C.R.

E FORM FOUR LESSON NOTES

UNIT ONE
INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS
1. THE MEANING OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS
 Ethics-the term ethics is derived from the Greek word ethikowhich means custom
or conduct. It is the systematic study of human action to determinetheir rightness or
wrongness.
 Moral –it is derived from Latin word Mores and refers to character or custom and
habit.
 Moral values- Refers to ideas which communities regard to be right or wrong.
 Virtues- these are traits that the society regards to be desirable such as
responsibility, courage, reliability, honesty, integrity and loyalty.
 Vices- refers to behaviour that the society regards unacceptable.
 ChristianEthics- means the study of human conduct andbehaviorfrom Christian
point of view.
 Christian ethics are moral principles thatgovern and influence the lives of
Christians.
 Christian ethics guide Christians in making moral choices .The moral principles
influence a person’sbehavior.

2. THE BASICS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS

 Christians have a moral responsibility to make moral choices that promote the
dignity of the human person and creation of a just society.
 Unlike other creatures, human beings have the power and ability to make moral
choices because they are moral beings.
 Christians ethics are based on principles that are derived from the following:
 Human reason and experience
 Sacred scripture (the Bible)
 The Christian community.
 Natural law
 Situation ethics.
a. Human reason and experience
 Christians may rely on human reason and experience in order to make moral
decisions and choices.
 Reason is an intellectual characteristic of human beings by which they arrive at
correct decisions.
 In using human reason and experience to make moral choices, human beings are
guided by both internal and external guides.
i. Internal guides
 It comprises of: conscience, knowledge, and free will/reason, feelings and intuition.
 Conscience: This is the human mind involved in making practical judgement
in human actions as being good or bad, right or wrong.

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 Knowledge and free will/reason: These are internal guides that enable a
normal person to make moral decisions.
 Intuition: Refers to our ability to know something using our inner feelings
or insight with no consideration of facts. It is used to make decisions that
require immediate response especially when one is faced with danger.
 Feelings:Theseare emotions like fear, hope, love and consciousness of right
or wrong. Feelings are subjective and may lead one to make a wrong
decision for they are not based on reason.
ii. External guides
 They are as follows:
 Our experience of human nature
 Evidence of the universe in which we live. The evidence of the universe
proves that there exists a living and powerful God.
 Authoritative persons to guide us to make moral decisions. They include
parents, teachers, the police, civil leaders, philosophers and religious
leaders.
 Rules written or oral. These include statutory and customary laws and
taboos.
b. Sacred scriptures (The Bible)
 The Bible provides laws which are guidelines for Christian living.
 The Bible challenges Christians to lead good moral Christian lives, pleasing God.
 Jesus is presented in the NT as perfect. Christians are expected to emulate it.
 Christians should have faith in God which should direct their behaviour.
 The Bible stresses love to be the basic moral principle to guide Christian conduct.
 Christians should be well conversant with the Bible if it has to be a guide for
Christian living.
c. The Christian community
 Christian community is the body of believers past and present together with their
administrative structures.
 It is the role of the church leadership under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to
provide moral guidance to the members.
 The guidance of the Christian community protects church members from
irresponsible interpretation of the scripture regarding moral issues.
 Students should avoid new religious groups that distort the message of the Bible
and mislead people.
d. Natural law
 Natural law is the awareness that one has to choose good and avoid evil.
 The concept of natural law assumes there are natural laws of human behaviour.
 These laws are accessible to anyone who cares to observe the world and reflect on
its happenings.
 To Christians, natural law is the law of God and it is imparted on human beings.
 Christians believe that Holy Spirit inspires them to know what is right and what is
wrong.

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e. Situation Ethics
 Situation ethics implies the reasoning that the rightness or wrongness of an act
depends on the uniqueness of the situation.
 Situation ethics may be applied when a wrong deed is done in order to achieve a
good end. For example, one way lie to criminals that a parent is not in in order to
save his/her life.
 Christians should be very careful in applying situation ethics as a guide for moral
decision.
 Situation ethics require that a person be very well informed.

3. CHRISTIAN VALUES THAT ENHANCE CREATION OF A JUST SOCIETY

 A just society is where there is peace & harmony and moral values and the rule of
law.

These values include:

a. Love
 Love refers to affection and tender devotion to something and deep concerns for the
welfare others.
 God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments to show them how to love Him and
also one another.
 God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for His
people.
 Jesus demonstrated His love for people by mixing with sinners, feeding the hungry
and healing the sick.
 Christians are expected to show God’s love to others through selfless service to the
needy, acting with justice and promoting peace.
b. Honesty/Reliability/Faithfulness
 Honesty is the ability to tell the truth and carry out one’s commitment without
deceit.
 Honesty is related to reliability and faithfulness.
 God commands us to be honest with ourselves and in our dealings with other
people.
 When we are honest, we are also reliable and faithful.
c. Justice/Fairness
 Justice is seen in situations in which people are treated equally without
discrimination.
 Justice is one of the attributes of God.
 Christians should follow God’s teachings on justice. They should treat all people as
equal since all are created in God’s image and likeness.
d. Respect
 Respect means to recognize other people’s rights, status and circumstances.
 God commands us to respect other people especially our parents.
 Christians are expected to show respect to God, others and themselves.
 They are also expected to respect their work and resources under their care.

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e. Humility
 Humility is the acknowledgement of one’s qualities, abilities and inadequacies. It is
also accepting one’s strengths and weaknesses.
 The bible teaches that when we are humble, we will get riches and honour.
 Christians should humble themselves by serving others without reservation.
f. Perseverance/Persistence
 To persevere/ persist is to show determination and endurance in pursuing a good
goal.
 Persevering/persistent person does not give up however challenging a situation
may be.
 Abraham Moses and prophets showed persistence in their enduring faith and trust
in God.
 Jesus taught the disciples to be persistent in prayer.
 Christians should be persistent in their faith in Jesus.
 They should persist in their responsibilities by working hard for Jesus Christ and
their communities.
g. Chastity
 Chastity is a state of being pure physically, spiritually and mentally.
 It also implies having good sexual morals, avoiding sex before marriage and
remaining faithful in marriage.
 A chaste person respects his/her body and does not engage in risky sexual
behaviour.
 The Bible teaches people to remain chaste.
 The Bible condemns sexual evils such as adultery, fornication rape incest,
prostitution and bestiality.
 Christians should remain chaste by avoiding immoral sexual activities.
 They should honour God with their bodies which are God’s temple.

4. LIFE SKILLS
 Refers to the ability that helps people to develop positive behaviour so that they are
able to deal effectively with demands and challenges of everyday life.
 These abilities therefore assist people to deal with issues in a constructive and
effective way.
 They also help them to gain confidence in themselves, with other people and with
the community.

Life skills are as follows:

a. Critical Thinking
 Refers to the ability to analyze and make value judgments about a situation.
 It demands that we explore the possibilities of doing a task in more than one way.
 It is expressing a person’s independentjudgment after evaluating or analyzing a
situation.
 Critical thinking is used in situations such as: in exams when answering questions,
challenging students who want to break school rules.

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 We can use critical thinking to create a just society by doing the following:
 Challenging and exposing all evils in the society.
 Providing constructive criticism to leaders in the government and society.
 Critical thinking is important in shaping our independent thinking and judgement.
 We should apply critical thinking in everything that we do.

b.Creative Thinking
 Involves coming up with new ways and ideas of dealing with situations or issues.
 It requires imagination and originality of thought.
 Creative thinking is normally applied in essay writing, art and design, debates,
poetry, games and sports, in drama clubs and societies.
 People who use this skill are able to come up with new ideas and are inspired to
express their original thoughts.
 The artists, designers, cooks, scientists, cooks, writers and farmers are examples of
people who use creative thinking.
 God has given us the gift of creative thinking, therefore we should use the life skill
to develop ourselves and for the improvement of the life of other people.

c. Decision Making
 This is the process of making up one’s mind in order to reach a conclusion or a
resolution.
 It involves making a choice among several options.
 To make a decision requires courage and insight.
 Every decision made has its positive or negative consequences.
 We should learn to make responsible decisionbecause they help us in the following
ways:
 To solve conflicts and misunderstandings.
 To achieve our set goals.
 To choose the right friends.
 Good decisions made by our leaders and politicians are likely to bring peace and
prosperity among people.
 Bad decisions are likely to bring conflict and tribal animosity among people.
 We should always make good decisions so that we can live a fulfilled life.
 We should only make those decisions that are beneficial to our lives and to other
people.

d.Self-esteem
 Refers to way we feel about ourselves.
 It is an awareness of an individual attitudes and values.
 It also refers to how we respect and admire ourselves as individuals and the
confidence we have.
 Self-esteem influences our actions towards others and what we achieve in life.
 The following can make one feel confident and build up self-esteem:
 Accepting challenges and trying out new ideas.
 Developing healthy relationships with other people.
 Believing oneself and one’s abilities.

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 Demanding one’s rights and refusing to be punished.

 People with high levels of self-esteem are confident and focused. They aim at
achieving set goals, and are therefore result oriented.
 We should work hard to build our self-esteem and self-worth.

e. Assertiveness
 Refers to the way of expressing ones feelings or desires openly.
 It involves knowing what you what and why.
 It is also the ability to take the necessary steps to achieve what you want.
 Assertive people are aware of their rights and demand for them when they are
violated.
 Assertive people have high levels ofself-confidence, self-worth and self-esteem.
 Assertive people work hard to achieve set goals in life.

Examples of situations where assertive skills is applied:

 Refusing to start a family before completing your education.
 Refusing to bow down to peer-pressure.
 Convincing your parents that you need to do your homework before doing
housework.
 Assertiveness implies expressing our views while respecting those of others.

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UNIT TWO
CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO HUMAN SEXUALITY

1. DEFINITION OF HUMAN SEXUALITY

 Human sexuality refers to the state of being male or female , boys or girls,men
or women and the relationship that exist between the two sexes.
 Sexuality is not sex although sex in an integral component of sexuality.
 We can use the following to distinguish a man from a woman:
 The way the dress, talk, behave and their physical appearance.
 Games they play.
 The role they play
 In today’s world, men and women are gradually performing the same roles. There
are no longer jobs for men or for women and no specific games for men and women.
 The biological differences determine the roles that men and women play in the
society. E.g. women conceive and give birth while men are father to children and
heads of household, women perform household chores while men go hunting and
provide security.
 We should accept our sexually as sacred and as a gift from God.

2. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTING OF HUMAN SEXUALITY

 It is sacred because it is ordained by God
 The purpose of human sexuality is to pass on the gift of life i.e. procreation.
 Virginity is highly valued and respected. A girl who breaks her virginity before
getting married stands the danger of being married off as a second wife to an old
man.
 Matters concerning sex are not discussed openly .i.e.It is a taboo to discuss sex
matters feely.
 Sex education is taught to young people by their grandparents, who are
experienced, Knowledgeable and has ample time.
 Boy and girls are not allowed to mix freely except under strict supervision.
 Work is shared depending on age sex, gender and status.
 Sex is allowed only in marriage.
 During initiation young people are taught about the mysteries of womanhood and
manhood.
 Polygamy was allowed to avoid sexual immorality.
 African communities valued chastity. Therefore, pre-martial and extra marital sex
was highly condemned.

3.CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON HUMAN SEXUALITY

 Human sexuality originates from God and therefore is sacred.
 Being male or female is God ‘s gift to humankind

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 Man and woman are created in the image of God.

 Both are equal before God and should live in love and harmony.
 Sex is allowed only in marriage.
 The purpose of sex is to procreate and pass life.
 Sexual immorality is highly condemned.
 Virginity is highly valued.
 The role of male and female is to complement each other, i.e. they were created for
mutual help.
 Chastity is encouraged.
 Man and woman are created for companionship.
4. MALE/FEMALE RELATIONSHIP IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICE.
 Young children interact freely under their mothers care because they are not aware of their
physical sexual differences.
 Boys stay with their fathers and girls with their mothers and learn through observation and
imitation.
 At puberty boys and girls are not allowed to mix freely without supervision. They are taught
sex education separately.
 Boys and girls undergo initiation rites where they are trained on adulthood responsibilities.
 At maturity boys and girls are expected to marry and bring forth children.
 Young adults relate feely as husband wife and as mother and father to their children. At old
age they earn respect as grandparents.
 In old age they become custodians of the family values and customs.
 In old age the couple stops active sexual life.
 Older men are allowed to marry other wives.
 A widow was inherited by a brother of late husband or any suitable relative chosen by the
clan.
 At old age, they earn respect as grandparents.

5. CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON MALE/FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS.

 Both male and female were created by God in His image and likeness. Genesis 1:27
 Men and women are co-creators withGod. They have a duty and responsibility to pass on
the gift of life through procreation.
 Both men and women are created to complement each other.
 Both men and women are created for companionship.
 The union of male and female is confirmed in marriage.
 Divorce is discouraged. (Matthew 5:31-32).
 Only monogamy is allowed. (1Corinthians 7:2).
 Husbands and wives should not deny each other their conjugal rights because none of them
has powers over his/her body.(1Corinthians 7:3-5)
 Husbands and wives are subject one another out of relevance for Christ. (Ephesians 5:2).
 The husband is the head of the family but should love his wife and treat her well.(Ephesians
5:22-29).
 Sexual immorality is highly condemned.

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UNIT THREE
RESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
1. CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON RESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
 Responsible sexual behavior Refers to a healthy social relationship between boys and girls,
men and women and husbands and wives.
 During this period of growth to adulthood the youths are expected to abstain from sexual
relationships until they are married.
 Schools and churches offer opportunities for boys and girls to interact. For example:
 Organizing music and drama festivals involving both boys and girls.
 Organizing inter-schools symposiums in various subjects.
 Organizing inter-schools games and sports.
 Organizing Christian rallies, crusades and young camps.
 It is normal and natural for boys and girls to meet.
 Such opportunities should be used by the youth to exchange ideas, share their successes,
failures, happiness and ambitions.
 It would be wrong for the young to abuse such occasions by engaging in immoral acts.

Guidelines that may help the boys and girls to lead responsible sexual life
i. Avoid physical contact such as kissing and hugging.
ii. Avoid conversations on topics that are sexually suggestive.
iii. Dwell on positive thoughts about your special friend as a way of controlling your desires as
Saint Paul advises.(Philippians 4:8)
iv. Avoid meeting in lonely and isolated places.
v. Avoid social functions suchdiscos and parties that may create room for sexual abuse.
vi. Avoid visiting each other frequently.
vii. Avoid pornographic literature, films and music.
viii. Seek guidance from Christian leaders and counselors on your relationship.
ix. Study the Bible teachings on sex.
x. Pray for Gods guidance.

NB/Christianity clearly spells out the relationship between a husband and wife. The
relationship is that of respect,love,faithfulness,care,mercy,submission,tolerance and
forgiveness on one another.

2. CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON IRRESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND THEIR EFFECTS:

 Irresponsible sexual behavior Refers to misuse and abuse of sex.
 Forms of irresponsible sexual behavior include the following:
i. Incest
ii. Rape
iii. Fornication
iv. Adultery
v. Homosexuality
vi. Prostitution
vii. Masturbation
viii. Bestiality

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a. Incest
 Refers to sexual intercourse between people who are closely, e.g. between brother
and sister or a father and a daughter. It is condemned in the Bible. It is a serious
offence and punishable by (Leviticus 20:11-21). Incest is caused by the following
 Permissiveness in the society.
 Abuse of alcohol in the society.
 Sharing of the same rooms.
 Decline in moral values.
 Incest has the following effects:
 It undermines healthy relationships among family members involved.
 It creates shame and guilt among the parties involved.
 It destroys relationships within the family and leads to divorce.
 It destroys human dignity, self-respect and self-esteem of the victim.
 It may lead to contracting sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.
 It may lead to pregnancy and abortion.
 Boys and girls abused may never establish a healthy relationship with
members of the opposite sex.
 Incest is unacceptable to Traditional African and Christian moral principles and
those girls and boys who are sexually molested should report to their pastors and
their adult members of the family.

b. Rape
 This is an act of forcing another to have sexual intercourse without her or his concent.
 Rape is a crime because of the following reasons:
 It is an act of gender violence.
 Denies and violet the rights of the victim.
 It is an act of hatred towards the victim.
 It is a weapon of destruction and humiliation of the victim.
 Rapists are punished by death in traditional African communities.
 Rape defiles a Christian’s body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
 Rape has the following effects:
 It causes serious physical injuries.
 There is danger of contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS.
 It leads to psychological torture, e.g. withdrawal, feelings of bitterness, shame
embarrassment and loneliness.
 It leads to post traumatic stress disorder.
 There is a possibility of pregnancy and abortion.
 There is risk of death.
 It leads to self- pity, depression and suicide.
 Rape is a serious offence as it violates the rights of the victim.
 Both the church and the government should condemn rape as immoral and sinful and should
educate people on the equality and dignity of all human beings.
 Rape victims should ensure they go for medical treatment and report the matter to the police
and other important people in their lives.

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c. Fornication
 Refers to sexual intercourse between unmarried people.
 It is an act of irresponsible sexual behavior and is condemned by both traditional African
society and Christian teaching.

