CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

FORM FOUR NOTES 2021

 CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN LIVING
 Form four work deals with social issues in society.
 We shall compare the issues in the following communities – The Traditional African
Society Christian community and the contemporary one.
 By the end of it the student should be able to understand the meaning of life and live to
its fullest.

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS

 Ethics are moral principles, which influence a person’s 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 is the 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.

b. Basis of Christian ethics/Sources of Christian’s ethics:

1. The bible /teachings of Jesus Christ
2. Human conscience
3. Natural law
4. The Christian community – the church
5. Situation ethics
6. Authoritative Christian literature – based on the bible
7. Gods revelation – through prophets
8. The constitution/secular state law
9. A Christian faith in God.
10. Knowledge and free will.
11. Religious rituals
12. African culture and traditions
13. Intuition
14. The Holy Spirit.

1. The bible
  The bible gives guidance on Christian behavior.
 God communicates to his people through the Bible.
 It offers answers to questions in relation to the life of a Christian.
 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 gives reason and other sources / factors as basis of Christian ethics in addition to
the bible.

2. 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 behavior
 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 behavior of citizens; Christians being citizens of a
country are guided in their behavior by the constitution.

3. 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.

4. God’s 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.
 God’s revelation does not contradict with the bible.

4. God and His character

 Christian ethics rest upon God Himself and His character.
 God is the source of ethics and morality
 Moral commands He gave humans are expression of His character.

5. The Holy Spirit

  The Holy Spirit influences Christians to live ethically by helping them to discern right
from wrong when making moral judgements. Helps Christians live Christian like-lives.

6.Human conscience
 Parts of human kind that forms whether their actions or thoughts are right or wrong.
 Right or desirable actions/thoughts will lead to feelings of approval/acceptance.
Whereas wrong or undesirable actions /thoughts will lead to feeling of shame or shame.
 Interacting with biblical.

7. Intuition
 Ability of a person to sense/know something using his/her sense instead of facts
 Helps Christians to sense that something is good/bad i.e It guides them to avoid
wrong/evil.

8. The Christian community

 Christians are expected to act according to values upheld by Christian community
 They are to behave in a manner portraying integrity and dignity following the example
of Jesus Christ and his teachings.
 Christian communities are guided by their respective church leaders on how to discern
right from wrong.

9. A Christian faith in God

 Christian faith is unquestionable trust/beliefs in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
 A Christians’ belief and experience of the things that God has done for them form a
basis of their conduct.

10. Knowledge and free will

 Acquisition of knowledge about something that help human kind make sound moral
judgements
 Reasoning is the process of assessing the implications of moral situations
 Having the right knowledge about issues helps Christians to reason and make moral
decisions of their own free will.

11. Religious Rituals

 Religious rituals propagate certain moral values that influence the attitudes and
behaviors of the followers in Christian churches e.g. baptism, wedding and ordinations
involve promises/vows that guide moral conduct.
12. The African culture and traditions
 African communities have a rich culture whose beliefs, traditions, customs and practices
guide and direct children and adults to behave in a morally upright manner
 Christian ethics borrows from the cultural beliefs, tradition customs and practices of
different African Communities.

13. Authoritative Christian literature

 They include books, magazines, newspapers and other written and electronic sources
which guides Christian’s conduct. Their basis is in line with biblical teachings.

14. The Constitution/Secular state law

 The constitution is the supreme law of any country
 It helps to regulate the behavior of citizens of a given country by offering guidance and
moral issues
 If a Christian respects the constitution or state laws he/she will live harmoniously with
other citizens

CHRISTIANS VALUES THAT ENHANCE CREATION OF A JUST SOCIETY

A just society is one where there is peace and harmony and people are governed by moral
values and the rule of law. Some of the Christian moral values include:

Love Justice

Honesty Respect

Reliability Humility

Persistence Faithfulness

Fairness Chastity

1)Love

Love refers to affection and tender devotion to something or somebody and deep concern for
the welfare of others.

Types of love

Filia-love between children and parents

Eros-love between lovers. Its sexual in nature

Agape-self-giving and unconditional love. Its shown by God through His giving of Jesus Christ

Fraternal Love-love between brothers and sisters.

2)Reliability/Honesty/Faithfulness

 Ability to tell the truth and to carry out one’s commitment without deceit.
 When people are honest, they are also dependable and can be trusted to carry out tasks
with faithfulness.
 An honest person does not lie, cheat other people or steal from them.

3)Justice/Fairness

 Justice is the moral principal of being fair.

 Justice and fairness are observed in situations in which people are treated equally and
without discrimination.

4) Respect

 Respect is the quality of recognizing other people’s rights, status and circumstances.
covers self-respect and the respect of others.

5) Humility

 Having a low view of one’s own importance. Putting others first before you.
 Is the acknowledgement of one’s qualities, abilities and inadequacies.
 Its shown through service and actions of mercy to others.

6) Perseverance/Persistence

 Is to show determination and endurance in pursuing a good goal. A persevering person

does not give up however challenging a situation may be.

7) Chastity

 Is the state of being pure physically, spiritually and mentally.

 It also implies having good sexual morals, avoiding sex before marriage and remaining
faithful in marriage.

3. LIFE SKILLS
  Life skills are abilities that help people to develop positive behavior so that they are able
to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
 These abilities therefore assist people to deal with issues in a constructive and effective
way.

