Title: Colored Water: Marriage, Involuntary Divorce, the Law, and God
Author: Solon Phillips delves
Publisher: Toplink Publishing
ISBN: 978-1947938588
Genre: Religion
Pages: 387
Reviewed by: Susan Milam
Pacific Book Review
Author and attorney Solon Phillips delves into the heartbreak of involuntary divorce in his powerful book, Colored Water. The volume is not intended as a self-help book, rather it is an in-depth examination of marriage and spousal abandonment. Mr. Phillips looks at the growing problem of divorce from both the legal and the religious perspectives, as his words are directed at religious leaders, family therapists, government officials and those even considering divorce.
As would be expected of an author who holds both a JD and an MBA, Colored Water lays out a detailed and organized look at the scourge of involuntary divorce. Mr. Phillips backs up his assertions with carefully assembled facts, in much the same way that a case would be presented in court. He explains the concept of involuntary divorce, in which a spouse leaves the marital home against the wishes of his or her partner. The partner who doesn’t want the divorce is – for all intents and purposes – abandoned; despite whatever reasons may be given by the person who walks away from the marriage. Frequently, victims of involuntary divorce suffer pain which is deeper and longer lasting than the pain felt by those who lose their marital partners to death. In addition, involuntary divorce severely damages any children the couple may have. The long-term effects of breaking up the family unit can be felt throughout the community and ultimately, throughout the culture at large.
Mr. Phillips’s views are couched in meticulous language, drawing heavily on his knowledge of the law and his knowledge of the Bible. However, while the book’s precepts are presented in a scholarly fashion, they are readily accessible to lay readers. Additionally, he acknowledges how difficult it can be to keep a marriage together when faced with the challenges of the modern world. He counsels men and women to take care and time when choosing their marital partners, to approach marriage with hearts full of love and forgiveness. Mr. Phillips adheres to a strict view of the eternal bonds of marriage as described in Scripture. Still, his empathy for an abandoned spouse is apparent.
Colored Water isn’t a book for people who are looking for excuses to allow them to abandon their marital vows; nor is it intended to be read solely by those facing marital difficulties. With this book, Mr. Phillips takes on an enormous task demanding society, as a whole, as well as individuals examine the legal and religious underpinnings of marriage. It is the damage done to society and individuals when divorce is a quick and easy solution to difficulties which people need to understand prior to making their commitment. Mr. Phillips’s views may be challenging and disconcerting to some readers, however for those readers whose lives are based in the church and in scripture, Colored Water provides a clarion call to the sanctity and eternal nature of marriage.
