African values and Christian marriage: exploring the influence of African communalism on modern African Christian couples in urban South Africa

Abstract

This practical theological study sought to explore the influence of African communalism on African Christian marriage. Because the aim of practical theology is to reflect theologically on human experience, this study sought to define the lived experiences of modern African Christian couples in urban South Africa. The qualitative research approach was adopted to explore the influence of communalism on African Christian marriage using the views and experiences of six Millennial African Christian couples. The data collected through semi-structured interviews was analysed within a descriptive-interpretive framework using thematic analysis. The findings suggested that African Christian couples preferred the untraditional nuclear family structure characterised by minimal involvement from the extended family. The findings also suggested that African Christian couples integrated cultural practices with their modern lifestyle and Christian worldview by modifying cultural practices. The value of this study is in reconciling African culture and Christianity, leading to a more meaningful Christian practice.