Importance of life skills

1 They help people to live positively and actively with themselves and others.

2 They help people to practice healthy behavior .

3 They help one to recognize and asses risky behavior such as engaging in pre-marital sex or
prostitution.

4 They help people to make informed choices and decisions.

5 They contribute in the creation of a just society.

6 They enable one to set goals in life and to work towards achieving them.

7 They help one in building self-esteem and confidence.

Types/examples of life skills

1. Critical thinking

 Critical thinking is the process of thinking through something and coming up with
possibilities of doing a task in more than one way. Its expressing a person’s independent
judgement after evaluating or analyzing a situation.
 It can be used to create a just society by challenging and exposing all forms of injustices
in society such as bribery, corruption mismanagement of resources, child labor, rape
e.t.c.

2.Creative thinking

 It involves coming up with new ways or ideas of dealing with situations or issues.
 It requires imagination and originality of thoughts. It can be used in situations such as
art and design, conserving the environment e.t.c.
 It can be used in the creation of a just society by coming up with new ideas and
inventions that are aimed at the improvement of the quality of the human race.

3.Decision making
  It’s the process of making up one’s mind in order to reach a conclusion or a solution.
 It involves making a choice among several options.
 It can be used to create a just society if good decisions are made by the government
leaders and politicians.
 This will bring prosperity and peaceful co-existence among people.

4.Self-esteem

 It refers to the way we feel about ourselves. It is an awareness of our individual

attitudes and values.
 It refers to how we respect and admire ourselves. It influences our actions towards
others and what we achieve in life.
 People with self-esteem will have positive attitudes in whatever they do.

5.Assertiveness

 Is the way of expressing one’s feelings or decisions openly? Its knowing what you want
and why.
 People who are assertive are aware of their rights and demand them when they are
violated.
 They are able to express their feelings, thoughts and needs in an open and honest way

CHAPTER TWO

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO HUMAN SEXUALITY, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

Introduction
 Christian approaches refer to how Christians view and handle issues of human sexuality,
marriage and the family in accordance with Christians ethics.

1. 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. It is part of our biological make up.
 Males and female have different body structures, features, appearances and biological
characteristics.
 In terms of physical strength more men are stronger than females. 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.
 If you look at animals, they also have different physiological features based on sexual
differences.

2. Traditional African understanding of human sexuality.

 Human sexuality is sacred and highly valued in traditional African communities.
 It’s a taboo to discuss sexual matters openly and freely
 Sex education is provided to young people especially during initiation ceremonies
 Sex was to be practiced only in marriage
 Adultery was 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.
 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, 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.
 Division of labor is based on sexuality e.g women are to perform house chores duties
like fetching firewood, water babysitting e.t.c while males to hunt, dig, look after
livestock among other duties.
 Girls and boys learn their roles as they watch their fathers while girls imitate their
mothers.
 Men take up leadership roles while women are limited to domestic responsibilities such
as childbearing etc.
 Boys are taught how to be responsible husbands and fathers
 Girls are taught how to be good wives and mothers

Measures taken to control pre-marital sex in traditional African communities

 Before initiation, the boys and girls are kept busy in their gender defined responsibilities
 After initiation the youths are encouraged to get married
 Observance of community rules and regulations. Rules and regulations are meant to
promote and maintain community norms
  There are established traditional court process presided over by elders to deal with sex
offences
 Mature boys and girls are restricted from mixing freely without supervision by elders
 Boys and girls sleep separately when they begin to mature up-as they approach
adolescence
 The youth are educated about their sexuality during initiation rites. They are taught to
behave responsibly towards one another and warned of their consequences
 Older people provide guidance to girls and boys from childhood
 Mothers keep a close eye on their daughters to ensure they do not fall into temptation
of pre-marital sex
 In most African communities, virginity is used as a proof of the girl’s self-respect and
faithfulness which is expected of her
 Emphasis on kinship system –blood kinship determines the expected relationship
between boys and girls at puberty.

3. Christian teaching on human sexuality.

 The Christian view of sex and sexuality is derived from the bible
 God created man and woman in his own image and likeness. They share in the image of
God.
 Human sexuality is sacred and a gift from God
 Men and women were created for procreation. They were commanded to multiply and
fill the earth.
 The place of sex in marriage is part of the established order by God
 The union of male and female is consummated in marriage
 God intended man and woman to play complementary roles
 Both male and female are equal before God.
 Sex in marriage is a sign of love and it is sacred.
 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 behaviors like lesbianism, homosexuality or being gay, and incest.
 Chastity is encouraged while unfaithfulness in marriage is discouraged.
 Male and female were created for companionship
 Husbands / wives are to respect one another and give to each other in mutual love.

Reasons why grandparents are more suited to conduct sex education in traditional African
societies
 Grandparents are regarded as more knowledgeable and experienced in matters of
relationships and sex to due to their age
 Children/young people are free with their grandparents and would ask questions freely.
 In many traditional African societies, it is a taboo for parents to discuss sex matters with
their children and young people
 The youth takes teachings from elders seriously for they respect them and they fear
curses from them
 Grandparents are skillful in handling sex matters
 The young spend most of their time with grandparents

4. MALE-FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICE

a. Practices related to male –female relationship at childhood
 Boys and girls mix freely when playing together
 Girls imitate their mother’s roles and other female adults while boys with their fathers
and other male adults
 At an early age, children are not conscious of their sexuality
 Parents provide them with the first education that helps shape their attitudes towards
the opposite sex
 The young ones learn informally through songs, stories e.t.c
 All adults play the role of the parents since the child belongs to the community, It is
every adults’ responsibility to teach the young ones morals and even punishing them
accordingly
 Boys accompany their fathers in male-oriented activities such as hunting, herding and
fishing. Girls accompany their mothers in their daily chores like fetching water, firewood
and cooking,
 Relatives are free to give instructions and even punish a child for misbehavior

b. Practices related to male –female relationship at adolescent stage

 Adolescent stage ranges from age 13-18
 Its marked by physical, emotional and psychological changes that lead to adulthood
 The physical differences between boys and girls become more pronounced at this stage
 Emotionally, girls and boys begin to be attracted towards one another
 Education is provided to the teenagers to enable them adjust to their sexual
development
 The education becomes intensified during initiation
 Different initiation rites are practiced at puberty to prepare girls and boys for marriage
and family life
 To prepare the initiates for marriage, sex education is provided
 The youths are instructed not to indulge in sex till marriage
 After initiation, boys and girls are given opportunities to interact within their age groups
especially during traditional dances. This is done under a serious supervision by parents
and elders.
 They also engage in serious courtship as they look for marriage partners.

