Marriage and Family Cohesion from a Christian Prospective / DATA PART
The quantitative analysis does not have to be a part of the paper, but how will you fill in the gap that are in the paper already. The paper must be base on Biblical principles of marriage as requested. May I suggest chart/diagrams showing how horizontal; vertical or external, implications affect marriages.
Introduction
The changing societal construct has influenced the identification of numerous changes to the family unit experienced among Western societies. In the earlier centuries and up until the 1960s, the family unit was held in high regard and was considered an instrumental component of the society. The importance placed on the family unit was held in high regard leading to the development of stigma against unwed women and individuals having children outside wedlock. The developed level of importance attached to the family unit remained integral in promoting the growth of the family unit as an important component of the society.
The past four decades have been characterized by the existence of numerous changes that have directly impacted the family unit through the growing rate of divorces, births outside wedlock, a growing number of absentee fathers attributed to increasing globalization, the legalization of same-sex marriage across numerous nations globally and the adoption of cohabitation as a normal construct of the society. The changing societal construct may be perceived as a societal and religious crisis from the biblical perspective on marriage and family life. The Christian perspective provides an understanding of family and marriage through the provision of the ideals to be maintained within the family, which are considered essential in upholding the well-being of individuals in a marriage, family and overall society. The exploration of the Christian perspective of marriage and family life from a biblical standpoint provides guidance and remedies, which as opposed to viewing the changes through ridicule, the biblical standpoints provide a guideline on how individuals may reform marriages and the family unit thus providing a remedy for the current state experienced in the society. The development of a Christian perspective to marriage and family may remain integral to the elimination of the danger presented by the existent and developing trends in the society.
The study seeks to explore the developing trends in the society, which override the provided biblical principles concerning marriage and family life. The research will review the prevalence of divorces, same-sex marriages, cohabitation, out of wedlock births together with the existence of absentee parents from ‘worldly’ and ‘biblical’ perspectives. The exploration of the trends will facilitate the identification of the contributing factors, which will facilitate the development of an understanding of the biblical perspective of the trends and measures that may be adopted within the society in relation to the developed biblical perspective. The research study will highlight on the importance of adopting biblical principles as a guideline for marriages and families, which will lead to overall growth of the society.
Background to the Study
Increasing levels of globalization have remained essential in promoting the interaction of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, which has facilitated the integration of different cultures within the existent societal framework. The interaction of cultures has promoted transference and integration of different ideals into the existent societal structure as the ideals are considered universal hence applicable within the presented cultural context. Increased transformation in the societal processes and values held by the society has remained instrumental in facilitating the development of trends that remain in contradiction to previously held societal values and biblical constructs concerning the adopted processes. Global transformation of individual attitudes has influenced the level of changes experienced in relation to the family unit.
The growth of the feminist independence movement has remained essential in advocating for the rights of women but at the same time, the movement has contributed to the deterioration of the family unit as experienced in the present context. The feminist movement as it has remained essential in promoting the provision of similar opportunities to women as men in the society. However, increased adoption of the career mindset coupled with disregard for the male population as family leaders has led to continued deterioration of the family unit coupled with a prevalence of out-of-wedlock births as the majority of ‘independent’ women contend that the ability to have a career provides one with the opportunity to raise a child external from the traditional institution of marriage and a two-parent family. Similarly, lack of proper societal ideals have led to the deterioration of the ideals held by the male population globally. Poor understanding of the man’s role in the family and the society has led to complete disregard for the family unit among men leading to the existence of the highest rate of absentee fathers in history in the present decade. The majority of the male population has grown up in single parent homes, which deny the individual the ability to interact with the father as the head of the family and develop an understanding of the man’s role in the family and the importance of adopting values geared towards promoting the man’s position as a leader through active engagement in family activities and the adoption of processes geared towards ensuring that the family is provide with the basic needs and necessities that remain essential to family growth. The deterioration of family values has been attributed to the adoption of different perspectives and attitudes concerning the family unit, which remain detrimental to overall success of the family unit.
The biblical standpoint concerning the family unit and marriage contends that the father retains the kinship position and is considered a leader of the family through the provision of valued instruction in a manner that promotes the well-being of all family members and promotes overall growth of the family and the society. The woman from the biblical standpoint is considered the man’s helper. Contrary to developed perceptions and arguments presented by feminists, the women is not considered as being subordinate to the man but instead, the bible maintains that the women acts as the man’s helper, which connotes that the women and the man work as equals.The erosion of the developed perspective has led to the existent crisis experienced in the population concerning marriage and family cohesion as coupled are unable to communicate effectively, which leads to the development of broken families as poor communication leads to the deterioration of the relationship between the parents and children leading to the prevalence of broken homes within the community.
The growing divorce rate experienced in the western world identifies the existence of a society that holds little regard for the institution of marriage. The level of normalcy attached to divorce has led to the development of prenuptial agreements, which provide both couples with a buffer in the event of a divorce. The development of the prenuptial agreement though practical, it contradicts the essence of marriage together with the stated vows. The vows maintain that the couples are to stay together till death do us part. Therefore, the preparation of a prenuptial agreement predisposes individuals to divorce as the connotation of a separation is insinuated through the agreement. The consideration of divorce as a normal societal construct has led to the destruction of the level of family cohesion as the children are left to deal with the aftermath of the divorce through separation of the spouses and movement to new locations, which may be unsettling for the children. Similarly, parents’ divorce may pose negative psychological impact on children concerning relationships and in most instances the rise in the level of disregard for relationships among the younger generation with the majority of individuals viewing commitment as a sentence as opposed to an ordained purpose for a man and a woman through marriage. Therefore, lack thereof of family cohesion remains detrimental to individual perception concerning relationships, marriage and the family unit.