Factors that lead people to engage in pre-marital sex.

i. Human weakness.
ii. Sexual curiosity.
iii. Proving manhood.
iv. Testing fertility.
v. Fear of being jilted.
vi. Poverty.
vii. Availability of contraceptives.
viii. Peer pressure.
ix. Influence from both print and electron media.
x. Frustration
xi. Unemployment
xii. Decline in traditions.
xiii. Drugs and alcohol.

Effects of fornication.
i. Birth of children out of wedlock.
ii. Feeling of hurt
iii. Feeling of distress.
iv. Guilt feelings.
v. Contracting HIV/AIDs and STI’s.
vi. Loss of self-respect.
vii. Early and forced marriage.
viii. Abortion.

Assignment
-Discuss the remaining forms of irresponsible sexual behavior & make notes.

WAYS THROUGH WHICH THE CHURCH PROMOTES RESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR.

i. Through preaching on responsible sexual behavior.
ii. Through condemning all forms of irresponsible sexual behavior.
iii. By organizing seminars on family life education for different target groups.
iv. Through incorporating a topic on human sexuality in the social curriculum.
v. By providing guidance and counseling services to the youth and married couples.
vi. By formalizing marriages.
vii. By publishing Christian literature on family life and the sanctity of sex.
viii. By providing recreational facilities and activities for the youth.

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SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS(S TI’s)&HIV/AIDS.

The most common diseases are sexually transmitted are:

 Gonorrhea.
 Syphilis.
 AIDS.

(i)Gonorrhea.
Caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhea.

Symptoms.
i. There is a feeling of discomfort inside the penis.
ii. Pain when passing urine.
iii. Smelly yellow discharge through the penis and vagina.
iv. Headache.
v. Severe pain in the lower abdomen.
vi. Frequent urination.
vii. Fever.

Effects.
i. Sterility in both men and women i.e. the germs may infect the fallopian tubes in women
blocking them totally.
ii. Can cause blindness in a new born baby if the mother was infected with the disease.
iii. Arthritis i.e. infection of the borne.
iv. Ectopic pregnancy due to the narrowing of the fallopian tubes as a result of the scars
formed after the infection. This means that the fertilized egg cannot pass down to the uterus
but is implanted on the side of the tubes.Later the tube bursts causing internal bleeding. The
bleeding may lead to death if not discovered in time.

(ii)Syphilis.
Caused by bacteria germs which survive only in moist conditions e.g. Vagina,urethra,anus,mouth
and in sores. Sexual contact with or kissing an infected person can lead to infection.

Symptoms.
i. A painless sore or pimple appears in the man’s penis or on the woman’s vulva and also
under the tongue two or six weeks after the infection.
ii. Swelling of the glands in the groin.
iii. A distinct feeling of being unwell.
iv. The sore may heal itself making the victim think he/she is well but only to reappear.
Mouths later showing skin rashes and spots on the face,armpit,under breasts,mouth and
throat.

Effects.
 Liver infection.
 Destruction of the testicles.

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 Paralysis due to infection of the spinal cord.

 If an expectant mother has the disease, it attacks the placenta and the feotus causing a
miscarriage, stilling birth, or baby being born is infected with the disease.
 Madness.
 Death of the victim.

(iii) HIV/AIDS
It is a condition whereby the body is rendereddefenseless to common diseases such as colds,
coughs and any other. it is caused by the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) which attacksthe
body ‘s defense cells (white blood cells) eventually killing them. This is the most dangerous of the
sexually transmitted infections known to humankind.It is terminal in all cases because it has no
known cure

How HIV/AIDS is spread

 Sexual contact with a person infected with HIV.
 From an infected mother to her child while in the womb, during birth or breast feeding.
 Blood transfusion from an infected person.
 HIV contaminated instruments used for cutting &piercing e.g.needles, razor blades and
knives during circumcision.

SYMPTOMS
 Swelling of the glands in the neck, armpits&groin
 A feeling of tiredness lasting for weeks without apparent cause.
 Loss of appetite and weight of atunusually fast rate,five Kgs in 2 months.
 Fever lasting several weeks.
 Night sweating.
 Diarrhoea which lasts two or more weeks.
 Skin diseases.
 Prolonged cough and shortness of breath.

IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS
 Increase in Aids orphans as more adults continue to die from the disease.
 The burden of caring is shifted to grandparents.
 Increases the medical expenses as the person is often sick.
 The economic contribution of the sick person is drastically reduced.
 The Aids patient eventually dies and this brings sorrow to the family.
 AIDS attacks the most sexually active and economically productive members of the family
the society (15-50yrs).
 Death from Aids in familyincreases poverty in the household if the bread-winner has been
infected.
 Children may drop out of school to seek employment in order to support the family.
 People living with Aids often experiences loneliness, isolation and hopelessness.
 People, living with aids often experience guilt feelings and may think that God is punishing
them for wrong doing.
 People living with Aid May be discriminated upon in their work place and may not be hired
for jobs.

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 People living with Aids may be denied the basic human right. They may be denied the right
to travel, marry and have children,employment and further education.

HOW THE CHURCH IS RESPONDING TO HIV/AIDS CHALLENGES.

 Giving hope and love to the infected persons
 Training the clergy to acquire knowledge & skills on how to prepare and offer educational
programsthat educate all people about the dangers of S.T.I and Aids.
 Being actively involved in working with parents to educate children and adolescents on the
need for responsible sexual behavior.
 Counseling those who are already Hiv-postive to the change their sexual behavior in order
to minimize re-infection and the spreading of the virus to other people.
 Helping those who are at risk but not yet infected to see the need to avoid infection by
reframing from promiscuoussexualrelations.
 providing material support in terms of food,clothing ,medicine to people living with
HIV/AIDS .
 Facilitating the infected and the affected with job opportunities or incomegenerating
projects so that they can support themselves.
 Advocating for the protection of the human rights of the people living with HIV/AIDS

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UNIT FOUR
MARRIAGE
1. THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE

Marriage is an agreement between a man and a woman who decide to have a lasting relationship as
husband and wife. It is social affair and involves other members of the community. Marriages may be
civil, religious or customary. Types of marriages in traditional communities include: monogamy,
polygamy and polyandry.

Reasons why people marry

i. To express their mutual love and comfort.

ii. To procreate and bring up children.
iii. To enhance the unity of the couple and the families involved.
iv. To promote the social status of the couple.
v. To provide happiness as husband and wife.
vi. To experience personal fulfillment through sexual union.

Forms of marriage in Kenya today

 Church marriages
 Civil marriages
 Customary marriages
 Islamic marriage
 Hindu marriages
2. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF MARRIAGE

 Marriage is for procreation and continuity of human race.

 Marriage is rite of passage that everyone must undergo.
 Marriage is sealed through the payment of dowry.
 Polygamy is allowed.
 Wife inheritance is practiced.
 Divorce is rare.
 Marriage is not allowed among members of the same clan.
 It promotes the social status of those involved.
 Marriage is not complete without children.
 The wife is subordinate to the husband but has her established rights.

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In what ways are children important in marriage?

 Children promotes the social status of their parents i.e. the more children a man has the
more respect he is accorded.
 Children are bond of unity between the husband and wife.
 Children are a source of labour to the family.
 They are a source of wealth to the family e.g. daughters fetch a lot of bride wealth for their
parents when they get married.
 Sons are heirs to family wealth i.e. the birth of a son is seen as great blessings to the family
as daughters do not have rights to inherit family wealth.
 Children take care of their parents when they get old and they have a duty to give them a
decent burial.
 Children are a source of security.
Reasons for practicing polygamy in African traditional communities

 Polygamy raises the social status of the family.

 If the first wife is barren.
 Polygamy ensures that every woman has an opportunity to get married.
 To ensure that there is always someone around to help in times of need e.g. when one wife
gives birth, there are other wives to nurse her and care for her other children.
 It prevents unfaithfulness especially on the part of a man e.g. if one of the wives is sick or
nursing a baby, the man has other wives to fulfill his sexual needs.
 Polygamy contributes to effective family planning i.e. it is a taboo for a nursing mother to have
sexual intercourse with her husband.
Under what circumstances was divorce allowed by African communities?

 If either the husband or wife is proved to be greedy, selfish, lazy, a thief, or wizard.
 If the wife is barren.
 If the wife commits adultery.
 If the husband or wife has failed to undergo initiation rituals before marriage such as
circumcision.
 If one of the partners develops serious illness such as madness, epilepsy or leprosy.
 If the girl is discovered not to be a virgin on the wedding day.
 Continued cruelty from the husband which may be due to drunkardnes.
 If the marriage is contrary to the customs of the people e.g. if the two are closely related by
blood and this discovered after marriage.
Assignment: explain why marriage in traditional African communities is a covenant.

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3. CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS ON MARRIAGE

Christian marriage refers to the covenant between a man and a woman who promises loyalty to each
other before the presence of Christian witnesses.

The following are the main Christian teachings on marriage:

 Marriage is a divine institution i.e. is ordained by God. E.g. during creation, God created man
and commanded them to be joined together in matrimony. Genesis 2:24.
 Marriage is for procreation, Gen 1:28
 Marriage is for companionship Gen 2:18.
 Marriage is for fulfillment of mutual love. Ephesians 5:27-33.
 Marriage is a remedy against sin i.e. married couples fulfills their conjugal rights 1 Corinthians
7:4.
 Christian marriages should monogamous. Matthew 19:5-14.
 Marriage should be permanent. Mark 10:1-12.
 Marriage is complete with or without children.
ASSIGNMENT: what should couples do in order to ensure a healthy and stable marriage?

1. Effective Communication
 Open Dialogue: Regularly share thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment.
 Active Listening: Practice listening to understand, not just to respond.

2. Mutual Respect
 Value Each Other: Recognize and appreciate each other’s opinions, preferences, and boundaries.
 Support Individuality: Encourage each other’s personal growth and interests.

3. Quality Time Together

 Prioritize Togetherness: Set aside regular time for activities that both partners enjoy.
 Create Rituals: Establish traditions or routines that strengthen the bond, like date nights.

4. Conflict Resolution
 Address Issues Promptly: Tackle disagreements as they arise rather than letting them fester.
 Stay Calm: Approach conflicts with a calm demeanor to facilitate constructive discussions.

5. Shared Goals and Values

 Discuss Future Plans: Align on important life goals, such as finances, family planning, and career
aspirations.
 Understand Values: Ensure both partners understand and respect each other’s core values.

6. Emotional Support
 Be There for Each Other: Provide comfort and support during difficult times, being each other’s
confidant.
 Show Affection: Regularly express love and appreciation through words and actions.

7. Financial Transparency
 Discuss Finances: Be open about financial situations, budgets, and spending habits.

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 Plan Together: Work together on financial goals and budgeting to avoid misunderstandings.

8. Maintain Intimacy
 Physical Affection: Prioritize physical intimacy and affection to strengthen emotional bonds.
 Emotional Connection: Foster emotional intimacy by sharing vulnerabilities and dreams.

9. Seek Help When Needed

 Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or therapy if issues arise that are difficult
to manage alone.
 Support Networks: Engage with friends and family for additional support and perspectives.

10. Commitment to Growth

 Learn Together: Explore new experiences, hobbies, or interests together to keep the relationship
dynamic.
 Be Flexible: Adapt to changes and challenges as a team, reinforcing the commitment to each
other.

4. SECULAR APPROACHES TO MARRIAGE

i. Marriage is not compulsory in the secular society i.e. some people may decide not to marry due
to personal or social reasons.
ii. Marriage is considered complete even without children. Some people also opt to have children
without getting married.
iii. Monogamy is emphasized due to economic reasons.
iv. Husband and wife are equal partners in the marriage. This change in attitude has been
influenced by factors such as women’s liberation movement which advocates for gender equity
and equality.
v. The choosing of a marriage partner is individual.
vi. Bride-wealth has been commercialized and is negotiated in reference to factors such as the
educational level of the girl and the kind of career/job she is pursuing. In some cases bride-
wealth is demanded at all.
vii. Qualities emphasized are external beauty, financial and social status of the prospective groom.
viii. Cases of separation and divorce are high.
ix. In the modern society, many married couple prefers few children due to economic and social
factors.
x. Today inter-ethnic marriages are common because of migration and interaction in schools.
Colleges, work place and churches.
xi. Some people today opt for civil marriages.
xii. Today some people live together without going through a formal marriage. This is called
cohabitation or ‘come we stay’.

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5. PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE

a) Traditional African practice

Preparation for marriage in traditional African communities involves several processes such as choosing
a marriage partner, betrothal and courtship and the wedding ceremony.

i. Choosing a marriage partner

There are different customs, methods and procedures used in finding partners for marriage in
traditional African communities.

Arrangement by parents

 In some communities, the choice is made by the parents and this may be done even before
the children of are born. This is common among the Maasai of Kenya.
 Parents may spot a good girl/boy in another family and interest their sons/daughters. This
interest may be enhanced by inviting the families to meet so that the boy and the girl may
interact without feeling embarrassed.
 If the two accept the friendship, the parents of both sides strengthen the arrangements.
 The method shows the social importance of marriage especially for the families involved.
 The arranged marriages save the children the unnecessary worry of having to make decision
for themselves.

Choice by partners

 In this case, a boy meets an attractive girl at a social function and indicates to her that he
would like to marry her, or if he is shy he asks a friend to do it for him.
 Before the parents’ consent, they whether the girl is of good character, comes from a
reputable family which does not have a history of violence witchcraft, insanity, strange
diseases or are related by blood.
 Depending on their findings the parents may approve or disapprove the relationship.

Choice through intermediary

 In this case the parents of the boy identify a girl for their son through an intermediary.
 The intermediary is usually a close and trusty relative who finds out all about the girl and her
family and reports back to the boy’s parents. If they agree marriage negotiations begin.

Other ways of choosing marriage partners in some communities include:

 Senior or first wives choose a wife for their husbands.

 Levirate marriage (window inheritance).
 Girls are given out to chiefs and kings as gifts by their subjects.
 There are cases where a debtor gives his wife to a creditor in order to repay a debt.
Qualities of a good wife

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i. Hardworking
ii. Fertile
iii. Morally upright
iv. Kind
v. Obedient
vi. Humble
vii. Faithful
viii. Beautiful
ix. Polite
x. Generous
xi. Warm-hearted
xii. Welcoming to guests
xiii. Clean
Qualities of good husband

 Able to provide good leadership for the family

 Aggressive
 Courageous
 Brave
 Wise responsible
 Good manager of property

i) Betrothal and courtship

Betrothal refers to the formal engagement between a boy and a girl while courtship refers to the period
between engagement and the time the actual wedding ceremony takes place

Significance of this period

 It helps in identifying a suitable marriage partner.

 The two families engage in marriage negotiations, establish a firm relationship.
 The boy and girl have an opportunity to learn one another’s character and know their families.
This is a challenge to our youth today who hurry to marry before getting to learn one another.
 It offers an opportunity to check and establish whether the boy and the girl are related by blood.
 It cements and strengthens the relationship between the two families through exchange of gifts,
mutual visits and the sharing of food and drinks.
 It gives enough time for the two families to negotiate and pay the bride price.
 Boys and girls are instructed in family life education where they are taught their duties and
responsibilities.

ii) Wedding ceremony

This varies from one community to another. In some communities, the ceremony may last several
days and is marked by rituals.

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Example of marriage ceremonies

 A mock attack is staged on the family or relatives of the bride so as to capture the bride and take
her home to her future husband.
 The man runs away with the engaged girl as though they are eloping.
 When the day for the wedding is set, relatives and friends of the groom visit the bride’s home
and the young man receives hey ceremoniously. The girl is then escorted to the boy’s house.
B) The Christian practice

Preparation for marriage in in the Christian context is based on the teachings of the Bible and the
church. Most marriage preparations occur after a couple announces to the church authorities their
intention to marry. It involves the following processes: choosing marriage partner, courtship and
marriage ceremony.

i) Choosing a marriage partner

Although physical appearance may be an important consideration in choosing a marriage partner, there
are qualities that are more important which are the following.

 Commitment to one faith. (2 Corinthians 6:15).

 Moral uprightness
 Common interest
 Ability to provide for the family
 Education management of family finances
 Health status

ii) Betrothal and courtship

Most churches do not give definite guidelines on how this should be done. After betrothal, courtship
starts and this period which may last a few months or a few years is important in the sense that it gives
intending couples time to study each other and make necessary preparation before the actual wedding.

Guidelines on how intending couples should behave during courtship period

 To remain chaste until the time they are formally married in church.
 To avoid visiting each other frequently as doing this may interfere with one’s personal work,
programs and responsibilities.
 To avoid jealousy when one’s special friend mixes with the opposite sex i.e. one should have
trust in his/her partner.
 To seek good and objective advice especially from those who are older and more experienced
than themselves.
 To commit themselves to prayer and the power of the power of the holy spirit in their
relationship.
 Seek counsel on issues pertaining to the number of children, spacing use of contraceptives and
how to manage family finances.

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iii) The wedding ceremony

 A Christian wedding ceremony usually takes place in a church building. The ceremony is
presided over by an ordained minister (priest/pastor).
 On the wedding day the, the bride is escorted by her parents and relatives and is officially
handed over to the groom.
 During the church ceremony, hymns are sung, relevant Bible verses are read, and the sermon
delivered by the presiding priest/pastor.
 The couples exchange vows in which the promise to be loyal and faithful to each other even in
sickness and health, in riches and poverty until death separates them.
 In some churches the couple exchange rings while in others they light a candle as a sign of
sealing the marriage covenant.
 The couples also sign a marriage certificate as needed by the state.
 After the church ceremony the couples may host a reception for invited guests and relatives.
There is feasting and merry making.
 They receive gifts from parents, friends and relatives.
 Afterwards the couple may go on honeymoon or move to their home immediately to begin their
married life.

