Christian Marriages Research Articles

Ethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Igbo Christian Marriages: Navigating Modernity and Cultural Identities

Ethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Igbo Christian Marriages: Navigating Modernity and Cultural Identities

Legal Analysis of the Decision on the Request for Guardianship by the State for Christianity

General Background: Marriage in the Christian religion fundamentally differs from other traditions, notably in the absence of a legal requirement for a marriage guardian. Specific Background: Instead, the presence of a priest to officiate the ceremony is deemed sufficient. This distinction is often misunderstood, leading to legal ambiguities and misapplications. Knowledge Gap: Despite clear doctrinal guidelines, there persists a lack of awareness regarding the role of state-appointed guardians in Christian marriages, as evidenced by legal cases requesting such appointments. Aims: This study aims to analyze the necessity and implications of appointing a state guardian in Christian marriages through the examination of relevant legal cases in the Jombang District Court. Results: The study highlights two pivotal cases: Request Number 20/Pdt.P/1994/PN Jmb, which was granted, and Request Number 119/Pdt.P/2023/PN Jbg, which was withdrawn. Novelty: By juxtaposing these cases, the research underscores the inconsistencies and the resultant need for greater legal and doctrinal clarity. Implications: The findings advocate for enhanced educational efforts within both the Christian community and the broader public to mitigate legal misunderstandings and to streamline the judicial approach to marriage guardianship in Christian contexts. This research contributes to the discourse by elucidating the legal boundaries and ecclesiastical stipulations of Christian marriages, promoting informed judicial decisions and societal understanding. Highlights: Legal Ambiguity: Inconsistent court decisions on state guardians in Christian marriages. Educational Need: Urgent need for educating communities on marriage guardianship in Christianity. Judicial Clarity: Importance of clear legal guidelines to prevent misapplications. Keywords: State Guardian, Decision on Request, Christian Marriage, Legal Analysis, Religious Doctrine

A duplication of marriages? An ethnographic account and assessment of the necessity for both traditional and Christian marriages for African Christians

This article is based on ethnographic research for a doctoral study that was conducted in 2016 among the Ndau people of Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. The article described and assessed the practice of some African Christian churches, especially missionary founded churches, to conduct ‘white church weddings’ after getting married customarily. The study employs a postcolonial approach as a theoretical lens. It argues for a hybridized form of Christian marriage that takes into cognizance the validity of African customary marriages in and for themselves, while at the same time appreciating the importance ascribed to ‘church weddings’ in especially missionary-founded churches. The study uses the case study of the Ndau people, but the phenomenon is widely practised among African Christians across the continent. In the article, doctoral thesis findings were related with Erlank’s (2014) work on marriages in South Africa. The article offered description, critique (postcolonial, gender, class), and suggested interventions. Critical phenomenology was utilized to assess the findings and to expose the power relations that exist in the hierarchical treatment of African customary marriages as of an inferior status compared to church weddings. The economic aspect of the duplication of marriages was also foregrounded. The article underscores the importance of ethnographic research on religion as a human phenomenon in Southern Africa and beyond, as well as a critical assessment of the phenomenon. It provided several possible interventions for African missionary-founded churches.

Jesus on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: A Reflection on Matthew 19:3-12 and Mark 10:2-12 from an Akan Perspective

Marriage, as depicted in both the Old and New Testaments, is considered a sacred institution created by God. However, this sacred institution has been under attack over the centuries and has resulted in a high divorce rate, particularly among Christians. While this might seem discouraging, it does not suggest that there is no hope for this divine institution. That means that Christianity today must help in formulating a truly Biblical view or principles for Christian marriage to reduce the prevalence of divorce. In the Gospels, Jesus spoke about marriage, divorce, and remarriage, condemning the Jewish leaders’ permissive attitude towards divorce. He highlights several principles to emphasize the uniqueness and permanency of marriage that Christians can use as a template for their marriage. This paper thus examined Jesus’ perspective on these topics in Matthew 19:3-12 and Mark 10:2-12 through a literary analysis using related materials. It first explored the context of the selected passages. It also examined four main principles that Jesus presents in the above passage regarding the institution of marriage by analyzing some key Greek words that Jesus used, which are relevant to the topic. These are kataleipō, proskollaō, suzeugnumi, and chōrizetō. The study concluded that the principles highlighted by Christ remain as pertinent in today’s world as they were during his era. Also when believers adhere to Christ’s teachings, Christian marriages can be enhanced and rejuvenated. This write-up adds to the existing literature on the marriage institution. Keywords: Chōrizetō, Divorce, Kataleipō, Marriage, Proskollaō, Suzeugnumi