In recent times, the US population coupled with the existent structures have promoted the adoption of processes geared towards recreating the viability and growth of the family unit among the American population. In recent times, a growing population of Americans have developed a strong belief in marriage and family life, which has altered the developed and existent perception concerning marriage life and the family institution. A growing number of the American population contend that family has developed into an integral construct of one’s identity, which has promoted the level of individual involvement in family life. The developing interest has been enhanced through the creation of programs geared towards compounding on marriage enrichment, the adoption of parent education, natural family planning together with family spirituality. The developing trends experienced in the society have promoted the existence of additional developments at the societal level that include developments in public policy and legislation that promote the adoption of marital education together with the development of a system that seeks to reform the prevailing levels of divorce experienced in the society. The majority of churches have identified the changing construct and perception of marriage from a positive element to a negative element. Therefore, the majority of churches have promoted the conduction of pre-marital counselling, which is considered essential and integral to young peoples as it provides an understanding of the marriage life and possible developments that may be experienced, which may remain detrimental to overall well-being of the couples. The adoption of pre and post marital counselling promotes the provision of advice on marriage from a biblical perspective geared towards providing couples with an understanding of measures that may be adopted to promote navigation of challenges developing from marriages and holding the marriage together as opposed to immediate consideration of a divorce as the most plausible solution.
Increased absorption of women in the workforce has remained instrumental in promoting the level of the man’s engagement in the family through increasing need for the sharing of responsibilities concerning different family roles such as parenting, which remains essential in promoting continuous family growth and development in the society. The structure has promoted live-in fathers who have been identified as essential in facilitating positive child development through the existence of a father figure in the household and the provision of authority in a God-ordained manner with the man as the head of the house. The development of flexible working arrangements have remained essential in promoting the growth of the family unit as parents are provide with options concerning remote working, which remains integral in influencing the development of a strong sense of unity and cohesion within the family unit attributed to increased parent involvement in the children’s development and growth, which remains essential in development of a close-knit family unit.
The public arena characterized by politics has led to the development of a renewed understanding and appreciation for family life as compounded by sentiments relayed by both democrats and republicans. The injection of the family perspective in the political context has remained essential in promoting the development of legislations geared towards facilitating the growth of the family construct. The development of family-focused legislation remains integral in promoting continuous business growth and development, which remains essential to continued individual growth and success within the society.
The developing arguments provide an overview of the changes experienced in the American society concerning marriage and the family unit, which provides both the negative and positive effects developing from the identified constructs. The need for the development of an understanding marriage and family unit from a biblical perspective remains essential in instilling some pre-ordained biblical principles to the marriage and family unit considered integral in facilitating the growth of the marriage institution while promoting the importance placed on the family unit and overall societal growth.
Problem Statement
The growing disregard for marriage and family cohesion has led to the development of a society characterized by high levels of divorce together with the development of a generation that holds little to no regard for the institution. The changing societal trends contribute to the developing crisis through the legalization of same sex marriage coupled with the existence of absentee parents and a prevalence of out of wedlock births. The study seeks to develop an understanding of marriage and family cohesion from a biblical perspective through the analysis of the developing trends in the society and the biblical standpoint and connotation concerning the changes in the family structure.
Research Objectives
i. To examine the current construct and perception of marriage and family in the society
ii. To determine the impact of biblical principles in promoting the institution of marriage and the family unit
iii. To analyze the impact of the changing societal trends on marriage and the family unit
Research Questions
i. What is the current perception of marriage and family in the modern society in the Western world?
ii. What is the impact of adopting biblical principles as a guiding factor in the institution of marriage and the family unit?
iii. What is the impact of the changing societal trends on marriage and the family unit?
Scope of Research
The study will explore the institution of marriage from the perspective of society through the analysis of the developing trends that influence the prevalent change experienced in the society. The study will explore marriage and the family unit from an individual, couple, child and societal perspective. The extensive scope of research will remain integral in facilitating renewed understanding of marriage and the family unit from a biblical perspective.
Thesis Outline
The thesis will incorporate five main chapters. The first chapter will comprise of the introduction, which will introduce the study and will provide a background of the study, which will inform on the subject of the study and impact of the study. The introduction will provide the problem statement and expound on the need for addressing the presented problem. The chapter will develop research objectives, which will remain integral in informing the study. The chapter will highlight the significance of the study to different institutions.
The second chapter will comprise of the literature review and will remain integral in facilitating the development of an understanding of the marriage and family institutions from a Christian and biblical standpoint. The literature review will remain integral to the study as it will provide the development of an understanding of other research studies conducted on the topic seeking to explore the need and viability of adopting the processes necessary in promoting continuous longevity of the marriage institution and family cohesion. The integration of the literature review will remain integral in facilitating the development of an understanding of the subject through the exploration of different theories that will inform the study.
The third chapter will comprise of the methodology section, which will explore the methodological processes adopted in the conduction of the study. The process will remain integral in promoting the understanding of the methodological processes that will be incorporated in the study concerning the collection and analysis of data. The methodology section will remain informative to the study and facilitate the analysis conducted in the findings and discussion chapters.
The fourth chapter will comprise of the findings and discussion chapters. The findings section will explore the findings derived from the study through the literature review and methodology sections. The discussion section of the study will develop a link between the findings and the developed study objectives. The discussion section will explore the developed hypothesis through the identification of the viability of the hypothesis. The discussion section will explore the developed research questions in a manner geared towards facilitating the development of the necessary understanding and responses developed from the research questions. The process will remain integral to the overall understanding of the study and determination of the study hypothesis.
