| Summary: | The research done in preparation for this study illustrated that – although a lot of
research has been done in terms of the impact of intimacy on marriage, Biblical
models for marriage, and the implications of intimacy prior to marriage – few studies
have been done regarding researched Scriptural perspectives and pastoral
guidelines related to sexual intimacy aimed at religious newlywed couples.
The above situation resulted in the main research question:
What pastoral guidelines can be given to a newlywed religious couple regarding
sexual intimacy in the initial stage of their marriage? Further research questions
arose from this research question.
This study was aimed at compiling pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of
sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage. The method designed
by Zerfass for Practical Theology was used during this study.
During basic theoretical research, as designed in chapter 2, it became clear that
relevant pastoral guidelines regarding the establishment of sexual intimacy in the
Christian marriage can be identified from Scripture. Four guidelines, relevant to this
study, were subsequently formulated.
The practical theoretical research of the neighbouring sciences Psychology and
Sociology in chapter 3 showed that humans are by nature sexual beings and that
this is a need that attention should be given to. Sex inside the marriage is necessary,
good and an important factor in marital happiness. Seeing as marriage is an intimate
and loving relationship, the husband and wife should have each other’s interests and
happiness as priority and not deny each other sex and sexual satisfaction.
An empirical study to determine religious newlywed couples’ perceptions and
attitudes regarding sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage was done in chapter 4. During this qualitative study, seven religious newlywed couples
completed questionnaires, after which semi-structured interviews were conducted
with each individual.
In order to formulate specific practical theoretical pastoral guidelines, the researcher,
in chapter 5, addressed the hermeneutical interaction within the context of religious
newlywed couples. The basic theoretical perspectives arising from Scripture,
practical theoretical perspectives as concluded from neighbouring Sciences, and the
results from the empirical study were processed in order to compile possible
guidelines for pastoral guidance. The aim of this pastoral guidance is the spiritual
growth of both the husband and the wife, and to bring them to a better understanding
of God’s will for sexual intimacy.
The researcher’s final conclusion – as indicated by the central theoretical argument
of this study – is that the compilation of pastoral guidelines regarding the
establishment of sexual intimacy in the initial stage of the Christian marriage can
indeed contribute to a deeper and more intimate marital relationship. === Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011
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