c. Practices related to male –female relationship in marriage

 Men and women relate to one another in marriage as husband and wife
 The husband is the head while the wife takes a subordinate position
 The submissive role of the wife is reinforced with taboos, rules and regulations
 Married couples are free to engage in sexual intercourse, procreate and have families.
 Husbands and wives are however discouraged from displaying sexual intimacies publicly
e.g holding hands and visiting places together which are common nowadays
 There are also taboos which restrict sexual intercourse between a husband and wife
under a certain condition e.g. menstruation, pregnancy and during childbirth
 Most traditional African communities allow polygamy for a man’s sexual satisfaction
 The relationship between a married man or woman with their parents, brothers and
sister-in-laws is also governed by community customs. They are not supposed to
interact freely. They have to respect each other’s privacy and avoid situations that can
make them fall into temptations to engage into sexual immorality
 Conflicts between a husband and wife are resolved through the intervention of relatives
 Each community has traditional courts provided over by elders to help promote stable
marital relationship so that there is no divorce
 As married people enter old age they become less sexually active. They treat each other
as companions bound together by shared experiences, their children and even grand-
children. In some communities e.g the Luo, the senior wife would propose for marriage
of a younger wife to fulfill her husband’s sexual desires

d. Practices related to male –female relationship in old age

 Because of their age and experience in life, older people are accorded respect by other
members of the community.
 The youth consult them for advice and counsel
 Older men guide younger men on their responsibilities in the community
 Older women advise younger ones on their roles in the family and community at large
 Elderly men take leadership roles and make important decisions while women keep a
low profile
 Division of labor based on gender attributes ensure harmonious and smooth
relationships in the community.

5. Christian teaching on male- female relationships.

  Both men and women share a common origin-they are created in the image and
likeness of God
 They are to provide companionship for each other.
 The husband is the head of the house
 The husband 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
 Both male and female are co – creators with God-procreation
 Male and female are to complement each other.
 Men and women should love each other.
 The union between males and females is consummated in marriage
 Divorce is highly discouraged
 One man should have one wife and vice versa
 Husbands and wives should not deny each other their conjugal rights
 Husbands and wives should subject to one another out of reverence for Christ
 Sexual immorality is highly condemned such as adultery, homosexuality etc.
 Christianity does not discourage free mixing of male and female. They are encouraged
to uphold virtues of chastity and abstain from pre-marital 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 honor their parents.
Parents are asked to bring up their children in a Godly way.

CHAPTER THREE
RESPONSIBLE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

1.Christian teaching on responsible sexual behavior

 Responsible sexual behavior refers to a healthy social relationship between boys and
girls, men and women and husbands and wives.
 Being responsible means that one is exercising self-control or self-discipline in matters
of sexual behavior.
 Self-discipline is necessary when we have a relationship with the opposite sex (Read, 1
Cor.7: 9 1 Peter 5:8).
 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

Ways in which girls and boys can lead a responsible sexual life/behavior
 Avoid physical contact such as kissing and hugging
 Avoid conversations on topics that are sexually suggestive
 Dwell on positive thoughts about your special friend as a way of controlling your desires
as Saint Paul advices (Philippians 4:8)
 Avoid meeting in lonely and isolated places
 Avoid social functions such as discos and parties that may create room for sexual abuse
 Avoid visiting each other frequently
 Avoid pornographic literature, films and music
 Seek guidance from Christian leaders and counsellors on your relationship
 Study the bible teaching on sex
 Pray for God’s guidance

2. Christian teaching on irresponsible sexual behavior.

 There is much irresponsible sexual behavior.
 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
 child marriages among others.
 These irresponsible sexual behaviors are against God’s will for humanity. Christians are
to shun irresponsible sexual behavior. 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.
(I) Incest
 It is a 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. Read Leviticus 18:6 – 8.

Causes of incest
 Urbanization
 Influence from pornographic materials
 Mass media
 Permissiveness in the society
 Breakdown of traditional African moral values
 Alcoholism and drug abuse
 Lack of self-control

Effects of incest.
 Incest undermines the healthy relationships between members of a family as it
brings shame and guilt among the parties involved.
 It may lead to separation and divorce
 Incest destroys self-esteem, self – respect, and dignity of the victim. We find that
abused boys and girls end up having problems when trying to establish healthy
relationship with members of the opposite sex.
 It can lead to pregnancy
 It may also lead to abortion.
 It may cause physical bodily harm
 It can lead to infections with sexually transmitted diseases (S.T.I.’s) and HIV / AIDS.

