Uncoupling sex and heterosexual marriage: A historical-theological critique of the church’s role in sexual politics and gender-based violence in Southern Africa

This paper interrogates the historically entrenched association between sex and heterosexual marriage, particularly through the institutional lens of the Christian Church. Contrary to dominant narratives, it argues that sex and heterosexual marriage are not inherently linked and that the traditional theological framing has led to profound sociocultural and ethical consequences. Many African societies understand heterosexual marriage as the unification of families and not a contract centred on sex or procreation. However, the Church’s doctrine has often conflated sexual relations with marital duty, fostering a culture where sexual consent is obscured and gender-based violence is normalised. The study employs feminist and post-colonial theories to critically examine how the Church’s teachings have shaped gendered power dynamics and the politics of the body. This study adopted a historical-philosophical methodology, drawing on theological and biblical texts, as well as cultural practices and oral traditions, to trace the evolution and impact of these ideas. Furthermore, this study argues that dignity and communality are core values among African communities and that heterosexual marriage is neither contract-based nor prompted by procreation inscription. The paper calls for a decolonised and contextual rethinking of both heterosexual marriage and sexuality.