E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies

Interrogating the Contestations in Zimbabwe’s New Marriage Law and Arbitration in Family Disputes

Bernard Pindukai Humbe Humbe — 2025-01-21

This study focuses on the new Marriages Act and arbitration in family disputes among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, who happen to be the largest ethnic group constituting about 75% of the Zimbabwean population. The problem identified by this study was that the new Act has been received with mixed emotions especially by religious communities with the majority complaining that it promotes promiscuity and marriage breakups. Using Alternative Dispute Resolution as a conceptual framework and in-depth interviews, observation and documentary analysis of print and electronic media to gather data, the study established that the new Act promotes paradoxes over marriage dispute resolution because the customary law and decisions have been submerged. The research concludes that the new Marriages Act is an ambivalent legal framework that requires continual interrogation among different stakeholders for sustainable marriage unions in Zimbabwe. The study recommends the harmonisation between the law and societal culture on marriage to ensure an effective and contextual family arbitration mechanism. The research bridges the knowledge gaps in scholarship on the impact of Zimbabwe’s legal reforms on gender relations catapulted by the tensions between statutory law and customary law encountered in the process of harmonising traditional and modern views on marriage and family structures in post-colonial contexts, which were historically influenced by patriarchy.

The Priesthood of All Believers: Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology as the Nexus of Equipping

Kwasi Atta Agyapong Agyapong — 2025-01-30

The study reviewed the theological foundations of the priesthood of all believers and its significance within Pentecostal-Charismatic ecclesiology, with a specific focus on the role of the church as an equipping center. It explored the historical development of this doctrine, tracing its roots from the Old Testament priesthood to a more inclusive and participatory understanding in the New Testament. Special attention was given to Martin Luther’s emphasis on the priesthood of all believers during the Reformation and the contemporary emphasis of this doctrine in Pentecostal-Charismatic circles. The article emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to function as priests, having direct access to God and the ability to minister to others. This study employed a systematic research approach which combined biblical exegesis, historical research, and comparative analysis to explore the theological foundations of the priesthood of all believers. Exploring the essence of the priesthood of all believers, the article delved into how Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology can maximize impact in the nations by highlighting the responsibility of the church to provide the necessary training, discipleship, and support to enable believers to effectively conduct their priestly ministry. The study’s equipping center model emphasizes the progression of spiritual gifts, the cultivation of a deep bond with God, and the active engagement in mission and service to transform the church and the society. The study concludes by advocating for a more inclusive and participatory approach to ministry. The work contributes to academia and Pentecostal-Charismatic Ecclesiology, a model to maximize impact in the nations.

Marital Resilience Factors That Enhance Conflict Management in Black African Marriages in South Africa: An Afro-Centric Perspective

Andrew Spaumer Spaumer — 2025-01-30

Despite the stressful conditions and difficulties that bring about habitual conflict in many Black African marriages, some couples choose to manage their conflict and remain married, even in the context of the divorce culture. It is important to determine the potential factors that impact marital resilience in the midst of difficulties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore resilience factors that enhance conflict management in Black African marriages in South Africa. A phenomenological research design was adopted using a qualitative research approach. Forty participants, consisting of 20 married men and 20 married women, were purposively selected to participate in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured individual and focus group interviews which were also audio-recorded. Following recordings, the interviews were transcribed. The data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings of this study demonstrated that, of all the techniques employed to handle marital crises, effective communication was the most widely favoured. Leaving things alone by opting to remain silent, being humble, and pastoral counselling were also found to be effective tactics. The findings of this study may be useful in therapeutic work with couples. The factors that participants identified as vital in contributing towards their marital resilience may be helpful to add to the understanding of marital resilience and may be used to develop a strengths-based intervention program for couples in marital crisis.

Keywords: Marital Resilience, Marital Crisis, Conflict Management, Marriage, Divorce.