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.