Facts And Fallacies About Marriage (1)

[Shola Sholaz]

It is virtually impossible to know exactly the number of marriages that take place all over the world daily or weekly. What is certain is that an overwhelming majority of men and women still consider it appropriate to formalise their close relationships one way or another through wedlock.
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Paradoxically, given the tremendous socio- economic, cultural, and ideational changes that occurred globally since the scientific and technological revolutions of the 20th century, divorce has increased exponentially from what it was in previous times when break up of marriage, except on the ground of fornication, was thought to be a grievous sin punishable by God.
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In recent years, several western countries have legitimised homointercourseual or homoerotic union, due mainly to the increasing recognition that serious expression of human intercourseuality and the need for intimacy and companionship transcends traditional, religion-approved, man-woman polarity, and that the choice of marriage partner is fundamentally a personal decision in which the community or state should not interfere. Most African countries are yet to key into the homoerotic world, because they are still rotating within the strong gravitational field of antiquated religions, especially traditional African religion, Christianity, and Islam.
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Last year the Nigerian senate instead of tackling the hydra-headed challenges confronting the country mischievously passed a bill outlawing homoerotic relationships. At any rate, whatever mode is permitted in a given society marriage remains a very important social institution, and it is clear that it would continue in various forms as long as committed personal relationships satisfy some of the deepest physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of human beings.

[Shola Sholaz]