Genesis 15:1–6 and child adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria

Verbum et Ecclesia

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Genesis 15:1–6 and child adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria
 
Creator Ugwuewo, Chisom S. Obiorah, Mary J. Chukwuma, Onyekachi G.
 
Subject Religion; Christian Theology; Exegesis; Hermeneutics Genesis 15:1–6; childlessness; adoption; baby-making industries; Awkunanaw
Description Adoption is a global phenomenon, and many childless couples choose adoption because they cannot have children biologically. Over the years, legally approved orphanages have been a beacon of hope for prospective adoptive parents. However, in contemporary times, many childless couples have employed both legal and illegal means to have children. As a result, baby-making industries have become a lucrative business because it is a fast means for childless couples to have children. In the contemporary Awkunanaw, this practice has devalued socio-cultural practices and made the Awkunanaw society and her dwellers vulnerable to social vices. This study investigates the importance of adopting a child from a known background other than a strange one. Genesis 15: 1–6 tells of God’s covenant with Abram in which God promised him a great reward. Amid the divine promises of greatness and protection, Abram was worried about his state of childlessness. The part of the pericope which relates to this study is that Abram adopted an heir from a known background. The exegetical research methods employed in studying Genesis 15:1–6 include a narrative method and sociological approach to the study of the Old Testament. The data obtained through interviews and secondary sources were analysed using the phenomenological method. The study aims to advocate that Awkunanaw parents who patronise baby-making industries should desist from such practice as it contributes to the prevalence of social vices in the community.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article studies adoption in Awkunanaw, Enugu state, Nigeria, in the light of Abraham’s narrative in Genesis 15:1–6. In Awkunanaw culture, adoption from an unknown background is abhorred. The article submits that adopting children from unknown backgrounds is precarious for the social development and peace of the Awkunanaw community. Hence, the study is a contribution to Old Testament discourses on religion and society. Its related disciplines are sociology, biblical interpretation and practical theology.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor —
Date 2024-11-06
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Indepth Interview; Literary Analysis
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/ve.v45i1.3151
 
Source Verbum et Ecclesia; Vol 45, No 1 (2024); 6 pages 2074-7705 1609-9982
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3151/7885 https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3151/7886 https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3151/7887 https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3151/7888
 
Coverage Enugu Nigeria Ancient and Contemporary Awkunanaw 40-75; Males/Females; Igbo
Rights Copyright (c) 2024 Chisom S. Ugwuewo, Mary J. Obiorah, Onyekachi G. Chukwuma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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