Title: Strengthening Christian Marriages in Urhobo Contexts: Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
Authors: Olonge, Oghenenyerhovwome Watson
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 162-174
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
The paper discussed the fast-growing societal and cultural factors affecting Christian marriages among the Urhobo, leading to increase in cases of divorce, marital separation, and other multifaceted challenges among couples in the church and members of the society as well. The paper explored the foundational causes of marital crises and broken relationship and provided some coping mechanisms and Solutions. The objectives of this study include; identifying causes of challenges affecting Christian marriages among the Urhobo people and proffer some coping mechanism and solutions. To achieve the preceding objectives, the research adopted the descriptive and phenomenological approaches. Also, the study discovered that various challenges make Christian couples unable to keep marital vows and these challenges include adultery, domestic violence, abuse, childlessness, rate of poverty, external influences, poor communication, balancing work and marital responsibilities. The study showed that despite these challenges there are some biblical guidelines to overcoming these challenges militating against Christian marriage among the Urhobo people. It concluded that marriage is ordained by God as a social union for spouse's pleasure and that; it should be celebrated by couples to promote love, harmony and to glorify God's initiative and plans for humanity. It is recommended that Christian spouses should explore and exhibit biblical values of love, compassion, peace, sexual purity, tolerance and patience as godly standards for an ideal Christian marriage and apply its teaching to address the challenges confronting Christian marriages among the Urhobo people in other to keep their marital vows and enjoy marital blessings.