CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

FORM 4 SIMPLIFIED NOTES

Mr. Maina
RRA

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Christian ethics
The word ethics comes from a Greek Term Ethics which means custom, or conduct.
Ethics are moral principles, which influence a persons behavior.
Ethics are defined as the systematic study of human actions and behavior.
We use ethics to judge, determine and assess the right and wrong of human behavior.
Morals refer to human character, which isthe inclination to behave in one- way or another.
Ethics is the study of morals and they determine and influence personal and societal behavior
Christian ethics is the study of human conduct or behavior from a Christian point of view.

Basis of Christian ethics/Sources of Christians ethics

Human reason and experience
These are internal thoughts that guide us when we are making decisions and taking actions.
We use our minds and thoughts when confronted by situations.
They also rely on internal thoughts in their life experiences.

Internal guides
They include;
a. Conscience
This is our inner self that tells us and lets us know what isright and wrong.

There are four types of consciences; doubtful, sensitive, certain and perplexed conscience..

b. Human Experiences

These are internal and external guides

When confronted by situations, Christians use their minds i.e. human reason and their life
experiences in making decisions.
They rely on internal guides, (Human reason) and experience (external guides) Internal guides

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 Conscience Mind, aspect of knowing right or wrong. When right, theres approval when wrong
it registers guilt.
When doubtful of the morality of an action we should not do it
If conscience is perplexed, then make us decision. A decision should be based on a certain
conscience.
c. Knowledge and free will
To make a decision one should have
∙ Facts about the act, its aims, and circumstances.
∙ One should be free to perform
∙ A decision ought to be thoughtful
d. Intuition — inner feeling, insight
Its an internal moral sense to do good or avoid evil. Intuition is important in situations that
require quick and immediate action that requires quick and immediate action.
Feelings are subjective e.g. it feels good to do so this, hence will do…” it can be dangerous to
make decisions purely based on feelings especially in marriage friendship etc.

Eternal guides
Experience, Guides here include authoritative persons such as parents, teachers, police, civil
leaders and religious leaders.

Rules from secular, religions, and African traditional culture are part of external guides.
The Bible
The Bible guides Christian behaviour. God communicates to his people through the Bible.
The Bible offers answers to questions in relation to the life of a Christian. They are mostly
found in the teachings of Jesus and the ten commandments, sermon on the mountain
Christians are also encouraged to have Faith The virtues encouraged include generosity, love,
kindness, faithfulness, patience, humility, peace, mercy, loyalty etc.
Today, there are ethical issues not found in the bible e.g. HIV / AIDS, sexual and reproductive
health rights, contraceptives, abortion, globalization, cloning, environmental degradation,
genetically modified foods, terrorism, international trade etc.
This givesreason and other sources basis of Christian ethics in addition to the Bible.

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 Christian community — church
Church leadership can make decisions, which touch on their followers. They guide people on
ethical issues e.g. politics, land, justice, abortion, contraception etc.
Church organizations give rules on those conduct of their members.
Natural law
The awareness that one has to choose good and avoid evil
If one studies human nature and reflects upon it he/she will discover natural laws of human
behaviour

Natural law, natural rights such as right to education, life own property many etc. are
incorporated into the constitution of any nation.
The constitution then guides the behaviour of list citizens; Christians being citizens of a
country are guided in their behaviour by the constitution.
Situation ethics
One should reason out the rightness or wrongness of an act. The rightness or wrongness of an
act depends on its uniqueness, the circumstances
Christians are warned against making decisions based on circumstances or the situation e.g. a
pregnant student seeking abortion as the option so as to continue with education.
Gods revelation
God reveals himself to people through prophets, natural events, the law, dreams and visions.
Through such ways God guides Christian on how they should approach certain issues. Gods
revelation does not contradict with the Bible.

Christian values that enhance the creation of a just society

The values that enhance the creation of a just society include;
a. Love
Love is an important value in creating a just society
God demonstrated His selfless love by giving His only son to die for the sake of
mankind
Christians should sacrifice their love by helping the disadvantaged members in the
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 society without seeking for reward

b. Honesty/reliability faithfulness
Honesty is an important moral value because it makes us dependable and trusted

God command us to be honest with ourselves and in our dealings with other people

When we are honest, we are also reliable and dependable

c. Justice/fairness
Justice is an important moral value.
Christians should follow Gods teachings on justice by treating all people as equal
since all are created in Gods image and likeness.
d. Respect
Christians are expected to show respect to their fellow human beings

They are expected to respect God and themselves through the things they do.

They are expected to respect their work and resources under their care.

e. Humility
Christians should uphold the moral value of humility
They should not think highly of themselves
They should humble themselves by serving others without reservation.

f. Perseverance/persistence
Christians should be persistent in their faith in Jesus Christ
They should endure persecutions and suffering on account of their faith in God.

They should be persistent in their responsibilities by working hard for Jesus Christ
and their communities.
g. Chastity
Christians should remain chaste by not engaging in immoral sexual activities

They should honour God for their bodies are the temple of the holy spirit.

Life Skills
Life skills are abilities that help people to develop positive behaviour.

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 They help people deal effectively with the demands and challenges of every days life

Life skills enable an individual to live with oneself and making effective decisions.

They include the following;

1. Critical thinking
Critical thinking is important in shaping our independent thinking and judgement

We should apply critical thinking in everything we do.

One should reason and weigh the options i.e. consequences of an action taken.
2. Creative thinking
God has given us the gift of creative thinking
We should use it to develop ourselves and life of others.
We should approach problems with a critical mind.
3. Decision making
It involves weighing the options and arriving at the right decision

We should make right decisions so that we can live fulfilled lives

Its important to study a situation before making a decision

We should only make decisions that are beneficial to our lives and that of other people
4. Self-esteem
People with high self-esteem are confident and focussed.
They aim at achieving set goals, and are therefore result oriented.

We should work hard to build our self-esteem and self-worth.

5. Assertiveness
Assertive people have a high level of self-esteem, self-worth and confidence

They are honest with themselves and express their feelings and desires.
Importance of life skills
Life skills help an individual to;
1. They help people to live positively and actively
2. To practice healthy behaviour and inter personal relationships
3. Assess and avoid risky behaviour
4. Avoid risky behaviour

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 5. Contribute in making a just society
6. Set goals in life and achieve them
7. Build self-esteem and self confidence

CHAPTER 2

HUMAN SEXUALITY
Definition of Human sexuality
Human sexuality is that which makes us male or female.
It is our biological or physiological differences associated with the state of being male or

female.
Besides the biological make up, we have an emotional side, which includes our attitudes, and
feelings. Females are said to be more emotional and talkative than males.
Human sexuality is also in our brain and mind and it is what makes us human beings.
Gender roles play a great part in shaping our human sexuality. There are different gender
roles for males and females in our society.

Christian teaching on human sexuality

Males and females are Gods creation. Men and women were created for many reasons.
These are to be fruitful and to multiply and for companionship.
In Genesis we learn that men and women share the image of God because God intended man
and woman to play complementary roles and both are equal before God.
Sex in marriage is a sign of love and it issacred. In marriage man / and woman become one
flesh. Both of them have the ability to control their sexual desires.
Christian teaching forbids: sex before marriage, adultery or unfaithfulness, and other unnatural
sexual behaviours like lesbianism, homosexuality or being gay, and incest.
God created human body and it isto be kept holy. Chastity is encouraged while unfaithfulness in
marriage is discouraged. Husbands / wives are to respect one another and give to each other in
mutual love.

Traditional African understanding of human sexuality

Human sexuality is highly valued in traditional African communities. It is understood in terms
of marriage and parenthood.

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 Procreation was the sole purpose of sex. Sex was to be practiced in marriage and it was
regarded as another sacred duty.

Adulterywas discouraged and offenders punished. Irresponsible sexual relationships were

forbidden.
Virginity before marriage was highly valued. If a girl lost her virginity before marriage, she was
treated with scorn and punishment. If a boy impregnating a girl, he was fined. \
In traditional African society it was a taboo to discuss openly sex matters. Grandparents taught
sex education to their grandchildren. Sex education was taught during initiation stages.
Free mixing of girls and boys was not allowed except under supervision. Girls were married
off immediately after initiation to avoid temptation of engaging in pre-marital sex.
To reinforce self — discipline in relationships between the opposite sexes the African
traditional society instilled the fear of supernatural curses through myths, taboos and rules.
Marital status. Husbands and wives were expected to relate to each other, their parents, and in
laws according to the community customs.
Conflicts between a husband and a wife were resolved through intervention of relatives.
There are specific chores and duties for either male or female in African traditional societies.
Roles were therefore according to gender. Boys went hunting, herding, while girls fetched
firewood, and helped in cooking.

African teachings on male-female relationships

Gender differences were evident when a child was born. For example, baby boys were
welcomed by five ululations while girls were welcomed by three ululations.
At an early age, girls and boys would mix freely as they played together. Mature boys and
girls however, were restricted from mixing freely without supervision by elders. But there
was gender identification.
The boys identified with their fathers and other male adults, while girls identified themselves
with their mother and other female adults.
At the adolescent stage; 13 — 18years education was given to the adolescents and intensified
at initiation stage. Boys and girls were taught traditional rules, and secrets of the society
during initiation.
Learning was informal. Knowledge was communicated through songs, stories and riddles
among other forms of presentations. All adults acted as parents to the young ones.

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 Men were socialized to be superior, while women were socialized to accept their subordinate
position and role. Everyone knew and accepted what he/she was culturally supposed to do.

Division of labour was based on sex. In the African communities, despite their differences,
there were many common customary roles, rules, regulations, taboos and beliefs that governed
the practices related to male — female relationships from early childhood to old age.
These traditional African practices relating to male — female relationships existed at various
levels. In all of them, man held superior positions when compared to those of women.
Old women and men were accorded respect. They were consulted for advice and counsel.
Kinship system was emphasized.

Christian teaching on male- female relationships

The husband isthe head of the house and should love his wife like Christ loved the church.
Once a wife is loved, she should submit to her husband.

Both male and female are equal and co — creators with God. Adamand Eve were created to
complement each other. Likewise, men and women should love each other. Jesus taught that
each man should have one wife and vice versa.

Once married, the husbands body belongs to the wife and hers belong to him wife and
husband should avoid immorality.
Males and females are to relate freely. But the youth are to avoid the temptations of sex.
There are no specific chores or duties for either male or female.
Relationship between sexes should be governed by love, chastity, respect, self-control, and
self-discipline.
Parents are to love their children, while children are to obey and honour their parents.
Parents are asked to bring up their children in a Godly way

CHAPTER 3

RESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR

Christian teaching on responsible human sexuality
Christianity teaches us about responsible sexual behaviour. Being responsible means that one is
exercising self — control or self-discipline in matters of sexual behaviour.

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 Self-discipline is necessary when we have a relationship with the opposite sex 1 Cor.7: 9 1
Peter 5:). It is called responsible sexual behaviour, which is obedience to Gods commands.

Christians promote healthy social relationship between boys and girls, men and women, and
husbands and wives. Responsible sex is between male and female. Sexual intercourse is allowed
only between married couples (1 Cor.7: 3 — 5). Married couples are obliged to be sexually
faithful to one another (Heb.13: 4) adultery is condemned (exodus 25:14).

Relationship between a husband / wife should be one of respect faithfulness, love, care, mercy,
submission, tolerance, and forgiveness

Christian teaching on irresponsible sexual behaviour

There are many irresponsible sexual behaviours. They include among others all acts and
forms of: perversion, misuse, and abuse of sex, incest, rape, fornication, adultery,
homosexuality, lesbianism or gay, prostitution, concubine, masturbation, bestiality and child
marriages among others.
These irresponsible sexual behaviours are against Gods will for humanity. Christians are to
shun irresponsible sexual behaviour. This is because their bodies are the temples of the Holy
Spirit. Thus whatever Christians do with their bodies, it should be for the glory of God.