Six Keys to Protecting and Strengthening Marriages

Abstract While Almost Every Christian Marriage Begins With Great Hope And Joy, Many End In Divorce. Other Marriages Endure But Fall Significantly Short Of The Biblical Ideal Of Growing Personal Intimacy. After Forty Years Of Counseling, I Have Identified Six Issues That Are Crucial To Preserving And Strengthening Christian Marriages And Present Them Below. The Gospel Offers Hope That Couples Who Have Drifted Apart Can Enjoy Renewed Joy And Fulfillment In Their Marriages To The Glory Of God. KEYWORDS: Marriage, Reconciliation, Affirmation, Lies, Laziness, Adultery, Lust, Grace, Communication, Hope

Resilience of Christian marriages in contemporary society as viewed through the lens of spirituality

The complex context of contemporary society with the dynamic element of digital technologies, challenges Christian marriages in several ways. This article aimed to identify theological resources that can help Christian marriages flourish in the given context. The objective of this study was to identify theological resources, that can be used to encourage Christian marriages to flourish amid the challenges brought by the context of the digital age. This article followed the method of a literature study. The discussion started with an overview of the context of the digital age, and the relevant challenges that it poses to Christian marriages. This was followed by a pastoral perspective that was presented on the concept of spirituality. The article concluded by exploring the construct of resilience, through the lens of spirituality as it relates to Christian marriages. It was discovered that relational resilience is needed for Christian marriages, to meet the challenges of this context. Oneness was identified as a crucial element in the resilience of Christian marriages, when it is viewed through the lens of spirituality. The prominent connection between resilience and spirituality, stimulated reflection on a relational view on the Trinity as well as a marital spirituality, which informed the understanding of oneness, that can exist in Christian marriage relationships. Two overarching theological resources were identified, that can be applied in pastoral care to encourage the resilience of Christian marriages in a digital age. The first resource relates to the oneness of the Trinity, which spouses can imitate in their marriage relationship in order to increase intimacy. Secondly, marital spirituality was explained as a shared path of faith to which spouses commit, in order to intentionally practise an awareness for God’s presence, to honour closeness to the church and to be devoted to one another in daily life.Contribution: The challenges that Christian marriages face in a digital age, are placed in the context of spirituality and trinitarian theology, making an innovative theological contribution, by identifying theological resources that can enable Christian marriages to flourish.

Is Premarital Guidance Important To Divorce

Divorce in Christian families is seen as a wrong decision and against God's will. Although there are some views from church leaders worldwide regarding divorce, divorce in Christian marriages is not justified. However, based on data from the Indonesian statistical center, divorce cases in Indonesia from 2011 to 2016 have increased significantly. Looking at the facts of divorce cases and the factors that cause divorce, the church has made eftriedrcome or reduced the risk of divorce in Christian marriages. One form of this effort to overcome divorce is to provide premarital guidance for Christian couples who want to deci married. To marrythor will describe the importance of premarital guidance so that from this nation it can help the church to understand the importance of premarital guidance better and carry it out with sincerity and for prospective partners better to understand their respective duties and responsibilities before God so that when conflicts occur in their domestic life, they were able to cope without divorce.

Child-Rearing in African Christian Marriages: A Case of Isongole Ward, Ileje District, Songwe Region in Tanzania

The greatest mandate which God entrusted to human beings since creation is keeping and sustaining the creation. Human beings are responsible towards making the creation glorify God the creator. Another important task is to bring forth other human beings—children—who will also become responsible towards creation in their adulthood. It means that the responsibility of humanity towards creation is continuous. Children are gifts from God through marriages and have to be reared to adulthood in order for them to become fully responsible to God’s creation. This article examined the perceptions of church leaders and normal Christians towards child-rearing in both African traditional and Christian settings. Being guided by Ainsworth and Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, the article addressed the following questions: How is child-rearing understood and practiced in the research area? Is there any laziness in the rearing of children that hinders their proper development to adulthood? In response to these questions, a qualitative study was conducted at Isongole Ward, Ileje District, Songwe region in Tanzania. Interviews were conducted to eight research participants selected purposefully after their informed consent. Data were analyzed qualitatively to obtain themes which were the basis for the presentation and interpretation of findings. Results indicated that laziness to rear children properly was one of the major hindrances for children to realize their adulthood potentials in the future. The article suggests that to have an ethical church and ethical society, child-rearing basing on proper Christian foundation is of paramount importance.

