Religious differences and intermarriage in Ruth: lessons for Nigerian Christians

Abstract

This paper studies the book of Ruth in the Bible with special interest in the intermarriage or mixed marriage between Ruth and Boaz. The work considers the positive impact of this marriage for the Judeo-Christian world especially as manifested in the personalities of King David and Jesus Christ who of course came from the lineage of Boaz and Ruth. The menace of discriminations among contemporary Nigerian Christians in choosing marriage partners can be stopped through the proper understanding and internalization of the message of the book of Ruth on marriage. This understanding is necessary for the effective and sincere practising of Christianity in Nigeria bearing in mind that it is the same God that created mankind in his own image. While avoiding discrimination in choosing marriage partners, people should choose those whom they can agree with in religion.