6. CELIBACY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO MARRIAGE

The word ‘celibacy’ is derived from a Latin word ‘caelibatus’ which means a state of being unmarried.
Some Christians decide not to get married due to the following reasons:

 To dedicate their lives to prayer and the worship of God.

 To dedicate themselves to the work of charity by taking care of less fortunate.
 To go by the doctrine of some churches.
 To follow the example of Jesus.
 Career demands
 Lack of guidance and counseling on marriage i.e. some people are ignorant of the fulfillment and
the joy that exists in marriage.
 Discouragement from failing marriages: Children, who grow up in family where a husband and
wife are always quarreling, may lose interest in marriage.
 Poor health: sickness experienced by some young people such as mental diseases, epilepsy and
impotence may stop them from getting married
 Financial constraints.
 Economic independence
 Parental interference
 Disappointing relationship
 Peer influence
Reasons why the church is opposed to gay marriages

 It is an abuse of the sacredness of sex.

 It does not lead to procreation which is one of the purposes of marriage.

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 It interferes with Gods intension for marriage between a man a woman

 It lowers the dignity of human beings
 It is condemned in the Bible
 It may lead to sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.
 Sexual fulfillment can only be realized between members of the opposite sex.
 It is against the laws nature.

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UNIT FIVE
THE FAMILY
1. DEFINITION OF THE FAMILY
A family is the basic unit of human society. In all human societies, a family comprises a father, a mother,
children and other members living together. A family has its foundation in marriage where a husband
and wife begin a new life with ultimate aim of starting a family through the children born to them. The
goal of a family is the personal fulfillment of its members who include the husband and wife, children
and other members living as part of the family.

The goal of a family is the fulfillment of its members who include: the husband, wife, children and other
members living as part of the family. A family cannot exist without authority. For example in a nuclear
family, the father is the head while in an extended family, the grandfather is the head.

Types of families in the society today

a) Nuclear family
This is a family consisting of a father, mother and children. Nuclear families are monogamous. Most
people in the modern life prefer a nuclear family due to the following reasons:

 A man gives undivided attention to his wife and children.

 There is mutual love, peace and harmony at home.
 A couple is able to satisfy each other sexually.

b) Polygamous family
This is a family where a man marries more than one wife. They are common in traditional African
communities.

Assignment: Give advantages disadvantages of polygamous family

c) Single-parent family
This is a family where only one parent lives with children. The following reasons leads to single-parent
families:

 The death of one of the parents.

 Separation of the parents due to misunderstanding or divorce.
 Imprisonment of one of the parents for a long period of time e.g. life imprisonment.
 Rejection of a girl by a man after she gets pregnant.
 Some women not being interested in marriage and thus deciding to have children out of
wedlock.

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d) Extended family
It has a wider membership than a nuclear family. It consists of fathers, mothers, children, grandparents,
cousins, uncles’ nephews, nieces, aunts and other relatives.

2. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FAMILY

 Many African communities believe that the family was instituted by God.
 Traditional African family has a wider membership a wider membership.
 The traditional African family also includes the living dead and those yet to be born.
 The traditional African family is a social religious unit. I.e. it is within the family that all important
religious and social activities occur. E.g. rituals related to naming, initiation, marriage and death
are undertaken by all members of the family.
 Traditional African families are polygamous.
 In traditional African setting, a family without children is incomplete.
 The members of a traditional African family are related by blood and marriage.
 Children are regarded as gifts from God in traditional African families.

Functions of a traditional African Family

 Offering sacrifices to God.
 Communicating with ancestors by pouring libations and giving offerings.
 Remembering the ancestors through naming of children after them
 Giving the dead decent burials.
 Arranging marriages for the young people and those remarrying.
 Payment of bride-wealth.
 Participating in upbringing and caring for children.
 Providing protection for the family and the vulnerable members.
 Providing for the economic needs of the family.
 Participating in the production of goods and services.
 Providing leader in the family and the community

Advantages of a traditional African family

 It promotes a sense of belonging for all members e.g. the mutual caring for members and
provision of material and moral needs of an individual.
 It enhances the stability of marriage i.e. the extended family is involved in the selection of
spouses. This minimizes the chances of selecting the wrong spouses.
 If facilitates a meaningful employment for everyone since everybody is worker and work is
divided according to age, gender, and status.
 It fosters unity among all members since members of the African families are bound by kinship
ties.
 It promotes collective responsibility e.g. it is the duty of every member of the extended family to
discipline.
 Elders are respected by the young.

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Disadvantages
 Promotes exploitation of responsible individuals.
 It encourages dependency and discourages initiative.
 Problems of managing a large household.

3. CHRISTIAN UNDERSTASTANDING OF THE FAMILY

 The family was divinely instituted by God from the beginning thus is sacred.
 A Christian family is monogamous. Saint Paul teaches that each man should have his own wife
and each woman should have her own husband as remedy against immorality(. 1 Corinthians
7:2-5)
 A Christian family is complete with or without children.
 In a Christian family, both husband and wife should fulfill their conjugal rights towards each
other.
 Parents have a duty to ensure that children receive fundamental instructions, which will enable
them to be strong in faith.
 A Christian family should be the religious Centre for children for the children because the family
forms the basis for children’s spiritual development.
 The Bible teaches that in Christian family, everybody should be taken care of. For example,
widows should be respected and honoured (1 Timothy 5:3-8).
 The church emphasizes the need to maintain the family unit by providing material support to
family members.

Responsibilities of children a Christian family

 To provide for their parents (1Timothy 5:3-8).
 To listen and obey parents’ instructions (proverbs 13:1).
 To take heed of their parents’ counsel and advice (Proverbs1:8-9)
 To honour and respect their parents (Exodus 20:12).
 Not to curse their parents (Proverbs 20:20)
 To avoid laziness (Proverbs22:134)
 To bring joy to their parents (10:1)
 Not to mock their parents (Proverbs 30:17)

Responsibilities of parents towards their children in a Christian family

 To discipline them so that they can be at peace and be happy (Proverbs29:17).
 To train them the right ways of living (Proverbs22:6).
 To avoid provoking them (Colossians 3:21).
 To provide for their needs.
 To bring up their children in faith (Deutronomy6:1-4).

4. RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
a. Responsible parenthood
This is a process in which parents bring up their children well. Responsible parents should do the
following:

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 Educate their children in all aspects of life.

 Provide food, shelter and clothing to the family.
 Provide security to the family
 Instill discipline in their children.
 Introduce the children to the faith and train them to worship and obey God’s teachings.
 Instill life skills in them so that they may to be able to solve problems and overcome
temptations.
 Love their children equally.
 Mould their moral behavior so that they grow up to be socially well-adjusted adults.
 Helps their children to develop intellectually by providing opportunities for them to
learn.
 Work hard so that they are able to provide for the needs of their families.

b. Contraception
 This refers to the intentional prevention of pregnancy following sexual intercourse.
Types of contraception
 There are types of contraception namely natural and artificial
i. Natural contraception
 This is involves couples abstaining from sexual intercourse during certain periods of the
month when the woman is fertile and is likely to conceive.
 This implies that a couple will only have sex during safe periods when conception cannot
occur as no eggs are produced by the ovaries at this time.
 This method is effective but needs accurate calculation of the safe and unsafe periods.
 The method also needs a high level of self-disciple and co-operation between husband
and wife.
 Married couples may choose to use this method as family planning device.
ii. Artificial contraception
 This method is used to prevent the meeting of a male sperm egg and a female egg after
sexual intercourse.
 Some contraceptives prevent conception by ensuring that the sperm does not fertilize
the ovum.
 Artificial contraceptives are as follows:
1. Diaphragms and cervical caps: These prevent the sperm from travelling into the
uterus by blocking the entrance of the uterus.
2. Condoms: These prevent sperms from spreading in the vagina.
3. Spermicides, sprays and foaming tablets: These kill sperms.
4. Hormonal contraceptives: These are in from of pills or injections. The hormones
used in these contraceptives are known as estrogens and progestin. They prevent
ovulation so that there will be no an ovum available to be fertilized.

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5. Intra-uterine devices: These devices slow down the movement of sperms. They also
prevent or undo the implantation of the fertilized ovum. Examples are:Rings, spirals,
Tshapes, 7shapes and Lipples loop.
6. Sterilization: Thisconsists of minor surgical operations. They are as follows:
 Vasectomy: This is carried out on men. It involves the surgical removal of all
or part of vas deferens. These are ducts within the testes that covey sperms
to ejaculatory ducts. Vasectomy does not interfere with normal sexual
activity. Most men should embrace this method especially in the families
that have adequate number of children and may not want more.
 Tubal-ligation: This is carried out on women.it involves the trying or cutting
of the fallopian tubes by using surgical thread and wire to prevent the ovum
from flowing to the uterus for fertilization to take place. The operation
ensures that, no ovum will ever travel to the uterus or will be fertilized.
Done on women who want to get more children in future.

Assignment: give reasons why some Christians oppose the use of artificial contraceptives.

5. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN AND CHRISTIAN RESPONSES TO PROBLEMS

RELATED TO FAMILY LIFE TODAY
a. Childlessness
 This is a state of having no child in a family.
 Childlessness is caused by various factors as follows:
i. Infertility of one partner or both.
ii. Accidents, e.g. war and natural disasters.
iii. Use or misuse of certain drugs.
iv. Abortion.
v. Biological, psychological and health problems.
 Traditional African response on childlessness is as follows:
i. Marriage is incomplete without children.
ii. Children are a gift and blessing from God.
iii. Children ensure the continuity of the family lineage.
iv. If a man is impotent, arrangements are made for his wife to bear
children for him through his elder brother, a friend or an age mate.
v. It a wife is barren, the husband is allowed to marry another wife or
wives and the barren wife still remains part of the family.
 Christian response to childlessness is as follows:
i. Marriage is complete with or without children.
ii. Children are regarded as blessings from God.
iii. Childless coupled can adopt children following laid down procedures.

b. Unfaithfulness
 Unfaithfulness is breaking of marriage vows by spouses by engaging in extra-marital
affairs.

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 Unfaithfulness occurs when either a husband or wife is involved in an intimate sexual

relationship outside marriage.
 It is particularly common among spouses who stay away from each other because of
their occupation.
 It can also happen among couples living together as result of human weakness.
 Unfaithfulness causes suspicion and mistrust and brings untold suffering to all members
of the family.
 It also leads to betraying the other partner and is one of the major causes of family
breakages.
 Traditional African responses to unfaithfulness is as follows:
i. People who are unfaithful in keeping marriage vows defamed through
songs or isolated from communal gatherings and activities.
ii. Adulterous men are given unpleasant names and a woman is divorced if
found to have committed adultery.
iii. In some communities, heavy punishment is imposed on the adulterer,
e.g. they are asked to pay heavy fines in form of animals.
iv. An adulterer also goes through various rituals and sacrifices in order to
be cleansed.
v. Unfaithfulness is condemned because it brings shame to the affected
and the community.
vi. In some communities, it is believed that children born out of adultery
do not survive.
 Christian responses to unfaithfulness is as follows:
i. Unfaithfulness is against the biblical teachings which demands that married
couples should remain faithful to each other for the rest of their lives.
ii. Adultery is disobedience and sin against God.
iii. In both OT and NT, a heavy penalty was given to those who committed
adultery.
iv. Unfaithfulness in marriage is contrary to Jesus’ teaching of love and concern
for others.
v. Husband and wife should relate to one another in love, submission, mutual
respect and understanding.
c. Misuse of family resources
 When family resources are misused by individuals or some members of the family, this
leads to suffering of other family members through insults and negligence.
 Family resources can be misused in the following ways:
i. Husbands spending most of their time and a lot of their money on alcohol and
women.
ii. Spending family resources on unnecessary luxuries at the expense of basic
necessities like food, clothing, housing health and education.
iii. Selling of family property such as land or house by the head of the family
without consulting other members of the family.
iv. Some young people spend wealth inherited from their parents carelessly only
to find themselves with nothing for the future.

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 Traditional African responses to misuse family resources is as follows:

i. Family resources such as land and livestock are acquired through inheritance.
The resources are carefully looked after for future generation.
ii. In situations where a man becomes a drunkard and irresponsible, he receives
guidance and counselling from his age-mates and clan elders.
iii. In traditional African communities, people consume a lot of food only during
celebrations and rituals to mark special occasions.
 Christian families can manage their resources in the following ways:
i. Discussing their income openly.
ii. Preparing a family budget in accordance with their income and expenditure.
iii. Avoiding debts which they cannot repay.
iv. Avoiding being extravagant and selfish with family resources.
v. Taking care of the needy relatives especially the aged.
vi. Keeping family savings in a bank.
vii. Investing for the future.
d. Separation and divorce
 Separation is a state in which husband and wife decide to live different lives away from
each other after a serious disagreement as they look for solutions to their problems.
 Divorce is the complete dissolution of a marriage because the husband and the wife
cannot get along and cannot get solutions to their problem.
 Separation and divorce are mainly caused by cruelty, unfaithfulness, poverty/economic
hardship, abuse of alcohol and drugs, irresponsibility and negligence.
 Separation and divorce should be discouraged as they impact negatively on the children
and the spouses.
 Children from homes where parents are separated or divorced lack proper upbringing
and other basic needs. They may lose respect among other children.
 The spouses suffer loneliness, loss of dignity and may indulge in irresponsible sexual
behaviour.
 Traditional African responses to separation and divorce is as follows:
i. Separation and divorce were very rare in traditional communities. However
divorce could be allowed under certain circumstances such as adultery,
witchcraft, laziness and cruelty.
ii. Marriage is expected to last forever. However, if divorce takes place, the wife’s
family may return the dowry to the husband’s family.
iii. Marriage is a communal affair and a wife belongs to the clan which does not
encourage divorce.
 Christian views on divorce and separation is as follows:
i. The church does not allow separation or divorce as it is demanding to the
children.
ii. Christian families are expected to last forever.
iii. Problems which might lead to divorce and separation should be sorted out
amicably in Christian love.
iv. Christians should pray for their problems and ask God to intervene.

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v. Christian couples should seek guidance and counselling from fellow Christians,
local pastors or professional marriage counsellors.
e. Single- parent families
 These are families in which only the mother or father take the responsibility of bringing
up the children.
 Single-parent families are brought about by divorce, separation, death and when
children are born out of wed lock.
 Single parents may face problems in raising up their children such as inadequate
resources to meet their needs
 Some children in such families may suffer psychologically and emotionally because of
the imbalance in parenting.
 Traditional African response on single-parent family is as follows:
i. Single-parent families were rare because those who got children out of wedlock
were considered a disgrace to their families and were married off to old men.
ii. In some communities, when one of the spouses died, the living spouse is not
allowed to remain single.
 Christian responses to single-parent family is as follows:
i. Christians appreciate the various circumstances which lead people to be single.
ii. Christians accept single-parents for what they are and provide them with
necessary support.
iii. The Bible teaches about the role of the church to the widows in helping them.
f. Child abuse and Domestic violence
 Forms of child abuse and domestic violence includes:
i. Child labour.
ii. Beating and canning.
iii. Sexual molesting and cruelty.
iv. Abandoning of children by parents.
v. Fights in the family.
vi. Wife-beating.
 The main causes of child abuse and violence in families are economic hardships and
abuse of alcohol and drugs.
 In traditional African communities child abuse and domestic violence was minimized in
the following ways:
i. Cases of child abuse and domestic violence were isolated because of strict
adherence to good conduct and discipline.
ii. A father who was cruel to his children and wife was reported to clan elders and
was punished.
iii. A cruel wife could be punished by the husband’s clan age-group or by older
women.
iv. Any man who mistreated and beat his parents was severely punished by his
age-group.
 The church is fighting for the rights of children and women as follows:
i. It encourages families to live together, pray together and grow in love as
followers of Jesus.

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ii. It has various programmes to fight for the rights of children and women such as
Family Life Education.
g. Diseases and sickness
 Diseases like HIV/AIDS have wiped out some families and many children have been left
orphans.
 Medical services and health care are very expensive and many people cannot afford
them. Families have to spend a lot of family resources in an attempt to access medical
and health services.
 Prolonged sickness creates other problems to a family because a sick person has to be
taken care of and sometimes has to be fed on special diet.
 If the sick person is the bread- winner in the family, then the whole family suffers.
 Traditional African responses to diseases and sickness is as follows:
i. Every sickness is supposed to have been caused by something or someone.
ii. People who become sick would treat themselves with local herbs or visit a
healer who would diagnose the sickness and prescribe the correct treatment.
iii. Some of the treatments prescribed by the medicine person includes: herbs, a
religious ritual, observance of certain taboos, rules and regulations.
iv. Sometimes, the sick person is advised to offer sacrifices to the ancestors and
spirits to appease them.
v. In some communities, people are advised to wear protective charms as a way of
protecting themselves from diseases and sickness.
 Christian responses to diseases and sickness is as follows:
i. Faith-healing and praying for the sick
ii. Seeking medical and health care from hospitals, health centres and
dispensaries.
iii. Provision of subsidized medical and health services to patients.
iv. Working in collaboration with the government, civil society, private sector and
international community in educating and providing support services to those
infected affected by HIV/AIDS.
v. Providing Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centres (VCT) to HIV/AIDS infected
people so that they live positively.
vi. Setting homes for HIV/AIDS orphans.
vii. Preaching God’s love to the sick and visiting them.
h. Jealousy
 Jealousy arises as a result of competition of wives for love, attention and fair share of
family resources. This situation is made worse if the man happens to inadequate
resources for his wives and children and children.
 A man cannot love his wives in the same way and there is a tendency of one wife being
loved more than others and this creates jealousy amongst them.
 In monogamous families, jealousy may be found among the children in their
relationships with their parents. Some of the children may feel that their parents love
their brothers and sisters more than them.
 In some cases, the wife may show jealousy when the husband spends more time with
the children than herself.