ii) Rape
 Rape is an act of 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.
 Victims of rape include boys, men, girls, women, and babies especially girls.
 Rape is an expression of hatred toward the opposite sex.
 In traditional African society rape was abhorred and culprits were punished by death.
  In Kenya rape is punishable by 20year imprisonment.
 Indecent assaults or sexual abuses such as touching a person of the opposite sex
without their permission or use of vulgar language are both punishable by up to 5year
imprisonment.
 Rape cannot be justified and it is condemned in The Bible
Causes of Rape
 Uncontrolled sexual desires
 Loose morals and poor upbringing
 Male chauvinism
 False beliefs and religious cults which claim that sexual relationship with minors
will cure certain diseases e.g HIV/AIDS
 Influence of the mass media
 Negative peer pressure Drug abuse and alcoholism
 Indecent dressing among girls/women
Effects of Rape
 Rape may result in unwanted pregnancy
 It may lead to serious physical injuries
 The victim may contract the STI’s, and HIV / AIDs.
 The victim is traumatized, and ashamed of self.
 The victim suffers from guilt, loneliness, humiliation, posttraumatic stress disorders, and
depression among others psychological manifestations. Young rape victims in particular
may lose trust in the opposite sex.
 All these sufferings can lead to suicide and death.
 It causes hatred between the families of the victims and the perpetrators

iii. Fornication.
This is consensual sexual intercourse between unmarried people.
It is condemned by both African and Christian teachings
Punishment in African traditional society was by either payment of fines, stoning, and ritual
cleansing.
In the Old Testament, men were forced to marry the girl.
Jesus said that fornication was due to people’s evil thoughts. Abstinence for the youth is
encouraged and preached.

Causes of Fornication
 Sexual curiosity-some youths want to have an experience. ‘To know how it is like’
 Proving manhood-To prove that one is not impotent
 Availability of contraceptives
  Human weakness
 lack of self-control
 Testing fertility-A young man may want to know whether his future partner will be able
to have children before he marries her
 Fear of being jilted / rejected
 Commercial sex for money/poverty
 Influence from print and electronic media.
 Frustrations
 Human weakness-not being able to resist sexual temptations
 Drug abuse and alcoholism-people who engage in drug/alcohol abuse are not in a
position to make correct moral decisions and choices
 Unemployment/Bribe to get a job
 Permissiveness in the society.

Effects of Fornication
 It may lead to birth of children out of wedlock
 It may lead to feelings of distrust, guilt, and hurt
 Contracting STI’s and HIV/AIDS
 loss of self-respect
 Early and forced marriage
 It may lead to abortion.

iv. Adultery
Adultery is an illicit sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who is married and
someone other than his/her marriage partner

Causes of adultery
 Adultery is caused by lack of self – control
 Sexual dissatisfaction
 Long periods of wife and husband separation
 Sexual dysfunction
 vengeance by an initially faithful spouse who wants to be even with the unfaithful
spouse.
 Marital conflicts
 Poor health
 Unnecessary material wants
 Effects of adultery
 It can lead to unplanned pregnancy and abortion
 It can lead to contracting STIs and HIV/AIDS
 It breaks the unity of the husband and wife and violates the conjugal rights of the
offended partners
 It may lead to violence, for example the betrayed spouse becomes bitter, aggressive and
may start a fight which may result to injury and damage.
 It can lead to divorce and separation
 It can lead feelings of guilt and regrets by the unfaithful partner
 It can lead to neglect of family responsibilities and sometimes abandoning one family to
live with another man or woman
 It can lead to death of the unfaithful partner through vengeance from the offended
spouse
 Loss of a job due to sex scandals
 Loss of respect and lowering of one’s dignity
 Long legal tussles over children and poverty

v. 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.

Causes of prostitution
 Unemployment/poverty
 Rejection of a girl at home
 Drug and alcohol abuse
 Stress, anger and anxiety
 Frustrations in the family
 Pornography.
 Uncontrolled sexual desire/cravings
 Peer pressure
 Poor family background
 Poor role models
 Experience of failed marriages
 Greed for luxuries which cannot be offered from one’s income
Effects of prostitution
 It can lead to break up of marriage, and family.
 It lowers a person’s dignity
 It can lead to unplanned pregnancies
 Can lead to school dropouts
 The victim may contract infections such as STI’s and HIV /AIDS
 There’s improper use of family resources.
 It undermines the real purpose of sex
 It may lead to increased number of street children
 It may lead to arrest and imprisonment where the practice is illegal
 May lead to social crimes such as robbery. Criminals at times use the houses of female
prostitutes as their hide outs and for stolen goods.
Reasons why Christians condemn prostitution
 It’s immoral and sinful
 It defiles the body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit
 Children born to prostitutes lack identity
 May lead to break up of families and marriage
 It lowers personal dignity as human being
 It’s an abuse of the gift of sex. Its unethical to commercialize sex
 Those who commit sexual immoralities will be punished by God

vi. Homosexuality/ Gay/ Lesbianism.

 This is sex between people of the same sex for example; man and man (homosexuality),
woman and woman (lesbianism).
 Homosexuality is a common practice in modern world.
 It is also a church problem. The Anglican Church in USA, and Canada have accepted
homosexuality. The Anglican Church has gay bishops. African Anglican churches are
opposing this practice.

Causes of homosexuality
 lack of Christian moral values.
 It may also be due to confinement in a prison
 Permissiveness in in the society.
 Faulty parent/child relationship
 Genetic/hormonal factors
 Influence from bad company
 Drug and alcohol abuse
  Sexual starvation
 Western cultural influence
 Lack of self-control
 Desire to feel fashionable
Effects of Homosexuality
 It may lead to contracting of STIs and HIV/AIDS
 It may lead to psychological problems such as stress, depression and suicide
 It may lead to the perpetrator being charged in a court of law in a country like Kenya
 It may destroy one’s public image and social status in the society
 It undermines the dignity of human beings
 It may lead to strained family relationships and breaking down of families and marriages
Reasons why the church condemns homosexuality
 It’s against God’s intention
 There’s no fulfillment of sexual intercourse
 It cannot lead to the establishment of a normal family relationship
 It is unnatural act. It’s against God’s intention for human sexuality when he created both
male and female in His own image
 It can lead to contracting of STIs and HIV/AIDS
 It’s a taboo in all African communities
 It may lead to psychological problems e.g. stress and depression
 It is a pagan practice that God abhors
 There is no fulfilment of sexual intercourse as this is only possible with members of the
opposite.

