Analysis of the Current Challenges to the Stability of Christian Marriages despite the Presence of the Church Doctrines, in SDA Church Keroka Station, Kenya
Abstract
Today, there are ongoing challenges to the stability of Christian marriages and values that affect tenets like fidelity, oneness, sexual intimacy, and permanence, despite church teachings on marriage as a "mystery" and the ideal embodiment of all the Christian life: that seeking out of the "Mind of Christ" (phronema Christou) that seeks a kenosis in order to gain the love and communion of the beloved. The purpose of the study is to analyse the current challenges to the stability of Christian marriages despite the presence of the church doctrines in the SDA church. The study was conducted at Keroka Station of Nyamira West Field of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The study employed a community-based qualitative research method, adopting a descriptive research design. The data collection tools used were questionnaires and an interview schedule for group focus. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23) to describe the findings of the study. The findings were reported through tables and verbatim. Several respondents noted that modern challenges such as infidelity, financial instability, secular influence, inadequate communication, and lack of commitment to church teachings as ongoing threats to Christian marriages. The study recommends that SDA focus on enhancing doctrinal application, addressing contemporary marital challenges, reinforcing Christian values, and strengthening church-based support systems. This indicates a need for more holistic and contextually relevant interventions. Perceptions of Christian marriage remain largely positive among members, who see it as a holy and essential institution. However, the impact of societal influence, generational gaps, and personal struggles complicates adherence to these values
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