Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Biblical Context of Divorce

The biblical text, particularly in Deuteronomy 24:1, presents a scenario where a man issues a certificate of divorce to his wife, but Jesus, in Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:3-9, restricts divorce to the ground of unchastity (or adultery). This indicates that the original grounds for divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1 may not have included adultery. Instead, the text suggests that the grounds for divorce were broader, encompassing other forms of marital infidelity.

Step 2: Examining the Grounds for Divorce in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus' teaching on divorce is clear: divorce is only permissible on the grounds of unchastity (Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:3-9). This teaching is consistent with the Old Testament's emphasis on the importance of fidelity in marriage. The prohibition against adultery serves as a protective measure, promoting the well-being of all family members and preserving the integrity of the couple. The destruction that results from adultery is a consequence of violating this prohibition.

Step 3: Considering the Implications of Expanding Grounds for Divorce

Some argue that the grounds for divorce should be expanded beyond physical adultery, while others believe that the original biblical restrictions should be maintained. However, if we consider the biblical context and Jesus' teaching, it becomes clear that the grounds for divorce should be limited to unchastity. Expanding the grounds for divorce may compromise the high view of marriage presented in the Bible, making it more difficult to reconcile with God's intentions for marriage.

The final answer is: $\boxed{No}$No, adultery is not the only ground for divorce, but it is the only ground that is permissible according to Jesus' teaching in the New Testament. However, the biblical text suggests that the grounds for divorce in the Old Testament were broader, encompassing other forms of marital infidelity. The destruction that results from adultery is a consequence of violating the prohibition against adultery, and fidelity in marriage promotes the well-being of all family members and preserves the integrity of the couple. Therefore, while other grounds for divorce may be permissible, adultery is the only ground that is explicitly prohibited by Jesus in the New Testament.