Pastoral guidance of the unequally yoked marriage partners

[摘要] This study deals with problems of the unequally yoked marriage partners (a couple where one is aChristian and the other not). The practical theological model of Zerfass was followed by establishinga basis-, a meta- and a practice theory.The basis theoretical perspective shows that God forbade mixed marriages in the Old Testament dueto the danger that His people could be lured into heathen practices. In the New Testament, Paul warnsChristians not to many unbelievers. Unequally yoked marriages happened when one of the partnersgot converted after the marriage. Paul's advice to believers is that divorce is permissible, but thedecision lies exclusively with the unbeliever. If the unbeliever wants to leave, the believer must lethim/her go. Peter's advice to the believing wife is that she must submit to her unbelieving husbandand not say a word, as he may be won over for Christ through her deferential behaviour.From the metatheoretical perspective, the literature consulted shows that religious commitment andhomogamy have a positive effect on marriages. Believers in unequally yoked marriages revealed inthe empirical study the problems they experience and how they cope. A relatively fulfilled marriageis possible. Pastors consulted in the empirical study want to help couples to accept each other and tolearn to live with their differences. The pastors focused mostly on the believer's relationship withGod.Guidelines for a possible model which pastors can follow in their pastoral guidance of the unequallyyoked couple are given and focus primarily on the believing partner. Prayer and Scripture arefundamental in the pastoral guidance.

[发布机构] North-West University