Saamwoon voor die huwelik - AH Bogaards

ABSTRACT
COHABITATION BEFORE MARRIAGE:
A THEOLOGICAL ETHICAL ADJUDICATION
The problem that is studied is formulated in chapter 1. It boils down to the
fact that nowadays, also in churches with mainly white congregations, there
are different viewpoints on living together. It varies from a direct rejection to
a de facto acceptance. In view of this research is done for the purpose of
assessing cohabitation according to Scriptures.
In chapter 2 the essense and purpose of the Christian marriage are
portrayed. It becomes clear that it is God‟s will that sexual intercourse may
only take place inside the marriage.
In chaper 3 the main reasons for cohabitation are examined. It is found that
if all the causes are considered in their close relationship with each other, a
favourable infrastructure for living together is created and people are
strongly influenced to live together.
The practice of cohabitation is evaluated in chapter 4 by using 8 of the 9
social ethical norms formulated by Heyns in the light of Scriptures and
applied by Steensma as normatve viewpoints. It is found that cohabiting is
at variance with all eight social ethical norms. It is also found that living
together doesn‟t always result in marriage, and if it results in marriage, there
is no gaurantee that the marriage will suceed and will not end up in at court
of divorce.
In chapter 5 a summary is given of the problem identification and the results
of the previous 4 chapters. Then a conclusion is made about cohabitation in
the light of Scriptures, namely that it is in conflict with the will of God. In the
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