Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Christian Teachings and Family Stability in Contemporary Nigerian Society

Obanisola, Mathew Oyetunji PhD, Mr. Jacobs Yinka Stephen

Abstract

The family remains the most fundamental institution in every society and serves as the primary agent for moral, spiritual, social, and emotional development. In Nigeria, however, contemporary families are increasingly confronted with numerous challenges, including economic hardship, moral decadence, domestic violence, divorce, infidelity, substance abuse, digital media influence, and declining commitment to Christian values. These challenges have weakened family cohesion and threatened the stability of many Christian homes. This paper examines the role of Christian teachings in promoting family stability within the context of contemporary Nigerian society. Using a qualitative approach based on biblical exegesis and a review of relevant scholarly literature, the study explores key Christian doctrines relating to marriage, love, mutual respect, forgiveness, fidelity, responsible parenting, and servant leadership within the family. The paper argues that Christian teachings provide enduring moral and spiritual principles capable of strengthening family relationships and addressing many of the contemporary challenges confronting Nigerian homes. It further highlights the role of churches, parents, educational institutions, and government agencies in reinforcing biblical family values. The paper concludes that sustainable family stability cannot be achieved solely through legal or economic interventions but requires renewed commitment to Christian principles that promote love, sacrifice, justice, discipline, and mutual responsibility. The study recommends intensified family-life education within churches, faith-based counselling programmes, responsible parenting initiatives, and collaboration between religious institutions and government in promoting family values that contribute to national peace and development.

Keywords

Christian teachingsfamilyfamily stabilitymarriageparentingNigerian societyChristianity.

References

Adams, J. E. (1980). Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. Adeyemo, T. (Ed.). (2006). Africa Bible Commentary. Zondervan. Akinade, A. E. (2014). Christianity in Africa: A Historical Perspective. University Press. Anderson, G. H. (2013). The Family in Christian Theology. Baker Academic. Bowen, M. (1978). Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Jason Aronson. Browning, D. S. (2003). Marriage and Modernization. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Burgess, E. W., & Locke, H. J. (1960). The Family: From Institution to Companionship. American Book Company. Chapman, G. (2015). The Five Love Languages (Revised ed.). Northfield Publishing. Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2013). National Policy on Education (6th ed.). NERDC Press. Hornby, A. S. (2020). Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (10th ed.). Oxford University Press. Holy Bible. (2011). New International Version. Biblica. Holy Bible. (1982). New King James Version. Thomas Nelson. Imasogie, O. (1986). Guidelines for Christian Theology in Africa. University Press. Kasomo, D. (2010). The role of Christian ethics in family life. Journal of Theology and Religion in Africa, 12(2), 45–60. Magesa, L. (1997). African Religion: The Moral Traditions of Abundant Life. Orbis Books. Nwachukwu, D. N. (2018). Family instability and youth behaviour in Nigeria. Journal of Social Development Studies, 10(3), 85–102. Ojo, M. A. (2020). Christianity and family values in contemporary Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Religious Studies, 15(1), 22–40. Okeke, C. O. (2021). Parenting and moral development among Christian families in Nigeria. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 8(2), 101–118. Oladosu, A. G. (2019). Religion and social transformation in Nigeria. Ilorin Journal of Religious Studies, 9(1), 55–72. Popenoe, D. (1993). American family decline, 1960–1990: A review and appraisal. Journal of Marriage and Family, 55(3), 527–542. Stinnett, N., &DeFrain, J. (1985). Secrets of Strong Families. Little, Brown. Strong, B., DeVault, C., & Cohen, T. (2017). The Marriage and Family Experience (13th ed.). Cengage Learning. White, E. G. (2002). The Adventist Home. Pacific Press. Witte, J. Jr. (2015). The Western Case for Monogamy over Polygamy. Cambridge University Press. World Council of Churches. (2022). Christian Families in a Changing World. WCC Publications.

More Articles from RESEARCH JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES

?abi’un Da Suke Na?asa Mazakuta (Practices That Impair Male Sexual Health)

Author: Dalhatu Abubakar Zauro PhD, Dr. Shehu Adamu Argungu PhD, Lauwali Aliyu PhD, TSAKURE, Wasu ?abiu, da suke Na?asa Mazakuta., Gyara kayanka, ba zai zama sauke mu raba ba

Cutar Sanyi Da Magungunanta A Gargajiyance (Gonorrhea and It’s Cure in Hausa Traditional Medicines

Author: Lauwali Aliyu PhD, Shehu Adamu PhD, ?alhatu Abubakar Zauro PhD, Tsakure, . Gabatarwa

Effective Strategies for an Educational-Didactic Work in Motor Activities Carried Out at School

Author: Davide Di Palma, Lorenzo Donini, Giuseppe Madonna, & Antonio Ascione