Incest
sexual relationship between people who are closely related by blood. For example, sex
between a brother/sister, father / daughter.
Incest is condemned in the Bible. It was punishable by death in the Old Testament. Leviticus
18:6 — 8.
Effects of incest
∙ Undermines the relationships between members of a family as it brings shame and guilt

∙ incest destroys relationships within the family and can lead to breaking up of a marriage. ∙
Incest destroys self-esteem, self — respect, and dignity of the victim. ∙ Incest can lead to
pregnancy, and abortion.
∙ It can lead to infections with sexually transmitted diseases S.T.I.s and HIV / AIDS.

Rape
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 Is forcing another person to have sexual intercourse without his or her consent.
It is sexual violence and a crime against humanity.
It is also a denial, and a violation of human rights of the victims who are sexually assaulted.
Rape is an expression of hatred toward the opposite sex.
In traditional African society rape was abhorred and culprits were punished by death.
Effects of Rape
∙ Rape may result in pregnancy
∙ Serious physical injuries and
∙ May contract both the STIs, and HIV / AIDS.
∙ The victim is traumatized, and ashamed of self.
∙ The victim suffers from guilt, loneliness, humiliation, stress disorders, and depression among ∙
May lose trust in the opposite sex.
∙ These sufferings can lead to suicide and death

Fornication
This is consensual sexual intercourse between unmarried people.
It is condemned by both African and Christian teachings and punishment in ATS In the Old
Testament, men were forced to marry the girl. Jesus said that fornication was due to peoples evil
thoughts.
Abstinence for the youth is encouraged and preached
Why the youth engage in pre — marital sex.
∙ Sexual curiosity,
∙ Proving manhood,
∙ Human weakness,
∙ Lack of self-control,
∙ Testing fertility, fear of being jilted / rejected
∙ Commercial sex for money
∙ Copying acts in the print and electronic media,
∙ Frustrations,

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 ∙ Drug abuse,
∙ Bribe to get a job, and
∙ Permissiveness in the society
Effects of Fornication
∙ Some of these are having children out of wedlock
∙ Feelings of distrust, guilt, and hurt;
∙ Contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS;

∙ Loss of self-respect; early and

∙ Forced marriage and abortion.
Adultery
Adultery is having sex outside marriage with a person with whom one is not married to.
Adultery is caused by
∙ lack of self — control,
∙ sexual dissatisfaction,
∙ long periods of wife and husband separation,
∙ sexual dysfunction and vengeance by an initially faithful spouse
Effects of Adultery
∙ Can lead to divorce,
∙ Abortion,
∙ STI, HIV/AIDS,
∙ Domestic violence,
∙ Murder (death) and
∙ Psychological problems
Prostitution

●​ This is the practice of giving sexual pleasure for money or other material benefits.

●​ A prostitute can either be male or female.

●​ Prostitutes are referred to as commercial — sex workers.

There are factors leading to prostitution. These are

●​ ∙ Economic reasons such as unemployment, poverty,

●​ ∙ Rejection of a girl at home,

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●​ ∙ Drug abuse,
●​ ∙ Stress, anger, anxiety, frustrations in the family and
●​ ∙ Pornography.
Effects of Prostitution
∙ It can lead to break up of marriage, and family.
∙ It lowers a persons dignity
∙ Can lead to unplanned pregnancies,
∙ School dropouts;
∙ Infections such as STIs and HIV /AIDS and
∙ Improper use of family resources

The church condemns prostitution because it defiles the body, which is a temple of the Holy
Spirit. Its sexual immorality. Gal 5: 19 — 21.

Homosexuality/ Gay/ Lesbianism

This is sex between people of the same sex for example; man and man (gayism), woman and
woman (lesbianism).
Homosexuality is a common practice in modern world. It is also a church problem.
Reasons for condemning homosexuality
∙ God created a male and a female. Read, Genesis 1:28.
∙ sex is sacred.
∙ Homosexuality is an unnatural relationship, which lowers human dignity. ∙
It does not provide sexual fulfilment (as traditionally)
∙ Homosexuality isillegal in Kenya.

Effects of homosexuality
∙ It is a threat to procreation.
∙ It promotes loose short-term informal relationships
∙ Promotes HIV / AIDS
Divorce
In the contemporary society, divorce is sought after or allowed because of: unfaithfulness in

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 marriage or adultery; domestic violence; misuse of family resources; childlessness; in-law
interference and alcohol abuse.
Legal reasons for divorce
According to the laws of Kenya, divorce is allowed under the following reasons;
∙ Adultery; if a man deserts his wife
∙ If a partner becomes insane; and
∙ Domestic violence for example, physical, and psychological torture.
Christian teaching about divorce
Christians discourage divorce because marriage is a permanent status.

Church discourages divorce because of its adverse effects. Some denominations allow divorce
if there is adultery.

God hates divorce. Married couples should remain faithful to each other
Effects of divorce
∙ strained relationships,
∙ children suffering psychologically, and experiences of rejection.
∙ A divorcee faces socialstigma, rejection, and isolation.
∙ If parents separate, they create single parent families.
∙ These families suffer from economic hardships and feelings of failure and inadequacy.

Abortion
Is termination of pregnancy before the foetus is capable of independent life.
There are two types of abortions.
∙ Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.
∙ Induced abortion, which is deliberate and illegal in Kenya.
Causes of abortion

∙ Pregnancy due to rape and incest.

∙ If the mother believes that the unborn child will be a burden.
∙ If the mother lacks economic resources to take care of the baby.
∙ If the mother isin school, and she cannot look after the baby and continue with her
education.
∙ Medical personnel may abort a deformed foetus

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∙ In order to save the life of the mother if it is in danger.

Why Christians condemn abortion

∙ Christians view of abortion as murder (Exodus20: 13).
∙ Christian view is that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
∙ God is the giver of life and He alone has the right to take it away. ∙
Abortion carries with it stigma

Effects of abortion
∙ Abortion can cause infertility on a woman
∙ Ectopic pregnancy
∙ Destruction of a womans body parts
∙ Foetal malformation
∙ Risk of the mother bleeding to death and destruction of uterus.
∙ The mother may experience in future still births,
∙ Miscarriages, risk of barrenness;
∙ Failed abortions leading to deformed babies and psychological problems ∙
Can lead to are stress and depression.

Sexually transmitted Diseases (STDs)

There are many diseases passed from one person to the other through sex. These are

gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes genitals, hepatitis B, chlamydia, trichonomiasis, HIV/AIDS.

HIV / AIDS

This is human immune deficiency virus(HIV) that causes acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS) condition. Syndrome refers to many symptoms.
HIV is transmitted largely through

∙ Sex with an infected partner;

∙ Through blood transfusion
∙ Sharing sharp objects with infected persons
∙ From an infected mother to the unborn child.

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 The signs / symptoms of AIDS
∙ Manifestations of symptoms of the opportunistic infections e.g. tuberculosis. ∙
Persistent coughs,
∙ Loss of weight,
∙ Oral thrush,
∙ Loss of appetite, and
∙ Diarrhoea.
Churches encourage Christians to be compassionate to HIV/AIDS affected people, and to
support the infected and the affected individuals like the orphans, widows, and widowers.

Effects of HIV / AIDS

∙ Recurrent illness due to opportunistic infections.
∙ There is also stigmatization.
∙ Some individuals have feelings of guilt, anger, denial and depression. ∙
The sick persons have to look for extra finances to care for their health. ∙
They have the burden for medications, and special diet.
∙ HIV/aids has no cure and leads to death
∙ Parents die and leave their children as orphans.
Gonorrhoea
caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea Its symptoms appear 4 days after
infection.

Symptoms

●​ burning sensation when passing urine

●​ pain or discomfort in the genitals
●​ sticky discharge or pus in the vagina or through the urethra.
●​ Gonorrhoea is curable if treated early.

Effects of Gonorrhoea
∙ The disease damages a womans fallopian tubes leading to infertility; and a mans epididymis
leading to sterility.
∙ An infected expectant mother can infect her new-born baby with gonorrhoea. ∙

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The disease may affect the eyes of the unborn child causing blindness. ∙
Gonorrhoea can also cause inflammation of joints, the heart and liver.

Syphilis
Primary syphilis may show up in the form of a sore or a wound in the genitals a few days after
infection. The wound heals by itself without treatment after some time.
Syphilis infection may take several years about 7 years before its symptoms re appear.
Symptoms
∙ a painless sore or pimple on the mans penis or womans vulva; and swelling of the glands in
the groin.
Other symptoms, which may appear later, are

∙ Skin rashes, and sores either in the face armpits, under breasts, mouth or throat.
Effects of Syphilis
∙ Damage to the heart, brain and the nervous system.
∙ This disease can lead to madness and death of the victim.
∙ If a child is infected while in the womb, or during birth, the brain maybe damaged. ∙ The
child may have either physical deformities or the infected mother may give stillbirths Herpes
genital
A sexual disease caused by a virus. It creates wounds in the genitals. A pregnant woman can
transmit the infection to her new-born baby during delivery. This disease can be controlled
although there is not an effective treatment.

Effects Herpes genitals.

∙ Infection can cause severe brain damage;
∙ cancer of the neck of the womb.
∙ If a woman is pregnant, the disease can cause death of the baby.
∙ The wounds and sores exposes the sick person to HIV /AIDS infections.

Hepatitis B
virus causes Hepatitis B. It is transmitted through sex, injections by unsterilized needles and
contact with contaminated blood. The infection does not show on the genitals. Signs and
symptoms

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∙ Yellowness of the eyes (jaundice) due to liver damage and
∙ Pain around the upper abdomen.
Effects of Hepatitis B
∙ This disease damages the liver and may lead to death of the infected person.
It has a vaccine, but not treatment.
Other consequences of irresponsible sexual behaviours
1 . These are death,
2 . Unplanned pregnancies leading to street children,
3. School dropouts especially girls
4. Psychological problems related to irresponsible sexual behaviour. These include: stress,
depression, self — pity, withdrawal, aggressiveness, and violence.

CHAPTER 4

MARRIAGE
Definition of marriage
Marriage is a binding legal union between a man and a woman who agree to have a lasting
relationship as husband/wife.

Meaning of marriage
Marriage involves other members of the community hence it is a social and community affair.
Marriage is meant to be a permanent union.
Marriage is a community requirement in which everyone in the community participates.
Each person is expected to undergo marriage because it is a rite of passage. Marriage
gives a person, a high social status and prestige in the community. Marriage is also a
covenant between a man and a woman that should not be broken. Once married, a couple
is allowed to have sexual relationship, and companionship. Marriage is an expression of
and fulfilment of mutual love and comfort. It enhances unity; social prestige, and respect
in society.
Purpose of marriage is sexual fulfilment; cultural and social requirement; obligation to build a
family; and procreation although children are a gift from God.
Various forms of marriages in Kenya include; Church marriages, Civil marriages, Customary

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 marriages, Islamic marriages and Hindu marriages,

Traditional African understanding of marriage.

Marriage is a duty/a must/compulsory
Failure to marry means the person has rejected society and the society rejects him in turn.
Those who do not marry are considered as sub-human or lawbreakers. Marriage is God
ordained.
Young boys and girls are prepared for this sacred institution during initiation.
They are taught everything pertaining to marriage e.g. Sex.

Children cement the marriage children were important because;

a.​ They promote social status of their parents.

b.​ They cement a bond of unity between husband / wife.
c.​ They are a source of labour, and wealth.
d.​ They are heirs to the family wealth

Marriage involves other members of the community i.e. Community affair.

