A REFLECTION ON THE BIBLICAL TEACHING ON POLYGAMY: ITS IMPACT ON THE ATTITUDE OF BAPTIST MEMBERS LIVING IN POLYGAMY WITHIN OWERRI METROPOLIS, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

By

Umaru, Victor[1] and Amadi, Queen Eyuche[2]

ABSTRACT

Many Baptist members in Owerri Metropolis find translating their faith when facing challenges. This researcher has observed that this lapse in faith has negatively affected Christian witnessing influence in society, weakened the power of the gospel testimony, weakened the moral and ethical values of the Christian church and message, and lowered Christian impact on children or the younger generation. Its purpose was to determine the impact of Biblical teaching on the attitude of Baptist members toward polygamy, their attitude, their commitment, and how it has affected their beliefs. The study employed a descriptive survey method while the population consisted of all Baptist churches in Owerri Metropolis, and five (5) Baptist churches were selected for sampled study while a stratified random sampling technique was employed. The validation and reliability were ascertained through a pilot study. The result revealed that Christian home marriage relationships affect a partner’s commitment; most polygamists in Owerri metropolis have a negative attitude towards commitment in Bible study, prayer fellowship, and missions organizations, and involvement in church tasks is negatively low. The study recommended that monogamy be encouraged with the ardent teaching of God’s Word and focused discipleship.

Key Words: Bible, Polygamy, Baptist Members, Owerri Metropolis, and Christian Commitment.

[1] Umaru, Victor is a lecturer in the Department of Biblical Studies and Theology at Baptist College of Theology, Obinze-Owerri, Nigeria. honagombi@gmail.com +2348060052887; +2349048305454

[2] Amadi, Queen Eyuche is a student of Advanced Social Work Studies (MSc), School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee Scotland UK, Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN.