Navigating marital tensions between African traditions and Western influences: Emic insights for pastoral intervention

Abstract

This article examines the perspectives and lived experiences of church and community members regarding marital tensions that emerge at the intersection of African indigenous traditions and Western influences on African marriages. These tensions present significant challenges for modern African couples as they navigate conflicting cultural expectations and values. Church and community members often hold differing perspectives on the root causes and implications of these tensions, leading to varied proposals regarding the church’s role in offering support and intervention. The study investigates two central questions: (1) What are the views and experiences of church and community members regarding marital tensions at the interface of African indigenous tradition and Western influence? (2) How can these views inform effective pastoral interventions to support African couples experiencing such tensions? Drawing on empirical data from three Christian denominations in Zimbabwe – Mugodhi Apostolic Church, United Baptist Church, and Glad Tidings Fellowship – the article identifies both converging and diverging perspectives on marriage, tradition, and cultural change. Findings suggest that the church has a critical role in facilitating dialogue, mediating tensions, and developing contextually relevant pastoral approaches that honour both traditional and contemporary values. By foregrounding emic perspectives, this article highlights the importance of culturally sensitive pastoral care in addressing the evolving realities of African marriages. It proposes that effective pastoral interventions must be informed by grassroots insights and seek to reconcile the tensions between tradition and modernity in ways that promote relational harmony and spiritual well-being among couples.
Contribution: This article provides empirically grounded insights into how churches in Africa can develop culturally sensitive pastoral interventions that address marital tensions arising from the intersection of indigenous traditions and Western influences.