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 In traditional African communities jealousy exists especially among co-wives but the
husband is expected to find out the cause of the differences and address the problem as
expected by the community.
 Christian teachings on jealousy is as follows:
i. Christian parents are advised to love all their children without discrimination as
children are gifts from God.
ii. The bible condemns jealousy and hatred. There should be no rivalry and
jealousy in a Christian family.
i. Leadership style
 Good leadership is important for the existence, success and continuity of a community
like a family and school.
 Autocratic leadership involves parents who dictate to children what is to be done
regardless of how unfair or unreasonable it may be.
 Liberal leadership is where children are given too much freedom by their parents to do
what they want.
 A good home is where parents bring up their children in love, fear and knowledge of
God.
 God commands children to respect and honour their parents in order to receive
blessings.
 Parents are advised to bring up and discipline their children in love.
 Parents should not treat their children in such a way as to make them angry.
 Parents should raise up their children with Christian discipline and instructions.

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UNIT SIX
CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO WORK
1. THE MEANING OF WORK AND VOCATION
a. The meaning of work
 Work is the term that can be applied to a whole range of human activities.
 In its widest sense, work means any human activity whether manual/physical, intellectual
or both. In this sense work includes everything that human beings do.
 When reading a book or study for your academic work, you use mental or intellectual
energy.
 A person who works with his/her hands as a farm labourer or machine operator mostly
uses physical energy.
 There are other dimensions of work that exist beside intellectual and manual. These are:
physical, spiritual, moral, economic, cultural, social and political dimensions.
 In its physical sense, work is the application of force to a body operating through a certain
distance.
 In its spiritual and moral sense, work is directed to moral or right purpose. Activities that
involve immoral practices like robbery and violence cannot be called work. Work as
spiritual activity involves prayer good relationship with God.
 In its economic sense, work involves creativity like in music, dance, and literature and
works work of art.
 As a social activity work is done with others and for the good of others.
 As a political activity involves governance and administration.

Reasons why people work

i. To acquire basic needs of life such as food, clothing and shelter.
ii. To acquire wealth and status in the society. Sometimes people who adequately meet their
basic needs continue to working for material wealth, further comforts and luxuries.
iii. To give life direction, meaning and dignity i.e. Work ensures that a person stay occupied in
body, mind and spirit instead of being idle.
iv. To provide services for the community and fellow human beings.
v. To develop and care for the environment in obedience to God’s command.
vi. To attain independence. Young people look forward to the time when they will not depend
on their parents for the necessities of life.
vii. For personal development. Through work people identify their interests, abilities, aptitudes,
and potentials.
viii. To socialize and grow as a member of a community. Participation in communal work
improves the quality of life of the people and creates peace and harmony in the society.
ix. For self-satisfaction and fulfillment. I.e. work is natural to people and to be truly human, a
person has to work. Work is a basic and is ordained by God.

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Types of work done

 Salaried employment: In this category people are employed to perform different types of
jobs and are given a salary (wage) at the end of the month. For example there are managers,
supervisors, clerks, messengers, cleaners, pilots and drivers who work in the public and
private sector and draw a salary at the end of the month.
 Self-employment: This is the type of employment in which an individual or a group of
people invest time, money and other resources to set up some businesses. The purpose is to
occupy themselves and to generate income for themselves and employment opportunities
for others.
 Casual work: This is temporary kind of employment. Those who are given employment on
casual basis are hired when a firm or business needs additional workers and are laid off as
soon as their services are not needed.

Distinction between various types of work

i. Professions: these are jobs and occupations that require advanced education and training.
Individuals In various professions are employed on full time basis and earn a salary.
Examples include teaching, law, engineering, banking and medicine. Within a profession,
there are set standards (code of ethics) that all members should follow. Some professions
are registered as associations, for example the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
Kenya Medical Association (KMA) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
ii. Trades: these refer to jobs and occupations that require skilled labour. The term is also
used to describe handcrafts such as shoe making, carpentry, dress making, printing and
metal work. To learn a trade, a person needs a certain level of education and formal
vocational training which is normally provided in youth polytechnics and institute of
technology.
iii. Crafts: These are jobs and occupations that require skills in the use of hands for example
pottery, wood carving, knitting, weaving and hair dressing. The skills are learnt in a formal
or informal situation for example, pupils in primary schools are taught some of these skills
by their teachers during art and craft. Lessons.
iv. Careers: A career is an occupation a person chooses to pursue in his/her working life. An
example is those who join teaching and may remain in it for the rest of their lives.
v. Guilds: This word refers to a group people who come together to form a society through
which they can help one another. The members work together as a unit promoting personal
and the society’s interests. Through the society members avoid conflict and unhealthy
competition among themselves. They help one another in selling their goods and services in
Kenya, guilds are common among self-employed e. g. wood carvers, basket (kiondo)
weavers, and automobile workers.
vi. Jobs: The word describes a piece of work or any task performed. It also means an
occupation, a duty or a responsibility. Some jobs are performed as ordinary work while
others are done for payment. For example, at home parents give their children certain jobs
to do. In schools students are also given various jobs to do in their classroom, dormitories
and dining hall.

b. The meaning of vocation

 The word ‘vacation’ is derived from the Latin word Vocaremeaning to call.
 Vocation is a call by God to do a particular job or task to the best of your ability.
 It is a type of work or way of life that you believe is suitable for you.

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 Christians believe that every person has been called by God to do something. In this regard,
whatever a person does, can be looked at as a vacation, e. g. doctors farm workers, teachers,
lawyers and bankers.
 In education circles, we talk of vocational education and training. This implies the
specialized education and training that is given to some people who require specific skills so
as to perform certain tasks well. These include masonry, carpentry, tailoring and power
mechanics.
 The word vocation is used in the bible to mean divine calling. In both Old and new
Testaments, God called specific individuals to perform certain tasks for example, he called
prophets at different times to perform certain duties. In the Old Testament, the people of
Israel were called as a nation to bring salvation to rest of the human race.
 In the New Testament, Jesus called a group of 12 men to be his closest friends and
companions. Christians are called even today to perform specific responsibilities. For
example, there are some who strongly feel that they are called to serve God as priests,
doctors and teachers.
 Those called by God are expected to respond to him in faith and obedience.

2. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ATTITUDE TO WORK

 Work is seen as the most important aspect of life as it provides the livelihood of individuals
and the society.
 Work is a way of life. It is highly valued and every able-bodied person is expected to work.
 Only the young children, the sick and the very old are exempted from work.
 No work is despised
 There is division of labour. Work is shared among the community members according to
age, gender and rank.
 Work is closely related to religious life. Prayers are said before going to work and sacrifices
offered to God to bless the work and protect the people in their activities.
 Work is a social activity. People work communally.
 Laziness and idleness were highly condemned.

Reasons why manual work is treasured in traditional African communities

i. Work is a sacred duty.

ii. Through work both individual communal efforts can easily be measured/seen.
iii. Hard work earns individuals higher status and respect.
iv. Manual work enables people to care for God’s creation.
v. Manual work relaxes the body and mind.
vi. It enables people to earn a living and provide for the needs of others.
vii. Lazy individuals can easily be identified and rebuked.
viii. Work helps to improve one’s skills and develop talents.
ix. Manual work enables the body to keep physically fit.
x. Manual work gives personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
xi. In ensures that everyone participates.

How modern technology and economy has changed traditional African attitude to work
(secular attitude to work)

i. There is no division of labour on the basis of gender and age.

ii. There is specialization in the type of work a person does.
iii. Work has been mechanized leading to limited number of people being involved.

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iv. Some individuals do not work but earn their through begging and stealing.
v. There is stress on individualism as opposed to traditional concept of communal work.
vi. There is stiff competition at work place.
vii. Work today is only for those with the right skills and qualifications.
viii. In modern society job inheritance is very rare.
ix. White-color jobs are more preferred than manual work.
x. There is unemployment due to job selection which is not encouraged in traditional African
communities.
xi. Some individuals are engaged in immoral jobs such as prostitution.
xii. There is an age limit for working.

3. CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON WORK

 Christian teaching on work is based on both the old and new testaments

Old Testament

 Work is ordained by God and therefore man should work in order to earn a living. (Genesis
1:28)
 Hard work is rewarded by God. Joseph worked hard in Egypt and was promoted. Proverbs
31:10-31 praises a hard-working wife.
 Talents and abilities are given to us by God for His service (Exodus35:31-33)
 The Bible praises and considers blessed the person who eats and drinks from the result of
his or her labour. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
 Hired labourers are to be paid promptly and should not be exploited, (Leviticus 19:13)
 Division of labour is encouraged in the Bible. (Exodus35:10)
 God blesses the work of those who are faithful to him and them profitable.(Deuteronomy
14:29)
 Christians should work well and enjoy their work.
 Christians should balance work with rest just as God rested on the seventh day after
working for six days.
 Dehumanizing work such as slavery, forced labour and work without pay is condemned in
the Bible.

New Testament

 Jesus himself was a worker. He worked as a carpenter in his father’s workshop. This
indicates that work is ordained by God. (Matthew 13:55)
 Most of Jesus illustrations are drawn from work e.g. he is referred to as the good shepherd.
(10:1-2)
 Jesus taught the people to commit themselves to their work by putting all their strength and
attention to it. (Luke9:62)
 Paul teaches that people should work in order to obtain their basic needs. (1Corintians
4:12)
 Paul teaches that those who not work should not eat. (2 thessalonians3:10)
 Christians are encouraged to do honest work diligently for they will command the respect of
others( 1Thessalonians 4:11-12)
 The gifts of the holy spirit such as teaching and preaching should be used to serve God.

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4. SOME VIRTUES RELATED TO TYPES OF WORK

a. Diligence
 This is a virtue related to hard work and it means to show care and steady effort.
 It is working carefully and thoroughly to get the best results.
 Success in whatever one does is achieved through determination and perseverance.
b. Honesty/Integrity
 To be honest means to be sincere and truthful.
 Integrity is the virtue of being dependable.
 A worker should be honest in terms of doing what he/she is expected to do and
avoid being corrupt and accepting bribes.
c. Faithfulness/loyalty
 To be faithful and loyal implies being truthful, committed and having the ability to
keep one’s promises.
 A worker should be loyal and faithful to his/her employer by not divulging the
secrets of the company
d. Responsibility
 This is a virtue of being accountable for your actions.
 Both employers and employees are expected to display a sense of responsibility in
their attitudes to each other and to work.
 An employer should care about the working conditions of workers by paying them
a reasonable wage.
 While an employee should in turn show a sense of responsibility by honoring
his/her promise to work.
e. Tolerance
 This virtue implies being able to bear with difficult situations.
 It also means not giving up when a problem arise.
 Tolerance enhances solidarity in a working environment.

5. THE ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS ETHOS AND CODES IN THE SOCIETY

a. A profession is an occupation that requires advanced education and specialized
training.

Characteristics of a profession

i. Members of a certain profession have to achieve a certain level of education.

ii. Members underdo specialized training.
iii. There are rules and regulations guiding the professional practice.
iv. The rules and regulations are made by the members themselves.
v. There is a well-defined machinery to discipline errant members.
vi. Members are paid for their professional services.
vii. Members provide essential services to the society.
viii. Members are needed to set and promote high standards of work.
ix. Members take oath of allegiance to the profession.

a. Professional ethics
 Ethics refers to what is right and wrong, good and bad.

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 Professional ethics therefore refer to principle of conduct governing an individual or a

group living and working together.
 These principles enable them to do what is right and good and avoid what is wrong and
bad.
Importance of observing professional ethics
i. To protect the good name of the profession.
ii. To create confidence among the clients.
iii. It is a way of glorifying and serving God.
iv. In order to provide services accurately and adequately to the community.
v. To set a good example for others to emulate.
vi. To maintain harmonious relationships between employer, employee and clients.
vii. To respond positively to the needs of the community.
viii. To respond to one’s vocation and serve humankind.
ix. In order for the salary to be reciprocated with appropriate services.
b. Professional ethos
 Professional ethos refers to the character or moral nature of a profession. It distinguishes
one profession from another.
 Ethos also refers to attitudes that members of a profession should have so that they can live
to its highest ideals.
 Ethos enables members of the public to put their trust in particular members of a
profession.
c. Professional codes
 These refer to a set of principles or laid down rules which ensure that professional ethics
and ethos are adhered to by the professionals. Examples of professions with professional
codes include: legal medical and teachings professions.

Importance of professional codes

i. They contain rules relating to employment, promotion, payment and termination of service
and other matters pertaining to the profession.
ii. They give guidance on how professions should relate to one another and those that they
serve. E.g. a teacher is not supposed to fight with other teachers.
iii. They safeguard professionals against being compromised in their jobs hence enables them
to maintain their jobs and personal integrity.
iv. They determine the expected levels of performance of a particular job. E. g judges are
expected to give fair and correct judgment.
v. They serve as a measure of competence. E.g. the long period and the rigorous training
doctors undergo is meant to help them polish their skills so that by the time they are
entrusted.
vi. They act as a measure of quality service.
vii. The serve as a protection to individual professionals, so that they are not forced to do what
is ethically wrong.
viii.They earn public trust in professions. Clients should trust their service providers absolutely.
Professionals should keep their client’s information confidential.

6. MORAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

 Employers are individuals or organizations that give people jobs for some form of payment.
 Those who get jobs in such organizations are its employees.
 The kind of employment a person gets is determined by their level education and training.

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 A cordial relationship between employers and employees is important for the benefit of the
individual and the organization.

a. Rights of employers
i. They have a right to carry out their business without unfair taxation from the government
and competition from other organization.
ii. The have a right to get profits from their businesses.
iii. They have a right to have association with other employers.
iv. They have a right to expect loyalty from their employees.
v. They have a right to receive from their employees work input as agreed upon in the
employment contract.
vi. They have a right to operate without being blackmailed by trade unions.
vii. They have a right to open new business ventures without unnecessary difficulties from the
government, provided that they operate within the law.

Duties of employers to employees

 To provide suitable and acceptable working terms and conditions to their employees
 To pay a just wage to employees.
 To take care of the welfare of their employees, e.g. giving them medical cover, a pension
scheme and leave.
 To motivate their employees by providing equal opportunities for promotion and being fair
to all those employed.
 To reward their employees by sharing with them the profits they get.
 To give their employees time off from normal duties so as to allow them a chance to relax
and regain their lost energy.
 To work towards ensuring the stability of their organization so as to avoid closing thus
rendering them jobless.
 To treat those they employ with respect and the dignity they deserve.

b. Rights of employees
i. They have a right to a just wage in accordance with the prevailing economic times and
as is agreed upon on employment.
ii. They have a right to favorable working conditions.
iii. They have a right to fair treatment and respect.
iv. They have a right to fair opportunity for promotion.
v. They have a right to join their trade unions.
vi. They have a right to rest.

Duties of employees to employers

i. To carry out their duties to the best of their ability without supervision.
ii. To respect and protect the property of the employer. They should ensure that the
employer’s assets are not misused.
iii. To encourage and resort to peaceful solutions to any problems they may encounter in their
work place
iv. To work diligently for self-fulfillment and development.
v. To respect their employer and fellow employees
vi. To keep secrets of the firm in order to safeguard the business.
vii. To give enough notice to the employer when one plans to leave the job.

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viii. To be faithful to the employer by being punctual and working efficiently.

7. CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO ISSUES RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT

 Christian views on issues related to employment are guided by the teachings of the Bible
and the social teachings of the church.
a. Employment
 The term employment refers to the act of hiring or engaging someone to do a certain task
with pay. Some of the teachings relating to employment are as follows:
i. A human being has his/her own rights which should be respected protected and promoted
ii. Christians have a responsibility to work for a just world.
iii. Every person has a right to existence, self-fulfillment and self-determination.
iv. Workers should have a just remuneration for work done.
v. Every person should have access to suitable employment relative to his/her abilities
vi. Unemployment is an insult to the dignity of the human person.
vii. The church condemns the economic and political systems that create unemployment due
corruption.
viii. It is a terrible injustice and humiliation to a parent who is unable to provide for his/her
family needs due to unemployment.
ix. Young skilled people should be given priority in employment.
x. Workers should be provided with good working conditions according to their age and sex.
xi. The riches of the world belong to all and they should be evenly distributed so that everyone
can work and benefit from them.

b. Wages and labour contracts

 A wage is a regular, fixed payment for work. Some teachings relating to wages are as
follows:
i. The wages given must be comparable to the amount of work done.
ii. The employer needs to consider the cost of living before deciding how much to
pay the worker.
iii. The employer should consider the importance of the work to the community as
in the case of police force, doctors and other essential service providers.
iv. Jobs that require high levels of specialization and expertise also require higher
rewards.
v. Those who work at night, during public holidays and risky and hardship
environments should be adequately compensated.
vi. Employers should not be pressured to pay high wages that may lead to closure
of the business or retrenchment of some workers.
 N/BWorkers and employers sign a labour contract which gives terms and conditions of
service. Within the contract are details of expected salary and other benefits. Labour
contracts provide protection for employee and prevent the employers from mistreating the
employees.
c. Industrial Action/Strikes.
 This refers to efforts by workers to stop working in protest in order to pressurize for higher
wages or better working conditions.
 Strikes may take several forms, e.g. go slow, sit ins, downing tools, and violent or peaceful
demonstrations. Some teachings relating to strike are as follows:

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i. It should be the last resort and should be considered if all attempts to resolve issues
with management through dialogue have failed.
ii. A strike is justified if the demands of the workers are in line with their employment
contracts.
iii. The gains expected from a strike should outweigh the disadvantages.
iv. Damage of property and intimidation of other workers who wish to continue working
should be avoided at all costs.
v. Non-union members should not be forced to participate in a strike that does not legally
concern them.
vi. Strike should only happen in the interest of justice where workers are being exploited.

Assignment: discuss the negative effects brought about by a strike action in a school situation.

d. Child labour
 This refers to the employment of children on a full time basis. According to the children’s
act (2001) a child is a boy or a girl who is below 18 years. The law forbids the employment
of children.

Reasons why children are employed

i. Their labour is cheap.

ii. They cannot form unions and can therefore not fight for proper terms and conditions of
service.
iii. They can easily be hired and fired.
iv. They do not have qualifications in any skill so as to negotiate terms.
v. They are looked at as source of extra income by their guardians especially those that work
in plantations.

Reasons why child labour is unethical in the society today

i. It is a sign of irresponsible parenthood.

ii. It causes body injury.
iii. It is a form of exploitation of the weak and innocent by the powerful.
iv. In enhances vicious cycle of poverty.
v. It may lead to physical and emotional abuse to the child.
vi. Children may engage in deviant behavior.
vii. The children may drop out of school.
viii. It is against biblical teaching on the way parents should treat their children.
ix. It is a violation of the rights of a child
x. Most children are underpaid.
xi. It may lead to retardation of the growth and development psychologically
xii. It may expose the child to risks/danger.

NB

 Children should be protected, respected and given a conducive environment in which to

thrive and develop.
 Children are blessings from God and should therefore be loved and cared for.(Psalms127:3-
5)
 Jesus taught that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children. (Mat18:2-5)

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Assignment: identify the rights of a child

e. Unemployment
 This refers to a situation where jobs are lacking, both in the salaried sector and in self-
employment.
 Unemployment leads to many social evils such as idleness, theft, prostitution, jealousy and
hatred.
 People who are unemployed are generally insecure, unhappy and lack basic essentials of
life.

Causes of unemployment in Kenya today

i. Lack proper skills and capital to start self-employment.

ii. Rural-urban migration.
iii. Preference to white-color jobs.
iv. High population increase.
v. Collapsing of many industries.
vi. Bad governance and poor economic policies by the government.
vii. Negative attitude towards work due to low salaries.
viii. Poor education system which does not prepare people adequately for job market.
ix. Discrimination based on ethnicity and race.
x. Bribery and corruption in the job market. This a social evil that denies jobs to those who are
qualified in preference for the unqualified who might give bribes
xi. Retrenchment of workers in the civil service and private sectors due to technological
advancement.

Ways in which the church is helping to reduce the rate of unemployment in Kenya today

i. By establishing income generating projects to create job opportunities

ii. By offering jobs in the church sector.
iii. By encouraging people to be self-employed
iv. By training and sponsoring youth on vocational skills.
v. Through recruitment of workers for jobs by the church
vi. By encouraging groups of people to start income generating activities.
vii. By providing loans to the unemployed to start small-business.
viii. By teaching the youth about the dignity of work.
ix. By condemning corrupt systems of recruitment of workers.
x. By praying for unemployed to get jobs.

Assignment: Explain ways in which unemployment can lead to irresponsible sexual behaviour in
the society today.

f. Self-Employment
 This is an occupation in which a person initiates a personal enterprise and manages it with
the help of others.
 It enables a person to generate income that may be re-invested.

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 It also facilitates the employment of people and the therefore improve the economic welfare
of the individual, family and the nation.
 Self- employment is determined by one’s skills and training as well as available business
opportunities.
 Those with professional training and skills like teachers, lawyers, doctors, accountants’
artists may start private practices and employ other people as well as generate income and
employment for themselves and others.
 Those with limited skills can participate in the informal Jua Kali sector as hawkers, traders,
owners of kiosks, artisans in carpentry and joinery, metal work and cottage industries.
 To be self-employed requires initiative hardwork, diligence, a sense of responsibility,
tolerance and perseverance.
 One can seek financial assistance from micro credit enterprises like Faulu Kenya, churches
and non-governmental organizations.
 One should seek information from relevant authorities about the viability of the activity one
wants to engage in.
 The Kenya government in conjunction with international donor community provides funds,
training facilities and land for artisans to set up their business.
 Christians have a moral duty to engage in productive activities whether paid or voluntary
basis, because being idle is immoral and a sin.
 The church encourages Christians to work and employ the jobless if they have job
opportunities.
 The church should continue supporting the unemployed and creating job opportunities.

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UNIT SEVEN
CHRISTIAN APPOACHES TO LEISURE
1. THE MEANING OF LEISURE
 Leisure is the time when one is free from work and other duties and other duties.
 Is the time a person is free to do whatever he/she likes without following a given
schedule.
 Leisure is a time to relax and enjoy oneself.
 People need leisure time to give their bodies rest.
 Leisure time contributes in making a person effective and productive in their work.
 Leisure time gives people chance to regain lost energy.
 Leisure activities help people to develop fully their God-given talents.
 Leisure is important as it makes people relax, become productive and enjoy
themselves.
2. FORMS LEISURE AND THEIR USES
a. Passive leisure
 This is where physical activity is minimal and there is very use of body energy.
 Such activities include: watching movies, television, playing computer games,
reading novels, magazines and newspapers, listening to music and resting.
 Majority of people engage in passive leisure rather than active leisure because of the
following:
i. It leads to relaxation and rest.
ii. It provides opportunity for people to contemplate and plan ahead.
iii. It allows time for recovery of lost energy.
 While passive leisure is good, it has the following disadvantages:
i. Young people become overweight and perform poorly in school.
ii. It kills the creativity of young people.
iii. Some may engage in immoral activities such reading or watching
pornographic materials, abuse of alcohol and drugs and idle talk.
b. Active leisure
 This is a situation where the whole body is involved in an activity, e.g. playing the
games of football, basketball, boat-rowing and cycling or participating athletics,
swimming dancing, etc.
 Active leisure has the following advantages:
i. Enable a person to develop his/her hobby.
ii. Give a person a chance to participate in an activity he/she enjoys.
iii. Makes one build stamina if involved in sporting activities.
iv. Enables one socialize with others sharing common interest.
v. Makes one exercise God-given talents.

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 However active leisure has the following negative effects:

i. It the activity is expensive and requires a lot financial resources for example golf.
ii. Being over involved in an activity at the expense of other responsibilities.
iii. If an activity is risky such as mountain climbing, boxing and wrestling.
3. THE IMPORTANCE OF LEISURE
i. Leisure provides people time to rest after working for a period of time. Rest helps
individuals regain lost energy after working thus making them more productive.
ii. It provides people with time for recreation. People may choose to spend their
leisure time listening to music, watching movies, reading and playing computer
games.
iii. It allows people to travel and visit friends and relatives, e.g. during public holidays
like Christmas, Easter and national holidays people travel to different destinations
to be reunited with their friends and relatives. Such times bring a lot of happiness to
people.
iv. It is used to enhance and acquire new skills and knowledge, e.g. some people use
their leisure time to attend evening and weekend classes to improve their level of
education or learn new skills like computer usage or a new language.
v. It allows people to attend social occasions such as weddings, birthdays and other get
togethers.
vi. It gives people time to travel and enjoy wealth
vii. It helps people develop their talents and hobbies. Such as cooking, flower gardening,
reading and writing.
viii. It gives people time to engage in income generating activities, e.g. hawking, shop
keeping catering and teaching through which they may earn extra income.
ix. It gives people time to worship God. Christians spend their leisure time in prayer,
reading the Bible, going for retreats attending fellowships and preaching the word
of God.
4. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF LEISURE
 In traditional African communities, leisure plays an important role in the lives of the
people.
 Leisure was intertwined with other activities and passive leisure was nearly non-
existence.
 Leisure activities were divided according to according to age, gender and social
status.
 Leisure for young people was supervised by adults to ensure that everyone acted
according to societal norms.
 Some of the occasions that provide opportunities for leisure activities in traditional
African communities are as follows:
a. Initiation ceremonies
 During initiation ceremonies, people come together to witness and celebrate
the occasion.
 People sing, dance, rejoice, and share stories and secrets of the community.
 After the initiation ceremonies, the initiates are acknowledged as full adult
members of the community.
b. Marriage ceremonies

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 These are also happy occasions when families and friends of both partners
come together.
 During this time the whole community joins in celebrating the couple’s
marriage by singing, dancing, eating and drinking.

c. Naming ceremonies
 In some communities when naming children, family members, relatives,
friends and neighbours gather together.
 These are celebrations which include eating, drinking, singing and dancing.
d. Thanksgiving ceremonies
 Members of traditional African communities usually gather together to thank
God for a good harvest, for blessing them with large herds of livestock and
for helping them to win battles against other communities.
 During such occasions, they offer prayers, feast, sing and dance.
e. Activities for the young children
 Children participate in activities that are organized by elderly people.
 They participate in traditional dances.
 Other activities for children include: story-telling, riddles, tongue twisters
and simple genres.
 These activities provide opportunities for them to learn appropriate moral
conduct, leadership skills and their future gender roles.
f. Activities for the Elderly
 The elderly people enjoy more leisure times than the young people.
 They meet and drink beer, share tobacco and even do wood carving.
 While together they discuss important issues such as community security,
proper use of community land and reprimand errant members.
5. CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON LEISURE
 Christian view of leisure is derived from the creation story of Genesis.
 God created the world in six days and rested on the 7th day (Genesis 2:2)
 The Israelites were commanded by God to observe the day of rest (Exodus 20:8-11).
 They used this day to thank God for His love and forgiveness.
 They brought sacrifices and offerings as a way of thanking God.
 Christian day of worship, Sunday or Sabbath is honoured in line with God’s
command to keep the Sabbath Holy.
 Christians emulate God by observing the Sabbath as a day of worship and resting.
 Christians use their leisure time in many ways as follows:
i. Worshipping God
 Most Christians gather on the day of worship.
 During this day, they engage in activities such as reading the Bible,
singing praying, listening to sermons, preaching, receiving Holy
Communion and offering prayers of healing for the sick and those
with problems.
ii. Visiting the sick
 Christians use their leisure time to visit and fellowship with sick
people in hospitals or in their homes.

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 Christians carry out evangelistic works following the examples of

Jesus and His disciples.
 They pray with the sick, provide home-based care for those living
with HIV/AIDS and sometimes buy them food and medicine.

iii. Caring for the needy

 Christians spend some of their leisure time visiting the needy in their
communities.
 They share with them their time, the word of God and give them
material assistance like food and clothing.
 The needy include orphans, widows, refugees and the displaced, the
bereaved, the destitute, the aged, the disabled and those who are
victims of disasters like floods, drought and accidents.
iv. Taking time to rest
 Christians also take time to rest because it gives them a change from
daily duties.
 It is a chance to regain lost energy and prepare themselves for the
coming working time.
 They may spend this time relaxing in their home alone, with other
family members or friends.
v. Going for retreats
 Retreat is a time that Christians spend away from other people to be
alone with God.
 During this time, Christians mediate on the word of, pray and
fellowship with one another.
vi. Spending time with family and friends
 Christians spend their leisure time with their families and friends to
build closer relationships.
 Having time to be together is an expression of their love for one
another and by being together, they are able to share their joys and
sorrows.

Assignment: Identify other leisure activities in which a Christian can be involved in.

6. MISUSE OF LEISURE TODAY

 Misuse of leisure implies engaging in activities which are not creative and useful to
an individual.
 People misuse their leisure today in the following ways:
a. Spending too much time in passive activities such as watching
television, reading listening to the radio. Some of the films watched
pornographic. Such films are destructive to the morality of the youth for
they promote vices like promiscuity.
b. Idle talk. Some people spend their leisure time talking about things that
are destructive and non-beneficial, e.g. when some people are idle they

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gossip about friends, relatives and employers thus causing a lot of

conflicts.
c. Alcohol and drug taking. Some people misuse their leisure time by
spending a lot of their time and resources on alcohol and other drugs.
Some men misuse family income on alcohol and other drugs, thus causing
a lot of suffering to their families and friends.
d. Gambling. Some people spend leisure time in gambling activities where
they use a lot of their money in the hope that will make a lot more. Such
activities are addictive and have led to the ruin of many lives.
e. Night dancing and discos. Some young people are known to spend their
precious time and resources attending discos. During these occasions,
they may be introduced to alcohol, drugs and pre-marital sex.
7. USE AND ABUSE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
a. Use and abuse of alcohol and its effects
 Alcohol is a drug in form of a drink, e.g. beer, wines, spirits, whisky, brandy and
traditional brews which makes people drunk.
 Abuse of alcohol is habitual and excessive drinking of alcohol.
 Alcohol is used in social events.
 It is also used as medicine under the doctor’s prescription.
 Drinking is a form of leisure activity.
 People abuse alcohol in the following ways:
i. Excessive drinking of alcohol.
ii. Spending family resources on alcohol.
iii. Drinking during working hours.
iv. Selling alcohol to young people who are under age.
v. Spending too much time drinking and socializing.
 Abuse of alcohol has the following effects:
i. People are likely to squander family earnings to satisfy their desires for
alcohol.
ii. A person’s health begins to deteriorate because alcoholics lose their appetite
for food. They may also drink on empty stomachs and this can affect the lover
and the digestive.
iii. A drunkard is likely to be lax, produce poor quality work, report to work late,
lack of concentration and become unco-operative at his/her place of work.
iv. A person who drinks excessively is likely to be careless at their place of work
leading an employer in making losses.
v. Alcoholism can also lead to family break-ups because of the pain and
frustration it causes.
vi. In the case of an expectant mother who is an alcoholic, the health of the
unborn child is endangered, i.e. the child may be born with certain
deformities.
vii. Alcohol destroys brain cells and is why alcoholics are unable to concentrate
and perform their tasks properly.
viii. Alcohol makes people vulnerable to risky behaviour which may lead to
contracting HIV/AIDS by engaging in sexual immorality. When they are
drunk, they are incapable of making appropriate moral decisions.

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ix. Alcohol abuse leads to unruly behaviour like being drunk and disorderly and
thus committing crimes like robbery and violence.