The fifth chapter will comprise of the conclusion and recommendations. The conclusion section will remain integral to the study as it provides a summary of the conducted research and develops a conclusion identifying the existent link between the developed research questions and findings thus informing the developed conclusion. The recommendations section will provide recommendations based on the research questions, findings, and discussion. The section will remain integral to the study as it will be developed based on the derived findings.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology section of the study incorporates an analysis of the processes adopted concerning the collection and analysis of data integrated within the study. The methodology section provides a review and consequent stipulation of the adopted research design, population utilized, inclusion and exclusion criteria together with the sample analysis adopted concerning the study and the related processes. The methodology section promotes the identification of the viable elements that may be adopted by the researcher in the promoting the identification of the viability and validity derived from the adopted study findings and processes.
The section incorporates a review of the adopted processes concerning the research. Johnson and Christen (2010) maintains that the integration of the methodology section within research remains instrumental in the provision of responses concerning the developed study and research sections within the study. The integration of research studies remain instrumental as they facilitate the exploration of uncovered facts concerning the study, which facilitates the provision of fresh insights from the developed research processes concerning the existent subject matter (Kumar, 2011). The research process remains critical to the study as it facilitates the identification of unique features relating to the specific area and element under study. The research process incorporates a myriad of numerous studies, which facilitate the recording of various studies and occurrences concerning the identification of the existent impact and similarity developing from the existent processes adopted within the study. The integration of the methodology section remains instrumental in the provision of an opportunity for the study to evaluate the developed hypothesis that enhances the identification of the existence of potential relationship among the identified variables.
According to Kumar (2011), the research methodology may integrate varied forms of research that include basic and applied research. Basic research may be broken down into additional categories including empiric, conceptual, qualitative, quantitative, analytic, fundamental and applied research forms (Johnson and Christensen, 2011). The study incorporates a wide range of data derived from primary and secondary sources, which facilitate the development of an understanding of the developing issues within the study and the developed objectives.
The study integrates an ethical section that stipulates the ethical stipulations incorporated and retained within the study. The integration of the analysis will remain essential to the study, as it will promote the identification of the vital processes that facilitate overall research process. The study will incorporate an analysis of marriage and cohesion from the Christian perspective.
Research Strategy
According to Johnson and Christensen (2011), a research strategy identifies a method adopted by researchers that facilitates the development of a comprehensive structure that guides the adopted research process. The research strategy involves the identification of a viable population that leads to the selection of potential samples that may be utilized in the research process and remain representative of the overall process. Johnson and Christensen (2011) maintain that the research strategy remains influenced by the developed research technique. The research strategy incorporates several steps necessary in facilitating the research process. The research process remains initiated by the identification of the problem and clear definition of the problem prompting the integration of the research process. The process is followed by the analysis of the identified problem through the review of the existent theories and concepts that may be adopted in the analysis of the presented research problem. The research design process will facilitate the integration of a review of the research process and consequent elements that may impact the process. The study will integrate an analysis of the developed objectives, which will facilitate the identification of the study limitations, similarities and gaps developing from the developed research findings that have been influenced by the existent level of research (Johnson and Christensen, 2011).
The problem definition process identifies the initial stage, which is followed by the development of research questions, which remain dependent on the adopted research design and instrumentation by the researcher. The derived data remains instrumental in the development of deductions that seek to agree or disagree with the existent processes and structures adopted within the study. The process is followed by the design of the research process together with the identification of the developed hypothesis that integrates a review of the sample design considered most appropriate and applicable for the research. The execution process concerning the design remains integrated within the data collection process through primary or secondary data collection. The diversity and context of the research study influences the techniques adopted concerning the research design process in order to derive the best possible results. The final step incorporated within the research strategy involves the adoption of data analysis and testing concerning the developed hypothesis. The process involves the identification of the existence of a potential relationship that may facilitate the interpretation and data reporting processes adopted within the study.
Research Design
The integration of a qualitative analysis within research remains instrumental in facilitating the provision of an objective analysis through the evaluation of the research study close elements and processes. The process remains instrumental to the identification of the desired level of knowledge, which remains essential in the provision of a critical analysis concerning the study elements through a review of the internal and external elements concerning the study process. The integration of varied forms relating to qualitative data facilitates the integration of various elements of review and analysis as it facilitates the provision of different viewpoints concerning the study process. The process remains critical in ensuring positive review of the adopted processes of the study together with the objectives and potential hypothesis from all angles relating to the research (Creswell, 2007).
The integration of the approach remains instrumental to the study as it provides numerous benefits to the study through the provision of an opportunity for direct interaction between the researcher and study participants. The process promotes the provision of in-depth primary data analysis concerning the study that promotes the determination of the study objectives. The integration of the analysis promotes the data inquiry process through the development of an informed understanding of the participants and the research questions provided together with the projected study objectives. Creswell (2007) maintains that the adoption of the qualitative analysis promotes the adaptability capacity of the researcher, which maintains high levels of flexibility concerning the research and data collection processes. The integration of the qualitative research facilitates the identification of the existent participant views and analysis. The process promotes positive realization of the study objectives through the derived responses. The integration of the qualitative analysis within the study will provide the participants with an opportunity to engage actively in the discussion process that will remain instrumental in the provision of viable and quality responses vital to the study. The main shortcoming identified concerning qualitative research refers to the level of generalization identified concerning the existent findings, which influences the development of numerous variances concerning the provision and analysis of the presented data (Creswell, 2002).
