The aim of this thesis is to really know and understand what breaks marriages and to research how this problem is cause, but also to help people to dealt with the problem of relating in marriage while they deal with the problem of raising children. So the approach of this thesis, will be on Narrative Approach as a way of trying to dealt with relationship that families faces daily. In using the Narrative Approach it is the role of therapist to accompany couple as they seek to relate to each other, help couples to negotiate. Chapter one, is the introduction of the story of my brother (Rancho) who experience the problem of broken relationship in marriage. Secondly to understand what is relationship? And to know what broke relationship. In chapter two, I explain what is Narrative therapy. In chapter three I am sharing the stories of couples who has broken relationship, and dealing with their problem through listen and interpretation. In chapter four the result and interviews are going to be helpful in understanding how the broken relationship causes divorce. So I am going to deal with broken relationship and the meaning of divorce. What is divorce and how divorce has come in as the result of brokenness. In chapter five, ten question will be asked in order to trace were relationship broke down. To conclude, what I have learned from the thesis and suggestion for further studies. / Dissertation (MA (Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The purpose of this research journey is twofold: 1. To deconstruct the Christ-church metaphor in Ephesians 5:21-33 in pastoral marital therapy. To find a more ethical interpretation of this metaphor which can be used as an aid in marital therapy in order to deconstruct patriarchal stereotypes in marriage. 2. To discover the possible value of such an interpretation for marital therapy as well as to describe the journey with a couple who helped to determine the process by which this interpretation could be used as and aid to deconstruct patriarchal discourses in marriage. / Practical Theology / (M.Th. (Specialisation Pastoral Therapy))

The purpose of this research journey is twofold: 1. To deconstruct the Christ-church metaphor in Ephesians 5:21-33 in pastoral marital therapy. To find a more ethical interpretation of this metaphor which can be used as an aid in marital therapy in order to deconstruct patriarchal stereotypes in marriage. 2. To discover the possible value of such an interpretation for marital therapy as well as to describe the journey with a couple who helped to determine the process by which this interpretation could be used as and aid to deconstruct patriarchal discourses in marriage. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / (M.Th. (Specialisation Pastoral Therapy))

This dissertation evaluates the degree of "fit" in employing Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy [EFCT] within the context of congregational ministry and/or a Christian counselling center to counsel evangelical couples who have experienced an "attachment injury." The present study introduces and examines the possibility that, given an appropriate level of theological reflection, EFCT is an appropriate counselling methodology for use by evangelical clergy and counselors. Beginning with an examination of the values, assumptions and practices of EFCT this study explores three dimensions of the interface between EFCT and ecclesiastical practice: a) a theological reflection on the values and assumptions that inform the practice of EFCT; b) a comparison of EFCT with the marital counselling theories of Howard Clinebell, Jr., Larry Crabb, Jr., H. Norman Wright, and Everett L. Worthington, Jr., noting how each of these theories conceptualizes and treats both the marital dyad and emotional experience; and, c) an examination of Christians' perceptions of, and receptivity to, this model. The research demonstrates that the pastoral adaptation of EFCT highlighted in this study was rated favorably but not superior to the other four models. Specifically, it is noted that those who had previously experienced marital counselling, pastoral or otherwise, appeared to be attracted to the EFCT model as it was presented, even though the exemplar did not explicitly incorporate either the use of scripture, prayer, religious homework, or spiritual themes such as forgiveness and mutuality in marriage. The fact that even in the absence of an explicitly spiritual emphasis EFCT received high ratings suggests there is something within the model that speaks to the committed evangelical believer. The study concludes that even though EFCT may not be known within the evangelical community the perspective it offers "fits" with the values of this part of the Christian community and seems to appeal to those who have previously experienced marital difficulties. As a result, it may be stated that EFCT offers a mode of intervention that is suitable for use with evangelical Christians. / Practical Theology / D. Div. (Pracical theology)

This dissertation evaluates the degree of "fit" in employing Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy [EFCT] within the context of congregational ministry and/or a Christian counselling center to counsel evangelical couples who have experienced an "attachment injury." The present study introduces and examines the possibility that, given an appropriate level of theological reflection, EFCT is an appropriate counselling methodology for use by evangelical clergy and counselors. Beginning with an examination of the values, assumptions and practices of EFCT this study explores three dimensions of the interface between EFCT and ecclesiastical practice: a) a theological reflection on the values and assumptions that inform the practice of EFCT; b) a comparison of EFCT with the marital counselling theories of Howard Clinebell, Jr., Larry Crabb, Jr., H. Norman Wright, and Everett L. Worthington, Jr., noting how each of these theories conceptualizes and treats both the marital dyad and emotional experience; and, c) an examination of Christians' perceptions of, and receptivity to, this model. The research demonstrates that the pastoral adaptation of EFCT highlighted in this study was rated favorably but not superior to the other four models. Specifically, it is noted that those who had previously experienced marital counselling, pastoral or otherwise, appeared to be attracted to the EFCT model as it was presented, even though the exemplar did not explicitly incorporate either the use of scripture, prayer, religious homework, or spiritual themes such as forgiveness and mutuality in marriage. The fact that even in the absence of an explicitly spiritual emphasis EFCT received high ratings suggests there is something within the model that speaks to the committed evangelical believer. The study concludes that even though EFCT may not be known within the evangelical community the perspective it offers "fits" with the values of this part of the Christian community and seems to appeal to those who have previously experienced marital difficulties. As a result, it may be stated that EFCT offers a mode of intervention that is suitable for use with evangelical Christians. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D. Div. (Pracical theology)