Marriage is a permanent union divorce and separation were not allowed.
Divorce and separation was allowed under certain circumstances like;

1. circumstances of adultery,
2. witchcraft,
3. laziness,
4. cruelty and
5. disrespect of wife. /husband
Each person is expected to undergo marriage because it is a rite of passage.
Marriage gives a person, a high social status and prestige in the community
The wife issubordinate to the husband but had no rights
The wife was inherited by one of her husbands brother
If a wife died, the man would marry the sister of his dead wife.
The ancestors are invoked to bless the marriage
Polygamy is allowed by the African traditional religion and served the following;
1. The first wife is barren;
2. Ensures that all women have husbands;
3. Prevents infertility;
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 4. Provides extra labour in farms.
5. A polygamous man has a higher status because many wivessymbolize wealth.

Christian Teaching about Marriage

Christians teach that marriage issacred and that; a divine institution, ordained God. God
started it when he created Adam and Eve. Marriage should therefore be monogamous
Marriage is permanent as God protects marriages.
The woman should submit to the husband to love the wife as Christ loved the church.
Church teaches respect of each other.

Marriage is complete even without children

it is between a male and a female.
Marriage is not obligatory and it ends when one partner dies.
One can choose to remain unmarried in order to serve God; celibacy

Secular approaches to marriage

In the modern world, some people choose not to marry for personal reasons. Some
people have children without getting married while others opt to have a marriage without
children.
Husband and wife are equal. Monogamy is practiced for economic reasons.
In some families, women are the heads of the family.
Choosing a partner is an individual act and not communal.
In marriage traditional qualities of a good partner such as industrious, honesty, and hospitality
are not considered.
The modern society values external beauty, financialstatus and socialstatus.
As a result, there is a high rate of marriage, separation, and divorce.

At times young people fail to be married in church.

There is no formalization of marriages/come—we-stay marriage.

Christians preparation and approach to marriage

Christians organize youth seminars, and rallies to teach the youth how to choose marriage
partners and how to treat wife / husbands; care for the children; behave towards in laws;
acquire wealth (men); and head a family.
Youth are taught to avoid sexual intimacy before marriage. Those intending to marry are

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 encouraged to go for pre-marital counselling.
During counselling, they are informed that love is the most important bond of unity in
marriage. Church encourages partners to go for HIV /AIDs test before marriage. Wedding
ceremony is conducted in church where the couple exchange vows in front of a
congregation
A church leader e.g. pastor or priest joins the marriage after the couple has shown
commitment.

Choice of a marriage partner

There are many ways of identifying a marriage partner.
∙ Arrangement by parents. If not one can make an individual decision and choose a wife or
husband.
∙ Through an intermediary or third party.
In African traditional polygamous marriages, the first wife identified a wife for her husband.
Girls would be given out to a chief as a gift

Preparation and approach to marriage in the African Traditional society

Courtship varied from community to community.
Courtship is the period between engagement and wedding ceremony.
During courtship premarital sex is forbidden.
Courtship was important in A.T.S because;

1. The man and woman got to know each other better before marriage.

2 . It was a period when girls/boys were instructed in family life education.

3. It was also a period for linking the two marrying families.
4. The couple had time to learn about one anothers character, and know their families.
5. It is a symbol (sign) of the girls presence in her home (maternal home).
6. The families had an opportunity to check if the marrying couple was related
7. Courtship givestime to the two familiesto negotiate and pay the bride wealth or dowry.

Bridal Wealth
Dowry, bride price are all expressions of partnership. The family of the man pays dowry to
the family of the woman.
Dowry is paid in different forms. E.g. livestock (poultry, pigs, camels, cows, goats and sheep),

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 beer, grain, jewellery and clothes among others.

Importance of dowry
1. It acts as a compensation for the girls labour in her home.
2. Seals the marriage covenant.
3. It is a public expression of appreciation for the coming of a new wife into the mans family.
4. It promotes friendship and cements relationship between families

5. It shows commitment and seriousness of the future husband.

6. After dowry payment, the woman belongs to her husband.
Bride price payment is accompanied by marriage ceremonies.

Celibacy as an alternative to marriage

Celibacy is a Latin word Coelebes meaning bachelor.
Celibacy refers to the unmarried state.
It is a gift from God. It is practised for the sake of dedicating ones life to serve [Link] gives
enough time to serve God
It is widely practised in the Roman catholic church
Those who cannot manage celibacy can get married to avoid temptations when serving God.
Leaders like Bishops, priests, nuns dedicate their lives to serve God by not marrying.

There are secular reasons for celibacy which include;

∙ To peruse higher education and scientific research and demanding careers ∙
Poor health, HIV /AIDS, mental illness, psychological and emotional problem ∙
Lack of guidance and counselling
∙ Discouragement from fallen marriages
∙ Economic indolence on part of some women
∙ Parental interference

CHAPTER 5

THE FAMILY
22
 Meaning of family
Family is the basic social unit of human society.
This basic unit is extended to include relatives bound together by blood, marriage, friendship,
and adoption.
They are all members of the family. In Kenya, there are many types of families.

Types of families
Nuclear family
It is made up of parents and their children. It is father, mother, and children. Common type of
family today due to hard economic times, Christianity advocates it and, and fear of HIV/AIDS
and other diseases,

Advantages of nuclear families

1. The man is able to give undivided attention to his wife and children e.g. family resources.
2. There issharing of mutual love, and peace in the home.
3. It is economical to manage one family.
4. There islittle competition for attention, less strife, quarrels and stress. 5.
It is easier to monitor the behaviour of a few children.

Polygamous family
Made up of father, mothers/wives and children,

Was common in the African Traditional societies but not common in the contemporary
society.

This type of family was considered important in the Traditional African Society due to
social economic reasons, security and solving problems related to having children.

Disadvantages
1) The man gives divided attention to his wives and children example family resources.

2) There is no sharing of mutual love, and at times, there is no peace in the home. 3)
It is not economical to manage one family especially with the high cost of living. 4)
There islittle competition for attention, less strife, quarrels and stress. 5) It is not
easier to monitor the behaviour of a few children.

23
Single parent family
Comprises of one parent, and children.
Single parent families are created by several circumstances.
1. Separation of parents due to going to another country and failing to come back.
2. Divorced parents may decide not to marry again.
3. When a girl gets pregnant and the boy does not marry her.
4. Death of a spouse. The remaining parent may decide not to remarry.
5. When some mothers decide to have children without marriage.
6. Imprisonment of one partner for a long time.

Extended family
Made up of father, mother, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins. This is the common family
type in traditional African communities.

Children led family

This happens when parents die and the 1st born takes care of brothers and sisters including
cousins.

Grandparent headed family

The HIV/AIDs epidemic has introduced this type of family where grandparents take care of
their grandchildren due to the death of both parents especially the mother due to HIV / AIDS
disease.
This scourge has made many children orphans.
In other cases, parents go for further studies abroad and leave their children with their
parents.

Traditional African understanding of a family

In African societies creation of a family is through marriage, and subsequent procreation.

Family is viewed as a sacred institution in African society.

The African traditional family includes the ancestors, the unborn children and the living.
An African traditional family has obligations and duties. These were 1. offering
sacrificesto ancestors,
2. pouring libations; and

24
3. giving the dead decent burials
4. providing basic needs to their children
5. bringing up children to be morally upright individuals. Further to this, the African traditional
family is responsible for the upbringing, caring, and protection of its children. The African
traditio9nal family is expected to participate in communal activities. Work in the family was
divided according to age, gender and social status. Each family member worked for its basic
needs as well as the welfare of the community The African family had well-stated and
practiced values There were
1. respect for family members
2. providing responsible parenthood,
3. educating children in all aspects of life.

Christian understanding of family

A family is a divine institution set by God from the beginning thus it is sacred.
A Christian family is founded on monogamous marriages.
In a Christian family children are not a must although they are considered as gift and
blessing from God.
Each family should be made up of one man and woman to avoid cases of immorality
Family member should solve their disputes peacefully.
Husband and wife should be governed by love, submission and mutual obedience to
each other.
E Christian family should enhance spiritual growth for its members. Though the
husband is the head of a Christian family, he should treat his wife with honour because
both are equal before God.
Qualities that make a happy family are kindness, love, forgiveness, humility and
gentleness.

Parents should be responsible to their children by

∙ Not discouraging their children or provoking them/
∙ Discipline children in order there can be peace and happiness.
∙ Train up children to grow morally upright
∙ Encourage children to go to church in order to grow spiritually
Children also have responsibilities in a Christian family including; ∙
Listen and obeying their parents instructions
25
∙ Should seek for guidance and counselling from their parents if need be ∙
Should honour and respect their parents
∙ They should not curse, scorn or mock their parents

Responsible parenthood
A responsible parent is one who brings up children morally upright and provides the
children with basic needs such as food. Shelter, clothing, education, healthcare among
other needs.
There are different parenting styles such as;
a) Dictatorship /authoritative The parents are the final authority, imposes decisions b)
Permissive or liberal style Also referred to as Laissez faire the children do as they want c)
Democratic style parents Discuss with their children on family issues. This is the best style.
A responsible parent is one who
1. Bring positive role model for their children
2. Understands their roles and responsibilities in providing physical need for the family
3. Educating children in all aspects of life both formal and informal
4. Teaching them on religious matters and on how to grow in the Christian faith 5. Helping
children to understand their physical, emotional and psychological changes they are going
through as they are growing up
6. Contribute to their intellectual fulfilment by providing opportunities for them e.g. games
music and other talents
7. Teaching moral and right behaviour to their children
8. Teaching children social skills on how to relate positively with other members of the society

Problems related to family life today

Families are faced with numerous problems such as

1. Children abuse — sex assault, beating

2. Domestic violence — abusive language, frequent fights, emotional abuse
3. Diseases e.g. HIV / AIDS epilepsy, autism.
4. Children with special needs, blindness, Autism etc.
5. Separation, divorce
6. Childlessness
7. Single parent families — economic hardships

26
 8. Misuse of family resources, economic crisis
9. Affluence — a lot of wealth
[Link], underemployment
11. Retrenchment — laying off of some employees in order to reduce the workforce
[Link] of family finances
[Link] and drug abuse
[Link] generation gap
[Link] relations with in-laws
[Link] and religious differences

Traditional African approaches to problems related to family life today

Individuals were prepared for challenges of family life right from childhood
Adolescents, initiates were given family life education
People entered marriage knowing that its a lifelong union
Rules were clear to govern marriage relations Polygamy helped reduce unfaithfulness
There were no single parent families. Members lived together reducing loneliness
Widows/ widowers were encouraged to marry again
Traditional brew was taken in moderation

Christians approaches to problems related to family life today

Christian families are obliged to live according to Christian principles and values such as
mutual respect, self-discipline, understanding, honesty, faithfulness, love and forgiveness
Premarital counselling is carried out

Church holds regular seminars and conferences on family life matters. Love and respect for
each other. Christian wife to submit to husband who is head of the family. They are taught to
take each other as complementary and equal partners.
Women are encouraged to form participate in church organizations e.g. mothers union, womens
guild where they learn roles of being a wife, mother, and a woman. Some churches offer advice
to families on management of their families. They are encouraged to have investments.
Breadwinner is encouraged to write a written will
To improve the parent — child relationship churches offer guidance and counselling to the
youth

27
 Christian parents are advised to set positive role models to their children Parents are
encouraged to be open and promote effective communication with their children Churches in
case of serious family conflictssuch as child abuse, domestic violence, advise legal action.
Churches organize youth seminars where they talk about drug abuse, premarital sex, negative
peer pressure and media influence etc.
Relevant information is passed through books, pamphlets, magazines, media FM, TV etc.
Some churches welcome unwed mothers
Churches provide health services, guidance on HIV / AIDS
Some churches care for widows, orphans, widowers and the needy

This is a Property of Mwalimu Consultancy Ltd. Contact Mr Isaboke

0746-222-000 for more Educational Materials.