According to Kumar (2011), qualitative research incorporates motivational research as a crucial component that facilitates overall success of the process. The adopted research remains critical as it facilitates the identification of the influential desires and motives concerning the provided opinions and observations derived from the respondents. The integration of opinion research promotes the evaluation of participant feelings concerning the area under study. The integration of qualitative research within the study remains instrumental in the analysis of the varied aspects represented (Oliver, 2010). The integration of qualitative research within the study promotes the maintenance of high levels of clarity experienced relating to the research process. Through a review of the most desired and viable research process, the study integrated a mixed methods research that integrated a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research. The adoption of a mixed method research remained instrumental to the study as it promoted the identification of the existent study limitations and benefits derived from qualitative and quantitative analysis and consequent utilization of the processes in promoting continued organizational growth and development. The integration of a mixed methods research ensures that the adopted processes remain instrumental in ensuring that the collected data meets the demands of the study through the study objectives.
Data Collection and Instrumentation
Data for the research study was collected from a combination of primary and secondary sources. The primary data was sourced through the conduction of interviews to management personnel in the firms. The secondary sources included journal articles together with previous research concerning marriage and family cohesion. The integration of an examination of empirical literature remained instrumental in facilitating the analysis component of the research. The process will facilitate the fulfilment of the primary research component of the study through the review of the presented data. The utilization of secondary data by the study supported the provision of access to additional data, which would have otherwise remained impossible through the utilization of primary data. Additionally, the utilization of secondary data eliminated the challenge developing from the utilization of primary data. The utilization of secondary data promoted the provision of varied levels of data that remained instrumental in promoting the required data and necessary information necessary for the study.
Data Collection Procedures
The study incorporated several procedures pertaining to the collection of data together with the identification of the most viable sources. To begin with, the study sourced the empirical data from online databases together with scholarly libraries including Ebscohost. These sources were utilized as they sought to provide an integrated analysis into the study.
The study utilized close ended questioners through Interviewer-administered questionnaires as this offer some advantages: since I was there to help and explain issues may they arise; questions and responses can be clarified; answering of questionnaire by intended person may help receive the full data. Filling close end interviews may be time consuming therefore must be suited to the situation and consider ethical issues, participants are forced to choose between answers and may lose patience or be biased. Questions may be closed-end or open-ended. Closed-end questions allow a limited number of answers, leaving no room for additional information to be volunteered; they require only recognition and a choice from among answer options. Advantages of closed-end questions include the provision of quantifiable data, maintain high levels of uniformity and enhance the coding process adopted. Because open-ended questions are not pre-categorized, they gather more information but require respondents to have a good recall and to explain their answers (Ferligoj et.al, 2003)
Data Analysis
The study utilized a qualitative approach to analyze the data that will be collected in the course of the research. This data was used from primary and secondary sources to achieve the research objectives of the research study. The study explored the opinions, views and the feelings of individuals that will be sourced from existing literature. With regard to the qualitative data, content analysis was used to create themes that represent the main issues discussed by research participants in the various data collecting sessions.
Qualitative Research Design
Quantitative research involves the identification of the qualitative aspects within a study through the analysis of the behavioural causes influencing the issues identified within the study. Oliver (2010) argues that this form of research seeks to provide a behavioural analysis to the identified study issues. This is identified as qualitative research seeks to provide an explanation through the development of a better understanding relating to the identified issue through the analysis of the respondents’ views, opinions, attitudes and beliefs relating to the issue (Haverkamp and Young, 2007). Qualitative research enhances the identification of cause analysis relating to the subject matter. The analysis developed provides immense insight to the study as it enhances the development of a better understanding to the psychological dimension of respondent’s responses towards certain elements relating to the study (Oliver, 2010).
Advantages of Qualitative Research Design
The advantages experienced pertaining to qualitative research include: (1) It encourages studying of phenomena in their natural surroundings thus attaining accurate results. This is vital to the research process as it enhances the identification of first-hand information that enhances the research process utilized within the study (Schmidt, 2004). (2) Incorporates observatory methods and analyzing methods during the analysis, which enhance the provision of primary data as the data provided is representative of the existent study process (Bryant, 2007)
Disadvantages of Qualitative Research Design
The disadvantages identified pertaining to qualitative research include (1) the possibility of bias among the respondents or researcher as the respondents provide their individual opinions relating to the process, which may provide viable, but also biased information relating to the process, which is identified as being non-representative (Creswell, 2007). (2) Lack of researcher’s control on the occurrence of events due to the existent variables, which may limit effective identification of the desired results relating to the study; this limits the viability levels of the study and consequent results identified (Glazer and Stein, 2010). (3)
Results attained are difficult to replicate in consecutive research as they are derived from individual opinions and feelings, which are inconsistent to the overall design process (Castro et al. 2011)
The qualitative approach provides an object’s analysis through the evaluation of the object’s close elements. This is necessary as it seeks to identify the necessary level of knowledge, which is important in providing a critical analysis of the study’s elements from external and internal perspectives (Haverkamp and Young, 2007). The different forms experienced pertaining to qualitative data provides different areas of analysis, which provides different viewpoints in relation to the study objectives. This is important as it enhances a review of the study objectives from all angles enhancing the provision of conclusive results. In addition, through the integration of a highly analytical process, the study enhances the integration of a condensed data sorting process (Creswell, 2007).
