Investigating Why Frequent Discords Between Spouses in Contemporary Seventh-Day Adventist Church Families in Rwanda: A Qualitative Inquiry.

Abstract

Marital discord is an increasing challenge in contemporary Christian families, despite religious teachings that promote unity, love, and mutual respect in marriage. This qualitative study investigated the causes of frequent discord between spouses in contemporary Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Christian families in the Rwanda Union Mission. The research aimed to: (1) identify the primary causes of discord between spouses in SDA Christian families in Rwanda; (2) evaluate how changes in spiritual commitment and religious devotion over time contribute to marital conflict (3) examine strategies that the Rwanda Union Mission can implement to reduce discord among Christian couples. Data were collected through interviews with SDA couples within Rwanda Union Mission as participants. The findings revealed that the main causes of marital discord include financial stress, miscommunication, differences in spiritual maturity, and evolving gender roles.
Additionally, a decline in spiritual commitment, characterized by reduced participation in church activities and inconsistent family worship, exacerbates marital tensions. Couples who drift away from religious practices often experience increased misunderstandings and emotional disconnection. The strategies to address these issues include promoting regular family worship, strengthening premarital counselling, offering spiritual retreats for couples, and encouraging open communication on matters of faith and family life.