Who are we online? The interplay between online identity formation and Christian marriages

Digital technologies have become an integrated part of everyday life, and this development has not left relationships untouched. A need exists for theological reflection on the interaction between the dynamic contexts of the digital age and Christian marital relationships. The relational implications of the digital age are quite vast; therefore the focus of the article will be limited to online identity formation as a particular challenge of the digital age. Employing the method of a literature study within the scientific field of practical theology, this article explores the interplay between online identity formation and Christian marriage. It suggests that online identity formation exists around a reciprocal interaction with two prominent qualities of Christian marriages: The expansion of the self and one-ness. When considering the interplay between online identity formation and Christian marriage, awareness can be created regarding the marital implications of spouses’ online engagements, which may enhance contextual pastoral care with a relational focus within the digital age.Contribution: The article contributes to practical theological reflection on challenges posed to Christian marriages by the digital age. It is aimed at stimulating pastoral thinking regarding online identity formation and its adverse effects on so-called one-ness in Christian marriages that can enhance pastoral care with a view on the flourishing of couples in the digital age.

Implentasi Pengendalian Konflik Keluarga bagi Relasi Suami Istri Kristen

Conflict arises in every marriage. It is a part of life that naturally occurs in every household, anywhere, including Christian marriages, even though they are blessed in the church, they are not immune to conflict free. Controlling conflict has an impact on whether the husband and wife relationship is strong in Christian marriages, so knowing the sources of triggers or causes of conflict in a Christian marriage family is very important so that we can anticipate and take conflict resolution in appropriate ways. The method in writing this journal is carried out by analyzing relevant sources from books and research literature, so that application suggestions are obtained for increasing the stronger relationship between husband and wife because they can control conflict well. Husband and wife need to put the reconciliation process that Allah created for the husband and wife relationship to be applied in all marital relations that are disturbed or even damaged.

‘At least I am married’: Muslim–Christian marriage and gender in southwest Nigeria

This article explores religious coexistence among the Yoruba of southwest Nigeria. It focuses on interfaith marriages, frequent especially between Muslim men and Christian women, as a practice that brings Islam and Christianity into a mutually productive relationship. The article explores the tension between the general understanding that interfaith marriage is a positive anchor of Muslim–Christian relations and the widespread individual scepticism towards such marriages. Rooted in distinct discourses, Muslim and Christian attitudes to interfaith marriage have undergone changes along different trajectories since the 1980s. At the same time, they share a ‘family resemblance’ because members of both religions emphasise the importance of marriage and its unequally gendered nature. The unequal and asymmetric relationships between the two religions constitute part of a wider religious field, where the shared belief in the importance of conjugality is central to the gendered social order. Thus, even though Muslim–Christian marriages are often understood as problematic, they are still seen as less problematic than the failure to marry.

Bitna svojstva ženidbe - jednost i nerazrješivost

Članak se bavi problematikom vezanom za bitna svojstva ženidbe, jednost i nerazrješivost. Crkva je oduvijek promatrala ženidbu kao naravni bračni savez koji je među krštenima i sakrament, odnosno naravna stvarnost ženidbenog saveza uzdignuta je u nadnaravni red, u djelotvorni znak milosti. Bitna svojstva, jednost i nerazrješivost, koja su vlastita ženidbi kao naravnom savezu u kršćanskoj ženidbi zadobivaju posebnu čvrstoću. Ova svojstva bitna su i za kršćansku i nekršćansku ženidbu jer proizlaze iz same naravi i bitnih svrha ženidbe. Kršćanska tradicija i nauk svetoga Pavla naučavaju da su ova dva svojstva slika jedinstvene i nerazrješive veze Krista i Crkve. U članku je obrađeno i pitanje isključivanja bitnih svojstava iz ženidbene privole, odnosno dokazivanje ništavosti ženidbe zbog isključenja jednosti i nerazrješivosti pozitivnim činom volje.

Understanding the Process of Forgiveness After a Relational Hurt in Christian Marriages

ABSTRACTThis grounded theory study explored how Christian married couples forgive significant relational hurts. Literature on forgiveness had limitations: majority were quantitative deductive studies and participants were mainly the offended individual versus the dyad. Five couples who had successfully navigated the process of forgiveness were interviewed individually and conjointly. The unique findings included (a) forgiveness happens in the context of community, (b) the crucial role of religion, (c) sequencing and timing of the phases of the process, and (d) the distinction between acceptance and forgiveness. The findings led to the development of a theory on the process of forgiveness that could be useful as a guide for couples therapists.

Death of a metaphor: reviewing the `marketing as relationships' frame

The frame marketing as relationships is central to contemporary marketing thought and informs both research and practice in marketing. It is underpinned by the `interpersonal relationship' metaphor, which at the superordinate level relies upon social exchange theory (SET) and at the subordinate level reinforces the ideological values of Judeo—Christian marriages. The current pervasiveness of the marketing as relationships frame suggests that this view of marketing has become commonsensical, taken-for-granted and recognized by marketers as simply part of their discourse. In this paper, we trace the evolution of the marketing as relationships frame and analyse its current position. Using insights drawn from conceptual metaphor theory and critical discourse analysis, we argue that it is necessary to reactivate this metaphor in order to investigate whether it is relevant to current theory and practice in marketing.