This approach provides several benefits to the study as it provides an opportunity for direct contact between the researcher and study participants. This is important to the study as it enhances the provision of primary and in-depth data pertaining to the study objective. This enhances the inquiry process as the participants provide a better understanding pertaining to the research questions and objectives provided. Tashakkorri and Teddlie (2010) argue that through the integration of the qualitative research process, the researcher is able to remain adaptable to different situations as the study maintains a high level of flexibility. Through the integration of qualitative research, the participant views and analysis provides the study with a well-developed research process, which enhances the identification and consequent realization of the stipulated research objectives. Through the integration of qualitative analysis, the study seeks to fully involve the participants within the discussion process, which will enhance the provision of viable and quality responses (Ponterotto, Mathew and Raighley, 2013).
However, the main shortcoming identified pertaining to qualitative research involves the generalization of the existent findings, which enhances the provision of several variances pertaining to the provision and analysis of the data (Creswell, 2002).
Kumar (2011) espouses that qualitative research integrates motivational research as an important aspects pertaining to the process. This kind of research is important as it enhances the identification of the existent desires and motives pertaining to the different opinions and observations provided by the study participants. Motivational research incorporates a variety of models including Story completion tests, sentence completion tests, projective techniques and word association tests. Oliver (2010) identifies that opinion research seeks to evaluate the participant feelings and emotions pertaining to the area under study. This form of research is prevalent within behavioral sciences as the field seeks to analyze and provide a better understanding of the human behavior and operational capacity. Qualitative research seeks to analyze the different aspects among individuals that trigger different behavioral inhibitions among the individuals (Oliver, 2010). Therefore, through the integration of a qualitative analysis, the study seeks to maintain high levels of clarity pertaining to different human reactions and projections pertaining to different elements.
Data validation begins with the first batch of data collected. The data is analysed in each case and between each case, as the data ‘comes in.’ From this analysis the researcher can make sure whether he is indeed collecting the right data that will help him answer the research questions. If he is not, there is time to correct and calibrate the research instruments; and if he is, he will know the procedure is valid. In addition, early analysis of data is very helpful in identifying patterns, or major themes, in the field. Do these patterns indicate that there may be more procedures worth researching in the field? If they do not, one needs to adjust the procedure and research tools. If they do, a person can feel secure that he is investigating the subject with which he originally started out (Sabar Ben Yehoshua, 2001). Further validation of findings can be obtained by showing the findings and conclusions to the research participants and checking whether or not they agree with the interpretations of their observed behaviours (Miles &Huberman, 2000).
External validation, which is a separate phase of the validation process in qualitative research, occurs when the data matches the theoretical sources or other research data (Sabar Ben Yehoshua, 2001). This type of triangulation indicates the robustness of the findings, and when it is high the researcher can go on to generalize his conclusions and recommendations. Generalization is one of the weaknesses of qualitative research. Thus, strong external validity helps overcome this weakness.
In regard to this point, within the qualitative research method, a term called ‘naturalistic generalization’ evolved, which describes the above. As part of the validity process of the qualitative research, this researcher went back and forth between the deduction induction, reflection on experience, perspective of the research data and conclusions. This was well documented in the researcher log. The research findings were later compared and approved by the theoretical anchors, where appropriate, and the phenomenon under investigation was explained in later stages of the study (Paton, 1980).
The second research tool is the interview. This tool is based on the interviewer’s desire to conduct an interview with participants and the interviewee’s consent to be interviewed. A researcher who has chosen a semi-structured focused interview must have a set of questions at hand before the interview takes place, designed to collect information related to the research questions. In addition, the interviewer should ask unprepared (non-standardized) clarification questions in order to ‘feel out’ where the interviewee stands (Sabar Ben Yehoshua, 2001). The data gathered is varied and is recorded on a portable digital recording machine. The interview is then transcribed by the researcher. The third research tool is mixed observations, and it is a tool that allows the researcher to be involved in the activity observed to some degree. In practice, the researcher goes on to describe what he has seen and explains his comments (Shkedi, 2006).
Content analysis is a process of arranging and structuring the data gathered for interpretation, and grasping its meaning. The content analysis process involves separating the data into segments and rearranging the parts according to meaning. At the heart of the operation is the need to reduce the amount of data collected and to create unique categories capable of characterizing the processes under investigation.
There are two categories of content analysis: structural analysis and subject analysis (Shkedi, 2003). Structural analysis highlights the relationships between processes in the field, while subject analysis emphasizes the descriptors of the processes being studied, including the participant’s feelings, beliefs and thoughts. In the current research, the content analysis process combines both methods (Cohen &Manion, 2000). It is worth mentioning that this analysis is culturally dependent (Shkedi, 2003), therefore some of the meaning of the content might be lost in the translation of the qualitative data from Hebrew (the language in which the original data was collected) into English (the language of this report).
Altogether, there are five stages of content analysis. The first stage sets the scene. The researcher considers the research questions and his research goals, in order to guide him through the first steps of building the data categories. In stage two, the process of encoding the data collected generates a set of data-based categories. The first preliminary set of categories is compared to stage two, and encoding is reconsidered. The third stage is the tool building stage. Relationships between processes are represented and the structure of the field emphasized by considering the categories collected. After a few rounds of the encoding process, the researcher examines the frequency in which some categories appear and the frequency in which each participant contributed to each category. This stage provides information about the direction and power of the relationships identified between the processes studied. The fourth stage is the data cross-checking stage. Here, the tools and structures built in stage three are examined, as well as cross references to different sources, participants, and techniques used in the study. In this stage, some structures are reconsidered. In the fifth stage the researcher constructs a theory. Inductive processes are used to construct a theory to fit the stage four tool (Kort, 1999).
