Marriage: Christian Marriage – JSS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Marriage is a union between a mature man and woman as husband and wife to raise a family. Christians see marriage as the voluntary union of a man and woman according to the Scripture, ordained by God, in which the two become one flesh.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define marriage and Christian marriage;
• state the types of marriage;
• explain the types of marriage;
• list the functions of marriage;
• state the significance of marriage.

What is marriage?

Marriage is a union between a mature man and woman as husband and wife to raise a family. Such a union makes them a couple.

Christians understand marriage as the oneness of the man and woman. This is why they say two persons join together to become one flesh. The Holy Bible says that they are no longer two but one flesh.

Marriage also involves a legal relationship between a man and a woman as stipulated in the constitution of the country. Marriage was instituted and ordained by God for procreation and fulfilment.

What is Christian marriage?

Christian marriage is the voluntary union of a man and woman according to the Scripture. It was ordained by God. The couple is said to have become one flesh after marriage.

What are the types of marriage?

What are the functions of marriage?

1. Marriage makes procreation possible.
2. It continues the family name and tradition.
3. Marriage provides companionship.
4. Marriage brings unity among families and different ethnic groups.
5. Marriage helps to curb promiscuity and the transmission of sexual diseases.
6. Marriage helps the couple to have fulfilment.
7. Marriage helps to propagate and strengthen people’s religion.
8. Marriage brings about cultural development.

What is the significance of marriage?

1. Marriage turns people into parents.
2. Marriage leads to the training of children.
3. Marriage strengthens the couple’s relationship.
4. Marriage makes people decent and mature.
5. Marriage makes the couple combine their efforts for greater results.

Evaluation

1. Explain five types of marriage.
2. Discuss the meaning of marriage.
3. Mention five ways in which marriage is significant.
4. Mention five functions of marriage.
5. Discuss any three types of marriage you have seen in your community.
6. Mention five advantages of monogamy over polygamy.
7. Discuss four functions of man in the creation.
8. Mention five wrong habits of man against creation.

Assignment

Reading assignment

Christian Religious Education for JSS Bk 1, Adeyinka et al, Chapter 3, pages 11 to 12.

Weekend assignment

1. …………… is the kind of marriage between a woman and more than one husband. (a) polygamy (b) polyandry (c) sororate (d) levirate
2. How many wives can a man have in a monogamous marriage? (a) one (b) two (c) three (d) many
3. Common law marriage usually takes place in (a) a church (b) a mosque (c) a registry (d) home
4. Christian marriage is only meant for (a) boys and girls (b) mature man and woman (c) mature man and man (d) mature woman and woman
5. Christian marriage is according to (a) the Holy Bible (b) the Kadis (c) the books of Law (d) the laws of Moses

Theory

1. Write short notes on the following:
   • Sororate marriage
   • Polyandry
   • Polygamy
   • Levirate marriage
2. Explain Christian marriage.