Pan-African Journal of Theology

The Theology of Marriage in Matthew 19:1-12 as a Response to Marital Instability in African Christian Communities

2026-04-13T07:08:54+00:00

This study explores the theology of marriage in Matthew 19:1–12 and its relevance to addressing marital instability within African Christian communities. While previous scholarship has explored this passage from historical, theological, and cultural perspectives, its application in non-Western contexts, particularly in Africa, remains underexplored. Using a grammatico-historical approach, the research highlights Jesus’ affirmation of marriage as a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, rooted in divine intention. The study situates Jesus’ teachings within first-century Jewish marital norms, Greco-Roman influences, and Old Testament texts such as Genesis 1–2 and Deuteronomy 24:1–4. Jesus’ response to the Pharisees emphasizes the sacred, indissoluble nature of marriage, challenging permissive divorce practices and advocating for fidelity, commitment, and purpose in marital relationships. These theological principles are then connected to modern African Christian contexts, where increasing divorce rates, domestic tensions, and cultural pressures threaten marital stability. The study argues that returning to a biblically grounded understanding of marriage, as presented in Matthew 19, can address these challenges. It concludes that embracing Jesus’ teachings—interpreted within their proper historical and grammatical framework—can offer a transformative model for strengthening marriages and promoting relational stability in African Christian communities.

Lament, Trauma, and Scripture: Reclaiming the Language of Sacred Protest

2026-04-13T07:54:46+00:00

Lament is a biblical genre of profound theological significance that remains underappreciated in many contemporary contexts. It stands at the intersection of suffering, protest, and divine encounter, offering individuals and communities a sacred language through which to voice anguish and pursue meaning amid trauma. This article explores lament as both a theological and pastoral model for responding to trauma in its personal, communal, and systemic forms. Drawing insights from trauma theory and biblical theology, it argues that lament is more than an emotional release; it is a profoundly theological act that nurtures resilience, sustains faith, and restores relational wholeness. By engaging Scripture alongside lived expressions of lament, such as those found among the Mafa people of northern Cameroon and northeastern Nigeria, the study demonstrates how lament functions as sacred protest and communal healing. It concludes that Scripture provides marginalized and wounded communities with the liturgical and linguistic resources necessary to confront suffering honestly while cultivating hope for redemption.

Effect of African Communal Values on Christian Discipleship in Mwanza City, Tanzania

2026-04-13T07:57:42+00:00

This study examined how African community values influence Christian discipleship. Conducted in Mwanza City, Tanzania, it employed a descriptive-correlational design. A total of 288 participants took part. Data analysis involved percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The findings showed that Seventh-day Adventist believers actively engaged in discipleship programs because their local churches provided them with clear follow-up and nurturing strategies. Although all age groups participated, those aged 46 to 65 had a notably higher participation rate than both younger and older groups. The study found that participation, fellowship, and sense of belonging significantly predicted engagement, with participation being the strongest predictor. These results led to the development of an African Communal Model for Effective Mission. The study also offers relevant mission strategies.

Social Justice and Information Management: A Biblical Perspective

2026-04-13T08:00:53+00:00

Social justice may refer to how societal and organizational structures and systems promote and practice a just, healthy, safe, and equitable treatment of individuals. On the other hand, information has become one of the most powerful resources in shaping society, influencing public opinion, policies, decisions, determining access to opportunities, providing the basis for openness and accountability, protecting individual rights, and enforcing legal obligations. Nonetheless, the global explosion of information and its importance for organizational and individual openness and accountability for social transformation and social justice also provides the possibility of its manipulation and suppression. This situation warrants an ethical response, especially from a Christian worldview. Consequently, a Christian biblical worldview on information management could offer a balanced ethical stance in relation to social justice. This research utilized a documentary content analysis approach by analyzing biblical and secondary data on social justice and its interaction with information management. The authors identified some significant resources for this research, established their authenticity, credibility, and representativeness. It then divided the material into units to discuss and establish meanings for the theme studied. It was argued that the biblical principles of truth, integrity, access, equity, equality, confidentiality, privacy and stewardship, and accountability in information management are significant to social justice. Therefore, the paper concluded that from a biblical perspective, social justice has connections with information management. The paper encourages responsible use of information as a moral and spiritual duty that reflects God’s concern for justice, truth, and the flourishing of all people.

Cultivating the Earth: Biblical Insights and Conventional Techniques for Sustainable Crop Production

2026-04-13T08:10:32+00:00

This paper examines how biblical principles can inform sustainable agricultural practice in response to the growing demand for food systems that are environmentally sound, socially just, and economically viable. It explores the integration of faith-based values with conventional farming techniques to develop holistic solutions for long-term crop production. Drawing on scriptural teachings such as stewardship, rest, equity, diligence, and justice, the study outlines a moral and ethical framework that supports key sustainability goals, including improving soil health, conserving water, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing livelihoods. It reviews existing faith-based agricultural models and aligns them with contemporary environmental strategies, offering a value-based perspective that complements existing frameworks. The paper argues for inclusive and responsible agricultural systems where no group is disadvantaged, and where farm workers, landowners, and communities benefit equitably. It emphasizes the role of faith institutions in fostering land restoration, fair resource distribution, and youth engagement in agriculture as a meaningful and sustainable career path. The study concluded by recommending farmer training rooted in ethical land stewardship and creating structures that uphold both ecological integrity and social justice. Overall, the paper contributes to discussions on sustainable crop production systems by linking biblical ethics with global development priorities.