Vii. Divorce
 Divorce is one of the major consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior
 It is the legal dissolution of marriage

Causes of Divorce
 Unfaithfulness in marriage
 Extreme poverty
 Domestic violence
 Misuse of family resources
 Childlessness
 Interference from in-law and members of the extended family
 Religious differences between spouses
 Abuse of drugs and alcohol
Effects of divorce
 It leads to a feeling of failure in life by those involved
 It may tempt one to engage in prostitution
 Children suffer psychologically as they lack full support from both parents
 Family resources may be misused through legal tussles
 It leads to single-parenthood
 It leads to strained relationships between the two families of the spouses
 It may lead to the abandonment of the church by the couples
 Sometimes one of the partners may be denied by the law access to the
children
 Children of divorcees lack the identity especially when their parents remarry
 It may lead to the increase of street children
 It may lead to negative attitude towards marriage institutions
 A refund of bride-wealth to the family of the man which is not easy.

viii. Abortion
 Abortion refers to deliberate removal of a fertilized ovum, embryo or unborn child from
the mother’s womb before it is capable of living an independent life.
 The Kenyan law forbids abortion but allows it under certain circumstances such as if the
mother’s life is in danger

Causes of abortion (Reasons for abortion)

 If the pregnancy is as a result of rape or incest
 If the child to be born is to be an economic burden
 To save the life of the mother if its in danger
 If the child to be born has serious defects
 To cover up the embarrassment and shame associated with pregnancy out of wedlock
 To avoid strained relationship if the pregnancy is out of unfaithfulness
 To enable the girl to continue with education or training
 To avoid losing a job opportunity
 Fear of being a social misfit also contributes towards abortion because the society treats
teenage mothers with disrespect.
 Effects of abortion
 It may lead to still births in subsequence pregnancies due to destruction of reproductive
organs
 It may lead to secondary infertility
 It may cause the death of the mother
 It may lead to the birth of deformed child
 The mother may suffer depression and psychological disturbances because of quilt
 It may lead to other infections in the reproductive system
 It may lead to the arrest and imprisonment of the culprit
 It may lead to marital conflicts
 The culprit may suffer social stigma
 It may promote sexual immorality in the society

Sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired immune

deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS)
 There are many diseases passed from one person to the other through sex.
 These are gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes genitalis is, hepatitis B, Chlamydia, trichonomiasis,
HIV/AIDS.

1. 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.
 The HIV virus destroys the white blood cells, and weakens the body ‘s immune system.
When the body is weak, it is not able to fight, and defend itself against infections.
Persons with the virus are vulnerable and susceptible to opportunistic infections.
 The signs / symptoms of AIDS are manifestations of symptoms of the opportunistic
infections.

Symptoms include
 persistent coughs,
 loss of weight,
  oral thrush
 loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
 Swelling of the glands in the armpits and groin
 A feeling of tiredness lasting for weeks without apparent cause
 Fever lasting several weeks
 The growth of fungus in the mouth.
 Skin disease
 Prolonged cough and shortness of breath
Effects of HIV/AIDS
 Increase in population of AIDS Orphans
 The burden of caring for such orphans shifted to ageing grandparents or to older
children in family
 Increase in medical expenses on AIDS Patients
 Sorrow and grief to the family when AIDS patient dies
 Children dropping out of school and look for employment in order to support the family
 Feelings of loneliness, isolation guilt and hopelessness are experienced by AIDS patients
 People living with AIDS may be discriminated against in work places and may not be
hired for jobs. They also suffer from stigmatization
 Poverty in families due to death of bread winners
 People living with HIV/AIDS may be denied their basic human rights
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. It
also teaches against sexual immorality and against all forms of discrimination.

2. Gonorrhea
 Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium called “Neisseria gonorrhea”.
 Its symptoms appear 4 days after infection.
Symptoms
 Burning sensation when passing urine
 Pain or discomfort in the genital
 Sticky discharge or pus in the vagina or through the urethra.
 Headache
 Severe pain in the lower abdomen for women
 Frequent urination
 Fever
The good news is that Gonorrhea is curable if treated early.

Effects of Gonorrhea
 Damage of fallopian tubes in a woman leading to infertility
 Damage of epididymis in the male leading to sterility
 An infected expectant mother can infect her new born baby with gonorrhea of the eyes,
causing blindness
 Inflammation of joints, the heart and liver may occur
 Arthritis, that is infection of the bones
 Ectopic pregnancy due to the narrowing of the fallopian tubes as a result of the scars
formed after the infection

3. Syphilis.
 It is caused by bacteria germs which survive only in moist conditions e.g in the vagina,
urethra, mouth and in sores
 Its contracted through sexual intercourse with an infected person
 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
 Painless sore or pimple on the man’s penis or woman’s vulva; Swelling of the glands in
the groin.
 Skin rashes and sores either in the face armpits, under breasts, mouth or throat.
 A distinct feeling of being unwell

Effects of Syphilis
 Liver infections
 Destruction of the testicles
 Madness
 It may lead to still birth, abnormal child, premature birth or the baby born is infected
with the disease
 Death of the victim
 Paralysis due to infection

4. Herpes genital
 Is a sexual disease caused by a virus-herpes simplex virus
 It creates wounds in the genitals.
 A pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her newborn baby during delivery.
Effects of Herpes
 It can cause severe brain damage and even death of the baby
  Can cause cancer of the womb
 The wounds it creates on the genitalia expose the person to HIV/AIDS infection
This disease can be controlled although there is not an effective treatment.

