This study analyses how the philosophy of divorce in Ichen (Nigeria) is compatible with the Christian viewpoint.
The issue of divorce is a long seated problem in human history particularly in Nigerian context where the Church is facing numerous issues of divorce. Also, on the interpretation and application of “divorce”, scholars still find it difficult to agree on the supremacy of the scripture (Phuong, Divorce/Africa). Most of the African tribes frown at divorce in which it used to be a taboo, and it is still consider a serious insult in some tribes in Africa. In the real sense divorce is becoming a new normal in some Africa communities today.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF KEY TERM
THE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES OF DIVORCE
THE CONFLUENCE OF ICHEN AND CHRSTIAN PHILOSOPHY OF DIVORCE
THE IMPLICATION OF ICHEN AND CHRISTIAN VIEW OF NO DIVORCE
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This study examines the compatibility between traditional Ichen divorce practices and the Christian worldview, aiming to provide a theological and ethical framework that addresses the challenges of marriage stability among the Ichen people of Taraba State, Nigeria.
- The role of traditional Ichen marriage security mechanisms, such as family involvement and community taboos.
- Biblical perspectives on the permanence of marriage and the limited grounds for divorce.
- The synthesis of Ichen cultural wisdom and Christian ethics regarding lifelong marital commitment.
- Strategies for church leaders and Ichen Christians to foster enduring marriages.
Excerpt from the Book
PRINCIPLES OF DIVORCE AMONG THE ICHEN PEOPLE OF TARABA
Among the traditional Ichen people, when the husband wants to divorce his wife, he uses the word “gua-ben” or “Kwaju” meaning killing of marriage or divorce. The idea behind it is that, a woman cannot divorce her husband. The word “guu” means to kill, to murder, to destroy, to terminate, to eradicate, and to silence life. Marriage is meant to have children, hence; divorce is considered as murder and carries the sense that when divorce takes place, there is not going to be procreation.
In some cases instead of gua-ben the word “Kwaju” is used; the word “Kwaju” is a combination of two word joined together “kwa” mean to separate, “ju” mean body; it conveyed the sense that, when husband and wife get married it is two bodies becoming one but when they separate the two bodies will stay apart. However, if “kwa” is to separate and “ju” is “body” it shows “Kwaju” is to separate two bodies therefore divorce is two bodies no longer one.
Auta kpwatswa an elder who is a perpetual divorcee on a telephone interview remarks that, the young couple prefer “Kwaju” because of their acquaintance with premarital sex or illegal sex which has permeated the modern days. For Ali Garba prefer “Kwaju” to be used when two friends or individual part from each other. By this understanding the user ought to familiarize him selves with the context in other to apply it appropriately by trying to know where, when and to whom it should be use.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Outlines the rising issue of divorce in the Nigerian Church context and sets the scope for examining Ichen traditions.
DEFINITION OF KEY TERM: Establishes a working definition of divorce from both secular and theological perspectives.
THE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES OF DIVORCE: Analyzes the teachings of Jesus regarding the permanence of marriage and the biblical stance against divorce.
THE CONFLUENCE OF ICHEN AND CHRSTIAN PHILOSOPHY OF DIVORCE: Explores the shared values between Ichen cultural practices and Christian doctrine, particularly regarding marriage stability and the taboo of infidelity.
THE IMPLICATION OF ICHEN AND CHRISTIAN VIEW OF NO DIVORCE: Evaluates the positive and negative aspects of the "no divorce" stance within both cultural and religious frameworks.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes that Ichen traditional views and Christian principles are compatible in their emphasis on marriage durability, though both require sensitivity to the welfare of women.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Offers practical guidance for pastors and Ichen Christians to strengthen marriages through counsel and prayer.
Keywords
Divorce, Compatibility, Ichen, Christian Ethics, Marriage, Procreation, Taboo, Infidelity, Taraba, Family Support, Traditional Practices, Biblical Perspective, Marital Stability, Counseling, Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The research explores how traditional Ichen divorce practices compare to the Christian worldview and whether they can be harmonized to promote stable, lifelong marriages.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The study covers Ichen cultural traditions, Christian ethics on marriage, the societal roles of extended families, and the impact of divorce on communities in Taraba State.
What is the core objective of the work?
The primary goal is to address the conflict between traditional Ichen views on marriage and modern challenges, offering a reconciliation based on Christian principles.
Which methodology is employed in the study?
The author uses a historical and phenomenological approach, incorporating literature reviews, interviews with community elders, and theological analysis.
What is examined in the main section of the paper?
The main sections detail Ichen marriage terminology, the role of community proverbs and taboos, Jesus' teachings on divorce, and the practical implications for contemporary Christian families.
What are the characterizing keywords of this work?
Key terms include Ichen, Divorce, Compatibility, Christian Ethics, Marital Stability, and Traditional Practices.
How does the Ichen culture view the term "Kwaju"?
"Kwaju" represents the separation of "two bodies" that had become one, and the author highlights that it carries a heavy social stigma akin to "murder" of a marriage.
What role does the family play in Ichen marriage security?
Families are heavily involved in the selection of partners and the mediation of marital conflicts, which acts as a protective buffer against easy divorce.
Does the author suggest that Ichen practices are entirely perfect?
No, the author explicitly identifies negative sides, such as the marginalization of women and the lack of sensitivity toward gender equality when domestic violence occurs.
What is the final advice for Ichen Christians?
The author recommends that Ichen Christians consult their church leaders for counseling instead of seeking divorce and work to override traditional dichotomies that disadvantage women.
- Quote paper
- Ezra Danazumi (Author), 2019, African Philosophy. The Compatibility of Africa and the Christian Practice, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1014676
