by Abimbola Orogun

Created on: April 29, 2008

I agree to this topic not because i think it is forgivable sin but because the society where i come from some part of it do not even regard adultery as adultery, they see it as a man trying to be a man.

It is so interesting because some women even get married bearing it in mind that it is one of the things that the man is supposed to do when they see other women chasing after their spouse they feel proud, to them it means that their spouse is complete and attractive. Funny isn't it.

In the typical African Setting, being polygamous is not seen as a sin it is one of the things that is expected of a man, it shows the wealth of the man, his social status, gives him prestige and the women produce lots of children to be used as labors on their fathers farm and heirs to carry on their family names, the number of children a man has is also an evidence of his wealth.

The introduction of Christianity and western education into Africa has totally changed this way of thinking but even this has still not been able to eradicate the belief in most African countries (Nigeria in particular) that a man can have as many affairs as he wants or even marry other women but this is a taboo for a woman. A woman who commits adultery is seen as an outcast, every one condemns her, it is an unforgivable sin because that woman has killed the pride that her husband has in her and has brought shame to her family.

A man sees it as an unforgivable sin and the society, culture, even the church sees it the same way but if a man does it all he has to do is beg for forgiveness from his wife and the wife will forgive him and understand the reasons given to her in this case, the society, culture and even the church will be happy with her, she is seen as a virtuous woman.

So i can actually agree with the opinion that adultery is a forgivable sin if committed by a man and unforgivable if committed by a woman. But it is important to add that it is love that forgives all. It is very important that no matter how strict or how backwards a society is, the relationship between a man and his wife is strictly between them and the decision to either forgive or not forgive each other lies in their ability to understand and trust each other. I believe that the issue of having an affair or committing adultery happens when couples have a break down in communication, don't trust or understand each other any more and most especially when there is no sexual gratification from either of the partners.

i will like to conclude that there is no sin that is not forgivable if there is love, trust and understanding.

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