33

CHAPTER 6

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO WORK

Definition of terms
Work
Use of energy, physical or mental, for the purpose of improving human life. It is any activity
that requires expenditure of energy or application of skills e.g. studying, teaching, cooking,
farming etc.

28
Vocation
Work can be described as a vocation, profession, trade, craft, career or a job. Vocation is from a
Latin word Vocare which means call
Christians believe that every individual has been called of God to various duties.
Vocation is work that requires special skills, special training or a unique call or a special
mission in society.
Profession
Work that is characterized by a code of ethics, lengthy specialized training, advance knowledge
and self— disciple. Professionals have their own set standards. The professionals determine
entry requirements for new members and usually have machinery for dealing with errant
members. E.g. Law, medicine, architecture etc.
A trade
Refers to an occupation, a way of making a living. Some trades require specialized training
examples hairdressing
A craft
An occupation which requires manipulative skills or use of the hands e.g. woodcarving,
pottery, weaving. A craft may be a trade depending on the nature of occupation.

A career
An occupation that one chooses to pursue in his/her life. Its the general way of earning a
living.

Job

Refers to tasks performed, services rendered in return for payment of wages. Most jobs are
temporary others casual and others permanent and pension able..

General reasons why people work

1. Its an essential element of life
2. God ordained work. Humans work for their food
3. Work contributes to the development of the community
4. Work is personal. It defines a person
5. People work to earn a living
6. People work for enjoyment, leisure

29
 7. To assist and give to the needy
8. To get luxuries
9. People work to raise their standards of living
[Link]-satisfaction and fulfilment
[Link] personal development
[Link] keep a person occupied and not idle
[Link] acquire wealth and status in the society
[Link] socialize with other members of the society
[Link] attain independence and not depend on someone else

Traditional African attitude to work

Work is essential to the wellbeing of the individual and survival of the community
Work ensured basic needs such as food, shelters etc. were provided.
In traditional African society work was divided according to the age, gender, and status e.g.
chief, elder of the individual.
Everyone was a worker. Boys assisted in herding, fishing, girls assisted in cooking fetching
firewood. Women cooked, took care of babies constructed houses (maasai) etc. Works among
the traditional African societies included pastoralist, farmers, livestock keeping, fishing, bee
keeping etc.
Work was a communal affair; people would work together and assist each other

Work was not for a wage (Money). The rewards of work-included food, communal unity,
acquisition of moral values etc.
Hard work was emphasized, laziness was condemned
There were some specific works for specialization e.g. herbal medicine men, divination,
prophecy, rain making, pottery etc.
Work involved giving prayers, offerings, and sacrificesto God
Through work, the basic needs of the individual, community were fulfilled 1hrough
work potentials; talents and skills were explored, acquired and utilized. Work had a
religious dimension as well as a social dimension. It brought people together improving
their relations

Secular attitudes to work

30
In the secular world work is based on the following assumptions
∙ Available opportunities for future development in a particular job
∙ The need to serve others especially the church and the needy
∙ Interests, strengths, talents, abilities
∙ Inclination or attraction to a certain kind of work
∙ Pressure from parents, peers etc.
∙ Payment/wages/salaries
∙ Educational qualifications/professionalism

Christian teaching on work

The Christian teaching on work is based mainly on the interpretation of the bible, the
teachings of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles. Some of the teachings are: - God
himself instituted work. He created the heavens and the earth and all in it. Since God worked
man should work. (Gen. 2:1)
Gods work of creation is good (Gen. 1:31) Christiansshould endeavour to produce good
works
Work is a duty, an obligation, a command Christians are responsible for Gods creation (Gen.2:
15). They are to protect it — animals, birds, plants, marine life are all under the care of man.
Human beings should work to acquire their basic needs (Genesis. 1:29 — 30, 3:19) God blesses
the work of our hands.

Human beings are co — creators with God (Gen.1: 28) God continue to create through
human beings. Human beings glorify God through their work.
God reveals himself through his work of creation. God had a purpose for his creation. He is
orderly, source of life, Almighty etc.
Work is a co — operative undertaking. Eve was created to be Adams helper (Gen. 2:20)
Christians should co — operate in their undertakings
Hard work is praised and laziness is looked down upon. (Proverbs 31:27). Christians should
work for their daily needs and not become a burden to others.
Work should be accompanied with rest (Gen.2: 2) God rested on the 7th day from all his
work.
God commanded the Israelites to rest on the 7th day.
People should enjoy what they have worked for (Ecc.3: 22)
Work should be done for the glory of God and for the good of the society. people

31
should work honestly not steal but work to earn an honest living (Eph.4: 28) Those
who do not work should not eat
They should always work since God is always at a work (John 15:17

Roles of professional ethos, ethics and codes in the society

Definitions
Professional ethics
Principles of behaviour / conduct that guide members of a particular profession. What
workers are allowed to do and not to do.
Professional ethos
The group identity of members of a profession, their unique custom or character e.g. what
identifies doctors, lawyers etc.
Profession codes or code of ethics
Collection of laws arranged systematically according to major concerns and core functions of
the profession

Roles
1. To regulate the behaviour of professional (workers)

2. Enables professionals to understand their role Ensures professionals provide quality of

services to their clients
3. To encourage respect among professionals
4. Give guidance on how professionals should relate to one another
5. They safe guard professionals against being compromised / misused
6. They determine expected level of performance
7. They serve as a measure of competence
8. Act as a measure of quality service
9. They protect the professionals
[Link] provide a reference point for disciplining (used to discipline the errant professional)
[Link] inspire respect and high esteem for professionals
[Link] professional codes, ethics, ethos, professional earn public trust

Virtues related to work

32
 A virtue is a good human habit. Its a moral principle, moral quality or goodness of character
and behaviour.
Examples of virtues elated to work
(I) Diligence — hardworking
(ii) Honesty, integrity — ability to be relied upon (Integrity) Honest is being truthful.
(iii)Faithfulness — being trustworthy and loyal
(iv)Responsibility — ability to make decisions and take action independently. Being mindful of
other peoples welfare
(v) Tolerance — ability to bear with others or with difficult situations

Moral duties and responsibilities of employers and employees

Employers have several duties and responsibilities towards their employees. They are: 1.
To organize and conduct business efficiently for the benefit of the institution, employer 2.
To respect the employee, treat them with dignity
3. Pay a fair wage to the employee
4. Ensure good healthy and safe working conditions
5. Provide social welfare for the employees e.g. time off, leave days, time for recreation
6. Grant leave as required by law or the terms of contract

7. Take care of the welfare of the employees give medical cover, pension scheme etc.
8. To motivate their employees
9. To reward employees
[Link] employees made redundant

Rights of the employer

1. Employers have a right to/are entitled to
2. Get profits from their businesses
3. Carry out their businesses without unfair taxation
4. Form association with other employers
5. Obtain and conduct business
6. Hire, dismiss employees in accordance with the requirements of their firms and contract
7. demand a fair days work
8. Conduct business without subjection to unfair conditions and competitions
33
 Moral duties of the employees
1. Carry out their duties to the best of their ability without supervision
2. Respect and protect the property of the employer
3. Encourage peaceful solutions to any problems encountered in their work place
4. To work diligently for self — fulfilment and development
5. To respect their employer and fellow employees

6. Observe terms of contract with employer

7. Be loyal, honest, respect to the employer

Rights of the employees

1. To receive fair wages
2. To have a reasonable work load Have reasonable hours of work
3. Have safety and protection at work Right to join a labour union
4. Right to further individual training and development education
5. Rights to retirement, terminal benefits Rights to a fair opportunity for provision A right to
time for rest
6. Right to Favourable working conditions

Christians approaches t o issues related to employment

Wages
A wage is payments for work done. Payment isin modern times done according to hours,
weeks or days that one works.

Christian teachings on wages

Human beings have the right to work for a decent living (Matt.20:1 — 16) They should be
paid for their work.
Workers should be paid wages to the amount and value of their work (1 Timothy 5:18)
Wages should be paid as agreed upon (Mathew 20:13)
Employers should not take advantage of the poverty of the employee (Deuteronomy 24:14 —
15)
Human beings should not be enslaved to work (Ex.5:22 — 23)
Employers who degrade their workers in wages are condemned (Deut.24:14 — 15, Jer.22:13)

34
Oppression is condemned (Amos 5:18, 8;4)
Workers wages should never be withheld (James 5:4)

Industrial action
Also commonly called Strike this is an effort by workers to stop work in protest by boycott go
slow sit — ins or refuse to work.
There has been increase of industrial action in the recent past in most countries of the world

Reasons for industrial actions

1. Due to increased awareness of workers rights
2. Exposure to global trends through the media
3. Formation of trade unions that fight for the rights of workers
4. Due to poor working conditions
5. Underpaying workers
6. Threatening workers with unjustified dismissals
7. Suspending the workers / interdiction — unjustly
8. A hostile working environment

Results of workers strikes (industrial / action

1. Pay cuts
2. Demotions
3. Loss of jobs
4. Employers suffer losses
5. Inflation
6. Injuries even death when confronted by police
7. Victimization of some individuals
8. Bitterness among the workers and employers

Christian approaches towards strikes

Christians recommend a peaceful co — existence between workers and employers
There should be fairness, justice, love among workers, employees

There should be an open communication channel across the ranks from top to bottom
Employees should not destroy property

35
 Working conditions should be better and improved
Employees to be human when dealing with employees

Child labour
A child is a person below 18 years. A child does not have an identity card, does not vote (in
Kenya).
According to International Labour Organization the minimum employment age is 14 years.
Child labour is engaging a person below the age of 14 years in wage / paid employment.