Ethical Considerations of the Study
Creswell (2007) argues that it is necessary to embed ethics when carrying out a research study. This is because ethics enhance the reliability and validity of study findings. This way, the findings of the study represent what the study seeks to investigate. When the findings and recommendations of an ethical research process are implemented, viable solutions to the phenomenon under study can be achieved. The study observed the following ethical and legal considerations. First, the researcher did not incorporate any form of plagiarism within the work. In addition, the researcher ensured that the use of copyrighted materials belonging to other researchers and scholars was acknowledged. This is because the researcher sought to avoid any violations pertaining to copyright laws by using past research studies without giving credit to individuals or institutions that conducted the research. In order to ensure that the study did not infringe on copyright laws, the study credited to all the research studies that have been used. Secondly, the researcher ensured that the privacy of the respondents to the questionnaires was well-protected by ensuring that the data collected was purely used for this research. In addition, the study informed the participants that any information that they give to the study will be used for only this purpose and not any other. Fourthly, the researcher ensured that the findings of the study will be properly disseminated and communicated to the learning institution. This way, the findings of the study will be used as empirical literature for future research studies.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature review section will incorporate an analysis of the influence of religious faith with emphasis on the marriage relationship established between a man and woman. The exploration of the construct of marriage from the biblical perspective will remain essential in exploring the biblical teachings concerning marriage and the developing changes experienced in the institution leading to a change in the developed perception and practice of marriage in the society. The literature review section will remain integral to the study as it provide a review of research conducted on marriage and family from a biblical and modern perspectives. The integration of different viewpoints will remain essential in promoting the level of understanding of the institution of marriage through an exploration of the biblical viewpoint and underpinning that guide and influence the institution.
Marriage
The idea of marriage from a biblical perspective develops its basis from the creational order, which provides an innate understanding of the concept of marriage and family. The creational chronology provides an explanation of marriage through the provision of an understanding of the relationship between a man and a woman in marriage through the identification of the responsibilities of both partners in the institution. Genesis 1-3 provides an extensive guideline that explores the institution of marriage similarly, in the Gospels, Jesus and the apostles continually compound on the importance of the marriage institution through the identification of the individual responsibilities delegated to the man and woman whose fulfillment remains integral in facilitating overall success of the marriage institution. The bible in the creational chronology compounds on the importance of marriage by considering the institution essential in promoting the growth of the family unit through the coming together of the man and woman. In Genesis 2: 23-25, the bible compounds on the importance of the institution by highlighting that the institution brings together the man and woman in unity, which remains devoid to any external inhibitions including family or friends. The bible states that the ‘man shall leave his mother and father’. The illustration of leaving one’s parents and one’s previous lifestyle in the modern context compounds on the importance placed on the marriage institution and the need for the development of the family unit through the involvement of the man and woman. The level of exclusivity provided by the scriptures remains essential in the modern context as the majority of challenges experienced in marriage remain influenced by the involvement of third parties in the relationship.
Principles Regarding Marriage
The exploration of the principles concerning marriage from a Christian perspective remains essential in facilitating the identification of ethical norms that are incorporated within the bible that informs on marriage and the family unit.
Marriage as Monogamous and Heterosexual
Marriage
In Genesis 1 on creation, marriage is established as a monogamous institution between a man and a woman, which identifies a heterosexual relationship that remains exclusive between a man and woman. However, polygamy developed into a normal construct in the bible as experienced through Lamech (Genesis 4: 19), Esau (Genesis 26: 34), Abraham, David and Solomon. The polygamy element has been developed in the Old Testament in a descriptive context, which provided an overview of the period and the developing aspects relating to the periods. However, reference to Genesis 1 considers the provided guideline on marriage as prescriptive and develops the foundation for marriage in the New Testament as expounded in Ephesians 5, Colossians 3 and Titus 2. The New Testament maintains that polygamy was incorporated in the Old Testament in a descriptive manner, which sought to expound on the fall or monogamy, which was instituted by God during the creation. The New Testament compounds on the importance of adoption of marriage as a monogamous construct to be adopted in the society as prescribed by God during the creation.
The changing societal construct has led to the erosion of the original plan of marriage as individuals are involved in numerous cases of adultery, which delimit the viability of union as it promotes a rise in the divorce rate in the population. The Bible maintains that marriage identifies a unions between man, woman and God. The union represents a covenant between the individuals to God geared towards promoting the love and responsibilities of a marriage through the provision of care for one another. In the New Testament, Paul explores the context of marriage in Corinthians and states that the union has not been tailored for all in the sense that some individuals would be better off serving the community and the church in different capacities. However, Paul maintains that if an individual commits to the union of marriage, monogamy develops the basis of the union. Paul maintains that the commitment of a husband to a wife remains primary to the basis, which maintains that the union develops into a monogamous affair between a man and a woman. The prescriptive stance adopted by God concerning monogamy remains applicable in the present context whereby individuals are in marriages but engage in extra marital affairs. Unfaithfulness in marriage has developed into the leading cause of divorce among the majority of the Western society as individuals are unable to commit to their partners leading to engagement in extra marital affairs.
Same-Sex Unions
The creation order eliminates the context of same sex marriage. In Genesis 1, God instruct that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. The bible proceeds with stating that ‘a man shall leave their mother and father and unite with the wife’. The provided description remains clear on the marriage institution as a heterosexual affair as opposed to a same-sex construct. The bible has condemned same-sex unions in both the Old and New Testament. The condemnation maintains that the union is unaccepted by God, which renders the union a sin. The changing societal construct has led to the development of numerous debates on the concept of same-sex marriage. In most westernized societies the existence of same-sex relationships have been considered as normal, which has led to the development of legislations that legalize same sex marriage as experienced in several states in the US. The acceptance of and legalization of same-sex marriage directly contradicts with biblical stipulations concerning marriage as the bible clearly maintains that marriage identifies a heterosexual relationship between a man and a woman.
