruction, and church discipline aimed at repentance and reconciliation. Breiling’s work reflects a confessional Lutheran approach to marriage and pastoral care. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)