Reasons why children are employed

1. To provide cheap labour
2. They cannot fight for proper terms
3. They are easily hired and fire
Disadvantages of child labour
Children are not yet mentally and physically prepared to do adult jobs. This leads to
1. Exploitation of children
2. Children paid less, taken advantage of
3. It inhibits the growth of a child and denies them a chance to enjoy their childhood

4. It deprives them of their right to basic education

5. It exposes children to hazards (dangers) from machines, chemicals 6. Heavy workload
deprives children of social educational, moral, psychological, rights Children are
employed in plantations — coffee, tea domestic services — homes tourism sector
industries children are trafficked and employed as commercial sex workers

Causes of child labour/reasons why children work

1. Lack of money / poverty
2. Death of parents
3. Dropping out of school due to pregnancy, indiscipline, (truancy)
4. Lack of good role models
5. Influence of cultural values
6. Children being lured by employers
7. Greed for material benefits
8. Being homeless ending up as a street child

36
Position of church in dealing with child labour
The church condemns it
It has put up homes for poor children (orphanages)
It provides guidance, counselling to both parents and children
Children are blessing from God hence should be loved and cared for
Parents have the responsibilities to protect their children from harm.
Unemployment

When people are capable and willing to work but are unable to find a viable income or
occupation it is referred to as unemployment.
Causes of unemployment
1. Preference for prestigious white collar jobs (Office jobs, non — manual jobs)

2. Corruption — tribalism, nepotism, bribery denying jobs to the qualified persons

3. Unequal distribution of wealth
4. Inadequate resources for self — employment (lack of capital, skills) 5. Limited
job opportunities — probably due to high population growth 6. Few international
investors in Kenya, probably due to high crime rate, insecurity

Response of Christiansto issues of unemployment

They encourage self — employment in cases of unemployment
They have set up vocational training, polytechnics to train people towards jobs that are for
self —employment
Christians condemn idleness
Self-employment
Self-employment is an economic activity initiated, controlled by an individual. It is an
occupation in which a person initiates a personal enterprise and manages it with the help of
others. Examples Small businesses enterprises, Jua kali sector, music industry

Problems/challenges of self-employment
Some lack sufficient capital to start a business and keep it running
Lack of necessary skills to run the business
High taxation leading to some business closing down
Small scale traders face undue competition from larger firms

37
 CHAPTER 7

CHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO LEISURE

Definition of leisure
This is the time when one isfree from work or other duties. Time at ones own disposal, which
can be utilized in a productive manner depending on ones interests and abilities. Leisure
provides mental, physical relaxation, spiritual, emotional relaxation and enrichment Forms of
leisure

1. Passive leisure involves use of mental energy

2. Active leisure there is use of physical energy

Examples of activities of passive leisure are

∙ Watching television
∙ Reading story books
∙ Playing video games
∙ Chatting with friends
Examples of activities of active leisure are
∙ Jogging
∙ Mountain climbing
∙ Gardening
∙ Dancing
∙ Tree planting
∙ Playing football
Leisure is used for
∙ Enjoyment
∙ Entertainment — song, dance, watching movies etc.
∙ Relaxation — exercises
∙ Socialization — sharing, education
∙ Religious engagement — wedding ceremonies, visiting the sick, worship
Active leisure enables a person to

∙ Develop his/her body

38
 ∙ Build stamina
∙ Strengthen relationships etc.
Some leisure activities are dangerous e.g. boxing, motor racing while others are expensive
e.g. golf.
Other leisure activities are addictive while others are unproductive.
Leisure activities should be planned for
Leisure activities can also be economic, income generating activities.

Traditional African understanding of leisure

In traditional African society leisure permeates all aspects of life.
Leisure activities accompany work. Leisure and work were entertainment. Work was
accompanied by singing, reciting stories sharing past events. Examples of leisure activities in
traditional African society include wrestling running playing
ajua mock fighting swimming spear throwing poetry music and dance etc. Other
leisure activities that were communal e.g. Bull fighting tongue — twister poetry
recitation telling of myths legends dancing brain teasers riddles etc.
Work in African society included fishing, tilling the land, herding, hunting, harvesting
Most leisure activities in traditional African society were active form of leisure,
Communal, not individualistic and not for monetary gains
All forms of leisure had an educational value. Folk stories had a moral value. People were
taught not to be selfish, greedy jealousy etc. Myths and legends tell of the origin of the
community and its history of important people as well as history of the community.
In African traditional society, leisure led to acquisition of values or virtues such as cooperation,
sharing, solidarity, love, bravery, empathy, endurance, tolerance etc. Most activities were linked
to the worship of God and, veneration of the ancestors Leisure activates were organized along
gender and age group season (E.g. harvest — dancing, singing); wet rainy seasons — boat
swimming
Rites of passage e.g. initiation, marriage, birth and naming provided leisure activities
Leisure activities were planned for

Christian teaching on leisure

Christian teach that Work and leisure are of divine origin. God rested on the 7th day after

39
 working

Leisure is a gift from God leisure should be put to good use. Its not be wasted Leisure
provides us with the opportunity to worship God. Leisure should be used to serve God.
Christians associate leisure with personal growth and fellowship
Jesus recognized the need for rest by withdrawing his disciples from their active ministry. Its
good to have time alone for reflection, rest, visit friend etc.
Leisure should be used to seek God and help others e.g. Jesus prayed, helped the needy
restored peoples health.

Ways Christian use their leisure time — activities

1. Worshipping God
2. Visiting the sick
3. Caring for the needy
4. Resting
5. Watching television
6. Chatting with family members
7. Retreat — time spend away with a group of people to be alone with God
8. Visiting friends, relatives
9. Reading the bible
10. Praying etc.

Importance of leisure
Leisure is necessary. Its important in various ways
1. It is a good time to assess the work we have done (Reflection time)
2. It brings people together leading to self — growth and fulfilment
3. Leisure helps individuals to discover their hidden talents
4. Leisure relaxes the mind — a change of activity, relieves the mind
5. Leisure refreshes the body — restores lost energy
6. Leisure enables Christians to offer charity to those in need
7. Leisure provides time for worship and spiritual renewal

8. Leisure gives one time to rest

9. Its time for recreation
[Link] one time to attend social occasions

40
 [Link] people to travel and visit friends and relatives
[Link] can be used to enhance and acquire new skills and knowledge
[Link] a time to develop and discover ones talents

Uses of leisure — proper of leisure

Leisure can be used for
1. Religious experience
2. A time for rest
3. Leisure is used to provide us with time to help others
4. Leisure can be used to spread the word of God
5. Development of talents
6. Its an opportunity for individual growth
7. Leisure strengthens social relationships
8. Leisure can be used for reflection on ones decision etc. leisure activities reveal who we are.
9. Leisure can be used for educative and economic purposes
[Link] use of leisure is when leisure time is spent doing activities that add value to us.
Misuse of leisure today
Leisure time can be misused through various activities e.g.
1. Spending too much time in passive activities e.g. pornography watching, watching films that
are violent
2. Spending leisure time in idle talk — gossip-leading to conflicts
3. Spending time in gambling, casinos making bets on horses playing Ajua games etc. 4.
Alcohol and drug taking — when a person over drinks alcohol, spends time drinking 5.
Leisure can also be misused by engaging in dangerous activities.
6. Night dancing, disco dancing has become a common form of leisure worldwide.

Drug abuse and its effects - alcohol, soft and hard drugs
A drug is any substance which when taken may alter or cause changes in the normal
functioning of the body.
Drug abuse
Improper use of drugs. Using a drug for another purpose than what it isintended for

Drug use
Drugs are taken in various forms liquids lotions ointment powder
Drugs are classified as legal and illegal

41
 Ways of administering drugs are taken /administered in various ways injecting inhaling /
smoking chewing swallowing drinking sniffing / snuffing
Categories of drugs Medicinal, Soft drugs, Hard / narcotic drugs

Types of drugs
1. Preventive drugs e.g. drugs to prevent polio, cholera, yellow fever
2. Curative drugs — drugs that cure diseases
3. Sedatives, palliatives — drugs that alleviate pain, put patients to sleep e.g. drugs for
diabetes, heart diseases, asthma, painkillers
4. Tranquillizers — drugs that relieve tension induce sleep e.g. piriton, valium 5. Stimulants —
drugs used to increase physiological activity of a particular organ. They arouse the activity of the
central nervous system / senses.
6. Volatile drugs — these drugs intoxicate the user, they are derived from petroleum products
paint thinners dry cleaning fluids glue etc. stimulants and volatile drugs classified as soft
drugs.
7. Hard drugs or narcotic drugs These are highly addictive drugs. The body forms dependence
on these drugs.
These drugs affect the mind causing drowsiness; sleep, stupor and they are the most
commonly abused drugs. Examples are
Cocaine
From coca leaves
A very expensive drug

Side effects

∙ Its highly addictive

∙ Causes mental problems
∙ Can lead to death on overdose

∙ Can cause confusion, Convulsions, circulatory collapse and rapid heart beat

Bhang / Marijuana
A plant of Indian hemp

42
 Also called marijuana, Hashish, Cannabis, Sativa depending on which part of the plant is taken
i.e. leaves, stem, or roots.
Side effects
Users become aggressive excited or high
Bhang changes perception of space, time and reality

It causes drowsiness and irresponsible behaviour

Its side effects cause people to be engaged in criminal activities e.g. robbery
Morphine
∙ Its used to suppress pain clinically
∙ Its addictive
∙ Its derived from cocaine
∙ Used as local aesthetic
Heroine
Its pain relieving
Highly addictive
Powder heated in foil paper, vapour forms hence smoked referred to as” chasing the dragon”
Also called brown sugar
Its injected and inhaled
An overdose can lead to death
Its expensive
It causes respiratory problems
Its depressive
Withdrawal symptoms when heroine is not available are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and
severe anxiety

Soft drugs
Includes Cigarette Alcohol Miraa / khat
Cigarette
Made from tobacco

Cigarettes contain
a) Nicotine — a highly addictive substance.
b) Carbon monoxide, which damages arteries heart and lungs
c) Tar — black substance which promotes cancer of the throat, heart and lungs

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 Cigarettes are legal drugs in Kenya.

Side effects
∙ Pregnant women may miscarry or terminate the pregnancy if they smoke. ∙
Leads to chest respiratory diseases poor blood circulation
∙ Leads to destructive fires due to carelessness
Miraa / khat
Plants / legally in Kenyan, and other parts of the world. They are chewed
Side effects
∙ Causes temporary excitement
∙ Makes one loose appetite for food and sex
∙ The juice in miraa causes temporary excitement in the user when ingested ∙
Miraa makes the user to be irritable
Alcohol
Alcohol is a drug made through fermentation
Its a drink used in social ceremonial occasions
Its in form of beer wines, traditional brew (e.g. busaa, muratina, mnazi) and spirits e.g. whisks,
brandy, gin, changaa
Alcohol is prepared by fermentation or distillation — heating to a certain degree.
In African traditional society, alcohol was fermented and used for
Medicinal value

∙ Entertainment
∙ Marriage celebrations
∙ Beer parties given to visitors
Excessive drinking was discouraged
Drunk people were scorned or scolded
Young people were not allowed to drink alcohol

When alcohol is taken excessively it is abused

Alcohol abuse
Alcohol can lead to body dependence or addiction
Consequences of abusing alcohol are such as
(I) Squandering family resources

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(ii) Health deterioration
(iii) Lack of concentration leading to poor quality of work
(iv) Family break-ups due to frustrations
(v) Deformed foetus if a mother abuses alcohol when pregnant
vi) Alcohol destroys brain cells
(vii) It leads to unruly behaviour such as fights, violence
(viii) One is vulnerable to risky behaviour —vulnerable to sexual infections such as HIV /
AIDS (ix) Can make a person cause accidents if driving under the influence of alcohol

Reasons why people abuse alcohol and drugs

(i) Frustration due to unemployment, inability to perform well and meet set standards
(ii) Idleness — when idle some turn to alcohol and drug use
(iii)Addiction
(iv)Boredom
(v) Bad examples from adults
(vi) Availability of drugs in the Kenyan market
(vii) Negative peer pressure
(viii) Experimentation then addiction
(ix) Media influence
(x) Societal permissiveness
(xi) Urbanization
(xii) Pressure of work
(xiii) Financial stress
(xiv) Globalization — foreign world influences

Effects of drug abuse

Drug abuse poses danger to the health of a person, affects family, society in general. Effects of
drug abuse are

1. Psychological problems — drugs are addictive. The body becomes dependant on them. It
cannot perform without the drugs. It leads to depression, irritability, aggressiveness,
paranoia, one becoming afraid to face reality etc.

