It is presently a general conception that marriages are fast going out of fashion. This tendency is blamed on the high divorce rate all over the world. It is also believed that marriages are not the only accepted ways of having relationships. In order to counsel couples effectively in marriage therapy, the basic building blocks of a marriage have to be kept in mind. The current pre-marital counselling programs are lacking in their ability to create stronger marriages. The following encompassing research question arose: How can emotional oneness concerning newlyweds be improved through the following Scriptural guidelines for leaving of parents (Gen 2:24), cleaving (Gen 2:24) and becoming one (Gen 2:24)? The methodology used was as follows: In Chapter 2, basic-theoretical perspectives were formulated on how the Word of God explains the importance of leaving, cleaving and becoming one in the process of becoming emotionally one. The basic-theoretical perspectives were constructed based upon detailed exegesis of Genesis 2:24, as well as cursory exegesis of other relevant passages. In Chapter 3, meta-theoretical perspectives were formulated by making use of a literature study of the associated disciplines of Physiology, Psychology, Sociology and Law, with specific reference to emotions and marriage itself. An empirical study indicated that there is a real necessity for a good descriptive definition of emotional oneness. In Chapter 4, practical-theoretical guidelines were given as a result of the hermeneutical interaction between the basic-theoretical principles and the metatheoretical perspectives. Five practical guidelines were formulated to characterize an emotional oneness marriage. In Chapter 5, the researcher finally concludes that the process of leaving, cleaving and becoming one is a continuous process. It is only possible through the help of the Holy Spirit and where both newlyweds are willing to work on their marriage. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

It is presently a general conception that marriages are fast going out of fashion. This tendency is blamed on the high divorce rate all over the world. It is also believed that marriages are not the only accepted ways of having relationships. In order to counsel couples effectively in marriage therapy, the basic building blocks of a marriage have to be kept in mind. The current pre-marital counselling programs are lacking in their ability to create stronger marriages. The following encompassing research question arose: How can emotional oneness concerning newlyweds be improved through the following Scriptural guidelines for leaving of parents (Gen 2:24), cleaving (Gen 2:24) and becoming one (Gen 2:24)? The methodology used was as follows: In Chapter 2, basic-theoretical perspectives were formulated on how the Word of God explains the importance of leaving, cleaving and becoming one in the process of becoming emotionally one. The basic-theoretical perspectives were constructed based upon detailed exegesis of Genesis 2:24, as well as cursory exegesis of other relevant passages. In Chapter 3, meta-theoretical perspectives were formulated by making use of a literature study of the associated disciplines of Physiology, Psychology, Sociology and Law, with specific reference to emotions and marriage itself. An empirical study indicated that there is a real necessity for a good descriptive definition of emotional oneness. In Chapter 4, practical-theoretical guidelines were given as a result of the hermeneutical interaction between the basic-theoretical principles and the metatheoretical perspectives. Five practical guidelines were formulated to characterize an emotional oneness marriage. In Chapter 5, the researcher finally concludes that the process of leaving, cleaving and becoming one is a continuous process. It is only possible through the help of the Holy Spirit and where both newlyweds are willing to work on their marriage. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Making a successful Christian marriage is a major challenge that faces the Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA Church) of Malawi. The colonial government of Nyasaland (Malawi) created weak marriages, promoting high divorce rates by its own practices during its era, which have remained to this day. The failure of secular marriages endangers the success of SDA Christian marriages. Little has been done by the Church to educate its members concerning successful Christian marriage. This study focuses on educating the church to deal with the problems that cause marriage failure in the SDA Church. The Malawi government is another tool that the church could use to address marriage failure. I have used the Bible, and scientific research methods to suggest workable solutions for Christian marriage. / Practical Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

Making a successful Christian marriage is a major challenge that faces the Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA Church) of Malawi. The colonial government of Nyasaland (Malawi) created weak marriages, promoting high divorce rates by its own practices during its era, which have remained to this day. The failure of secular marriages endangers the success of SDA Christian marriages. Little has been done by the Church to educate its members concerning successful Christian marriage. This study focuses on educating the church to deal with the problems that cause marriage failure in the SDA Church. The Malawi government is another tool that the church could use to address marriage failure. I have used the Bible, and scientific research methods to suggest workable solutions for Christian marriage. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)