The Role of Religion in Marital Decision: A Study of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria.

Abstract

Religion is an important and powerful institution as opposed to proponents of secularism. Marriage, as a sophisticated institution, has an important role in the continuation of family and society. Therefore, it has been a focus of attention not only in societies but also in academic studies.1 All Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) attribute special importance to marriage that has influenced structures of societies. Nigeria, a multi-religious nation with vast majority professing a belief in God, affirming also that religion is important in their lives is not an exception.2 Most Nigerian adult male and female are married. Children from these marriages live with either their biological or adoptive parents. Thus, marriage and a happy family life are universal goals for young adults. Marital unions differ in a variety of ways – education, earnings, religion, and cultural background of each of the partners, and the homogamy of their match. Also, religion has multiple aspects that include religious affiliation, a particular set of theological beliefs and practices, and religiousity; which may manifest in various levels and forms of religious participation and in terms of the salience of religion as a guide for choosing one’s life partner. Marriage and religion generally have far-reaching positive effects. This paper, using comparative approach to study, therefore discussed the broad role religion plays in this choice of partners in both Christianity and Islam in Nigeria especially when viewed from the perspective of incessant break in marriages of vibrant couples. It concluded that when spouses shared same-faith, there is greater efficiency and less conflict in a home.