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2. Crime — robbery, theft, people abusing drugs will rob, steal so as to get money to buy the
drugs. Drugs have led to students setting schools on fire, killing their fellow students 3.
Illusion — users do not face reality

4. Health problems — one is prone to diseases because of frequent use of drugs. Drugs
weakens the bodyssystem e.g. alcohol leads to liver Cirrhosis, stomach ulcers. One is
susceptible / prone to HIV / AIDS infection STIs lung cancer, still birth etc.
5. Economic problems Drugs are expensive. Abuse leads to depletion of family resources
leading to poverty
6. Loss of job and income
7. Social problem Abuse of drugs leads to family conflicts, leading to separation, divorce, family
quarrels fights and even murder (domestic violence)
8. Accidents
9. Frustrations
[Link] performance in school work
[Link] People die out of drug abuse. An over dose of heroin, cocaine kills. Alcohol can lead to
a blackout, this affects the brain

Remedies to drug abuse

Law enforcement
Through bodies such as UNDCP United Nations International Drug Control Programme Anti
Narcotics Police Units, NACADA National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse so
as to control abuse of Narcotics and other drugs.
Education
People to be educated on the effects of drugs. The curriculum from primary to secondary to
include topics on drug abuse.
Guidance and counselling

Religious teachings — all religious condemn the abuse of drugs

Family values to be promoted.
Parents should set good examples to their children
Every individual to cultivate individual values. Respect their body and take care of their
bodies

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 Rehabilitation of drug users / abusers

Christian criteria for evaluating the use of leisure

Criteria — criterion — a principle or standard for judging something.
∙ Christians, should engage in leisure activities which promote their respect and dignity they
should socialize with people who are morally upright (bad company corrupts good morals) ∙
God ordains leisure hence it should serve Gods purpose.
∙ Leisure should come after work
∙ Leisure should be used for the good of others. The activities that are harmful to others should be
avoided
∙ Activities chosen should enrich their knowledge of God
∙ Activities should provide service to others
∙ Leisure doesnt mean laziness
∙ A Christian should not engage in a harmful activity to self but those that promote respect and
dignity
∙ Christiansto avoid activities that lead to sin or to addiction
∙ They should perform an activity which develop their physical emotional social and spiritual
well being
∙ Leisure should be enjoyed with moderation
∙ Activities for leisure should be moral, within the laws of God and pleasing to good.

CHAPTER 8

CHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO WEALTH,

MONEY AND POVERTY
Definition of the concepts wealth, money and poverty
a) Wealth
Accumulation of materials owned by an individual, family or a group of people. Wealth is
property that has economic value e.g. land, animals, money, valuable possessions such as
jewellery, commercial and residential buildings etc.
Ways of acquiring wealth
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 1. Inheritance

2. Business
3. Commercial farming
4. Salaried Jobs
5. Investment of money in financial institution
6. Provision of commercial services
b) Money
Its the medium of exchange that functions as a legal tender. It is something that is generally
accepted as a medium of exchange, a means of payment. It is usually in form of coins or
notes. Good monetary media (money) has certain qualities.

Qualities of money
It should be acceptable
It should be fairly stable
Easy to divide into small units
Easy to carry
Should be relatively scarce
It should be durable
Its value should be maintained through proper control of its circulations

Money is a measure of wealth. What it can purchase isthe value. Money is used to buy
services, goods, pay debts etc.
Examples of currencies in the world are Ksh. (Kenya), Rand (South Africa) US & Dollar, Pound
(Britain) Euro (Europe), Yen (Japan) Etc

c) Poverty
State of being without adequate basic necessities of life e.g. food, shelter, clothing Its a
state of helplessness. It is characterized by poor health, hunger, and lack of education
facilities, uncared for environment.
Causes of poverty
a. Adverse climatic conditions (Geographical factors)
b. Poor family background (historical and social factors)
c. Political stability leading to civil wars
d. Poor governance

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e. Regional imbalance of natural resources
f. Low level of technology
g. Laziness
h. Over dependence on foreign aid

The traditional African understanding of wealth and poverty

Wealth
In African traditional societies wealth was measured in terms of the amount of land,
livestock, grains, wives, children possessed by an individual or the community.

Wealth was acquired in various ways.

∙ As a gift from God Most

∙ Inheritance
∙ Bride wealth
∙ Farming
∙ Exploitation of natural resources
∙ Trade
∙ Raids
People were encouraged to work hard to acquire wealthy honesty

Wealthy people were highly regarded and were considered for leadership position
Wealth was incomplete without a family
Poverty
Poverty was viewed as punishment or curse for wrongdoing.
Other causes of poverty according to African Traditional Society were: - ∙
Laziness

∙ Lack of inheritance
∙ Raids by other communities
∙ Famine
∙ Natural calamities
∙ Sickness — rendering the individual weak to acquire wealth

In acquiring wealth, principles such as value for human life, mutual responsibility, and

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 sharing, communal ownership were emphasized.
Places that were communal include grazing land, rivers, and watering places
Laziness was ridiculed through songs, riddles and proverbs.

Impacts of the introduction of money economy in traditional African

society Introduction
Money was introduced to Africa by the Europeans Before colonial period, Africans practiced
barter trade — actual goods exchanged with other goods e.g. animals would be exchanged with
food grains, millet, sorghum, cowpeas, children exchanged for food during famine.
Trade merchants from Asia had introduced into Africa forms of currency such as the cowrie
shells, gold and the Indian rupees. Europeans introduced currency still used today ∙ Economy: —
careful management of resources, finances, income and expenditure of a family, a business
enterprise, community or a country. The economy of a country is to be well managed if it has the
ability to meet the social economic needs of her members. ∙ Economic development Its measured
by the health of its economy in the provision of health, education, housing, sanitation,
employment, and longevity of life, decrease of material and child mortality.
Money economy: — Use of money as a means of exchange in economic activities e.g.
banking, investment, insurance, payment of goods and services.

Reasons for money introduction

1) Colonization brought a lot of changes such as unoccupied land declared Crown land for
colonialists.
2) Tax introduction
Africans were supposed to pay taxes to the government. Taxes were paid in form of money.
3) Introduction of formal education
School fees was introduced. Fees were paid in form of money.
4) Introduction of modern medical services
People paid medical services using money.
6) Emergence of new lifestyles
Converts to Christianity were emphasized on to have materials, hence had to work to improve
their living standards. They built houses, took their children to schools practiced modern family
techniques hence had to use money.

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 Impact of the introduction of money economy in traditional African
society ❖ Introduction of wage — labour
❖ Break up of family ties as people migrated from rural to urban areas in search of employment
❖ African land taken by the colonialists, reducing people to squatters hence need to work ❖
There was creation of a gap between people — the rich and the poor
❖ Emergence of vices e.g. corruption, bribery, prostitution, robbery
❖ Deterioration of cherished African values e.g. bride wealth has become commercialized,
customs lost etc.
❖ Loss of African human dignity. Africans had to pay taxes to the colonial government. They
were forced to work in European worked under dehumanizing conditions
❖ Production of traditional food crops declined replaced by cash crops.
❖ Individual ownership of land was emphasized. Land could be sold at will ❖ There was
increase of rural — urban migration leaving the rural people less educated. ❖ Exploitation of
the poor by the rich — poor wages, overcharging prices on foods. ❖ Destruction of the
natural environment to create room for building projects, urban centres ❖ The cost of living
increased. Almost everything is acquired by money.

The Christian teaching on wealth, money, poverty

Teaching on wealth
Wealth is a blessing from God
Those who obey Gods teachings of the prophets are promised blessings by God Deut 28:1 — 4
Wealth has duties associated with it e.g. 10% tithe, alms to the poor, and an aspect of
stewardship.
Wealth should be used wisely. People are not owners of their property but are stewards.
Should share with the poor, needy.

Wealth is not permanent e.g. parable of the rich fool. When people die, they take nothing
with them. Naked into the world, naked out of the world. Job. 1:21
Wealth can create a false sense of independence feeling of self-reliance no need for God
Wealth should be obtained justly no happiness for a person who gets riches in the wrong
way.
Wrong attitude to wealth can lead to idolatry and other dangers. Matt.19: 23 — 24 danger of

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 materialism — making riches their God, the love of money is the root of all evil(1 timothy
6:10)
It is wrong to discriminate against others on the basis of material possessions. Jesus
associated with the rich, the poor, the sick etc.
Seek spiritual wealth, which is permanent and more fulfilling than material wealth, which is
transitory — temporal. Matt 6:19 — 20)
Acknowledge God as the source of ones riches
Use wealth to help the needy
Wealth is an instrument to enable us live decently.
Obsession with money and wealth leads to sin
Church leaders should avoid greed for wealth (1 Timothy 3:3)
God will judge rich exploiters.

Christian teaching on poverty

Christian teachings discourage irresponsible behaviour and habits e.g. laziness, idleness and
negligence. Some people became poor because of such.
Some people become poor because of misfortunes
Others are poor because of judgment due to disobedience to God

God cares for the poor

Those with more should share with the poor
People should work to alleviate poverty in the society
Jesus helped the poor so should we should do the same

Christian approaches/response to issues related to wealth and money.

Affluence
having a lot of material possessions and a luxuriousstandard of living. Poverty is a state of
lack of the basic necessities.
Illegal means of acquiring wealth include fraud, grabbing public land, selling narcotic drugs
etc.
Factors that have contributed to poverty
1. Political instability
2. Lack of formal education
3. Laziness
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4. Negative attitude towards work — choosing jobs
5. Historical factors — colonization lack of land
6. Exporting unprocessed agricultural products cheaply then sold back expensively.

Fair distribution of wealth / resources

Christians to promote the value of justice, fairness, social responsibility. How?By having anti
— corruption crusades, be role models, teach or import skills, advocate for cancellation of
foreign debts, taxation to all etc.
∙ Fair salaries
∙ Promotion of affordable and decent housing
∙ Favourable terms of loans
∙ Encourage Jua Kali artisans
Christians to demand transformation of society through implementation of just economic
policies that can ensure fair distribution of wealth.
Encourage foreign investors through good infrastructure, incentives e.g. shorter process to
register business, security.
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Christian to encourage investments by churches and inculcate in people the values of hard
work, proper time management free education free health care for the poor or needy. Fair
distribution of wealth / resources refers to jobs, infrastructure, hospitals, water, agricultural
products etc.

Bribery and corruption

Bribery and corruption are related terms.
Corruption: — practice of giving a bribe in the form of money, goods or privileges in return
for a service.
Bribery: — act of giving money, material goods or services to someone to influence the
recipient to give underserved favour.
It is aimed at influencing a decision to favour. Bribery is a form of corruption. Corruption
issome kind of moral degeneration. A practice whereby someone uses his/her influence in an

53
activity that is not morally acceptable.
Example of corruption include promotion by a senior for a favour, colluding to miss work, use
of government vehicles to attend to personal matters.

Factors leading to bribery and corruption

1. Un-employment — one will bribe to secure employment

2. Greed for money — caused by peer pressure, poor moral values,

3. Fear — fear of being imprisoned
4. Ignorance — giving bribes in form of gifts
5. Disintegration of traditional African values
6. Lack of moral integrity — no Christian values, one having no spiritual basis
7. Frustration in the place of work
8. A perverted conscience

Consequences of corruption and bribery

1. Leads to injustice
2. Leads to poor services e.g. road construction
3. Poor infrastructure, poor public service delivery
4. Leads to undermining moral fabric of society — leading to social hopelessness and despair
5. Hasled to lack of trust in public servants, and the government
6. Discontentment among people.
7. Degrades the personality of an individual
8. Can lead to imprisonment and lose of job

Christian attitude towards bribery and corruption

It is condemned as an evil practice (a social evil) Ex. 23:8
Bribes cause injustice proverbs 17:23
Seen as morally wrong as they negatively affect ones family
Jesus drove out merchants from the temple. They had started exploitation of the poor.
Condemned because it degrades the personality of an individual
Amos condemned taking and giving of bribes

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 Bribes blinds the eyes
In the parable of John, the Baptist condemned soldiers from taking bribes
Corrupt judge and the widow, corruption is condemned
Christians are to live righteously and not give bribes or receive. They are the light of the
world.
Money gained from corruption is not acceptable before

CHAPTER 9

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO LAW, ORDER

AND JUSTICE
Definition of terms
Law

Established rules by an authority to regulate human behaviour in the community Schools

laws, religious laws, factory laws, hospital laws etc. laws differ from society to society. Laws
are dynamic. Laws cover all aspects of life.
Order
Condition brought about by obedience to set rules or laws. Order leads to peaceful co —
existence in the society. Where there is order, things are done systematically. The opposite of
order is disorder.

