Main Article Content

Divorce amongst Christian couples in Yoruba land: Challenges and implications


Favour Uroko
Solomon I. Enobong

Abstract

Divorce amongst married couples is a disturbing phenomenon amongst the Yoruba people of southern Nigeria. Unfortunately, the church in Yoruba  land, which has focused much of its teachings on financial prosperity, has started facing the consequences of these lopsided teachings. Using a  phenomenological approach, this study argues that the lack of sexual satisfaction (such as sexual starvation), poverty, activities of fake pastors, infidelity  and lies from any of the partners are the major causes of increasing divorce rates amongst Yoruba Christians. Existing literature has not adequately  addressed the issue of divorce amongst Yoruba Christians. This study explores the growing divorce rates from the lens of Yoruba Christians and how it  impacts on the family, children and the church at large. As part of this recommendation, church leadership should start organising marriage seminars for  married couples where they are taught a nonviolent approach to conflict resolution in the family.


Contribution: This study indicates that the activities  of some churches and their leaders indirectly support divorce, and the consequence is mostly felt by the children. This study argues that divorce is not  supported by the church in Yoruba land. The study implicated practical theology.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 2072-8050
print ISSN: 0259-9422