Privilegios y malogros de la familia Camarão

For one century, the Camarao family (Potiguar Indians) attempted to approach the monarchy and the Church. To achieve this objective, they abandoned their nomadic lifestyle, polygamy, cannibalism and slowly began to behave more as Christians and noblemen in search of honor and royal privileges, mainly through military services to the Portuguese Crown. These changes can not be interpreted only as a mere acculturation process, but as a mean to strengthening their power and leadership. Their alliance with the Portuguese was essential to the maintenance of their control over other indigenous groups, to perpetuate the patent of governorship and to guarantee the transmission of immaterial assets, as that alliance not only provided the Camarao family weapons and fortifications, but also gave them honors and privileges. Furthermore, Christian marriages assured the transmission of inheritance from Indians leaders to their sons, which might also include the honors and privileges of the fathers.

ADJUSTMENT AND COMPLICATIONS OF CATHOLIC AND INTER-FAITH INTERMARRIAGES

The increasing occurrence of intermarriages across international boundaries is an impact of globalisation frequently overlooked. Intermarriage is arguably the best indicator as to whether a particular group is fully integrated into and accepted by the mainstream community. The article looks at the problems and challenges associated with religious intermixing with a particular emphasis on Catholic and other Christian marriages. How the “religious” communities deal with these marriages over the next few generations will be of importance, not only for the community in focus, but also more broadly for interfaith and intercultural affairs.

Holy Weddings, Unholy Marriages: Christian Spouses and Domestic Discords in Early Colonial Lesotho, 1870–1900

In the Lesotho Archives in the capital Maseru, lies unreferenced, scattered files containing testimonies of Christianised BaSotho couples embroiled in marital litigations in the last third of the nineteenth century. Reading these testimonies in relation to one another, and engaging in an in‐depth qualitative examinations of the narratives embedded in the texts offers a rare opportunity to explore the texture of conjugal relationships among Christianised spouses in this period. The compelling picture that emerges is one of extreme instability of Christian marriages. We behold here conjugal lives teeming with conflicts and intrigue. Adultery accusations and spousal violence punctuated the conjugal lives of these spouses in unexpected intensity. This study concludes that after over half a century of missionising the BaSotho, evangelical missionaries seemingly had had little impact on the texture of BaSotho conjugal relations. The rampant “adultery” and spousal abuse that seemingly plagued these Christian spouses were expressions of pre‐Christian patterns that were manifestations of gendered conflicts.

Observing Different Faiths, Learning About Ourselves: Practice with Inter-married Muslims and Christians

The present article offers practitioners initial ideas for work with clients in mixed-faith relationships. Based on local, empirical research that investigated Muslim–Christian marriages, six patterns of adaptation to a mixed-faith marriage are outlined. In addition, from a practice-oriented review of the data, four questions are identified that can be used by practitioners to clarify their thinking and practice focus. Increasingly technical, these reference questions are: (i) how is the public–private divide being understood and managed; (ii) how is identity and selfhood being practiced; (iii) how may practitioners position themselves with respect to asymmetries related to gender; and (iv) should religious differences be reframed? Rather than practitioners seeking to be experts on the other, the belief animating the current contribution is that work with diverse clients offers workers a mirror upon which we practitioners can better observe our own outlines. In contrast with the pursuit of imperial generalisations, the authors of the present study commend the benefits of reflectively denaturalising our own positions.

Negotiating faith and identity in Muslim–Christian marriages in Britain

Marriage between Muslim men and Christian or Jewish women has been a recognized though controversial phenomenon through Islamic history. Qur'anic permission is given (Q 5:5) but the normative condition in Sharica is that Islam should predominate over another faith, particularly in the identification of children. In Britain and other Western countries the prevailing cultural and legal context of autonomy in relationship formation and choice of marriage partner means that Muslim–Christian marriages may happen without conformity to religious rules or familial preference, for example in the case of Muslim women marrying non-Muslim men. Nevertheless, amongst those surveyed, Muslim identification remained strong even where marriages were deemed transgressive. Amongst Christian partners, faith identification (of parents and children) was more likely to be treated as autonomous and personally negotiable in the context of marriage. The experience of hybridity and liminality in these marriages may influence attitudes to faith itself and there was evidence of both ‘universalizing’ and ‘particularist’ faith responses amongst couples.

Introduction: Reflections on the Current Status and Future of Christian Marriages

This article is the Editor's introduction to the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on Current Issues in Christian Marriages. The current literature on religious marriages are used to understand the materials discussed in this journal issue. Future directions for the development of the scholarly basis and community interventions for Christian marriages are introduced.