A-level Divinity questions and answers

“HOSEA and Gomer divorced because of so many problems.” Discuss the causes and effects of divorce in Zimbabwean context? (25)

The above question demands one to discuss the causes and effects of divorce in Zimbabwean context. It is prudent to note that the key reference of this question is the prophet Hosea, who was commissioned to marry the harlot Gomer. The prophet used his lifestyle to deliver the message, it is a belief among biblical students that Hosea was showing the relationship between Yahweh (God) and the Israelites. In Chapter 2 the prophet divorced Gomer due to so many problems which will be highlighted on this ongoing work. In Zimbabwean context, it has been recorded by media that number of so many partners have divorced because of the several problems. Divorces have negative results, including the spread of STIs and children are affected.

Hosea and Gomer divorced perhaps because of Gomer’s unfaithfulness. Gomer was a harlot when Hosea the prophet married her, Hosea thought that Gomer was going to repent, unfortunately she failed. She continued with her lewdness. This is evidenced in Chapter 2:5 For she said, “I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.” As a result, they divorced. All this indicate that Hosea divorced Gomer because of her unfaithfulness.

Media has recorded various issues concerning marriages. Sunday News and Bulawayo24.com records such stories on a daily basis. It has been recorded that a number of partners divorce because of infidelity of their partners. The story of Tafadzwa and Macheso is known by so many people. Bulawayo24.com website on 31st of October 2016 at 07:13 published a certain story which was headlined Nust Student sneaks for sex with neighbour’s wife, as a result the relationship is very sour now. It has also been recorded that a man was divorced by the legal wife after he was suspected to be having an affair with a maid. The victim even wrote on Star FM during the show of Auntie Rhoda and Sekuru Nyathi looking for new woman to marry. All this indicates that divorces in Zimbabwean context, are caused by infidelity .

It is also believed that partners divorce because of infertility. In Zimbabwean context especially in the Ndebele and Shona cultures, it is a belief that whenever one of the partners is infertile drastic measures will be taken, in some cases even divorce is encouraged.

A similar story was published by Sis Noe, in a letter a certain lady in Zimbabwe submitted that she was looking for a serious husband after the aunts of her former husband had chased her away because of being infertile. Aunts oppressed the daughter in law (verbal war). Traditionalists in Zimbabwean society advertise themselves as they will be assisting people who are infertile to save relationships. All this indicates that infertility causes divorces in Zimbabwean context.

Dissatisfaction is one of the major causes of divorces in Zimbabwe. The media has recorded the increase of night clubs where men spend most of their time during the night, perhaps the origin of this will be lack of satisfaction at homes. An example was recorded by Bulawayo24.com, the Private Lounge of Bulawayo and several night clubs in Victoria Falls records that there is lot of activity, some claim that they spend more than two days at these clubs as they will be well satisfied than in their homes. All this leads to divorces, hence showing that dissatisfaction causes divorces.

More examples can be added. For instance irresponsibility and lack of trust.

The divorces in Zimbabwean context, have got negative results. For instance loneliness. In Zimbabwean context it is recorded that men experience loneliness especially when marriages break down.

Victoria Falls is good example. In 2003-2009 ,prostitution was on its peak. As a result, the statistics proved that there were more divorces than engagements. To some point men being divorced by their wives. The divorced being left at home as maids, as result this indicates that divorces have negative results.

Prostitution can be a result of divorce especially when men divorce the women. In some cases women practice prostitution to earn a living, leading to the spread of STIs. All this indicates the effects of divorces N.B More examples can be added like loss of integrity and depression.

Discuss

Witness Dingani is an author, columnist, cricketer. He is the founder of a charity organisation “Dingani Charity Organisation” which was launched to transform the lives of orphans and the vulnerable. He is also studying Theology and Religious Studies at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). He can be contacted on his mobile number +2363777896159 or Facebook page Zimsec A level Divinity Questions and Answers with Witness Dingani.