5. Hepatitis B
 Hepatitis B virus causes Hepatitis B.
 It is transmitted through
 Sex
 Injections by unsterilized needles
 Contact with contaminated blood.
 The infection does not show on the genitals.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B
 Yellowness of the eyes (jaundice) due to liver damage
 Pain around the upper abdomen.

Effects of Hepatitis B
 Damage to the liver
 Death of the infected person

CHAPTER FOUR
MARRIAGE

1. 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.

Reasons why people marry

1.To establish a permanent relationship between a husband and wife.
2. To express their mutual love and comfort.
3. To procreate and bring up children
4. To enhance the unity of the couple and the families involved.
5. To promote the social status of the couple
6. To provide happiness to husband and wife
7. To experience personal fulfilment through sexual union
Forms/Types of marriages
1. Christian marriage
Is where a Christian man and woman enter into a life-long covenant in the presence of God and
human witnesses. They take vows in the presence of witnesses and may exchange rings. It’s
legally monogamous. It can be dissolved in a court of law under specified conditions.

2. Civil marriage
The couple is joined to together in a brief ceremony presided over by a state official such as the
District commissioner. The couple takes vows in the presence of two witnesses and may
exchange rings. Its legally monogamous. It can be dissolved in a court of law under specified
conditions.

3. Marriage according to Muslim law

This type of marriage is conducted between people who profess Islamic faith. Polygamy is
permitted up to four wives as long as the husband is able to love them equally.

4. African customary marriage

This is where the couple enter into a marital union according to the customs of their
community. It involves payment of bride wealth. Its intended to be a life-long union though it
may be dissolved under strict conditions determined by the community. Polygamy is permitted.

5. Marriage according to Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Bahai Faiths

The marriage is conducted according to the customs and religions of the Asian communities
concerned.

N/B In all marriages apart from African customary, couples are issued with certificates which
serve as the legal proof of the marital union.

2. Traditional African Understanding of marriage

1. Marriage is mainly for procreation
2. Polygamy is allowed for reasons known by the community
3. Marriage is a covenant relationship
4. Divorce is discouraged though can be allowed under specific circumstances
5. Choice of marriage partners is approved by senior members of the community
6. Payment of bride price is a necessary requirement
7. Wife inheritance is allowed after the death of the husband
8. Wife is subordinate to her husband but has her own established rights.
9. Marriage without children is incomplete
 10.Marriage between blood relations is prohibited and punishable
11 . Marriage ensures continuity of the community through procreation
12 Marriage extends kinship ties

Importance of children in marriage

1. Children promote the social status of their parents
2. They are bond of unity between the husband and wife
3. They are a source of labor to the family
4. They are a source of wealth e.g. through bride wealth
5. Sons are heirs to the family’s wealth
6. They take care of their parents at old age and give them a decent burial
7. They are a source of security to the family. The more children a family has the more
secure it feels.

Reasons for polygamy in traditional African society

1. Polygamy raises the social status of the family.
2. If the first wife is barren, the husband can get children from the other wives.
3. It ensures that every woman has an opportunity to get married
4. To ensure that there is always someone around to help in times of need. E.g when the
first wife has given birth, the second one can help her out.
5. It helps to prevent or reduce unfaithfulness especially on the part of man
6. It contributes to effective family planning. It’s a taboo for a nursing mother to have
intercourse with her husband. This provides room for spacing between the birth of one
child and the next.

Circumstances under which divorce is granted by the community

1. If either the wife or husband has proved to be greedy, selfish, spiteful, lazy, a thief or a
wizard.
2. If the wife is barren
3. If the man fails to pay dowry to the family of the girl
4. If the wife commits adultery
5. If one of the partners develops serious illness such as madness, epilepsy or leprosy
6. If the girl is discovered not to be a virgin on wedding day.
7. Continued cruelty from the husband which may be due to drunkenness.
8. If the marriage is contrary to the customs of the people e.g. between relatives.

3 Christian Teaching on Marriage

 1. Christians teach that marriage is sacred and that it is a divine institution, which is
ordained God. God started it when he created Adam and Eve.
2. Marriage is for procreation
3. Marriage is for companionship
4. Marriage is for the fulfilment of sexual love
5. It’s a remedy against sin
6. Marriage should therefore be monogamous
7. Marriage should be permanent as God protects marriages.
8. The woman should submit to the husband who is told to love the wife as Christ loved
the church. Church teaches respect of each other.
9. Marriage is complete even without children as it is between a male and a female.
10. Marriage is between a male and a female
11. The husband is the head of the matrimonial union.
12. Husbands and wives should be faithful to one a nother
13. Marriage ends when one person dies
14. Marriage is not obligatory and it ends when one partner dies.

Advantages of a monogamous marriage

1. Married partners can achieve complete oneness of becoming one flesh
2. God’s original plan of marriage for companionship is only possible in a monogamous
marriage than a polygamous one
3. It’s easier to a achieve complete faithfulness and trust in a monogamous marriage
4. It provides a healthy and peaceful environment in which to bring up children and
provide for them adequately.
5. It is possible for a wife, husband and children to experience love and care which is
not possible in a polygamous marriage.

