A paradox of levirate marriage theology in the Seventh Day Adventist ecclesiology: A case of Itumbe station, South Kenya conference

Abstract

The study sought to examine the participants’ perspectives on various aspects of levirate marriage theology in Seventh-day Adventist ecclesiology. The study employed the structural-functional theory of Emile Durkheim. The study’s target population was 774 respondents from the 8 districts that form the SDA church in Itumbe Station, and the sample size was 250 participants. Widowhood is a nerve-wracking life situation that not only affects the widowed person, but also the Christian community, the orphaned children that are under her care, who in most cases have to manage the loss of one of their parents. The study did not advocate for the abolishment of the SDA church teachings on marriage and Abagusii traditional levirate custom, rather it argued on the embracement of positive aspects of the custom while denouncing those that do not adhere to the well-being of the Christian widows; not all about levirate custom is bad. The study concluded that the SDA church in South Kenya Field, Itumbe Station, has made attempts to interpret Biblical teachings on marriage, considering it a permanent, monogamous contract solemnised by the church minister. The study recommends that SDA church should become aware not only of addressing the gospel message to individuals and showing how its teachings are contrary to the Abagusii levirate practice but also of the significant aspects found in the levirate practice itself.