The influence of extramarital sexual relations on marital stability: A case study of the Anglican diocese of Butere, Kenya

Abstract

Extramarital sex [EMS] is a persistent dialogue and an intriguing phenomenon among nouvelle Christians across the globe. The Anglican church remains perplexed and antagonized by the blooming of unstable marriages as a result of EMS practices and is left in a quandary on how to combat them. Christianity emphasizes fidelity in marriage, and biblically EMS is considered sinful. This study sought to establish the influence of EMS on marriage stability among Christians in the Anglican Diocese of Butere, Kakamega, Kenya, and as a way to devise appropriate measures to mitigate the problem. The study specifically examined the biblical and theological teachings on extramarital sex and proposed effective mitigating measures to curb extramarital sex relations in the Anglican Diocese of Butere, Kakamega, Kenya. The utilitarianism theory guides the study. A descriptive research survey design was adopted, and qualitative and quantitative slants were employed in the methodology. Stratified sampling was used to group the 7175 targeted members into the married, clergy, and church leaders. Purposive random sampling was utilized to select the married, while stratified purposive sampling was employed in clergy selection, giving a representative sample of 348 respondents. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and interviews, while relevant literature was explored to derive secondary data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Explanatory variables were discriminated by the categorical principal of component analysis facilitated by SPSS version 20 software. Qualitative data was analyzed and thematically organized. The study was premised on Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarianism theory. The study found that the biblical teachings on extramarital sex relations were well agreed on, indicating they positively contributed to marital stability, as supported by a coefficient of variation on biblical and theological teachings (r = .334, p-value = 0.000 < 0.05). This study concluded that there existed a moderate positive relationship between the dependent variable (marital stability) and the independent variables (extramarital sexual relationships). From the conclusion, the study derived both policy and practical recommendations based on the specific objectives. The study recommended that biblical and theological teachings should be harmonized with pastoral guidance and counseling to married couples so as to make them well informed of extramarital sexual relationships and why they are discouraged. On providing solutions to extramarital engagements, discipline and self-control were paramount; hence, teachings, guiding, and counseling among victims; preaching of moral behavior; change in natural behavior; and avoiding lust as well as myths regarding extramarital benefits would be ideal. Church leaders should concentrate on building morals.