Practice and Perceptions of Wife Abuse among Africans, in the Light of Genesis 3:16

Abstract

Violence against women come in various shades and magnitudes. The menace is of global proportions. The paralyzing effects are humongous, touching every aspect of life, family, and the society. In Africa, the perceptions of wife abuse are grossly influenced by the patriarchal culture in various societies. The practice is known throughout the continent. Notwithstanding the religiosity of most Africans, wife abuse is still rampant among the adherents of various religions despite the peaceful stance of those religions and religionists. For the Christians who follow a peace-promoting, forgiveness-advocating, gentle Leader, what would be the biblical justification for violence against women and wife abuse in particular? The story of creation and the Fall as contained in Genesis 1-3 is relevant. What part of this lends itself to wife subjugation, domination, and abuse? What is contained in the watershed text of Genesis 3:16 that turns wives into violence victims in Christian homes and institutions? This article examines the African practices and perceptions of wife abuse vis-à-vis an exegesis of Genesis 3:16.