Scriptural Grounds for Child Adoption: A Comprehensive Christian Guide

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Author: Very Rev. Barr. P. Ch. Onyekwere


Introduction

Child adoption is often misunderstood in Christian circles and African societies. Seen sometimes as a last resort, its significance and spiritual foundation are frequently overlooked. This article draws from a paper delivered at the 2017 Methodist Church Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocesan Convention and aims to clarify the scriptural and moral basis of adoption from a Christian viewpoint.


Acknowledgments

Quoting 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you," the author begins with gratitude for divine grace and for the opportunity to address this sensitive topic. He also acknowledges the efforts of the Methodist Church authorities and the Directorate of Evangelism and Discipleship.


Defining Child Adoption

Child adoption is the legal process where parental rights are transferred to individuals who are not the biological parents. It creates a permanent parent-child relationship with all associated rights. Unlike fostering, which is temporary and informal, adoption confers full legal, social, and emotional integration.

Black's Law Dictionary defines adoption as terminating a child’s legal ties to their biological parents and establishing them with adoptive parents.


Reasons for Adoption

  • Infertility
  • Choice to remain childless biologically
  • Desire for specific gender
  • Expanding the family
  • Altruistic love for children
  • Preserving family legacy
  • Old-age companionship
  • Social or cultural expectations

Psalm 127:3-5 underscores children as a divine blessing and heritage.


Cultural Challenges in Nigeria

Infertility in Nigerian culture is often stigmatized, putting pressure on couples. Adoption is rarely the first option and is fraught with social expectations and cultural resistance. In-laws, family, and community often view childlessness as a failure, sometimes leading to marital breakdown or polygamy.

Studies indicate a positive attitude towards adoption, but actual practice remains low due to persistent socio-cultural biases.


Adoption in the Bible

While direct references are limited due to cultural settings during biblical times, the concept is present in many forms:

Old Testament Examples

  1. Abraham and Eliezer – Gen. 15:1-3
  2. Sarai and Hagar’s child – Gen. 16:1-2
  3. Pharaoh's daughter and Moses – Ex. 2:1-10
  4. Rachel/Leah and their maidservants' children – Gen. 30:1-6
  5. Jacob and Joseph’s sons – Gen. 48
  6. Mordecai and Esther – Est. 2:7
  7. Jair in Manasseh – Num. 32:41
  8. Joseph by Heli – Luke 3:23

Levirate Marriages

Deut. 25:5-10 outlines a practice where a brother marries the widow to raise children in the deceased's name—a form of social and legal adoption.


New Testament Theology of Adoption

Adoption in the New Testament is spiritual, indicating believers' transition from bondage to sonship through Jesus Christ.

Key Verses:

  • Romans 8:15
  • Galatians 4:6
  • Ephesians 5:1


Jesus and Children

Jesus valued children and admonished against offending them:

"Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me" – Matthew 18:5

Rejecting children from spiritual and physical care is a direct affront to Christ’s teachings.


Legal Framework for Adoption in Nigeria

Constitutional Basis

Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution: Protects every citizen from discrimination based on birth circumstances.

Child Rights Act (2003)

Part XII (Sections 124-148) provides for adoption. Section 274 ensures this Act overrides any inconsistent state laws.

Adoption Process (Lagos State Example)

  1. Formal application to Youth & Social Development Office
  2. Documentation: IDs, medical fitness, tax clearance, etc.
  3. Interviews, counseling sessions, and social worker assessments
  4. Issuance of authorization to adopt
  5. Legalization at the Family Court

Only a few states like Lagos have fully operational Family Courts.


Conditions Precedent to Adoption

  1. Spiritual Preparedness
    • Prayer and discernment
  2. Family Agreement
    • Spousal consent and readiness
  3. Legal Compliance
    • Avoid illegal adoptions or human trafficking


Conclusion

Adoption is a deeply spiritual, legal, and cultural journey. It is not merely a fallback but an extension of God's own love for humanity. Through adoption, families are formed, legacies are continued, and most importantly, God’s love is made manifest.

Worthy is the Lamb!


References

  1. Aniebue & Aniebue in Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 6, No 1 (2015)
  2. Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition
  3. Fausset's Bible Dictionary
  4. The Child Rights Act 2003
  5. Child Rights Law of Lagos State
  6. Mrs Titi Akinlawon S.A.N., NBA Ikeja Seminar 2015

Contact: Very Rev. Barr. P. C. Onyekwere, Conference Legal Officer
Email: preachkrist@gmail.com

Keywords: Scriptural basis for child adoption, Christian view on adoption, child adoption Nigeria, biblical adoption, Methodist Church Nigeria, child rights act, adoption process Lagos, faith and adoption, New Testament adoption, spiritual adoption in Christianity

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