Project – Evaluation of Gbari cultural influences on marriage in ECWA kwali District Church Council and its implications for Christian couples in Yangoji LCC FCT Abuja.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The Gbari (Gbagyi) people, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, maintain strong cultural traditions, particularly regarding marriage. Their traditional marriage customs emphasize family involvement, the importance of dowry, and rites that reflect social and economic status. Central to Gbari marriage traditions is the dowry system, which is designed to demonstrate the groom’s ability to provide for the bride and his respect for the bride’s family. Traditionally, the groom’s family must present gifts, which can include money, livestock, and agricultural products. This practice reinforces the value placed on agricultural and economic success within the community and is seen as an essential part of the marital contract (Olayiwola, 2013). Additionally, the period of bride wealth payment often involves agricultural labor, further emphasizing the importance of farming and the groom’s capability to sustain the bride.

However, over time, this tradition has undergone significant transformation due to economic pressures, modernization, and commercialization. The dowry, once symbolic of the groom’s dedication and responsibility, has evolved into a financial burden for many families. In some cases, the dowry demands have become exorbitant, leading to a delay in marriage and, in extreme instances, domestic tension or conflict (Ogundipe, 2018). The commercial nature of these practices is seen as problematic by many within the Christian community, particularly when the dowry is seen to overshadow the spiritual and moral aspects of marriage. This evolution of the dowry system raises questions about the impact of these traditions on the sanctity of marriage as perceived in Christianity, where the emphasis is placed on mutual love, commitment, and covenant rather than financial transactions.

Christianity, which introduced a different conceptualization of marriage to the Gbari people, stresses monogamy, equality, and love. The biblical view of marriage emphasizes the relationship between husband and wife as a union of equals, rooted in mutual respect and love (Ephesians 5:22-33). This contrasts with the patriarchal and sometimes transactional nature of traditional Gbari marriage customs, which can place significant pressure on the groom and limit the autonomy of the bride. As Christianity gained influence among the Gbari people, there was a shift toward adopting Christian marriage principles, yet the tension between these traditional and religious practices remains. Many Christian couples in the Gbari community find themselves navigating a delicate balance between adhering to cultural expectations and upholding Christian values of love and partnership.

The integration of Gbari marriage customs with Christian teachings often results in hybrid ceremonies that combine elements of both traditions. For example, while Christian rites such as church weddings and the exchange of vows are now commonplace, traditional rituals like the payment of dowry and the involvement of elders in the union still persist. This fusion of practices raises questions about the compatibility of these two marriage frameworks. While some scholars argue that combining these elements allows for the preservation of cultural identity within the Christian context, others contend that the commercialization of the dowry and the patriarchal undertones of some cultural practices can undermine the equality and mutual respect central to Christian marriage (Dike, 2020). These hybrid ceremonies sometimes reflect a tension between cultural preservation and religious values, highlighting the challenges Christian couples face when navigating these two spheres.

Moreover, the role of the community in Gbari marriage practices poses an additional challenge for Christian couples. Traditional Gbari marriages are deeply communal, with families, friends, and community elders playing significant roles in the arrangement and approval of the union. The communal aspect of marriage is seen as a support system for the couple, but it also implies a lack of privacy and personal autonomy (Dogo, 2019). In contrast, Christian marriage theology often emphasizes the relationship between the individual couple and God, with the church serving as a supportive, but not necessarily authoritative, entity. The challenge arises when Christian couples in Gbari communities feel pressured by familial expectations or communal scrutiny, potentially leading to conflict between the private, spiritual aspect of marriage and the communal, social obligations ingrained in traditional practices.

The influence of Gbari cultural practices on marriage presents significant implications for Christian couples. The commercialization of the dowry system, the patriarchal nature of some traditions, and the strong community involvement in marital affairs create complex dynamics for couples trying to align their cultural practices with Christian values. While integrating cultural traditions with Christian marriage rites is an attempt to honor both, it is essential for Christian couples to critically evaluate how these traditions align with the biblical view of marriage. This ongoing dialogue between tradition and faith can help foster marriages that respect both cultural heritage and Christian teachings, ultimately leading to stronger and more resilient relationships that prioritize mutual respect, love, and commitment.

