Introduction

Based on the previous chapters, the study aimed to show that there are some conflicting views regarding how the Bible and African culture perceive marriage; however there are no clear disparities where the issues of lobolo, excessive family intervention and infertility are concerned. Therefore, this chapter intends to show by means of a comparison the similarities and dissimilarities between the biblical and African traditional way of handling marital issues. This will, in turn, help strengthen the argument that it is possible to have a Christian marriage without abandoning the African traditional traits that were discussed. Although, certain terms such as dowry and lobolo have different meanings, it is understandable that they share a common intention: to have a bridal gift before marriage. The comparison will argue that the African perspective on marriage should not be wronged when viewed with a Biblical lens.

The detailed comparison below argues that a clear link or relationships exists between the biblical and African perspective of marriage under the discussed topics. The reader will see that most of the concepts are fundamentally similar, but differ only in application where misunderstandings and over-emphasis play a role.

The meaning of marriage

Similarities:

The concept ‘marriage ‘ exists in both the Shangaan culture and the biblical view; it refers to the union of two people of different sexes for life (Maswanganyi s.a:6, Gen. 2:24).

The purpose of marriage

Similarities:

Both views accept that the husband and wife must live together and bear children of their own. They also both agree that the husband is the head of the family (Eph. 5:23).