Relationally Widowed

I understand that this post may be controversial and at the very least some will be upset that it is not theologically correct but I wonder if is still a needed debate?  Maybe our interpretation needs to change a bit due to the cultural changes around us.

James 1:27 says, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means

caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”

There are some who will get caught up in that word “religion”, and although there are many people who have been hurt by religion and so therefore disassociate themselves from it, I do believe that it is crucial to honor the past and honor the religious moments, heroes and institutions that give us the freedom to pursue a true relationship with Christ today.  With that being said I wonder if the definition of “Widow and Orphan” has culturally changed?

When my mom was divorced when I was in college she was basically alienated from the church out of fear that her “divorce disease” would contaminate others in the church.  They didn’t want those types of people in the church.  They treated her as an outcast until the point she felt uncomfortable enough to leave.  I have seen this over and over again in a various churches.  I wonder though that because of the change in our culture does the widow and orphan term not only apply to those who have lost a family member to death, but does it apply to those who have lost a family member to divorce?  Are they not left alone without a spouse or a parent?  Is it any different?

What’s your thoughts on this?