Is it pretty generally accepted among believing Christians that alcoholism is grounds for divorce when the addict refuses to get help? I am struggling with this issue right now, and I want to do what's best for our two-year-old daughter.
Alcoholism would be considered a form of addiction, wouldn't it? It's one thing if the alcoholic is willing to treat the problem -- through AA or some other means -- but an unwillingness to deal with it would, I think, be premissible grounds for divorce.
When divorce is necessary, it's good to do it as amicably as possible, but no divorce -- amicable or otherwise -- is good for children.
There are no rules in the Bible against divorce.
Daughters need daddy's just as much if not more than son's. I cannot speak to the church's view on the topic.
I can say the bible is quite clear that if you see someone who commits sin, and you say nothing to them, their sin will be held against you. However if you inform the sinner of their sin, and they continue on the path anyway you are absolved of responsibility for their sins.
I believe that alcoholism, as with other addictions can lead to abuse and neglect, and that is definately where I draw the line. On the other hand, generations of folks grew up in homes with alcoholics and became fine upstanding citizens. My Grandfather's wife raised 5 kids with an alcoholic husband, and divorced him only after the last one was out of the house, and they are all great people.
If hubby's behavior is at a point where it could bring down the family, then something has to give. If it is not however, even though it is not obviously ideal to have an alcoholic parent... the statistics on children with no father in their day to day lives (living under the same roof) are astoundingly clear.