Finding A Husband And Finding Life?

In Congolese society, heterosexual marriage is a highly regarded institution which is viewed as contributing significantly to the true identities of women. In this book, the author uses Madipoane Masenya (ngwan aMphahlele) s phrases, idolization of marriage and marriage at all costs , as springboards to re-read the story of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible in light of the experiences of Congolese women. The latter, tend to regard marriage as the norm. Persuaded by her commitment to justice, Maleke Kondemo analyses and critiques patriarchy as it has shaped the lives of biblical women (cf the Ruth character in the Hebrew Bible) even as it continues to shape the lives of many Congolese women today. Although in some sense, the Ruth character can be emulated with regard to her sense of independence and her commitment to Naomi, Ruth s commitment to seeking marriage at all costs, makes her not to be a helpful model to the lives of many poor Congolese (Anamongo) women who today trapped in poverty, continue to regard heterosexual marriage as the norm in their search for survival, security, and value.

Autorentext

Maleke Kondemo is a DTh student and a research assistant in the Department of Biblical and Ancient Studies at the University of South Africa. She is a native of D R Congo and the first woman pastor of her church. As a justice-seeking of the Hebrew Scriptures, she deliberately re-reads biblical texts with a view to the affirmation of Congolese women