This Research work focuses on understanding the biblical concept of marriage as a remedy for the rampant break-down of Christian marriage in contemporary Nigerian society.
The study explores the concept and practice of marriage in the Israelite and Nigerian context, and the contemporary experience of marriage. On one hand, this identifies the forms of marriage, the causes and effects of marriage break-down in the society. On the other hand, the study explored and reveals the divine intention for instituting marriage. This gives the understanding of the biblical concept of marriage as instituted by God and how it should be practice by Christians, as a remedy to the rampant break-down of marriage in the contemporary Nigerian society.
The summary, conclusion and recommendations drawn in a chapter of the study carefully gave various ways by which the church and every Nigerian Christian can promote the standards of the bible, especially concerning marriage in the Nigerian society.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Statement of Problem.
The Purpose and Significance of the Study
Methodology and Procedure
Conclusion
CHAPTER TWO PERSPECTIVES ON MARRIAGE
Introduction
Marriage in Israelite’s Context
Marriage in Nigerian Context
Customary Form of Marriage in Nigeria
Christian Marriage
Islamic Marriage
Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE THE EXPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPTOF MARRIAGE IN GENESIS 2:21-24
Introduction
The Context of Genesis 2
The Concept of Marriage in Genesis 2:21-24
The Creation of Woman, vv. 21-22
The Response of Man vs. 23
The Ordinance of Marriage, v. 24
Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR THE CONTEMPORARY EXPERIENCE OF MARRIAGE
Introduction
The Causes of Rampant Break-down of Marriages Today
Misunderstanding of the Divine Intention of Marriage
Cultural Perspectives of Marriage
Societal Perspectives of Marriage
Social Change
The Implications of the Rampant Break-down of Marriages Today
Parental Irresponsibility
Promotion of Other Forms of Marriage
High Rate of Sexual Immorality and Permissiveness
The Remedy for the Rampant Break-down of Marriages Today
Promotion of the Biblical View of Marriage by the Church
Proffering Ways of Resolving Marital Problems and Crisis
Teaching the Biblical Prohibition of Divorce
Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
Recommendations
Objectives and Topics
This thesis examines the rampant breakdown of Christian marriages in contemporary Nigeria by exploring the biblical foundations of marriage rooted in Genesis 2:21-24. It seeks to identify the factors contributing to marital instability, such as secularism, postmodernism, and cultural reinterpretations, and aims to provide biblically grounded remedies and recommendations for the church and society.
- Biblical foundations of marriage (Genesis 2:21-24)
- Comparative analysis of marriage in Israelite and Nigerian contexts
- Causes of the rampant breakdown of marriages in modern Nigeria
- Psychological and social implications of divorce on families and children
- Strategies for the church to promote biblical marriage and resolve marital crises
Excerpt from the Book
The Ordinance of Marriage, v. 24
/K‐lu an adverb translated as “therefore”, is the narrator’s comment on the man’s remarks in v. 23 providing “the foundation of marriage” and “applying the principles of the first marriage to every marriage.” bzuy is here in the imperfect tense. The root word bzu means “to leave, forsake, abandon, leave behind, be left over, let go.” The usage “to leave” here is the best translation of the word in this passage. Sarna submits that, “forsakes, bzuy the traditional translation ‘leaves’ suggests that the man moves from his parents and sets up home elsewhere, whereas in fact Israelite marriage was usually patrilocal, i.e., the man continued to live in or near his parents home. [bzuy is] to be understood in a relative sense, not an absolute sense.”
After a man leaves his parents, he is to cleave to his wife. The word translated cleave here is qbd, a primitive root meaning “stick, cling, cleave to…” The act of leaving and cleaving by the man is to further enhance the gluing of the man to his wife.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research problem regarding the high rate of marital breakdown in Nigeria and establishes the study's purpose and methodology.
CHAPTER TWO PERSPECTIVES ON MARRIAGE: Reviews the forms and practices of marriage in both the ancient Israelite context and the contemporary Nigerian cultural landscape.
CHAPTER THREE THE EXPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPTOF MARRIAGE IN GENESIS 2:21-24: Provides an exegetical study of the biblical origin of marriage, focusing on the creation of woman and the divine ordinance of leaving and cleaving.
CHAPTER FOUR THE CONTEMPORARY EXPERIENCE OF MARRIAGE: Analyzes the causes and social implications of marriage failure, including the influence of secularism and traditional cultural pressures.
CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Summarizes the study’s findings and offers practical recommendations for the church to support biblical marriage and address marital problems.
Keywords
Marriage, Genesis 2, Nigeria, Christian Marriage, Divorce, Biblical Concept, Procreation, Companionship, Leaving and Cleaving, Customary Marriage, Polygamy, Marital Crisis, Church Responsibility, Covenant, Family Stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on the rising trend of marriage breakdowns in Nigeria and evaluates this phenomenon against the biblical concept of marriage established in Genesis 2:21-24.
What are the central thematic areas discussed?
The themes include the divine intention for marriage, the differences between biblical and cultural marriage practices, the impact of secularism, and the role of the church in maintaining marital stability.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to identify the factors contributing to the failure of Christian marriages in Nigeria and to offer biblically sound remedies for the church to implement.
Which scientific or theological methods are employed?
The research utilizes an expositional and exegetical analysis of the biblical text in Genesis 2, combined with a review of socio-cultural perspectives in Nigeria.
What topics does the main body address?
The main body covers the creation account of marriage, a comparative analysis of Israelite and Nigerian marriage customs, causes of marital breakdown, and the long-term implications of divorce for children and society.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Christian marriage, biblical covenant, marriage breakdown, Nigerian society, and marital stability.
How does the author define the 'marriage covenant' in the biblical context?
It is defined as an indissoluble, lifelong union ordained by God for companionship, where a man and woman leave their parents to become "one flesh."
Why does the author advocate for regulating the 'bride price' in Nigeria?
The author argues that excessive demands for bride price dehumanize women, treat them as commodities, and contribute to domestic violence and marital instability.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Longji Ayuba Dachal (Autor:in), 2013, Understanding the Biblical Concept of Marriage as a Remedy for the Rampant Break-Down of Christian Marriage in Contemporary Nigerian Society, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/344357