The changing societal construct has not only legalized same-sex marriage, but also proceeds with the acceptance of transgender as part of the sexual identity construct extended to individuals in the population. The developing changes concerning an individual’s identity directly contradicts with the provided Christian stipulations in the bible, which lead to the development of conflict between Christians the secular society as the society considers the developed principles instituted in the bible as ‘barbaric’ and ‘unrealistic’. However, in essence the concept of same-sex relationships has been extensively addressed in the bible and considered a sin as it contradicts God’s will for a relationship between a man and a woman. The developing change and perception of same-sex marriage develops into an ethical construct, which has been applied into the society. The need for equality remains essential and has been maintained within the bible. The society maintains that an individual should be accorded with the same opportunities regardless of sexual orientation or identity. However, for the majority of Christians, the stipulation directly contradicts with the word of God leading to the development of conflict between the majority of Christians and the secular world. However, the bible has provided numerous references that condemn same-sex acts as experienced in Sodom and Gomorrah’s review in Genesis, which provides an overview of the level of debauchery that characterized the town and was a clear deterioration from the stipulated law by God, leading to people involvement in sinful acts such as same-sex activities.
The growth of a culture that promotes same-sex unions has contributed to a demise of the intended family structure by God stipulated in Genesis. God commanded that the man and woman multiply and fill the earth. However, the changing societal construct has promoted same-sex marriage, which has contributed to the development of families by same sex couples. The situation leads to a dilution of the original intent on the context of marriage and upbringing as in most instances, same sex parents will not bring up the children with Christian ideals as the adopted choices contradict with God’s word and perception towards marriage.
Purpose of Marriage
In Ephesian 5: 23-25, the primary purpose of marriage has been outlined as mutual help and guidance between the couple together with physical and spiritual fulfillment together with the prevention of immorality. Mutual help and guidance considers marriage as a union among equals, which includes the man and woman. The union represents individuals engaged in a process geared towards promoting mutual help through engagement in decision-making processes as aman and wife. The union considers the woman as the helper of the man but operate as equal parties in the union as the man is equally expected to respect the women. Poor interpretation of the submission construct has led to the development of unhealthy marriages characterized by poor treatment of the woman by the man. In most cases, the women remains unaware of the need for mutual agreement for the success of the marriage leading to complacency for abuse, which leads to overall harm of the individual and the marriage. God intended for the union to be a place of help, love and support hence, the biblical perception of marriage in this context remains essential to the society as it promotes the adoption of societal processes that acknowledge the existent needs presented in a marriage by both parties and proceed with the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.
The concept of companionship develops into an integral construct of marriage as the union seeks to present an individual with a partner. From a biblical perspective, marriage may be considered as a partnership, which posits partnership as the sole purpose influencing the development of the union. In some cases, studies argue that the biblical purpose of marriage is procreation. However, the developed argument may provide an ethical challenge and does not fully integrate the purpose of marriage, but instead highlights on part of the marriage purpose as designed by God. Procreation develops as a subset of the love between the man and woman that brings the couple together. The commitment to the marriage and the development of a relationship between the couple develops the basis of the marriage. Therefore, procreation develops as a product of love thus may not be regarded as the sole construct influencing the union of the marriage or the sole purpose of the marriage. As illustrated in the case of Elizabeth, there were many barren women illustrated in the bible and the inability to procreate was considered as an avenue for the women to promote devotion to God through serving the community. However, it may be argued that barrenness was looked down upon in the biblical context attributed to Sarai’s perception of herself when Hagar provided Abram with child before God’s promise. In the early times as depicted in the Old Testament, barrenness held a negative connotation as the society considered procreation as one of the key elements of a marriage, which was necessary in developing an heir to the family’s name and wealth as in the case of Sarai.
Marriage presents the development of spiritual and physical oneness between a man and a woman. The becoming of one flesh in marriage maintains that the man and woman share in each other’s life in a complete and engaged manner. The sexuality component presented in marriage promotes the level of physical oneness. The New Testament has explored the context of sexuality in marriage by identifying the marital duties of both the man and the women in Ephesians. However, the bible remains quick to articulate that the marriage involves a mutual relationship and understanding between the spouses, which remains essential in promoting oneness in a respectful an mutual manner. In this case, the man remains obliged to fulfil his marital duties to the woman and so is the woman obliged to do the same. However, marriage transcends the physical oneness and involves the development of spiritual oneness between the couples. In Ephesians 5: 21-33, the bible maintains that marriage develops into a spiritual union involving man and woman with Christ at the center of the union. The institution of marriage develops a legal covenant between man and woman, which is made before God. The involvement in the covenant in the presence of God transcends the union from a physical form of union to a spiritual union that identifies Christ at the center of the union. The covenant nature incorporated within a marriage compounds on the sacred bond instituted between the individuals in the marriage, which promotes the development of a strong sense of permanence, sacredness, mutuality and exclusiveness. The level of exclusiveness attached to the marriage union maintains that the union remains between the man and the woman. Therefore, an extra marital affair involves the breakage of the covenant, which contradicts the importance of the union leading to possible divorce or breakage of trust, which develops into a critical component of the institution. Therefore, engagement in a marriage as man and wife involves the involvement in a covenant, which involves the development of promises and duties towards God and man sanctioned prior to the occurrence of sexual union.