4.SECULAR ATTITUDE TO MARRIAGE

1. Marriage is no longer compulsory as in traditional African communities.
2. Many children are no longer seen as a blessing to marriage
3.Polygamy is no longer emphasized
4. Choosing of a marriage partner is no longer a collective responsibility but an individual one.
5. Value of honesty, hospitality, moral uprightness which should be emphasized
6. Dowry has been commercialized
7. Separation and divorce are more common than they are in traditional African communities
8.Some people do not formalize their marriage unlike in traditional African and Christian
practice
9.Marriage is considered complete even without children
Both male and female have equal rights and are therefore equal partners
10.Intermarriages are common now days than before
11.Some Christians opt for civil marriage

PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE

1. Traditional African Practice

Preparation for marriage in traditional African Communities involve several processes such as:
 Choosing of a marriage partner
 Courtship/Betrothal
 Marriage ceremony
a. Choice of a marriage partner
There are many ways of identifying a marriage partner.
1. Arrangement by parents. If not one can make an individual decision and choose a wife
or husband.
2. Through an intermediary or third party.
3. In African traditional polygamous marriages, the first wife identified a wife for her
husband.
4. Girls would be given out to a chief as a gift
5. Choice by parents
6. Levirate marriage (widow/wife inheritance)
7. A debtor may give out his wife to a creditor in order to settle a debt

African traditional qualities of a good wife

Hardworking
Fertile
Morally upright
Generous
Kind
Obedient
Humble
Clean
Beautiful
Polite
warm hearted
Hospitable.
Traditional qualities of a good husband
Provide good leadership in the family.
Aggressive
Wise
Brave
Courageous
Responsible
Good property manager.
Hard Working

b. Courtship in African Traditional society (A.T.S).

 Courtship varied from community to community.
 Courtship is the period between engagement and wedding ceremony. During courtship
premarital sex is forbidden.
 Girls and boys dressed with bracelets and rings.

Importance of courtship in tac

1. The man and woman who were girls and boys 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 another’s character, and know their families. It
is a symbol (sign) of the girl’s presence in her home (maternal home). She continues to
live with her own people.
5. The families and clan had an opportunity to check if the marrying couple was related
and if their clans were acceptable to the parents.
6. Courtship gives time to the two families to negotiate and pay the bride wealth or dowry.
7. Enables boys and girls to be instructed in family life education where they are taught
their duties and responsibilities.

Bridal Wealth/Dowry
Dowry, bride price are all expressions of partnership. The family of the man pays dowry to the
family of the woman. Some churches disregard bride wealth, while others encourage it. Dowry
is paid in different forms. The girl’s family decides what it wants. Will it be livestock (poultry,
pigs, camels, cows, goats, and sheep), beer, grain, jewelry and clothes among others?
Importance of dowry
1. It acts as a compensation for the girl’s labor and seals the marriage covenant.
2. It is a public expression of appreciation for the coming of a new wife/mother into the
man’s family.
3. It promotes friendship and cements relationship between families.
4. It shows commitment and seriousness of the future husband. After dowry payment, the
woman belongs to her husband.
5. Lastly dowry helps in maintaining peace

c. The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony varies from one community to another.
In some communities, the ceremony may last several days and is marked by rituals. In
others it may be a single day’s event.
The following are examples of the marriage ceremonies:
 A mock attack is staged on the family or relatives of the bride so as to capture the
bride and take her home for her future husband.
 The man runs away with the engaged girl as though they are eloping
 Relatives and friends of the groom visit the brides’ home and the young man
receives her ceremoniously. The girl is then escorted to the boy’s house

Christian’s preparation and approach to marriage

a. Choosing of a marriage partner

Qualities of a good marriage partner

1. Commitment to one’s faith
Christians are encouraged to marry their fellow Christians (2cor 6:15)

2. Moral uprightness
Should possess the qualities of kindness, politeness, reliability, hard work, hospitality,
trustworthiness etc

3. Common interest
Common interest enhances the deepening of a relationship. When people differ in their
perception of issues can lead to unnecessary quarrels and tensions.
 4. Ability to provide for the family
For a marriage to be stable, it is important for both the man and the woman to show
commitment in providing for the family.

5. Socio-economic status
This refers to the cultural and religious background, education and financial status. When
these are considered, they may enhance the stability and common understanding of the
couple’s relationship.

6. Education
The education level of the partners should be considered. When one is less educated than
the other, may lead to lack of self-confidence and self- esteem.

7. Management of family finances

The partners should understand the importance of being open and accountable in earning
money and making decisions together on how to use it.

8. Health status
The acute prevalence of HIV/AIDS today has made it necessary for prospective marriage
partners to consider the health status before marriage.

b.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 encouraged to go for pre-marital counseling. During counseling,
they are informed that love is the most important bond of unity in marriage.

c.Marriage ceremony is conducted in church. The occasion is presided over by an ordained

minister (priest/seed). The couple exchange vows in which they promise to be loyal and faithful
to each other even in sickness and health, in riches and poverty until death separates them. In
some churches the couple exchange rings while in others they light a candle as a sign of sealing
the marriage covenant.

Factors that lead to a stable, healthy and successful marriage

1. One important factor is mutual responsibility by the couple. This occurs if there is
mutual consultation with each other in decision-making.
2. Two is forgiveness of each other.
 3. Three is good treatment of each other especially with equal respect.
4. Four is sharing scriptures together.
5. Five is giving love and respecting each other. Six is having a faithful sexual relationship
and lastly being open and honest.

c. Celibacy as an alternative to marriage.