Assignment:

i. Give reasons why Christians are against taking of alcohol.

ii. Explain the causes of high rate of alcohol abuse in Kenya today.

b. Use and abuse of drugs and their effects

 A drug is any substance which when taken may alter the functions of a living
organism.
 Drugs include everything that an organism ingests, inhales, absorbs or is injected
into the blood stream.
 Some drugs are used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Types of drugs

i. Medical drugs
 These are drugs prescribed by doctors for different purposes and illness such
tranquilizers, sedatives and palliative drugs.
 Medical drugs are used to cure diseases and to restore good health.
ii. Soft drugs
 Under this category are stimulants and volatile drugs
 Stimulants are drugs which increase the activity of the central nervous system such
as tobacco, caffeine and miraa.
 Volatile drugs make the consumer intoxicated, dizzy and distorts speech, e.g.
solvents such petroleum products, paint thinners, dry cleaning fluids and glue
sniffing.
iii. Hard drugs/narcotic drugs.
 These are substances that produce dreams and illusions. They also distort hearing,
visual and touch perception, e.g. cocaine, morphine, bhang and heroin.

c. Reasons why people abuse alcohol and other drugs

i. Frustration: This is brought about by unemployment, poverty, family problems,
being jilted by friends, inability to perform in school.
ii. Idleness: When young people have too much time to themselves with nothing
constructive to do, they tend to experiment with alcohol and drugs in order to get
excitement.
iii. Giving too much money to young people as pocket money: This money ends up
being misused in alcohol and other drugs.
iv. Financial stress: Thosewho have little or no money a are likely to feel inadequate
because of their inability to provide for their families. These frustrations may

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eventually lead people to become peddlers, pushers and users of drugs in an

attempt to get money.
v. Bad examples from adults: In some homes where parents drink and smoke
openly, children tend to copy their parents habits hence they end up abusing alcohol
and drugs.
vi. Availability of drugs in the Kenyan markets: Some drugs are fairly cheap and
within the reach of users. Such drugs are sold in kiosks market places, in schools and
home neighbourhood.
vii. Negative peer pressure:A person may even lose friends if they refuse to take
alcohol or drugs. Most innocent young people end up abusing drugs and alcohol so
that they may be accepted by their friends.
viii. Media influence: Commercial advertising and movies promote abuse of alcohol and
drugs by linking success and power to their consumption.
ix. Parental neglect of children:Some parents are unavailable for their children. Such
children feel neglected and unloved. They may indulge in alcohol and drugs in order
to get their parents attention.
x. Permissiveness and breakdown of traditional African values: Western culture
has negatively influenced African traditional values. It has promoted individualism
and lack of concern for the needs of others.
8. CHRISTIAN CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING THE USE OD LEISURE
i. Christians should engage in leisure activities which promote their respect and
dignity. If a Christian chooses to socialize, it should be with people who are morally
upright. (Psalms 1:1-2)
ii. Christians should avoid leisure activities that may be harmful to others even if they
are beneficial to them, e.g. playing loud music without regard for its effects on
others who may be studying.
iii. Christians should choose leisure activities that enrich their knowledge of God such
as gospel music, reading religious literature and holding religious discussions.
iv. Christians should follow Jesus’ example by engaging in those activities that provide
service to others. Jesus Christ during His life sympathized with the needy in the
society. He associated with the sick, tax collectors and the outcasts. (Luke 5:31-32)
v. Christians should avoid leisure activities that are harmful to the individuals and put
one’s life at risk. Such activities include boxing, wrestling, sky-diving, motor-racing
and bull-fighting.
vi. Christians should avoid leisure that lead to addiction, e.g. alcohol and drugs.
vii. Christians should leisure activities that lead to sin. The Bible condemns activities
like gambling, sexual immorality and drunkenness.
viii. Christians should engage in leisure activities that please God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

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UNIT EIGHT
CHRISTIAN APPROACHES WEALTH, MONEY AND POVERTY
1. DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPTS OF WEALTH, MONEY AND POVERTY
a. Wealth
 Wealth can be defined as large amounts of money and other valuable possessions
such as large tracks of land, vehicles, commercial and residential buildings, livestock
and other business enterprises.
 Being wealthy is a state of being rich and prosperous.
 Wealth may be acquired through the following ways:
i. Inheritance.
ii. Industrial investments.
iii. Exploiting of natural resources.
iv. Provision of commercial.
v. Successful business career.
vi. Commercial farming.
vii. Investment of money in financial institutions.
viii. Better paying jobs.
b. Money
 Money can be defined as the medium of exchange that functions as legal tender and
the official currency in form of coins and bank notes issued by a government
authority.
 Money used all over the world to determine the prices of goods and services, to pay
debts and make savings.
 Money is a measure of wealth.
 Money must have the following characteristics:
i. It must be generally acceptable, i.e. people must have confidence in its
purchasing power.
ii. It must be durable.
iii. It must be easy to divide into small units.
iv. It must be easy to carry about.
v. Its value must be maintained through proper control of its circulation.
c. Poverty
 Poverty can defined as the state of being without adequate basic necessities of life
such as food, shelter and clothing.
 Poverty is an undesirable condition which brings suffering to individuals and
nations.

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 Poverty is caused by the following:

i. Geographical factors such as adverse climatic conditions.
ii. Historical and social factors such as poor family background.
iii. Political instability that may lead to civil wars.
iv. Regional imbalance of natural resources.

2. THE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF WEALTH AND POVERTY

a. Wealth
 In traditional African communities, wealth is measured in terms of amount of land,
livestock and grains possessed by individuals or the community.
 Wealth is also valued in terms of the number of wives and children a man has. i.e.
the more wives and children the wealthier a man is considered.
 Wealth can be owned individually or communally.
 In traditional African communities wealth is acquired through the following ways:
i. As a gift from God: Wealth is seen as a blessing from God in most African
communities.
ii. Through inheritance: Parents who have grown-up children may share their
wealth among them.
iii. Through payment of bride wealth: Many daughters are regarded as a source
to their families.
iv. Through farming and livestock rearing in families that work hard in their
farms and rearing animals.
v. Through exploitation of natural resources such as forests, lakes, minerals etc.
vi. Trough barter trade: This involves the exchange of actual goods and services.
vii. Religious specialists are paid for their services such as medicine people,
diviners and rainmakers.
viii. Through the use of skills like tool making, weaving, pottery and welding.
ix. Through raids for goats, sheep and cattle.
x. Through receiving gifts in appreciation of good conduct and special gifts.
b. Poverty
 In traditional African communities poverty is caused by following factors:
i. Laziness: Lazy people fail to work hard in their farms so as to acquire wealth
and end up being ridiculed by the community.
ii. Lack of inheritance: People who are born and brought up in poor families
usual inherit very little or nothing.
iii. Raids: Communities that suffer from raids may be rendered poor overnight
by raiders who take away all their property.
iv. Sickness: Chronic diseases such as leprosy, HIV/AIDS and epilepsy make
people unable to work for themselves.
v. Natural calamities such as floods, drought and earthquakes destroy human
life and property.
3. THE IMPACT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF MONEY ECONOMY IN TRADITIONAL
AFRICAN SOCIETY
 Economy refers to the careful management of resources, finances, income and
expenditure of a family, community, country or business enterprise.

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 Money economy refers to the use of money as a means of exchange in economic

activities such as banking, investment, insurance and payment for goods services.
 Money was introduced in African society by the missionaries, Europeansettlers and
the colonial administration.
 The introduction of money economy in traditional African society brought the
following effects:
i. It has led to the introduction of wage labour replacing communal work.
ii. Rural-urban migration has destroyed the closely knit traditional way of life.
iii. It has led to the creation of social classes of the rich and the poor.
iv. It has promoted individualism which has replaced communal way of life.
v. It has led to vices like bribery and corruption.
vi. The dependence on money has led to social evils such as commercial.
vii. It has eroded the communal ownership of land and led to the private ownership
of land.
viii. Dowry has been commercialized.
ix. Education acquired depends on the amount of money one has.
x. It has led to respect being shifted from old to the young depending on how much
one owns.
xi. Women and children can now own property unlike in traditional African
communities.
xii. Many children are viewed as a liability rather than a sign of wealth.
xiii. It has led to over dependence on foreign aid which has undermined the virtue of
hard work.
xiv. It has led to the decline of subsistence farming creating shortage of foodstuffs.

4. THE CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON WEALTH, MONEY AND POVERTY

 Poverty in manifested in the following ways:
i. People living in demolished and deteriorating conditions in urban and rural
areas.
ii. Hopelessness and despair.
iii. Inability to meet basic needs like food, water shelter, clothing, sanitation,
health and education.
iv. Increase in the gap between the rich and the poor.
v. Increase in crime and immorality
vi. Increase in new churches focused on helping to cope with problems.
vii. Increase in HIV/AIDS infections, death and orphaned children.
a. Wealth in the Old Testament
i. Wealth is a blessing from God. God intended humanity to be rich since
creation because He gave them control of the earth and all created things to
be good stewards.(Genesis 1:28-30, 2:15).
ii. Wealth is linked to obedience to the covenant. Those who obey God’s law and
the teachings of the prophets would be prosperous and live long lives.
(Deuteronomy 28:1-14)
iii. Those who possess wealth should acknowledge God as the source of their
riches. For example Abraham was blessed with wealth because he was
righteous.

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iv. Wealth that was unjustly acquired is condemned. Prophet Amos condemned
the wealthy for exploiting the poor. (Amos 3:10-11, 4:1-3)
v. Wealth should be acquired legally and justly and should be a reward for one’s
efforts.
vi. Wealth should be used to help the needy for the rich have a social obligation
to help.
vii. Wealth should be equally distributed. Wealth is not a supreme good and it
cannot buy love. (song of songs 8:7, Psalms 49:10-11)
viii. Wealth creates a sense of independence from God, the feeling that one can\
7without God. (Amos 6:4-8)
ix. Wealth is temporary and brings fear, restlessness, anxiety and suffering.
(Ecclesiastes 6:1-2)
x. Wealth is an instrument to enable us live decently and help others. The
Israelites were commanded to pay tithe and contribute to maintaining the
Temple and its staff as well religious activities. (Deuteronomy 16:17, Ezra
2:68-69)
b. Wealth in the New Testament
i. Wealth should not determine a person’s worth. (Luke 4:3-4)
ii. Christians should seek more spiritual than material wealth. The kingdom od
God is more precious than a pearl which is considered a very costly piece
jewelry. (Matthew 13:45-46)
iii. God is the owner of wealth and people should realize that they are only
stewards. Therefore we should use our wealth to help the less fortunate.
(Matthew 25:31-46)
iv. Obsession to wealth with money and wealth leads to sin. (1Timothy 6:10)
v. Church leaders should avoid greed for wealth. (1Timothy 3:3-8, Titus 1:7)
vi. Rich exploiters will be judged by God. (James5:1-6)
c. Poverty in the Old Testament
i. Poverty is viewed from a spiritual and material perspective. The materially
poor were those who were socially and economically deprived. (2Kings 4:1)
ii. The Israelites viewed poverty as evil and punishment from God for sin
committed. (Deuteronomy 28:15-46)
iii. The materially poor were recipients of God favour as He was concerned with
their welfare.(Deuteronomy 15:11)
iv. God condemned the oppression of the poor and disregard for the conditions
of orphans and widows. (Isaiah 61:1)
v. The OT prophets urged the Israelites to help the poor and condemned the
oppressive character of the wealthy.
vi. The poor in the OT were also the spiritually pious people who trusted in God.
d. Poverty in the New Testament
i. Poverty is understood from both spiritual and social-economic perspective.
The poor are the humble, honest and faithful people who depend on and
trust in God.
ii. The poor are the economically and socially disadvantaged who luck the basic
necessities of life.

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iii. Jesus was not wealthy person for he owned nothing and usually depended on
His disciples for his upkeep.
iv. The poor in the spiritual sense are considered privileged in the gospel.
v. The poor are the objects of Jesus’ mission for He brings the liberation and
Good News of salvation.
vi. Jesus called His disciples to renounce material possessions as a condition for
following Him.
vii. The kingdom of God is for the humble people who wait on God for their
redemption.
viii. Entry to God’s kingdom will depend on one’s concern for the poor and needy.

5. CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO ISSUES RELATED TO WEALTH AND MONEY

a. Fair Distribution of Wealth
 Fair distribution of wealth means sharing a nation’s resources equitably among its
members.
 Fair distribution of wealth should be guided by the principles of need and justice.
Those who are mostly endowed have a responsibility to provide for those who have
little or none. Those who have should give according to their ability and who do not
have should be given according to their needs.
 God demands from Christians the rightful use of property and sometimes its
complete sacrifice.
 While property gives human beings a sense of independence, the Bible teaches that
we can only attain true freedom if we use it for the service of others.
 God expects Christians and other human beings to practice the values of justice,
fairness and social responsibility.
 Christians should have the moral courage like Nehemiah to demand transformation
of society through implementation of economic policies that can ensure fair
distribution of wealth.
 Equitable distribution of wealth can be achieved through taxing wealthy citizens.
 When Christians pay taxes they show concern for others since taxes are used to
provide services that assist the poor and needy.
 Jesus supported paying of taxes to the Roman government.
 Creation of job opportunities can contribute to reducing poverty and redistribution
of the nation’s wealth.
b. Bribery and Corruption
 A bribe is the payment given in cash or kind for a desired service or in return for a
service rendered.
 Corruption is the practice of giving a bribe in form of money, goods or privileges in
return for services.
 Corrupt people receive an inducement so that they can influence certain decisions in
favour of the one giving bribes.
 Corruption occurs in all aspects of life in Kenya, both public and private sectors.
 People practice corruption in order to get unmerited promotion, acquire wealth fast,
frustration in the work place and perverted conscience.
 Corruption is immoral and destroys the moral fabric of the society.
 It creates hopelessness, frustration and despair.

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 It leads to under development.

 It contributes to unjust distribution of national resources.
 It perpetuatesincompetence in the public service and denies the rights of competent
and qualified people to jobs.
 It enhances ethnic strife when there is practice of nepotism and tribalism.
 It kills people’s morale and creativity.
 Christians should support efforts to promote justice and also be just, fair and loving
in their dealings with others.

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UNIT NINE
CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO LAW, ORDER AND
JUSTICE
1. DEFINITION OF TERMS LAW ORDER AND JUSTICE
a. Law.
 Laws are set of rules that are to ensure that the community functions effectively.
 The main aim of all laws is to protect people, health and security.
 If there were no rules our society would break down.
Types of laws
i. Non-legal laws: Such laws operate in schools, clubs and organizations. Those who
break these laws may not face legal action but may be punished in some way or be
expelled from the organization.
ii. Customary/traditional laws: such laws have developed around the culture and
social traditions of different groups. For example, in traditional communities, there
are laws regulating relationships between in-laws, young people and elders,
marriages and other relationships.
iii. Statutory laws/legal laws: these are made by local councils or national
government and citizens are required to obey them. When people break these laws,
they may be arrested and face legal actions. Most laws are discussed in parliament
and then passed by special procedures. There are several types of statutory as
follows:
 Civil laws: These are made by parliament to guide citizens in their activities
and in relation one another. They deal with issues of property, paying taxes,
labour, management and divorce.
 Criminal laws: They deal crime and punishment, for example murder, rape,
robbery with violence and assault.
 Constitutional laws: These deals with matters of the state and governance.
The constitution is the ultimate law of the land and supercedes all other laws.
 Company laws: These regulate affairs of companies.
 Religious laws: These are made by different religions to govern their
members, for example Islamic law is contained in the “Sharia” and derived
from the Quran. For Christians, their laws are contained in the Ecclesiastical
laws and are derived from the Bible and Christian traditions.

Functions of laws in the society

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i. To protect people’s lives/security.

ii. To protect people’s property.
iii. To regulate human behaviour and actions.
iv. To punish wrong doers.

b. Order
 This refers to a peaceful and harmonious condition of a society.
 It also refers to the state that exists when people obey laws, rules and authority.
 Order is importance in the society as follows:
i. Citizens can carry out their activities peacefully.
ii. People respect the authority.
iii. The economy of the nation thrives.
iv. The country attracts both local and foreign investors.
v. Citizens develop confidence in the state authority.
vi. People move in the country freely and relate to each other.
c. Justice
 Justice is the administration of rightful dealings in a fair manner according to agreed
standards.
 In a just society a person can be punished or rewarded according to their actions.
The punishment given for an offence should be equal to the crime committed.
 Where there is justice, there is peace and harmony among the people.
 Justice allows all people in a country to receive fair treatment from the authorities
regardless of their ethnic background and social status.
 Justice is practiced in schools when all students are treated in the same way without
discrimination.
 In law courts, the judge conducts the case and gives a ruling against the accused
depending on the evidence given. The accused may be proved guilty and convicted
or may be found innocent and acquitted.
 Justice therefore emphasizes on respect for all people in the society.

2. THE NEED FOR LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE IN THE SOCIETY

 Law, order and justice are important because of the following reasons:
i. To safeguard the rights and freedom of the people.
ii. To ensure security and protection of the people and their property.
iii. To promote peace and harmony.
iv. To provide stability which encourages economic development.
v. To control powers of those in authority.
vi. To promote peaceful relationships among communities.
vii. To enable the government implement its policies effectively.
viii. To reduce discontentment among the people.
ix. To define the duty of each individual member of the society.
x. To define the type of punishment for offences committed.
xi. To provide a conducive atmosphere for investment, this provides employment
opportunities.
xii.
3. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A CITIZEN

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 A citizen is a person who is a member of a political society called a state, kingdom

or empire and is subject to all its laws.
 A right is what is legally due to a citizen on account of being a member of the state.

Assignment: discuss the rights and duties of the Kenyan citizens.

4. TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE

 Law in traditional African communities was inherited from the ancestors.
 It was passed orally from generation to another.
 Law existed as taboos customs and norms.
 People grow up knowing what is right and wrong.
 The elders, specialists and the ancestors are the custodians of law on behalf of the
community.
 All members of the community respect observe these rules and regulations that
cover all aspects of lives such as marriage, initiation, work, sacrifices and trade.
 This enables people to maintain order and justice within the society. African society.
 The following practices enhances law, order and justice in Traditional African
society:
i. Punishment of offenders
 When people commit offences such as stealing, murder, rape, witchcraft, they are
punished so that order and justice are restored.
 Such people are punished through death, curses, sickness, paying fines and
expulsion.
ii. Installation of rulers, kings, chiefs and elders
 These are installed to maintain law and order and execute justice in their area of
jurisdiction.
 In some communities they are regarded as sons of God and their word is binding.
iii. Administration of oaths
 These are administered by specialists and are used as a method of establishing and
maintaining law and order.
 An oath may involve two individuals or communities.
 They are bound together by either drinking blood or rubbing into each other’s body.
iv. Making of covenants
 Covenant making is a common practice in traditional African communities.
 If there is a conflict between two communities, a meeting will be called which is
officiated by elders from the two parties.
 Both parties will promise to live in harmony and exchange vows as a sign of
commitment to the covenant.
v. Observing of taboos
 These are strictly observed by all members of the community.
 Anybody who goes against them faces severe punishment which ensures that
people live in peace and harmony.
vi. Intermarriages
 Intermarriages are encouraged as a way of maintaining law and order especially
between two warring communities.

