““Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands.” The possible influence of the teachings of Ephesians 5:21-33 and other related texts to wife abuse: a case study of Moshupa churches.

Abstract

The issue of women abuse has been persistent over a long period of time. Cases of husband abuse are even reported within the church. Some religious organizations preach love and respect in order to instill proper marriage morals, but still marriages are still characterized by abuse. The intention of this study was to establish the impact of Ephesians 5: 21-31 and other related texts on the abuse of wives by their husbands. It intended to find out churches’ (different denominations) interpretation of Ephesians 5:21-33 and related texts, to evaluate the possible influence of churches’ scriptural teachings of Ephesians 5:21-33 and related texts on wife abuse. It will find out the type of abuse most prevalent among married women and the remedies or help given to abused wives, even the constraints or challenges that may affect abused wives in the church when seeking help as well as redress from husband abuse. It will analyse how the pastors /Church leaders treat and respond to abused wives who report cases of husband abuse as well as recommend ways of curbing abuse. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were employed. A total population of hundred and fourteen respondents was used. A combined questionnaire of closed ended and open ended questions was utilized to gather data from the target population. The study established that most women have not been abused by their husbands. Also, the results indicated that when abuse occurs, it is mostly in the form of beating. The church has not been helpful in the case of the few reported cases. The study recommended that pastors should be enrolled in counseling courses so that they are able to help couples. Also couples could go for marriage enrichment symposiums at least once in a month to strengthen their marriages.