• Statement of the Problem

The intersection between traditional cultural practices and religious beliefs often creates a unique set of challenges for individuals seeking to uphold both identities. Among the Gbari (Gbagyi) people of Nigeria, traditional marriage customs play a vital role in preserving community values and social cohesion. However, the persistence of certain practices—particularly the dowry system and extended courtship rituals—has raised concerns about their compatibility with contemporary Christian values and teachings. As Christian beliefs continue to grow within the Gbari community, couples are increasingly confronted with the difficulty of reconciling these cultural expectations with biblical principles of marriage.

A major concern lies in the commercialization of traditional practices, particularly the dowry. What was originally intended as a symbolic gesture of appreciation and respect has, over time, evolved into a transactional process that places significant financial burdens on prospective grooms and their families. This shift has led to delays in marriage, informal cohabitation without formal union, and in some cases, marital instability. Christian couples often face the dilemma of wanting to honor their cultural heritage while also striving to follow biblical teachings that prioritize love, unity, and simplicity over materialistic demands.

Furthermore, the deeply patriarchal nature of some Gbari marital customs may conflict with the Christian view of marriage as a partnership of equals. Traditional expectations often place the man in a dominant role, with limited input from the woman in the marriage process. This presents a problem for Christian couples who are taught that marriage should involve mutual submission, respect, and love as reflected in scriptures like Ephesians 5:21-33. Such cultural-religious tensions can lead to confusion, conflict, and dissatisfaction within marriages when roles and responsibilities are not clearly or mutually agreed upon.

Another area of concern is the communal involvement in Gbari marriages, which can be both a strength and a source of pressure. In traditional Gbari society, marriages are not just unions between individuals but between families and entire communities. While this can foster social support and unity, it can also result in external interference, lack of privacy, and the imposition of cultural expectations that may conflict with Christian values of personal conviction and spiritual discernment. Christian couples may feel caught between respecting their elders and maintaining personal autonomy in their marital decisions.

Additionally, there is often a lack of proper guidance and discourse within the Christian community regarding how to navigate these cultural influences. Churches in Gbari regions may struggle with how to address these issues, especially when pastors and leaders themselves are products of the same cultural systems. Without clear biblical teaching and practical counsel on the compatibility or limitations of certain cultural practices, Christian couples may find themselves unequipped to make informed and spiritually sound decisions about their marriages.

In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need for a thorough evaluation of Gbari cultural influences on marriage and how these impact Christian couples. Such an evaluation should aim to identify the specific cultural elements that either enhance or hinder biblical marital principles. This will not only help Christian couples make informed decisions about their marriages but also provide churches and community leaders with the tools necessary to foster a healthy integration of faith and culture in a way that upholds the sanctity, dignity, and mutual respect that marriage requires.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to evaluate Gbari cultural influences on marriage in ECWA kwali District Church Council and it implications for Christian couples in Yangoji LCC FCT Abuja. The specific objectives are:

1. To examine the traditional Gbari cultural practices related to marriage in ECWA Kwali District Church Council.
2. To analyze the impact of Gbari cultural influences on marriage dynamics within Christian couples in the area.
3. To assess the attitudes and beliefs of Christian couples towards incorporating Gbari cultural traditions into their marriages.
4. To identify any challenges or conflicts that may arise from the intersection of Gbari cultural influences and Christian marriage values.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the traditional Gbari cultural practices related to marriage in ECWA Kwali District Church Council?
2. How do Gbari cultural influences impact marriage dynamics within Christian couples in the area?
3. What are the attitudes and beliefs of Christian couples towards incorporating Gbari cultural traditions into their marriages?
4. What challenges or conflicts may arise from the intersection of Gbari cultural influences and Christian marriage values?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Gbari cultural influences have no effect on marriage dynamics within Christian couples in the area.

H1: Gbari cultural influences have effect on marriage dynamics within Christian couples in the area.

1.6. Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it provides a culturally contextual understanding of marriage among the Gbari people within the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Kwali District Church Council. By evaluating how traditional Gbari marriage customs intersect with Christian doctrine, particularly in the Yangoji Local Church Council (LCC) of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the research helps uncover the specific areas where cultural practices may either enhance or hinder biblical principles of marriage. This understanding is crucial for fostering healthy, spiritually sound relationships that reflect both cultural heritage and scriptural truth.

The study will also benefit Christian couples in Yangoji LCC who are currently navigating the complex terrain of balancing their faith with their cultural identity. Many young couples often face pressure from both family and church when preparing for marriage. This research offers a framework for understanding these tensions and provides guidance on how to uphold Christian marital values while respectfully engaging with cultural expectations. By addressing the potential conflicts and synergies between these two systems, the study will empower couples to make informed decisions rooted in both spiritual conviction and cultural awareness.

