African traditional marriage and biblical patterns : the case of the Ashantis of Ghana

• Main Author: Adei, Stephen
• Other Authors: Van Dyk, P. J.
• Language: en
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Status of women; Ashanti marriage; Biblical marriage; African traditional marriage; Matrilineal system; Bride price; Prohibited marriages; Marriage in the Pentateuch; Family life; 203.85; Jewish marriage customs and rites; Ashanti (African people) > Social life and customs; Marriage > Ghana; Christianity and culture > Ghana; Marriage > Religious aspects
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1029

This dissertation compares the family and marriage traditions of the Ashantis of Ghana and Ancient Hebrews. Some common features characterize the two societies, principal among which is the idea that having children is the key purpose of marrieage above love and intimacy. Others are the low status of the wife in the domestic context; endogamy rules based on consanguinity; and payment of bride price. However, the two traditions differ in important areas. For example, the Ashantis follow kinship system based on matrilineal descent, succession and inheritance and the girl child is preferred. The patriarchal system of the Ancient Hebrews invest all authority in the father and the male heirs is preferred. Other defining factor in Ashanti and Pentateuchcal marriage is their religion and belief systems. Much of the marriage traditions seem to be cultural references rather than religious imperatives binding on Christians today. === Old Testament & Ancient Near Eastern Studies === Thesis (M.Th.)