Marriage Was Made For Mankind

Marriage Was Made For Mankind



A Study of the Problem of

Marriage and Divorce

in relation to the

Church of England


This book was controversial at the time it was written and remains controversial today, but just as relevant, because in fact no marriage breaks up unless there has first been a controversy.

Marriage, divorce and remarriage may have become more common in todays world but it cannot be said that it affects those involved any less and yet it still remains a controversial subject within both society and the Church.


Dr Shepherd’s object in writing this book is to offer his help. As a pastor, he helped many through his sympathetic and understanding approach and by demonstrating the balance between Christ’s ideal of and for marriage whilst a the same time imitating his charity towards those who fail to do so.


“It is seen to be a spiritual relationship between husband and wife, the breaking of which must always be a spiritual tragedy, even if it is the inescapable result of human weakness or sinfulness. But it is only by combining with this exalted concept of marriage, our instinctive English belief in the right of individuals to be free from spiritual coercion or deprivation in following the dictates of their own conscience, that the Church can help the nation solve this problem of which it is deeply conscious. As in the Orthodox Church, the mystery of the divine ideal of marriage must be interwoven with the mystery of the divine compassion.”

Ven. A. P. Shepherd.