Over the past year or so Joe Zammit of Paola has seldom missed an opportunity to share his preconceived Biblical understanding of divorce. I certainly do not object, as we are all entitled to our opinions.

However, according to Mr Zammit many Maltese and millions of divorced and cohabiting couples all over the world are condemned to hell.

I am not doubting Mr Zammit’s knowledge of the Bible. (I too attended a four-year Bible course in the UK).

In I Corinthians, Chapter 7, we read about marriage and divorce. When marriage vows are sworn before God, both parties should be a witness to their Christianity before God. Otherwise it is a vain exercise.

If they then divorce or separate, God does not come into their equation.

On the contrary, should the marriage oaths be said as believers, then God’s Word states that divorce or separation should only be an issue when either one is later found to be a non-believer.

Then the spouse can leave and remain unmarried.

Verse 15 states that a believing husband or wife is not bound in such circumstances, and therefore if the unbeliever leaves, let he or she do so.

The Word of God can be, and often is, conveniently softened to mould round our own preconceptions.