Love develops the basis for a marriage as marriage develops out of love between the man and the woman, which is maintained by love and faithfulness. Love develops into a critical component of a marriage as it promotes the development of a strong sense of compassion, care, commitment, self-denial, self-sacrifice and forgiveness. The need for the development of love compounds on the lack of planned marriages. In most cases, in the bible arranged marriages developed in reference to the societal culture and norms but not as prescriptive material provide by God on marital ethics. The development of an understanding of the difference remains critical as it compounds on the importance of marriage ethics as stipulated in the bible with love developing into an integral component influencing the development of the union between a couple.
The creation of man and woman was done in the likeness of God, which develops the basis for human dignity of all people. The creation in God’s image highlights the existence of an esteem extended to humans by God. The provision of the esteem remains essential as it provides humans to appreciate the forgiveness developed through the death of Christ, which redeems individuals from sin and provides one with human dignity.
Marriage presents a mutual union developed on the basis of love, trust and respect, which promote the level of equality between the couple engaging in the union. The man and woman were created equal but incorporate functional differences, which emanate from the differences concerning individual obligations presented in the marriage. According to Ephesians 5: 23, the man is the head of the family and charged with the duty of caring for the family. The term ‘head’ is used metaphorically whereby Christ is the head of the church. In this case, the husband is the head of the family in a manner whereby the man remains charged with the duty of guiding the family in a spiritual sense charged with the duty of inspiring, guiding and being an example of an individual’s obedience to God. In this case, the woman helps the man through the development of a cooperative relationships whereby the woman helps the man in guiding the family as a partner and promoting the family adherence to the word of God through the adoption of a godly lifestyle as stipulated in the bible. In a marriage, both partners are created in the image of God hence both individuals are bestowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which may be utilized to fulfill the obligations developing from the union of marriage and family. The adoption of a marriage that promotes insubordination of women contradicts with the essence of marriage as stipulated in the bible, which seeks to promote the level of growth as a couple through the development of a united front that promotes the level of union and growth in the marriage and the family unit. The consideration of the head of the family role as an avenue geared towards mistreating the women or promoting the development of unnecessary authority in the household context delimits the essence of the union and contradicts the biblical intend of the union developing from a marriage.
The divine foundation of a marriage identifies that the existence of a divorce goes against the will of God as a divorce violates the developed promise and commitment made between the couple in the presence of God through the marriage covenant. A divorce involves breaking of the vow made between the individuals in front of God and others. In the seventh commandment, God forbids adultery, which maintains that God forbids divorce. However, in order to avoid misconstruction, God permits divorce in certain circumstances. In Deuteronomy 24:1, in the event that a man finds something indecent with the wife, the man is justified to request for a divorce. In support of the equality construct presented in the bible, similarly, if a woman finds something indecent with the husband, the women retains the right to request for a divorce. The indecency described refers to the existence of sexual immorality. In the teaching of Jesus on the mount in Matthew 5: 31-32 Jesus develops on the provided exception by stating that:
“It has been said, ‘anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery”.
Adultery is utilized in significance to the breaking of an obedient relation with God and another human being. Adultery presents ethical and biblical consequences and provides the grounds for a divorce. However, there are additional reasons that may contribute to a divorce as presented in the biblical context. In I Corinthians 7: 15-16, desertion may be considered a valid grounds for divorce as it involves desertion, which is considered as the breaking of a promise or a covenant. Similarly, Acts 4: 19-20 maintains that a divorce may develop in the case that the actions of one partner from obedience to God. However, the developed arguments in favor of divorce as presented in the bible do not mean that divorce should constantly be pursued in case of any instance of adultery among a couple. Forgiveness and reconciliation develops into key factors that may be pursued in an effort to prevent the possibility of a divorce. In most cases, numerous couples have undergone counselling and some have been able to save their marriages without necessarily seeking a divorce for adultery committed. In cases whereby a couple seeks to forgiveness, marriage should be adopted as a possibility. The provision of an opportunity for forgiveness remains essential as all teaching across the bible develop on the importance of forgiveness. In most cases, forgiveness has been instrumental in saving numerous marriages from the potential of a divorce. However, in instances whereby ne partner’s action inhibits the other’s relationship with God, divorce may be considered as the last option. Some of the actions that may lead to the challenge include alcohol and drug addiction, psychopathy, violence, sexual abuse and constant humiliation. However, divorce should be adopted as a measure in instances whereby all other measures have failed.
In the current situation in the Western world, the development of an understanding of the concept of divorce remains essential as it provides an informed understanding of divorce from a biblical perspective. The understanding remains essential in reducing the rising divorce rate experienced in the population. The majority of individuals lack an understanding of the importance placed on the institution of marriage, as divorce is not considered an option as individuals seek to engage in the union. However, the development of a culture that promotes a divorce as the solution to marital problems contradicts the essence of the marriage union leading to the existence of a high divorce rate in the population. The biblical perspective provides a detailed understanding of the construct of marriage and the importance of ensuring that the adopted processes remain in line with the marital construct provided to individuals in the society. Similarly, the evaluation of marriage from a biblical perspective provides couples with an understanding of the key principles that constitute a marriage. The principles remain essential in informing an individual on possible measures that may be adopted in the event of conflict to limit the escalation of the situation to a divorce. The understanding promotes the reevaluation of the marriage institution and the development of a relationship based on love that eliminates selfishness that promotes the level of individual satisfaction that remains detrimental to the overall process. Similarly, the process informs the couple on measures that may be adopted to promote continuous development of the marriage in a manner that influences continual relationship growth.
