11/09/2024
How much dowry can make a Bride-Price?
Dear Saints, the question on “How much dowry can make a bride-price”; has been frequently asked in the Churches in some cultures concern. It was asked in the last family Life Seminar we conducted in Juba, and even here in the media when discussing marriage principles. It is a broad topic of its own that need to be comprehended in biblical, social and economic contexts: to study the role of groom, the role of bride and the role of their parents. However, let me share this hint for this brief and informal discussion.
First of all, the language of the question need correction by obmitting the term “price” which is not that ethical. There is no bride-price, not at all. A lady who is created by the Creator with equal status with man has no price: regardless of quality and quantity of a dowry.
The only highest and equivelant price for the bride is the groom, in theological and anthoropoligical contexts—to be a son-in-law to bride’s parents. Again, the bride-price is the groom. This is not to condemn dowry, provided it is not a conditional demand against marriage ideal. And dowry is not the only thing for a groom to prepare for marriage. A gentleman who have only dowry for marriage (without a budget for settling marriage and management of a new family) is far from readiness to marry. However, the Church has no saying on how much should the dowry be. We only preach spiritual, healthy and peaceful marriage from betroth upto wedding.
In my view, (as someone who experienced marriage of my sons and daughters, and knowing cultural history) the dowry is not a bride-price, even in most cultures where it is being practiced. It is given for four purposes: (1) for appreciation to bride’s parents, (2) for facilitation of marriage services, and (3) for bride’s contribution to leave behind for her permenant departure from parental family, and (4) for the security of a new family for the first few years. Therefore, dowry has nothing to do with the worth of bride.
Because the worth of the bride is groom. According to Bible, marriage is to be held in honor among all. (Hebrew 13:4b).
~~Pastor: Isaiah Malek Garang~~