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 People also marry from different clans and tribes to establish a good relationship
between the two communities or clans.
vii. Initiating dialogue
 This is done where warring groups come together in a meeting and discuss and
resolve issues affecting them.

viii. Sending Emissaries

 Emissaries and mediators are sent to resolve issues and unite warring
ix. Sharing meals
 Meals and drinks are shared when there is a dispute.
 Those involved may come together and share a meal or a drink from the same pot as
a sign of peace.
x. Returning the spoils from raids.
 Communities agree to return whatever property they had taken from each other
during a raid.
5. BIBLICAL TEACHINGS ON LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE
a. Law
 In the OT, the law is referred to as the Torahwhich is contained in the 1st five of the
Bible.
 These laws were given to regulate people’s relationship with God and with one
another. For example, God gave instructions to Adam and Eve to show that He was a
moral God interested in people’s behaviour.
 Abraham was given the law of circumcision to stand as a sign of the covenant of
faith.
 The Israelites were given the Ten Commandments by God through Moses which is
known as the Decalogue.
 In addition to the Decalogue, there were other laws which touched on every aspect
of their lives.
 These laws are as follows:
i. Laws to regulate people’s relationship with God and each other (Exodus
20:1-17).
ii. Laws to bind people to the covenant with God (Genesis17:10-11).
iii. Laws toregulate people’s behaviour (Genesis 2:16-17).
iv. Laws to regulate what type of animal and birds to be eaten. (Leviticus
25:23-28).
v. Laws on prohibition of eating blood (Leviticus17:10).
vi. Laws on prohibition of the disposal of ancestral land (Leviticus 25:23-28).
vii. Laws on treatment of slaves and foreigners (Leviticus 25:39)
viii. Laws concerning purification of women after birth (Leviticus 12:1-8)
ix. Laws prohibiting sexual immorality (Leviticus 18:6-23).

Law in the NT (matthew5:17-48)

 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave a new interpretation to the Mosaic Law.

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 He spoke with authority as He responded to various aspects of the law in the

following manner:
i. The Mosaic Law forbade murder, Jesus went further and forbade and bad
intentions which might lead to murder.
ii. The Mosaic Law forbade adultery; Jesus prohibited men from looking at
women lustful eye as this is likely to led them to the act of sex abuse.
iii. The Mosaic Law allowed a man to divorce his wife. Jesus taught that marriage
should be a life-long union.
iv. The Mosaic Law allowed the use of oath, but Jesus asserted that it was wrong
to swear by heaven or on earth.
v. The Mosaic Law allowed vengeance against an offender but Jesus called for
forgiveness.
vi. The Mosaic Law called for love of one’s friend and hate for one’s enemy but
Jesus taught love for our enemies.
vii. The Mosaic Law discriminated against non-Jews. Jesus taught that one should
treat others as he would like others to treat him/her.
viii. The Mosaic Law was for the Jews only. Jesus emphasized the universality of
God’s kingdom when He mixed with and healed the Gentiles.
ix. The Law of Moses emphasized the strict observance of the law but Jesus
called for absolute.
b. Order
 In the OT, God is portrayed as a God of order. For example in Genesis account of
creation, God created the world for 6 days.
 We also see Him as a God of order in the events of the Exodus as follows:
i. He instructed the Hebrews on what preparations to make on the night of
Exodus.
ii. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud and during the night
with a pillar of fire.
iii. He helped the Israelites cross the Red Sea.
iv. He gave them the ten Commandments to guide them in their relationship
with God and fellow human beings
 In the NT we see God as the God of order in the life and ministry of Jesus as follows:
i. He arranged for the parents of Jesus to escape to save baby Jesus from death.
ii. Jesus ministry was orderly because He started from His home area and He
spread it out to other areas and ended in Jerusalem.
iii. Jesus’ preaching was orderly, He preached according to subject and to His
audience.
iv. He appointed 12 disciples to assist Him in His Ministry of spreading the
gospel.
c. Justice
 Justice is the state of being right and fair.
 God punished the Israelites when they failed to keep the social demand of the law.
 King David was condemned by Prophet Nathan for abusing his office and practicing
injustice. The king unjustly took Bathsheba for himself and arranged to have her
husband, Uriah, killed.

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 King Solomon demonstrated his belief in justice when he made a wise ruling
involving two women who were arguing over the ownership of a child (1kngs 3:16-
28).
 Prophet Amos strongly condemned the injustice of the richand mighty on the poor
and the needy (Amos 5:7, 12).
 Prophet Micah condemned the leaders for hating justice and loving evil like murder
of the innocent (Micah 3:1-3).
 Prophet Isaiah condemned the law courts for acquitting the guilty for a bribe
denying justice to the poor (Isaiah 5:23-25).
 The NT has the following teachings on justice:
i. John the Baptist preached about the importance of upholding justice by:
 Asking the tax collectors not to collect more tax than they were
supposed to.
 Asking soldiers to be content with their wages and not to rob anyone
with violence.
 Asking the rich to share their property with the needy.
 Condemning King Herod’s immoral behaviour of taking his brother’s
wife.
ii. Jesus started His ministry by summarizing His role as a Messiah who would
bring freedom and justice to the oppressed (Luke4:18-19)
iii. The scribes and Pharisees practiced injustice when they brought adulterous
woman to Jesus not the man who had been with her (John 8:3-11)
iv. Pilate failed to administer justice even though he found Jesus innocent.
v. James in His letter condemns the rich who practice injustice by refusing to
pay wages to their workers and committed murder (James 5:4-6).

6. CAUSES OF SOCIAL DISORDERS AND REMEDIES

a. Discrimination
 This refers to unfair treatment of a person or a group of people.
 It occurs when certain groups of people are treated better than others.
 This also occurs when some people are excluded or have their rights restricted on
the basis of race, colour, creed, gender, disability, religion. Ethnicity, language, age,
profession and education.
 Forms of discrimination are follows:
i. Racism
 This is a form of discrimination that is based on unfair treatment of a superior race
to another.
 A particular group of people believe that their race is more superior to the other
races.
 This belief of superiority against other groups leads to dislike and mistreatment of
other races that are perceived as inferior.
 Racism can also be expressed in the belief that the members of the superior race
have a higher intellectual capacity over other races, are better than others in
understanding, performance and in general outlook. For example in South Africa,
the white people thought that they were superior and better than the black people.

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 Xenophobia another form of racism where there is fear and hatred of foreigners by
indigenous people particularly in a situation where the local people feel that their
jobs and well-being are being threatened by the arrival of foreigners.
 In countries where racism exists, racist practices are evident in the following
manner:
 Ownership of managerial positions in big companies and corporations by
members of the superior race while those belonging to the inferior race
work as subordinate staff.
 Preferential treatment to patients of the superior race in form of diet, health
care and accommodation in hospitals.
 In social places like hotels, the superior race gets better and faster services.
 In provision of education, there are special schools designated for children
from superior race.
 Racial discrimination is rampant in the following countries:
 United States of America especially among the black Americans.
 Republic of South Africa.
 Some European, Arab and Asian countries.
 Sudan.
 Racism has the following effects:
 The inferior races get demoralized and desperate.
 There is racial tension, suspicion and bitterness by the inferior group.
 Involvement in criminal activities such as stealing, robbery, violence and
murder.
 Exploitation of the disadvantaged group
 The human dignity of the disadvantaged group is lowered
 Rebellion against the superior race which may lead to civil.
 Poverty due to unemployment.
 General insecurity in the society.
 Possible remedies to racism are as follows:
 Educating people on the importance of dialogue in problem solving instead
of hatred.
 Educating the society on the importance virtues of tolerance, forgiveness
and patience.
 Encourage in inter-racial interactions through marriage, sports, education,
trade, summits and worship.
 Giving equal job opportunities, i.e. employing people from different in
government, church and corporate organizations.
 Putting national and international pressure through economic and political
sanctions on nations that practices racism.
 Implementing and enforcing of those aspects of the constitution that
prohibit discrimination on the basis race by the government.
 Christian approaches to racism is as follows:
 God created all human beings in His own image hence all us are equal before
in dignity.
 Christians teach the gospel of equality, freedom and universal brotherhood
and sisterhood.

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 Christians should interact with all people from all races the same way Jesus
did.
 Christians should apply the commandment of love for one’s neighbour
regardless of race or tribe.
 Racism is immoral and should be condemned.

ii. Tribalism/ethnicity
 Tribalism or ethnicity is the strong feeling of loyalty to one’s tribe and biased
attitude one may have towards those of other tribes.
 It a form of discrimination that is based on one’s tribe.
 For example, when an employer decides to fill vacant positionswith unqualified
people from his/her tribe denying those who are better qualified from other tribes.
 The most affected countries in the recent years include: Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda,
Burundi and even Kenya.
 Ethnicity is caused by the following factors:
 Prejudice.
 Fear of losing power.
 Fear of becoming extinct.
 Language may enhance tribalism.
 Administrative boundaries based on ethnicity may promote tribalism.
 Recruitment and deployment of employees based on tribes.
 Diverse cultural practices.
 Tribal based clubs may promote tribalism.
 Inequitable distribution of the nation’s resources.

Assignment: Discuss the effects of tribalism.

 Possible remedies of tribalism era as follows:

 Educating people on the importance of appreciating and respecting other
ethnic groups.
 Promoting national unity through the establishment of national schools,
sports, drama and music.
 Encouraging inter-ethnic marriages.
 Promoting the use of the national language.
 Encouraging domestic tourism through educating on the benefits of visiting
different parts of the country. This enables people to meet others from
different practices and cultures hence promoting the spirit nationalism.

iii. Sexism/Gender-based discrimination

 This is form of discrimination that is based on sex.
 This discrimination particularly refers to the oppression of women.
 However some men get discriminated by women.
 Gender-based discrimination is manifested in the society in the following ways:

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 In education, girls from poor families are the most affected in terms of
attaining formal education compared to boys. Parents who have limited
resources to provide education for children prefer educating their sons to
daughters.
 Favouritism in job opportunities. Most employers prefer to hire men who
have the necessary education and skills than women because they fear that
the female employees will not concentrate on their jobs because of their
family responsibilities.
 Cultural practices that are discriminative to women like early marriages.
 Women are oppressed at home as they are overburdened with domestic
activities such as cultivating, fetching water, collecting fire wood, cooking,
taking care of children and their husbands and other domestic chores.
 Political marginalization of women. Despite the fact that most voters are
women, very few succeed in getting political positions.
 Some religious beliefs and misconceptions portray women as inferior to
men. For example some Christian men use the concept of the original sin to
oppress women.
 The following are remedies to sexism:
 Educating the people on the negative effects of sexism.
 Educating parents on the importance of treating both sons and daughters
equally.
 Encouraging girls to take up male dominated careers such as engineering,
medicine and architecture to compete effectively with boys.
 Enlightening rural men and women on their basic rights through civil
education.
 Formations of lobby groups to provide support both men and women.
 Condemning of gender-based discrimination.
 Elevating the status of women by appointing them into leadership positions
in church and community.
 Giving equal opportunities to men and women all aspects of life.
 Allowing women to in-charge of the community-based programmes.
b. Inequitable distribution of wealth and resources
 This implies that the resources of a country are not fairly distributed among the
people.
 This means that only a few people access the resources of a country the majority
suffer in poverty.
 The following factors have contributed to inequitable distribution of wealth and
resources in Kenya:
 Greed.
 Grabbing of land and other resources.
 Embezzlement of funds.
 Imbalance in the distribution of natural resources like water, forests and
good agricultural land.
 Some areas are endowed with good institutions which provide quality
education while others lack such facilities.
 Inadequate health facilities in some areas especially in rural areas.

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 Unfavourable climatic conditions in some areas such arid and semi-

aridareas.
 Historical factors such as the influence of missionaries and the colonial
administration.
 Inequitable distribution of wealth and resources at the international level is caused
by the following factors:
 Availability of natural resources such as minerals, water, forests and
agricultural land.
 Developed transport and communication network.
 Urbanization and industrialization.
 Advancement in science and technology.
 Favourable climatic conditions.
 Good governance and political stability.
 Unfavourable terms of trade that favours developed countries.
 Possible remedies to inequitable distribution of wealth and resources in Kenya:
 Government to ensure wealth and resources are equitably distributed to all
its citizens and regions.
 Government to protect employees from being exploited by their employers
by formulating and implementing fair labour laws.
 Employment should be based on merit.
 Christians to promote the principle of love, sharing and mutual
responsibility.
 By condemning the exploitation of the poor by the rich.
 Rich nations to be urged assist poor nations through grants and writing off
debts.
 Instilling the virtue hardwork in people so that they become self-reliance.
 Promoting locally produced goods.
 Conservation and management of existing resources.
c. Crime
 A crime is an anti-social action that disturbs the orderly, stable and peaceful society
and is punishable by law.
 An action becomes a crime when it interferes with the rights of other people.
 Examples of crime committed by people include:
 Loud music being played at night in residential areas.
 Sexual immoralities such as rape.
 Stealing
 Robbery with violence.
 Misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.
 Land crabbing.
 Murder.
 Carjacking.
 Terrorism.
 Factors that cause crime in the society are as follows:
 Covetousness: This is a strong desire to have things that others possess
such as expensive clothes, cars, houses and electronic gadgets. Since not all

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people possess the same amount of wealth, some greedy people may resort
to unlawful means of acquiring wealth such as theft, fraud and grabbing.
 Over indulgence in drinking alcohol drug taking: A person under the
influence of alcohol or drugs may lose their sense of judgement and cause an
accident while driving.
 Desire for power: This may lead some people to desire ways of eliminating
those in power so that they may take over.
 Unemployment and underemployment: Many qualified people who do
not have jobs or are meaningfully occupied may turn into criminal activities.
 Revenge: When people feel that someone in authority has treated them
unfairly, they may resort to taking revenge.
 Urbanization: Many people from different communities have converged in
urban centres. Some people do not have means of livelihood, hence are
unemployed. These people may resort to criminal activities.
 Extreme poverty.
 Widening gap between the rich and the poor.
 Lack of moral up-bringing and character formation.
 Materialism.
 Environment such growing up among habitual criminals is likely t lead on to
commit crime too
 Remedies to crime are as follows:
 Punishment
 Rehabilitation
 Punishment: This is a penalty for a crime or offence committed. Punishments are
meant to reform an offender and not to alienate him/her from other people. there
are several forms of punishment as follows:
 Imprisonment: Thisis physically removing people from the society and
confining them in jail.
 Capital punishment (death penalty): This is given to murderers and those
charged with treasonable acts.
 Corporal punishment which involves canning.
 Detention without trial.
 Deportation and exile.
 Payment of fines.
 Denial of certain privileges.
 Rehabilitation: This is the process of helping a person to have a normal and useful
life again after being a criminal and in prison for a long time.

Ways of rehabilitating criminals

 Through provision of guidance and counselling services to ex-prisoners and

prisoners.
 Through provision of education and vocational training to prisoners.
 Provision of soft loans by government and churches to ex-prisoners to start income
generating business.
 Educate the public to accept and accommodate reformed criminals.

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 Christians to preach and offer prayers to those in prison to repent their sins.
 The government to enhance the policy of putting minor offenders on probation
where they can learn to be good citizens.
 Insane people who commit crimes to be to be taken to rehabilitation centres to
undergo psychological treatment.
 Establish more approved schools or juvenile centres to cater for under-age
criminals.
 Bridging the gap between the rich and the poor.
 Upholding of traditional and Christian values by the society.
7. CHURCH-STATE RELATIONSHIP
 People working in government are mainly involved in the political and economic
welfare of the country while those in church organization address themselves
mainly to religious and spiritual matters of the people.
 However both political and religious matters of the people are inseparable, thus the
church and the state will always relate on one way or another within a given
country.
 The areas of co-operation between the church and the state are as follows:
i. Both the church and the state provide civil education. i.e. they both
educate the citizens on the meaning of the constitution and their
constitutional rights.
ii. The church encourages its members to respect lawful authority.
iii. The church and state work together during important national events like
the opening of the national assembly Madaraka day Jamhuri day.
Religious are invited to offer opening prayers.
iv. Both participate in the development of the national curriculum and
curricular materials, e.g. the CRE syllabus.
v. Both are partners in the establishment of educational training
institutions, e.g. youth polytechnics, schools and colleges.
vi. The state has given churches freedom of worship.
vii. The state allocates land for the construction of churches and for building
community development projects like mission hospitals and schools.
viii. The church supports the state in the fight against corruption.
ix. Both the church and the state provide healthcare services.
x. The church participates in the constitutional reviews and amendments.
 However there are some areas where the church and state have had differences.
These are:
i. Use of contraceptives. Some churches like the Roman Catholic Church oppose
the use of contraceptives while the government is encouraging people to use
them
ii. Sex-education. The church is opposed to the inclusion of sex-education in
school curriculum for fear that it will promote immorality among the youth.
iii. Political issues. Sometimes politicians feel threatened when the church
address certain issues like corruption within government.

