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 essence 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 chapter 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 normative 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 guarantee that the marriage will succeed 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 third section guidelines are given for the purpose of pastoral guidance towards people who cohabit or plan to do so. The role of the government and topics for further studies about cohabitation are also given. / Thesis (Th.M. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

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 essence 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 chapter 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 normative 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 guarantee that the marriage will succeed 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 third section guidelines are given for the purpose of pastoral guidance towards people who cohabit or plan to do so. The role of the government and topics for further studies about cohabitation are also given. / Thesis (Th.M. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.