Retrieval of Moral Values in promoting African Christian Families: A Perspective from Amoris Laetitia

Threats to the Christian moral values in families today is enormous than ever. Materialism, secularism, negative media influences just to mention a few have weakened and destroyed many Christian families. Contemporary society and families focus more on how to attain wealth without considering moral implications. Lack of love is demonstrated through people who have become less empathetic and less concerned for others. In the age of secularism society is becoming less religious and in families parents do not take their responsibility of raising children according to Christian values. The situation is worsened by the negative media influences that convey ungodly attitudes and values to society and families. TV shows, movies, songs, video games, websites and magazines all are threat to Christian family moral values in Africa. In such situation violence is acceptable and disciplining children who disobey their parents is taken as violation of children rights. The paper intends to rediscover the ancient Christian family moral values that helped and sustained the Church and families despite many challenges. It focuses on what the African Christian families have, what they can learn from ancient Christian teachings as bishop Kallistos of Diokleia puts it, “Perfect love is always crucified love” It entails to remain morally stable and relevant to the present age of technology and innovations. Couples in marriage bond are called to continually repent and seek for forgiveness. The paper highlights how family togetherness, prayers, talking about media and encouraging entertainments that promote good values could be used as a channel to transform the Christian families. It explains how true and genuine love, care, respect, tolerance, forgiveness could be adopted as a new way of life to protect the Christian marriages and sustain family life. The paper underlines Christian family moral values from Amoris Letitiea perspective, looking at the role of parents, showing commitment to love, mercy and forgiveness. Christian community has a role to play when it comes to families, how to tackle cultural changes in all aspects which include individualism, loneliness and many others that lead to moral decay in Christian families. The paper will end with conclusion and recommendations.