For church leaders and counselors within ECWA Kwali DCC, the study serves as an important resource for pastoral care and premarital counseling. Many pastors encounter challenges when guiding couples through the marriage process, particularly when traditional customs—such as high bride prices or lengthy courtship obligations—clash with Christian teachings. The findings of this study can help church leaders develop biblically grounded, culturally sensitive strategies for counseling couples, facilitating weddings, and teaching on marriage within their congregations.

Furthermore, the research holds significance for the broader Christian community in multicultural regions like Abuja, where ethnic traditions regularly intersect with religious practices. It contributes to a growing body of scholarship on contextual theology and intercultural engagement in marriage. This can guide not only ECWA churches but also other denominations and faith-based organizations that are dealing with similar cultural tensions in their congregations. The study provides practical insights into how indigenous African traditions can be evaluated in light of biblical principles without disregarding the values embedded within the culture.

This study also promotes intergenerational dialogue within the Gbari Christian community. Older generations often view traditional marriage practices as non-negotiable cultural imperatives, while younger Christians may see them as outdated or burdensome. By exploring these perspectives in detail, the research encourages conversations that can lead to mutual understanding and the reformation of practices that no longer serve the intended purpose of strengthening family and community life. Such dialogue is vital for sustaining cultural identity while fostering spiritual growth among Christian families.

Lastly, the study contributes to social development in the Yangoji area by highlighting how the institution of marriage—when aligned with biblical principles—can be a tool for community stability and moral integrity. A better understanding of marriage practices and their implications can help reduce cases of delayed marriages, domestic conflict, and broken homes. It also promotes gender equality, mutual respect, and responsible family life. In this way, the study not only serves the church but also enhances the well-being of the wider Gbari community in Yangoji and beyond.

1.7.  Scope of the Study

The evaluates Gbari cultural influences on marriage in ECWA kwali District Church Council and its implications for Christian couples in Yangoji LCC FCT Abuja. The study is limited to ECWA Kwali District Church Council in Yangoji LCC FCT Abuja.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Gbari Cultural Influences: Gbari cultural influences refer to the traditional beliefs, values, customs, and practices of the Gbari (also known as Gbagyi) ethnic group, especially as they relate to social institutions such as marriage, family, and community life. These influences include customary rites like dowry payments, extended family involvement in marital arrangements, and communal responsibilities, which shape how marriage is approached, celebrated, and sustained among the Gbari people.
2. Marriage: Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, typically between a man and a woman, that establishes rights and obligations between them, their children, and their families. In both cultural and Christian contexts, marriage is seen as a foundational institution for forming families and communities. Among the Gbari people, marriage involves both traditional rites and, increasingly, religious (Christian) ceremonies, each with its own expectations and significance.
3. ECWA (Evangelical Church Winning All): ECWA is a major Christian denomination in Nigeria, founded by American missionaries under the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) in the early 20th century. It is evangelical in doctrine and focuses on evangelism, church planting, and discipleship. ECWA emphasizes the authority of the Bible, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and the importance of living a Christian life. In regions like Kwali and Yangoji, ECWA plays a central role in shaping the spiritual lives and moral values of its members.
4. Church Council: A Church Council in ECWA refers to an administrative and spiritual governing body that oversees the activities, doctrines, and decisions within a specific group of local churches. For example, the ECWA Kwali District Church Council (DCC) supervises all Local Church Councils (LCCs) within its district, including Yangoji LCC. Church Councils are responsible for maintaining doctrinal purity, organizing events, resolving disputes, and guiding local congregations in accordance with ECWA’s constitution and biblical principles.
5. Implications: Implications refer to the possible effects, consequences, or outcomes of a particular practice, decision, or belief. In this context, the term “implications” pertains to how Gbari cultural influences on marriage affect Christian couples—whether positively or negatively—especially in areas like marital roles, financial demands, family expectations, and religious obligations.
6. Christian Couples: Christian couples are partners in a marital relationship who profess the Christian faith and aim to live according to the teachings of the Bible. For such couples, marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant instituted by God, characterized by love, mutual respect, fidelity, and spiritual unity. In the context of this study, Christian couples in Yangoji LCC face the unique challenge of harmonizing their faith-based marital values with the cultural expectations of the Gbari community.

Project – Evaluation of Gbari cultural influences on marriage in ECWA kwali District Church Council and it implications for Christian couples in Yangoji LCC FCT Abuja.