Polygyny in Africa could be regarded as a socio-cultural practice, old as the continent itself. And it has become a controversial issue especially in African Christianity and mission. Is there any panacea for the Church and societies in Nigeria and the rest of Africa concerning polygynous marriages?
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Defining Polygyny
3. Polygyny: Challenges
4. Socio-Cultural Approval of Polygyny in Africa:
4.1 Belief in procreation and after-life:
4.2 Premium on male children:
4.3 Economic advancement:
4.4 Numerical disparity between men and women:
4.5 Social alliances between family and clan groups:
4.6 Sexual regulation:
4.7 Care of widows:
5. The Old and New Testaments on Polygyny: references
6. Exploring Answers to the Challenges of Polygyny: The Scriptures and Cultures
7. Guidelines in dealing with polygynous relationships among believers:
8. What would be the practical consequences of the approach and guidelines earlier mentioned?
9. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This work explores the complex relationship between the socio-cultural practice of polygyny in Africa and Christian doctrine. It aims to determine if there is a biblical and pastoral "panacea" for the challenges polygynous families face within the church, seeking a balance between strict theological standards and sensitivity to African social realities.
- Historical and biblical perspectives on polygyny.
- Socio-cultural drivers for polygyny in Africa, such as procreation and economic stability.
- Guidelines for pastoral care and church involvement with polygynous families.
- The importance of contextualized biblical teaching versus legalistic approaches.
- Criteria for church leadership roles in relation to marriage standards.
Excerpt from the Book
Socio-Cultural Approval of Polygyny in Africa:
Belief in procreation and after-life: In Africa, where polygany is culturally accepted and practiced, the chief end of marriage was procreation. The more wives a man had the more would be his children; and the more children one had, the longer he would likely be remembered long after his death (Mbiti 1967:142). Grimley and Robinson underscore the deep concern of some of Nigerian people groups for procreation,
The traditional attitude toward the family in the Central Belt is such that a childless marriage is an invalid marriage. Separation and taking a new husband, or taking a new or second wife, in order to try afresh for children, is a common practice in pagan life, but it brings deep spiritual and practical problems to the Christian. (1966:179)
Premium on male children: Male children are the hope of the family for continuity and security in the African culture. The traditional community relies on the adult and young-adult males for socio-political strength and pressure group to withstand oppression and attract wealth for families and clan. Parents get worried when the first or second children born into the family are females. The more wives one has, the increasing chances of having male children (O'Donovan 1996:289).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces polygyny as a deeply rooted socio-cultural practice in Africa that creates significant tension within Christian mission and church life.
Defining Polygyny: This section provides a brief terminology clarification, identifying polygyny as a specific form of plural marriage where a man has multiple wives.
Polygyny: Challenges: This chapter details the concerns of church leaders regarding the impact of polygyny on church growth and the difficulties in creating church policy around such marriages.
Socio-Cultural Approval of Polygyny in Africa: This chapter analyzes the traditional motivations for polygyny, including procreation, economic workforce needs, and social alliance building.
The Old and New Testaments on Polygyny: references: This chapter catalogues biblical instances of polygyny and discusses the ethical implications found within both the Old and New Testaments.
Exploring Answers to the Challenges of Polygyny: The Scriptures and Cultures: This chapter emphasizes placing biblical authority above cultural norms while interpreting marriage ideals from Genesis.
Guidelines in dealing with polygynous relationships among believers: This chapter offers actionable pastoral suggestions, ranging from ongoing Bible study to committee-led counseling for polygynous families.
What would be the practical consequences of the approach and guidelines earlier mentioned?: This section discusses the expected outcomes of a compassionate, non-legalistic approach to pastoral care for polygynous members.
Conclusion: The author concludes that no simple "quick-fix" exists and advocates for a long-term, grace-filled, and biblically-grounded approach to the challenges of polygyny.
Keywords
Polygyny, African Christianity, Church Mission, Biblical Marriage, Monogamy, Socio-cultural Practice, Pastoral Counseling, Procreation, African Tradition, Church Policy, Biblical Hermeneutics, Family Ethics, Discipleship, Church Leadership, Christian Mission
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this academic work?
The work examines the tension between the socio-cultural practice of polygyny in Africa and the theological standards of the Christian Church, seeking effective ways to minister to families in polygynous relationships.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The core themes include biblical interpretation regarding marriage, the cultural drivers of polygyny (such as procreation and economic survival), and the necessity for empathetic pastoral guidelines.
What is the central research question?
The research asks if there is a "panacea"—or a viable solution—for the Church in Africa to address polygynous marriages, households, and their complex integration into local church life.
Which scientific or theological methods are applied?
The author utilizes a combination of historical review, biblical exegesis of Old and New Testament passages, and an anthropological analysis of African socio-cultural norms.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of polygyny, its biblical history, justifications for the practice in traditional African settings, and practical guidelines for church leaders when managing the inclusion of polygynists.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Polygyny, African Christianity, Pastoral Counseling, Biblical Marriage, and Cultural Hermeneutics.
Why does the author advocate against "blanket policies" for polygynous families?
The author argues that each family's situation is unique and embedded in a complex "web of relationships" that requires individual counseling rather than a single, sweeping church rule.
What is the author's stance on polygynous men serving as church leaders?
The author explicitly states that he would not support or recommend anyone who has not met the biblical standard of "husband of one wife" for roles such as elder, pastor, or bishop.
- Quote paper
- Moses Oluwole (Author), 1999, Polygyny and the Church in Africa: Any Panacea Yet?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/230238