8. THE ROLE CHRISTIANS ON TRANSFORMING THE SOCIETY

a. Participation of Christians in social life

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i. They provide education and training. The missionaries pioneered in the provision of
education and established many leading schools in Kenya like Alliance, Mang’u, and
Loreto.
ii. Preaching the gospel to all people.
iii. They provide health care and medical services. Mission hospitals like Mukumu in
Kakamega County.
iv. Christians provide guidance and counselling services to youths, couples and people
living with HIV/AIDS
v. They rehabilitate criminals so that they can fit in the society.
vi. They train social workers on family life education to provide knowledge on
reproductive health.
vii. They create employment opportunities to uplift members of the society.
viii. They establish special homes for the destitutes such as orphans, street children and
aged. These homes provide care and basic necessities of life.

b. Participation of Christians in economic life

i. Christians collect funds for construction of churches and schools.
ii. They fund economic ventures like the Jua kalisector and to by equipment for people
to start businesses.
iii. Thy pay their taxes because they recognize the need for these taxes in the economic
well-being of the nation.
iv. They practice farming, e.g. most mission centres have farms which act as
demonstration farms for local people where they can learn new agricultural
methods.
v. They invest in their country and establish business enterprises like schools and
factories where they employ people.

c. Participation of Christians in political life

i. Christians are called to offer prayers and provide necessary guidance during official
government functions such as opening of parliament.
ii. They act as the conscience of the society in exposing and condemning evils in the
public institutions and those committed by leaders.
iii. They obey and observe state laws through paying taxes and avoiding illegal
activities.
iv. They promote peace through acting as mediators between warring parties and
preaching peace, love and unity.
v. Christians advocate for the interests of the people and speak on their behalf so that
resources may be equitably distributed.
vi. Christians also exercise their civil rights by voting for leaders of their choice.

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UNIT TEN
CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO SELECTED ISSUES
RELATED TO MORDEN SCIENCE, TECHNILOGY AND
ENVIRONMENT
1. DEFINITION OF THE TERMS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND EVIRONMENT
a. Science
 This is the systematic study of the nature and behaviour of materials and the
physical universe based on observation, experiment and measurement.
 It can also refer to knowledge arranged in an orderly manner, especially knowledge
obtained by observation and testing facts, e.g. in Biology information about living
things is arranged systematically according to the nature of the species,
characteristics and functions.
b. Technology
 This is the application of scientific knowledge in order to provide goods and
services.
 Application of technology leads to improvement in following areas:
 Transport and communication.
 Medicine.
 Manufacturing of goods and services and marketing.
 Evangelization through use of print and electronic media.
c. Environment
 This is the external surroundings of an organism.
 It also refers to the various forms of matter, living and non-living that surround an
organism.
 Human beings benefit from science and technology in the following ways:
i. Innovations in telecommunications that has resulted in internet, computer,
mobile phones, and electronic equipment.
ii. Improve food production mechanized agriculture, discoveries and
production of better seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.
iii. Better nutrition, health care and medical services have resulted to longer
lifespan.

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iv. Development of efficient means of transport on land, air and water as a result
of invention of automobiles, aircraft, motor boats and ships.
v. Improved efficiency at work due to automation and use of computers.
vi. Better understanding and management of the environment, e.g. weather
forecasting, collection of garbage, soil fertility etc.
vii. Population control and management through family planning methods.
viii. Better security systems through use of scanners, alarms, cctvs, and electrified
fences.
ix. Use media technology in education and learning, e.g. computers, internets,
audio tapes, equipment and satellite.
x. Creation of employment opportunities through industrial development.
2 CHRISTIAN VIEWS ON ISSUES RELATED TO SICENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
a. Euthanasia(Mercy killing)
 Euthanasia is a Greek word which means an easy and painless death.
 It also refers to competent and sympathetic help given to a dying person to
experience love and care.
 Euthanasia may be voluntarily when applied to an individual with his/ her consent
or involuntarily when it is applied to an individual without his/her consent.
 It involves a human action or omission of some life-saving procedure with intention
of causing death of a human being in order to eliminate suffering.
 Euthanasia may be carried out in the following ways:
i. Switching off life supporting machine of a person in a coma.
ii. Leaving a patient exposed to cold so that he/she catches pneumonia and dies.
iii. Administering an overdose of medicine to the patient causing death.
 Proponents of Euthanasia give the following reasons for it:
i. Human beings have a right to choose a dignified death instead of a degrading
and unbearable life.
ii. Sympathetic help given to a dying person makes one experience love and
care instead of negligence.
iii. Some members of the society demand the removal of useless and
burdensome members.
iv. It is wrong to spend wealth of the family on a dying person and leave the
family members in poverty.
v. Individuals suffering from diseases like HIV/AIDS would rather die than
infect relatives and friends.

Christians view on Euthanasia

i. Some people have recovered after years of deep coma, thus switching off life-
supporting machine is morally wrong.
ii. Euthanasia is murder which is against God’s commandment “You shall not
kill”(Exodus 20:13)
iii. A person in a coma or suffering severely is helpless and cannot make right decision
in regard to his/her life. Some of the relatives and friends would want a person to
die in order to grab his/her wealth.

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iv. Christians believe that God is giver of life and Him alone can take it ways, i.e. life is
sacred and God-given(Genesis 2:7)
v. Euthanasia is against medical ethos which demands that doctors and nurses work
for the sustenance of human life and alleviation of suffering but not to terminate it.
vi. Euthanasia is country to the teachings and works of Jesus Christ in the restoration of
human life. Christians believe that Jesus has power over sickness and through His
name all sickness are healed.
vii. Accepting Euthanasia discourages medical research on vaccines that may cure
various diseases. Human being may fail in their responsibilities as co-creators with
God.
b. Blood transfusion
 This is the process of injecting blood into the blood stream of a patient through
his/her veins.
 This happens when the patient’s level of blood is low or before and after a patient
undergoes a major operation.
 Blood transfusion is carried out because of the following reasons:
i. To restore blood lost during fatal accidents, wars and child birth.
ii. To give blood to terminally ill people like sickle cell anaemia and cancer of
the blood patients.
iii. To maintain blood levels for patients undergoing major operations.
iv. To correct the low haemoglobin levels of some patients.
 The following precautions must be taken before blood transfusion is carried out:
i. Screening of blood for various diseases
ii. Determining the right blood group for the patient.
iii. Observing hygiene for transfusing blood.
iv. Getting the blood from the correct age bracket(not below 16 and not above
65 years)
v. The equipment used must be sterile.

Christian view on blood transfusion

i. Some Christians believe that it is wrong to take blood from a healthy person and
transfuse it to another person. According to them blood is life and cannot be taken
from one individual and place into another. They believe that to transfuse blood is
equal to eating it which is condemned in the Bible (Leviticus 17:10-14; acts 15:20)
ii. Other Christians accept it as a common modern science practice. Such Christians
donate blood to save lives of those in need of blood.
iii. God values life of human beings. Through his son Jesus Christ, He healed the sick
and raised the dead (Matthew 9:18-26; Luke 6:11-17). By doing so He gave them life
and delivered them from suffering.
iv. God gave has Christians the intelligence and capacity to make right decisions and
choices.
v. God gave human beings power to conquer and subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28)
including overcoming diseases and saving lives through blood transfusion.
c. Organ transplant.
 This is the removal of a defective organ and replacing it with healthy one.

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 The main organs transplanted are kidneys, the heart, brains and eyes.
 The organs transplanted can be from a human donor who is living, recently
deceased donor or from an animal.
 Some Christians support organ transplant because of the following reasons:
i. Life is sacred and should be preserved.
ii. Biblically the woman came from the flesh of man therefore it is an act of
emulating God’s action.
iii. The donor continues to lead a normal life
iv. It is seen part of human beings efforts to continue as co-creators with God.
v. It is an expression of love and concern for the suffering.
 Some Christians oppose organ transplant because of the following reasons:
i. It is seen as transfer of life from one person to another which is ethically
wrong.
ii. A disease may pass on through the process if proper medical procedures of
screening fail.
iii. Life is sacred and it is only God who has power over it.
iv. The donor may be pressed upon to give the organ without a clear consent.
d. Genetic Engineering
 Genetics is the science dealing with heredity.
 Genetic engineering is the change made to hereditary features by deliberately
altering the structure or position of individual genes.
 It involves inserting a new gene into an organism.
 Genes are hereditary units which determine characteristics of organisms.
 Genetic engineering has been applied in the following fields:
i. The production of drugs, high quality plants and animals.
ii. Producing blood clotting agents and to classify blood for transfusion
iii. Invitrofertilization which involves the fusion of the reproductive cells
outside the womb (test tube babies)
iv. Through artificial insemination.
 Genetic engineering has the following benefits:
i. It leads to production of high quality breeds hence high production.
ii. It aids in the production of drugs that fight resistant diseases.
iii. It is used to determine the biological parents in cases of disputes on babies through
DNA tests.
iv. Disease resistant crops have been developed through genetic engineering which
increases crop production.
v. It solves the problem of infertility through artificial insemination and
Invitrofertilization.
vi. It is used to originate finger printing for forensic work in crime busting and criminal
trials.
vii. It is used to make a blood clotting agent which is usually lacking in patients with
haemophilia.
viii. Used to classify blood during screening before it is transfused to another person.
ix. Used to manufacture human growth hormones which are used in the treatment of
dwarfism and restoring near-normal heights in children suffering from growth
hormone deficiency.

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 Some Christians oppose genetic engineering because of the following reasons:

i. It denies God the sole duty of creating humankind in His own image.
ii. It dehumanizes the whole purpose of human reproduction.
iii. Cloning may lead to undesirable characteristics to be inherited.
iv. It weakens the immune system of the organism making is susceptible to
diseases.
v. Human beings may be denied their rights to reproduce children through the
normal sexual relationship.
e. Plastic surgery
 This involves the surgical operation carried out on the body to remove damaged
parts and replace with other tissues, e.g. pieces of skin or bone from other parts of
the body.
 It is done to correct deformed or injured parts of the body so as to improve
performance or give a normal appearance
 The most commonly used tissue in plastic surgery is the human skin.
 Plastic surgery is supported because of the following:
i. It improves one’s self-esteem which may have been ruined.
ii. It corrects a defect that interferes with normal functioning of the body.
iii. It shows the ability of human beings to work as co-creators with God.
iv. Major burns can be treated by plastic surgery.
v. Jesus healed those with deformities so Christians should emulate Him.
 Plastic surgery has the following disadvantages:
i. It may lead to death if the operation fails or permanent damage on the
patient.
ii. It may lead to the rejection of the transplanted tissue by the recipient which
leads to a lot of suffering to the patient.
iii. Some of the operations are very expensive and many people may not meet
the costs and have to endure the defects.
iv. Although plastic surgery may make someone look young for will a few years,
this will not stop the aging process.
v. Emphasis on beauty and pleasing appearance may be seen as idolatry. Some
people will strive for beauty in order to please and be adored by others.
vi. It interferes with God’s image given at creation because each person is
fearfully and wonderful made.
vii. Certain diseases are may be transmitted especially where tissues are
detached from a donor with a disease such as HIV/AIDS.
2. THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO THE IMPACT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON
THE ENVIRONMENT.
a. Pollution
 This is the introduction into of substances or energy that causes hazards to human
beings, animals and plants.
 Pollutants are substances that contaminate the environment which include:
 Industrial affluents.
 Pesticides and insecticides.
 Ultra-violet rays from the nuclear plants.
 Dust and smoke.

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 Noise.
 Waste heat.
 Exhaust gases from automobiles.
 Radioactivity and electronic pulses.

Types of pollution

i. Land pollution
 This refers to any physical or chemical alteration to land which causes change in its
use and renders it incapable of beneficial use without treatment.
 Land is polluted when solid and semi-solid waste from industries, commercial and
domestic buildings is left on the land surface.
 Such waste corrodes or degrades the land surface and makes it unproductive.
 Uncollected garbage spoils the beauty of the environment which is also a breeding
ground for disease transmitting insects.
 Land is also polluted through the use of chemicals such s fertilizers, herbicides and
pesticides which make the land acidic and eventually infertile.
ii. Air pollution
 This is the presence of contaminants or objects like metal which are harmful to
human, plant and animal life in the atmosphere.
 It also refers to the emission of poisonous gases into the atmosphere.
 The effects of air pollution are as follows:
 It leads depletion of the ozone layer which protects life from ultra-violet
infra-red rays from the sun.
 Rusting of roofs and other iron and steel surfaces.
 Formation of acid rains which cause major changes in the ecosystems and
damages building.
 The build-up of carbon IV oxide in the atmosphere has led to global warming
and green-house effect.
 Formation of snog (thick fog) especially in temperate countries which
reduces visibility thus increasing chances of accidents by motorists.
 Production of foul smell which is associated with gaseous products in the
atmosphere like sulphur dioxide.
 Formation of coloured rain as a result of concentration of large amounts of
dust in the atmosphere.
 Loss of eye sight as a result of gases leakages from industrial plants.
iii. Water pollution
 This is the increase of substances in water in excess of its rightful chemical
components thus making it unsuitable for human, animal and plant use.
 Inland waters are polluted with Nitrogen and Phosphorous run-off from fertilizers
used in extensive agriculture and sewage affluents which contain phosphate.
 Water is also pollution also caused by eroded soil, oil spills and leakages and their
impurities deposited in water bodies.
 Water pollution has the following effects:

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 Water becomes unfit for human consumption.

 Untreated sewage may contain pathogenic bacteria such as those causing
typhoid and cholera hence killing aquatic animals and causing epidemic in
human beings.
 Contaminated water corrodes metal appliances in industries and homes.
 Poisonous heavy metals such as mercury. Lead and silver discharged into
water bodies kill organisms in water.
 Hot water affluents from power stations expel dissolved oxygen which
causes suffocation of aquatic animals causing death.
 Oil spilled from tankers in seas and oceans kill aquatic animals such as fish,
sea birds and whales.
 Radio-active waste from nuclear reactors can cause mutation, death and
deformation in plants and animals.
iv. Noise pollution
 This is experienced in areas near roads, running water, factories, mining areas,
quarries, air ports, music shop centres, matatu termini, bars, night clubs and open
air crusades.
 People may experience the following problems.
 Shock due sudden loud noise.
 Hearing problems.
 Lack of sleep especially for children and patients.
 Public nuisance leading to frustration and irritation.
 Poor communication leading to misleading where instructions fail to be
received correctly.
 Cracking walls.
 Noise can be minimized through the following ways:
 Construction of sound proof buildings.
 Location of residential areas away from industries, airports, main roads and
bars.
 Banning of unnecessary hooting and playing of loud music in public vehicles.
 Installing generators underground or installing silencers in them.
 Giving warning to residents before using explosives to blast rocks.
 Educating people on effects of noise pollution.

Christian view on pollution

 Christians should take care of the environment.

 They should avoid care cutting of trees and overstocking.
 People should avoid dumping wastes in water, land and air
 They should oppose all forms of pollution like those that cause depletion of the
ozone layer.
 They should help in preserving God’s creation like good stewards who are
responsible. For it.
 They should champion for waste collection in urban areas especially. In residential
areas.
b. Desertification

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 This is the encroachment of deserts-link conditions into arable land making it

desolate, uncultivable and uninhabitable.
 Deserts may form naturally, e.g. when rains persistently fail in semi-arid areas.
 Human activities which contribute desertification are as follows:
i. Overgrazing. The animals trample on the soil, eat up all vegetation thus
exposing soil to agents of erosion eventually turning it into a desert.
ii. Over cultivation where the soil may be rendered infertile.
iii. Destruction of forests by fire from smokers or lightning.
iv. Shifting cultivation.
v. Poor methods irrigation practices.
vi. Continues use of chemicals which may make the soil infertile.
vii. Cultivation on steep slopes and water catchment areas.
viii. Cutting down trees thus leaving the land bare, causing soil erosion which
eventually lead to desertification.
ix. Mass destruction of vegetation by acid rains.
 Desertification can be curbed using the following ways:
i. Establishment of multi-purpose river project.
ii. Land reclamation
iii. Practicing afforestation and re-afforestation.
iv. Banning cutting down of trees.
v. Practicing agro-forestry.
vi. Encouraging zero grazing.
vii. Planting of cover crops.

Christian views desertification

i. Christian should take care of land as it is the source of livelihood.

ii. They should avoid careless cutting of trees.
iii. Christians have a responsibility for proper management and conservation of the
environment as God’s co-creators.
iv. Christians should be at the forefront to fight all causes of desertification.
v.
c. Deforestation
 This is cutting down of trees and other types of vegetation without replacing them.
 Deforestation is carried out because of the following reasons:
i. Provision of fuel for industrial and domestic use.
ii. Provision of materials for building and construction
iii. Provision of herbal medicine.
iv. Provision of raw materials for industries such as paper
manufacturing, wood carving and furniture.
v. Creation of land for cultivation and settlement.
vi. Provision of infrastructure such as roads, railways and
airports.
vii. Provision of mining areas.

Negative impact deforestation on the environment

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i. There is loss of locally available products such as fruits. Honey and herbs.
ii. Water catchment areas which are protected by forests are destroyed and no longer
attract rains hence rivers dry up.
iii. Soil erosion is caused by rapid run-off of rai water accelerates deforestation.
iv. Increase in global carbon iv oxide build-up in the atmosphere causing global
warming.
v. There is extinction of certain species of plants and animals.
vi. There is destruction of natural beauty.
vii. There is desertification.
 Christians can preserve and conserve the forests through the following ways:
 Practicing afforestation and re-afforestation.
 Practicing zero-grazing.
 Use of renewable source of energy.
 Obeying rules and laws that govern the protection of the environment.

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