Types of laws
1. Non — legal laws — no court action e.g. school rules
2. Customary traditional laws — based on culture, social traditions. They have to agree with
state laws. They are respected by state.
3. Statutory laws / legal laws — laws made by local council or national government and
citizens are expected to obey them.

Types of statutory laws

a) Civil laws — made by parliament on issues such as taxes, labour, divorce etc.
b) Criminal law — on crime / punishment
c) Constitutional law — matters of state and governance

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 d) Company law
e) Religious laws e.g. Islamic law sharia
Justice
Treating others, the way they deserve in relation to the law. Its administration of rightful
dealings in a fair manner according to their actions.
➢​ A just society follows rules and administers legal action to those
who offend others or disobey rules. Justice means treating
people the same way without discrimination.

Importance of law, order and justice

1) They are essential to preserve harmony and protect people
2) Laws guide people and ensure peoples rights are protected.
3) They protect peoples property and enable people to live in harmony
4) They protect the consumer from exploitation
5) They safeguard religious freedom
6) Laws control power of those in authority and promote politicalstability
7) Provides stability, encouraging economic growth
8) Helpsto control discontentment among people
9) Helps implementation of taxes effectively
10)Provides / help in maintenance of security
11)Ensures human rights are upheld
12)Enables the government to protect its citizens from internal or external threats.
13)International law regulates relations between countries.

Rights and duties of citizens

Citizen — person who is a member of a state, kingdom, empire. A person who has full rights
as a member of a country by birth, decent, registration, naturalization.
Rights — legal claimsthat one is entitled to from the government
Duty — ones responsibility to the government.
Rights
1) Right to life — to live securely
2) Right to education
3) Right to liberty / freedom
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4) Right to protection of property
5) Right to own a family — right to marry and raise a family
6) Right to health
7) Freedom of movement

8) Right to freedom of association

9) Right to freedom of assembly

10)Freedom of religion

11)Right to own property

12)Right to equality — non discrimination
13)Protection of freedom of expression and speech (own opinions, ideas) Children have
rights e.g. Right to life, education, parental care, health, protection from exploitation, right
to identity etc.

Duties of citizens (responsibilities)

1) Pay taxes to the government
2) Respect the flag and national anthem
3) Respect those in authority
4) Respect the laws of the land
5) Register as a voter and voter in national elections
6) Be responsible at work
7) Participate in national development
8) Promote peace and harmony in the society
9) Report errant members of the society to law enforcement agents
10)Protect the environmental — clean, plant trees, avoid poaching etc.

Traditional African practices that promote law, order, justice

Punishment of offenders
People who committed offences such as stealing, murder, witchcraft were punished through
death, curses, paying heavy fines etc. this promoted law, order, justice
Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders
They were installed to maintain law, order and to execute justice in their areas of jurisdiction

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 Administration of oaths
Administered by specialists and are used as a method of establishing and maintaining law and
order
Making of covenants

Covenants were made if there was a conflict between two communities. They would promise
to live in peace and harmony.
Observing of taboos and customary law
Taboos were prohibitions. Those who went against taboos were severely punished
The kinship system — defined how people related one to another
Rites of passage — ensured customs, laws were adhered to
Religious practices- such as praying, singing, sacrificing and giving of offerings had the effect
of maintaining order.

Biblical teaching on law, order and justice

God initiated Law, order, and justice.
Gods creation is orderly. God desires order
Man was created with a conscience to know right from wrong sin has consequences or
punishment. God does punish disobedience i.e. justice
God instituted the laws as part of his plan for salvation e.g. law of circumcision, Torah (10
commandments), circumcision of the heart, laws on what to eat etc.
Gods law governed kingship in Israel. National prosperity depended on a kings ruler ship.
Kings were to ensure law and order

In the New Testament John, the Baptist urged people to observe the law (social justice).
Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is based on law, order and justice. There should be fair
treatment for all people
Jesus said that the Law of Moses was given to guide people
Christians should obey the law of the land and respect those in authority The
apostolic teachings stress the need for law, order and justice (1 Cro.14: 33)
Christiansshould be orderly.
The birth of Jesus was orderly. His ministry was also orderly hence should Christians.

Causes of social disorder and their remedies

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 Social disorder is a state of confusion or lack of order in the society
Discrimination
Discrimination is unfair treatment. Discrimination is on basis of race tribe and sex/gender

People or a particular person is singled out and treated with disfavour or distaste. It is
showing bias or prejudice.
Causes of discrimination
a. Culture
b. Prejudice — bias original/stereotypes
c. Ignorance e.g. on HIV /AIDS
d. Social status — ones position in a society
Inequitable distribution of wealth and resources
This is when riches of family, community, and nation are not fairly shared out due to
Selfishness or poor planning. Some areas are marginalized.
Racism
Unfair treatment of people because of their race
Tribalism
Discrimination on basis of ethnic group
Crime
An offence against state, normally settled in court. Its antisocial behaviour causing disorder.

Causes of crime (Why people commit crime)

1. Poverty
2. Public mistrust for law enforces
3. Lack of parental guidance
4. Wide gap between the rich and the poor
5. Greed for power, money
6. Materialism
7. Drug and substance abuse
Sexism
Discrimination against people because of gender
Women are discriminated in areas such as jobs, no promotion for women, oppression of women

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 at home, cultural values demeaning the status of women, wife beating / men beating, female
genital mutilation (FGM) early children marriages etc.
Remedies to social disorder

∙ Rehabilitation for drugs users / abusers

∙ Punishment for offenders of crime Forms of punishment imprisonment payment of fines ∙
Equitable distribution of national resources Develop marginalized areas create jobs ∙
Campaign against drug abuse
∙ The public to use hot lines to report crime to police
∙ Preach against racism, tribalism, and preach equality, freedom and interaction ∙
People to be sensitized to appreciate and respect different ethnics groups ∙
Promote national unity through education /cultural programmes
∙ Creation of more national schools so as to have students from all backgrounds ∙
Encourage domestic tourism

∙ Enlighten women on their rights

∙ Employment on merit
∙ Rich countries to share wealth with the poor

Role of Christians in transforming the social, economic, political life of the society
Transformation is to completely change the attitude, character, and well-being of the society
Christian participation in the social life
Christians are involved in the preaching of the gospel in many places in the country. They use
print and electronic media to spread the gospel.
Christians have shown concern for the destitute and victims of violence in the society by
building homes for them and providing them with food and clothing.
Christians run schools, vocational institutions and universities providing educational services
Christians offer medical services to the society
They speak openly against sexual immorality, murder, bribery, corruption, abortion etc.
They show compassion to those in need the poor, HIV / AIDS orphans, widows, widowers,
aged etc.
They offer guidance and counselling to dysfunctional families(the pastors, those trained to
do counselling — almost all pastors get a training in guidance and counselling) Christians

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 participation in the political life

Christians participate in the political life by advocating for fair distribution of wealth
They offer prayers for government, political leaders

They exercise their right by voting

They also participating in the political life by standing up for elections (Vying for elections)
Christian participation in economic life
Christians participate in economic life by paying taxes to the government By contributing in
collection of funds for construction of churches, schools, hospitals They invest in business
that promotes their own development as well as the development of the country.
They provide financialresources in order to assist others to start economic activities or self
employment

They discourage business practices such as using faulty scales, hiking of prices cheating in
business etc. and encourage proper acquisition of wealth

The church — state relationship

The government and the church interact at various levels and in different areas
Religious leaders give advice to the state
The church speaks against corruption, abortion, vices which the government is fighting
The church isthe conscience of the state
Both educate the citizens on the constitution and their rights
The church preaches peace, love, unity, order
The state needs support of the church in mobilizing citizensto adopt government policies
Both are involved in rehabilitation of prisoners
The church builds schools and other institutions that supplement government institutions.
The church isinvolved in formulation of educational curriculum.
❖ However, the church differs with government on various issues such as
∙ Use of condoms (Some churches opposed to this)
∙ Use of live bullets by the law enforces when curbing riots
∙ Fight on corruption a thorn to the church since state leaders are involved ∙ Issue of
death penalty — church been fighting against death penalty to convicts

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 CHAPTER 10

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO SELECTED

ISSUES RELATED TO MODERN SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Definitions
Science
Subject field that deals with a systematic study of our surroundings and behaviour of
materials in the universe
It is based on observation, experimentation and measurement.
Technology
Application of science to achieve desired objectives.
Environment
Our surroundings — both natural and human made i.e. Mountains, lakes, land, forests,
animals, buildings, flowers etc.

Positive and negative effects of science and technology

Waysscience and technology has improved human lives
∙ Improvement of crop production — a quality seeds, fertilizers leading to improved yields ∙
Better nutrition, health care, medical services
∙ Improvement of livestock production through artificial insemination
∙ It has led to development of efficient means of transport — land, air, seas
∙ Work has been made easier and enjoyable. There is use of machines, automation, ∙ Peoples
lives have been spared, saved e.g. through life saving machines (ICU), incubators ∙
Businesstransactions are being done through the internet
∙ Communication has been made easy — fax, email, short text messages on mobile phones etc. ∙
Research is ongoing for incurable diseases i.e. HIV / AIDS, cancer

∙ There is better management of environment

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 69

∙ Technology has made the world a global village

∙ Through family planning methods, its easier to control population growth ∙ Theres a
better security system through use of scanners, alarms, electrified fences etc. ∙
Improvement of learning through e—learning
∙ Theres easier movement from one country to another

Negative effects of science and technology

∙ People use medicine to commit suicide
∙ Increase of crime, fraud and death through modern means of communication ∙
Destruction of family relationships
∙ Breakdown of community names, values morals, breakdown of families ∙
Terrorism

∙ Greed for money / materialism

∙ Unemployment — replacement of personnel by machines
∙ Health hazards such as accidents in factories
∙ Pollution, air poisoning

Christian view on issues related to science and technology.

Euthanasia
Its a Greek word, which means an easy and painless death. It is mercy killing ending a persons
life so as to alleviate them from experiencing pain.
Its practiced with the sick persons knowledge
It isinvoluntary when its practiced against or without the sick persons consent Its done by
injecting an overdose of sleeping pills to the sick person switching off life support machine
exposing the person with chronic pneumonia to very cold air.
Christians view on Euthanasia
Christians are opposed to euthanasia for several reasons such as

∙ Life issacred; a gift from God and only God can take away human life ∙

Suffering is part of human life

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∙ Euthanasia is against medical ethos, which demands pr e s er va ti on o f h u ma n li f e . ∙
Jesus has power over sickness and through his name allsickness are healed
0

∙ Euthanasia discourages medical research on vaccines that may cure various diseases. ∙
Euthanasia discourages patients and makes them to lose hope in life. Blood

transfusion
Its the process of injecting a persons blood into another person through his/her veins. The
giver is a donor the receiver is a recipient.
Blood has to be screened for any diseases, and then kept in blood bank after determining the
blood group. The transfusion should be in a hygienic way. The equipment used should be
sterilized
Donors should not be below 16 years or above 65 years

Reasons for blood transfusion

1. When a person issuffering from acute anaemia (little blood in the body) low blood level.
2. To restore blood lost during fatal accidents, wars, or childbirth
3. To maintain blood levels for patients undergoing major operations
4. To correct the low haemoglobin level of some patients

Alternatives to blood transfusion

a) Volume expanders — increase fluid levels in the body
b) Growth factors — intra operative / post-operative

c) Blood salvage — save blood when on surgery is saved then transfused back to the patient
Christian view on blood transfusion

∙ Some Christians believe it is wrong to take blood from a healthy person and transfuse it to
another person.
∙ Blood islife and life cannot be taken from one person to another
∙ Blood transfusion is essential as it saves life
∙ Blood transfusion can transmit dangerous diseases like HIV / AIDS and Hepatitis B ∙
God has given Christians the intelligence and capability to make the right decision
Organ transplant

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 This is the removal of a defective organ and replacing it with a healthy one. Body organs
transplanted are kidneys, heart and eyes small intestines, pan crease.
The purpose is to replace the damaged organ of a recipient

Common transplants are the heart, kidney, eyes from living and the dead (heart) within a
span of hours. Eyes can be transplanted from animals.

