Understanding the Biblical Concept of Marriage as a Remedy for the Rampant Break-Down of Christian Marriage in Contemporary 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 Concept of 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, v. 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 Key Themes

This thesis aims to understand the biblical concept of marriage and how its application can address the high rate of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigerian society. It investigates the biblical perspective on marriage, contrasting it with cultural and societal influences on marriage in Nigeria. The study explores the causes of marital failure and proposes remedies rooted in biblical principles.

• The biblical definition and purpose of marriage.
• Contrasting perspectives on marriage in Israelite, Nigerian cultural, Christian, and Islamic contexts.
• Analysis of the Genesis 2 account of marriage creation.
• Causes of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigerian society.
• Biblically-based solutions to address marital instability.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter One: Introduction: This chapter introduces the universally accepted practice of marriage, highlighting its varied interpretations across different social and religious contexts. It emphasizes marriage as a divinely ordained institution and points out the frequent divergence from God's intended purpose. The chapter establishes the problem of rampant marital breakdown in Nigeria, especially amongst Christians, and outlines the study's objectives: understanding the biblical perspective on marriage and its role in addressing this societal issue. It also briefly touches on the methodology employed in the research.

Chapter Two: Perspectives on Marriage: This chapter provides a comparative analysis of marriage across various contexts. It examines marriage within the Israelite context, exploring its historical and religious significance. It then shifts to the Nigerian context, detailing customary, Christian, and Islamic perspectives on marriage, highlighting the differences and similarities in practices, beliefs, and societal expectations. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the diverse influences shaping marital dynamics in Nigeria, setting the stage for a later analysis of the discrepancies between these views and the biblical ideal.

Chapter Three: The Expositional Analysis of the Concept of Marriage in Genesis 2:21-24: This chapter delves into a detailed exegesis of Genesis 2:21-24, the foundational biblical text on marriage. It examines the creation of Eve from Adam's rib, interpreting this event as signifying companionship, oneness, and the fulfillment of Adam's need. The chapter explores the significance of Adam's response ("This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh") and analyzes the "leaving and cleaving" aspect of marriage as depicted in this passage. The ordinance of marriage, its inherent permanence, and its implications for understanding marital relationships are also thoroughly explored.

Chapter Four: The Contemporary Experience of Marriage: This chapter explores the prevalent causes of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigerian society. It examines the impact of misunderstandings of God's intention for marriage, cultural pressures, societal influences, and rapid social change on marital stability. The chapter also discusses the consequences of these issues, focusing on parental irresponsibility, the promotion of alternative marriage forms (deviating from the biblical model), high rates of sexual immorality, and their resulting impact on families and society. The chapter sets the stage for proposing potential remedies based on a return to biblical principles.

Keywords

Biblical marriage, marital breakdown, Nigerian society, Christian marriage, cultural influences, Genesis 2, divorce, family, societal pressures, biblical remedies, marital stability.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this thesis?

This thesis examines the biblical concept of marriage and its relevance to addressing the high rate of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigerian society. It compares the biblical perspective on marriage with cultural and societal influences in Nigeria, explores the causes of marital failure, and proposes remedies grounded in biblical principles.

What are the key themes explored in this thesis?

The key themes include the biblical definition and purpose of marriage; contrasting perspectives on marriage in Israelite, Nigerian cultural, Christian, and Islamic contexts; an analysis of the Genesis 2 account of marriage creation; the causes of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigerian society; and biblically-based solutions to address marital instability.

What chapters are included in this thesis, and what are their main focuses?

The thesis is structured as follows: Chapter One (Introduction) sets the context and outlines the study's objectives; Chapter Two (Perspectives on Marriage) compares various perspectives on marriage across different cultures and religions; Chapter Three (Expositional Analysis of Genesis 2:21-24) provides a detailed exegesis of the biblical creation account of marriage; Chapter Four (Contemporary Experience of Marriage) explores the causes and consequences of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigeria; and Chapter Five (Conclusion and Recommendations) summarizes the findings and offers recommendations.

What is the methodology used in this research?

While the specific methodology isn't detailed extensively in this preview, the introduction mentions that the study involves analyzing the biblical perspective on marriage in comparison with cultural and societal influences in Nigeria to understand and address the high rate of marital breakdown.

What are the key findings regarding the causes of marital breakdown in Nigeria?

According to the chapter summaries, the causes of marital breakdown in contemporary Nigeria include misunderstandings of God's intention for marriage, cultural pressures, societal influences, rapid social change, parental irresponsibility, the promotion of alternative marriage forms, and high rates of sexual immorality.

What solutions are proposed to address marital instability?

The thesis proposes biblically-based solutions, including promoting the biblical view of marriage within the church, teaching the biblical prohibition of divorce, and providing ways to resolve marital problems and crises. The emphasis is on a return to biblical principles as a remedy for marital instability.

What is the significance of Genesis 2:21-24 in this study?

Genesis 2:21-24 is a foundational biblical text on marriage, and this study provides a detailed exegesis of this passage. The creation of Eve, Adam's response, and the concept of "leaving and cleaving" are explored to understand the biblical understanding of marriage and its inherent permanence.

How does this thesis compare different perspectives on marriage?

The thesis compares the biblical perspective on marriage with those found in Israelite, Nigerian cultural, Christian, and Islamic contexts. This comparative analysis highlights the diverse influences shaping marital dynamics in Nigeria and the discrepancies between these views and the biblical ideal.

What are the keywords associated with this thesis?

The keywords include: Biblical marriage, marital breakdown, Nigerian society, Christian marriage, cultural influences, Genesis 2, divorce, family, societal pressures, biblical remedies, marital stability.