Divorce these days is a religious vow, as if the proper offspring of marriage.

Tertullian’s quote offers a critical reflection on divorce in the context of religion and marriage. He suggests that, in contemporary society, divorce has become so normalized that it is almost treated as an inevitable or natural consequence of marriage, akin to a religious vow. By comparing divorce to the "proper offspring" of marriage, Tertullian implies that the institution of marriage has been undermined, turning a once sacred commitment into something that may not be lasting or binding. He seems to be lamenting how marriage has become less about lifelong commitment and more about temporary arrangements that can easily be dissolved.

The origin of this quote comes from Tertullian, a Christian theologian from the 2nd century, who is known for his writings on Christian ethics, doctrine, and the role of marriage. In his time, Tertullian was a strong advocate for Christian moral teachings, particularly the sanctity of marriage. His quote reflects his belief that the rise of divorce—which was seen as a sign of societal decay—was contrary to the original purpose and sacred nature of marriage as taught by the early Christian church.

Tertullian’s words can be seen as a critique of the way divorce had come to be viewed in Roman society, as something easily granted and routinely practiced. He argues that society has shifted its views on commitment and family, leading to the dissolution of marriages that were once meant to be permanent. By describing divorce as a "religious vow" and the "offspring" of marriage, Tertullian emphasizes how cultural norms around marriage and family had changed to the point where divorce was increasingly seen as a valid and acceptable outcome, rather than a failure or an exception.

Ultimately, Tertullian’s quote reflects his belief in the sacredness of marriage and his concern over the erosion of its lasting nature. His criticism of divorce as the "proper offspring" of marriage suggests that he viewed this trend as a perversion of the intended role of marriage in society, one that was supposed to embody commitment, stability, and lifelong partnership. Through this statement, Tertullian calls attention to the importance of preserving the sanctity of marriage in both the religious and societal contexts.