Christian view on organ transplant

∙ It saves life hence acceptable to some
∙ Its transferring human life from one person to another
∙ Its wrong to transplant from animals — view by some Christians
∙ Some support organ transplant by referring to the story of creation
∙ It is part of human beings continuing with the creation work of God.
∙ It is an expression of love and concern for those suffering as taught by Jesus Christ.

Genetic engineering
Its a scientific technique used by scientists to change the biological characteristics of living
organisms by deliberately altering the structure of individual genes.
There are genetically modified foods, genetically engineered seeds, test tube babies, human
clones, and genes of human insulin.
Human cloning
This is a form of genetic engineering. Its a creation of genetically identical copy of a human
being, human cell.
Therapeutic cloning is when cells from an adult are used in creating medicine or for
research
Reproduction cloning isthe making of human beings
More than 90% of cloning has failed.
Animals cloned have died young, had cancers or arthritis.
Human cloning isillegal worldwide
Genetic cells are used to treat Alzheimer, heart attack, cancer
Test tube babies are different from human cloning.

Reasons for advocating human cloning

∙ Can clone people whose genetic composition is of a genius,

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 ∙ Can be able to bring, revive back great extinct characteristics.
∙ Those who support it believes it can reduce immorality

Reasons against human cloning

∙ God isthe sole creator. Cloning takes the place of God.

∙ It de—humanizes human beings purpose of human reproduction
∙ It destroys uniqueness of each individual (Cloning is an exact copy)
∙ It can be abused and used to create antisocial people (rapists, thieves) ∙
May create deformed people
∙ Its un-ethical, immoral experiment. Its destruction of the embryo hence abortion ∙
95% of clones have failed (animal) most animals died
∙ Its illegal
∙ Cloned animals died of cancer, had arthritis, deformities and an early death ∙
Cloning may bring a destructive copy of humans

Advantages of genetic engineering

1. Implanting genes that are diseases free in people, plant and animals could prevent diseases.
2. Genetic crops yield more
3. Helps to determine the biological parent in case of dispute on babies (DNA) 4. Helps to
increase disease resistance in crops and altering animal traits in plants and animals 5. Assists in
classifying blood during screening before its transfused to another person.

Christian view of genetic engineering

Christians support genetic engineering that is beneficial to human beings e.g. Cure of genetic
diseases, production of drugs, plant and animals
Human beings are made in Gods image and are loved by God with or without defects.
The dignity of the human being is eroded or disregarded and should be upheld.
Christians oppose cloning and test tube babies
Its against Gods will or teaching
Plastic surgery
Its to change or mould the shape of something, to enhance or restore an area of the body
Its repairing or improving of damaged, diseased or unsatisfactory shaped parts of the body
with pieces of skin or bone taken from other parts of the body.

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 Skin grafting is the most common type of plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is done on cleft lips i.e. cosmetic surgery, breast surgery — reduction or
enlargement, surgery done to look younger.
Reasons for plastic surgery
∙ It can help restore ones confidence or self — esteem
∙ It enhances beauty, attractiveness or youthfulness
∙ It enhances a persons life and can be a life changing procedure
∙ It may help a person to get a new job
Disadvantages
∙ Its expensive
∙ Can lead to transmission of diseases
Christian views on plastic surgery
∙ Some support it, as it has some benefits
∙ Some Christian oppose plastic surgery in order to look younger
∙ Some argue that some people do it because of a lack of self — acceptance, low self
esteem hence should work on such issues first.

The Christian view on the effects of modern science and technology on the
environment (pollution, desertification)
In Genesis 1, man was given the responsibility of taking care of the environment
Ways of taking care of the environment
Cleaning up the environment, clean up rivers
Educating people on the importance of conservation
Dispose industrial wastes properly
Enforce use of environment — friendly fuel (unleaded fuel)

Factory owners to supply protective wear to factory workers

Planting of trees and flowers
Establishing airports, industries, and disco clubs away from residential areas.
Advocate for laws to be passed to minimize noise from vehicles, aircrafts,
Waste to be managed through
∙ Reuse e.g. bottles
∙ Recycle — plastic bottles old newspapers

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 ∙ Recover — burning waste products to produce electricity

Pollution and its effects

Its introduction into the environment of substances or energy that is liable to cause hazards to
human health, harm to living resources and ecological systems
Substances that because pollution are called pollutants.
Some of the pollutants include; industrial affluent pesticides insecticides fertilizers ultra-violet
rays from nuclear plants dust smoke noise waste heat exhaust gases from automobiles

Types of pollution
Water pollution
This is the increase of substances in water in excess of its rightful chemical components thus
making it unsuitable for human, animal or plant use.
Disposing domestic and industrial waste into rivers, lakes, seas etc. pollutes water.

Disposing agricultural chemicals pesticides into water bodies.

Oil spilling into waters

Poor sanitation bathing or washing clothes in rivers or dams

Effects of water pollution

∙ Causes diseases, which are communicable such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. ∙
Leads to death of marine life — birds (Flamingo) fish by oil spills

∙ Mercury (metal) leads, silver is poisonous. They kill organisms.

∙ Water becomes unfit for human consumption

Air pollution
Presence of contaminants in the atmosphere caused by Smoke Fumes Dust from mines,
quarries
When there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere thats pollution
Other major atmospheric pollutants include gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), and
sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Nitrogen Oxide (NO) i.e. fumes from vehicles, aircrafts and industrie

Effects

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∙ Leads to diseases such as bronchitis, asthma
∙ Leads to depletion of the Ozone layer leading to ultra — violent rays of the sun penetrating to
the earth causing skin cancer, cataracts (eye problems) and low plant yields. ∙ Causes rusting of
roofs
∙ Causes acid rains

∙ Carbon dioxide (02) in the atmosphere has led to global warming.

∙ Formation of smog (thick fog), which can lead to accidents.

∙ (vii)Coloured rain due to large amounts of dust in the atmosphere
∙ Eyesight loss due to gas leakages from industrial plants.

Land pollution
Land pollution is any physical or chemical alteration to land, which causes change in its use
and renders it incapable of beneficial use without treatment.
Improper or excessive use of insecticides, pesticides makes land acidic Land

is also polluted by improper disposal of waste / garbage, broken glasses.

Effects
Waste is an eye sore spoiling the beauty of the environment
Broken glass can lead to injuries
Open mining leaves pits, which are a danger to people and animals.

Noise pollution
Experienced especially in urban centres, near roads, running water, mining areas, airports,
music from bars, nightclubs etc.
∙ Deafness, hearing problems
∙ Psychological disorders — frustrations, irritation
∙ Insomnia
∙ Shock due to sudden noise

∙ Cracking of walls

Noise can be minimized by

∙ Construction of sound proof buildings
∙ Location of residential areas away from industries, airports, bars, main roads ∙

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 Banning of unnecessary hooting, playing of loud music in public vehicles ∙
Installing silencers in generators
∙ Education people on the effects of noise pollution

Pollution caused by radiation

Mainly in developed countries
Atomic explosions e.g. Hiroshima / Nagasaki in Japan in 1945. The side effects of mutations of
born children. Some children born with deformities. The radiation caused chromosome
mutations. Some mutations on the cells of the parent / grandparents.
Nuclear power stations also a danger
Medical equipment e.g. X ray machines when one is over exposed to these radiations (x-rays)
it can lead to development of cancer.

Desertification
Causes of deserts

1. Natural
a) Persistent rains in a semi — arid area
b) Exposure of an area to very high, very cold temperatures c) Inadequate rainfall for a long
period of time
2. Human
Human activities that lead to desertification are
(I) Cutting down of trees (deforestation) for land use such as building, industries, and not
replacing them.
(ii) Use of water from wells to irrigate land. Its harmful especially salty
(iii)Incorrect use of pesticides and fertilizers destroy soil nutrients.
(iv)Industrialization — industries emit carbon dioxide (CO2) leading to formation of acid
rain, which leads to unproductive land hence desertification
(v) Overgrazing especially among the pastoralist communities

(vi)Poor farming methods like cultivation on riverbanks and slopes, which causes soil erosion,
leading to desertification.
Solutions to desertification
1. Removal of people, livestock from certain areas e.g. forests
2. Installation of good drainage systems
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 3. Reduction of water logging / salination

4. Use of alternative sources of fuel such as wind, solar, biogas

5. Advocate for penalties to those who pollute the environment — factories
6. Replace trees that are cut down
7. Build water storage facilities to store rain water then use it for irrigation
8. Educate people on the importance of the environment
9. Use of manure instead of harmful fertilizers

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS
1. State the difference between the traditional African and modern attitude towards marriage.
2. (a) Discuss the measures taken by the traditional African Communities to discourage
Pregnancy before marriage.
(b) What factors- have contributed to sexual immorality among the youth in
Kenya today?
(c) Suggest ways in which the church can help single parents
3. (a) Discuss reasons why members of Christian families in Kenya find it
difficult to harmoniously live together. (10 mks)
(b) Explain how the church strengthens family relationships today. (7
mks) 4. Reasons why taboos were important in traditional African
Communities 5. (a) State ways in which sex is abused in Kenya ( 6 mks)
(b) Describe the problems faced by the family living with a member who is living
with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). (7 mks) 6. (a) How was marriage
formalized in traditional communities ( 8 mks) (b) Why was polygamy common in
traditional African communities? (8 mks) (c) State the role of parents in traditional
African family. (9 mks)
7. (a) Give reasons why pre- marital pregnancies were rare in traditional African
communities (12 mks) (b) State the causes of prostitution in Kenya today (8 mks) (c)
What is the role of a midwife in traditional African communities? (5 mks) 8. (a)
Outline ways through which a marriage partner is chosen in traditional African
communities (12 mks) (b) Explain why divorce is rare in traditional African
communities (6 mks) (c) Identify the effects of divorce on children in Kenya today
(7 mks) 9. Identify in which Christians assist people who are living with HIV/AIDS.
(5 mks) 10.(a) What are the advantages of monogamous marriages? ( 8 mks)
(b) Give reasons why the church is involved in the fight against HIV and
AIDs. 11.(a) Outline the Christian teachings on marriage ( 6 mks) (b) How should
Christians prepare for marriage? (8 mks) (c) Give reasons why some Christians
break their marriage vows?
[Link] the Christian attitude to human sexuality ( 7 mks)
[Link] the disadvantages of single parent family today (8 mks) [Link] reasons
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why the church is against gay marriages ( 6 mks) [Link] reasons why
defilement of minors is on increase in Kenya today. (5 mks) [Link] do
Christians condemn incest in society? ( 5 mks) [Link] the various causes of
domestic violence ( 6 mks)
[Link] ways in which church prepares its youth for marriage ( 10 mks) [Link]
reasons why there is campaign for girl child education in Kenya today.(4 mks)

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