Premarital pastoral care and counselling to interracial couples : a practical theological model

Abstract

The study researched premarital counselling of intercultural or interracial couples. In the first chapter, the background of the various occurrences of intercultural marriages in South Africa is outlined as well as the history of discrimination against these couples which can negatively affect the marriage. The research problem was formulated in two parts. The first part has to do with the concrete situation that causes the problem and that gave rise to the need for the study. The second part of the problem has to do with the gap in the literature regarding premarital counselling for interracial couples, especially from the perspective of the situation in South Africa. Research questions and purpose were formulated with the central theoretical argument that a scientifically grounded practical-theological model can improve the premarital counselling and care of interracial couples. Osmer's research model was chosen to determine the structure of the study because the model adequately addresses both the practical element (praxis) and the theological element (normative) of practical theological research. In Chapter 2 data was gathered from pastors who conduct pastoral counselling with interracial couples. Consequently, the aim was to understand from their experience and praxis which elements play a role in the premarital counselling of these couples. With this research study, the unique situation and needs of intercultural couples were determined. Furthermore, the skills and tools required by these pastoral counsellors necessitated the need for the development of a model to assist them in achieving their objectives. The objective is to establish how the model can be applied in practical theology. In Chapter 3, different psychological and pastoral models were examined to determine what guidelines could be used for the composition of a practical theological model for the practice of ministry (counselling and care). The aim was to obtain guidelines for the Counselling of interracial couples including intercultural couples from other research fields (Osmer:2008). In Chapter 4, Biblical text was studied to compare interracial and intercultural marriages. In addition, how culture, language, and religion was practised with norms, values and societal customs were used in the family. This is significant because it emphasises the role parents and extended family play in the life of the descendants. The strengths and weaknesses were depicted in human nature and as it relates to the union between two people with diverse cultures and race. For that reason, the Old and New Testaments form the collection of the books of the bible which showed relevance were meaningful. The Old Testament suggests that intermarriage was opposed due to its possible influence from pagan worship. Numerous aspects of race, culture, discrimination social order was questioned. There are positive and negative assumptions about the intermarriage of people in the Old Testament. The main reason for intermarriage not being condoned is the fear of people worshipping the pagan Gods desiring idol worship instead of the true G-d Yahweh. The New Testament complements from the Old Testament writings of interracial marriages. From the study of the New Testament, the diversity of New Testament teachings on marriage could assist the church minister more effectively in societies where there is a variety of kinship relationships. Rather than seeing the range of different family forms as a departure from the form that God alone authorizes., it is more positive to see them as creative ways to respond to vastly different social circumstances while at the same time, at least potentially, upholding the core values of marriage preserve sacrificial love and devotion. Of course, not all reflect such values, but neither do marriages. Pastoral guidelines were used from the Bible. Premarital counselling and care of interracial couples applied the teachings of the scriptures. Various New Testament passages were analysed exegetically and guidelines for pastors were drawn from them. In Chapter 5, the findings collected from the interviews of the pastoral counsellors were established. Additionally, the content from previous chapters were essential in the theological model in practical theology. Furthermore, the recommendations and procedures for a scientifically based practical theological model were created. This may enable pastoral counsellors to be proficient in premarital counselling for interracial couples. Chapter 6 describes a model for the premarital counselling of intercultural/interracial couples. Chapter 7 gives a summary of the study.