Celibacy is a Latin word “Coelebes” meaning bachelor.
It is the state of remaining unmarried for religious reasons
Examples of celibates from the bible
Saint Paul
Jesus Christ
John the Baptist
Prophet Jeremiah

Reasons why some people remain unmarried

1. Some of these are to pursue education leading to delayed marriage
2. Demanding careers (workaholic).
3. Other people are discouraged by examples of failed marriages.
4. Other reasons maybe economic independence
5. poor health, HIV /AIDS, mental illness,
6. parental interference on the choice of a partner
7. Lack of guidance and counseling
8. Disappointment from past failed relationships.
9. Some are for religious purposes
10. Economic independence on the part of some girls/women

CHAPTER FIVE
THE FAMILY
The family
What is a 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.
a. Types of families
i. Nuclear family
It involves parents and their children.
It is father, mother, and children.
There is an increase of monogamous families or nuclear because of:
 Urbanization as rural youth come to towns in search of white-collar jobs. Migration to
cities by people of different tribes has led to pluralism. Education
 High cost of living has led to the death of the African culture, which required men and
women to marry many partners to produce many children to defend their tribe.

Advantages of nuclear families

 One, the man is able to give undivided attention to one wife and children. Two, there is
sharing of mutual love, and peace in the home.
 Three it is economical to manage one family.
 Four there is little competition for attention, less strife, quarrels and stress. Five, it is
easier to monitor the behavior of a few children.

ii. Polygamous family –

It involves Father, mothers and children.
These types of family have disadvantages in modern Kenya. Modern society is a cash economy.
Thus if a man has many wives and children, they may lack basic necessities like food, shelter,
education and clothes.

iii. Single parent family –

It involves one parent, and children.
Single – parent families are created by several circumstances.
 Separation of parents. This is due to several reasons. These are for example, one partner
going to another country and failing to return to his or her country and family.
 Divorce. Divorced parents may decide not to marry again.
 When one parent refuses to marry. This happens when a girl gets pregnant and the boy
does not marry her.
 Death of a spouse. The remaining parent may decide not to remarry.
 When some mothers decide to have children without marriage. This may not be correct
as there is no research to suggest it.
 Imprisonment of one partner for a long time. One parent is left looking after children
because one is in jail.

Problems faced by single parents

1. Challenges of explaining to the children as where their father /mother is
2. Psychological and emotional problems such as stress and depression because the
society does not respect single parents
 3. Difficulty in providing sufficiently for the material, moral and spiritual well-being of the
children.
4. Widows, widowers and divorcees may have a problem in adjusting to the new situation
of being single
5. Interference from relatives,in-laws and friends who may give wrong advise
iv. Extended family
It involves father, mother, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
This is the common family type in traditional African communities.

v. Children led family.

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

vi. 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.

d. Traditional African understanding of family.

1. A family is an extended one whose membership constitutes parents, children and other
relatives, the living and the dead.
2. It comprises several nuclear families that form a clan
3. The clan has final authority on matters of marriage,security and observance of customs
4. It is a social religious unit in which all rituals are undertaken by its members
5. It’s a divine institution which is to procreate so as to perpetuate the family lineage
6. The father is the head of the family
7. Women and children take subordinate position in the family structure
8. Decision on major issues such as land, dowry and funerals are made by the extended
family.
9. The extended family caters for all the members in the times of need.
10. Family relations are very strong.

Duties and obligations of a traditional African family

1. Offering sacrifices to God and ancestors,
2. Pouring libations
3. Giving the dead decent burials
4. Providing basic needs to their children
 5. Bringing up children to be morally upright individuals.
6. Providing protection of its members
7. Providing for the economic needs of the family
8. Participating in production of goods and services
9. Providing leadership in the family and the community
10. Participate in communal activities.
Christian understanding of the family
1. The family is a sacred institution ordained by God.
2. It is the basic unit of society, which makes up the church
3. It is founded on a monogamous marriage
4. It is a nuclear family comprising of father, mother and children
5. The main function of the family is for the personal fulfilment of all its members
physically and emotional well-being
6. There are obligations to be fulfilled by all its members
7. The family is headed by the father/husband
8. The husband and wife play complementary roles as partners in the family.
9. Its within the family that Christian values are inculcated in the children
10. Families have responsibilities of training and disciplining their children
11. The man should love the wife while the wife to submit to her husband

Role of children in the Christian family

1. A Christian child is expected to obey their parents
2. To honor, and respect their parents.
3. To take heed of their parents’s counsel and advise
4. Not to be lazy to their parents
5. Take care of their ageing parents
6. Not to curse their parents
7. Not to mock or scorn their parents

Responsibility of parents towards their children

1. To discipline their children

2. To train their children the right ways of living
3. Not to provoke their children to anger but should bring them up in discipline and
instruction of the Lord
4. To provide the basic needs for the children
 RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
Responsible parenthood is a process in which parents bring up their children well. It is a
situation through which parents provide for the needs of their children and show care and
support in every aspect of their lives
Characteristics of responsible parenthood
1. Being positive role model for their children
2. Understanding their roles and responsibilities in the provision of the physical needs of
the family
3. Educating children in all aspects of life-both formal and informal
4. Teaching and training children in religious matters
5. Helping children to understand the physical and psychological changes that they go
through in the process of growing up.
6. Contribute to their intellectual development
7. Teaching moral and right behavior to the children
8. Teaching parents social and civil responsibilities such as helping the needy in the society
and taking care of the environment
9.
Parenting styles
a) Dictatorship /authoritative / autocratic – the parent is 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.
Problems related to family life today
Families are faced with numerous problems such as
a) Children abuse – sex assault, beating
b) Domestic violence – abusive language, frequent fights, emotional abuse
c) Diseases e.g. HIV / AIDS epilepsy, autism.
d) Children with special needs, blindness, deafness or those with mental challenges, motor co –
ordination (Autism)
e) Separation, divorce
f) Childlessness
g) Single parent families – economic hardships
h) Misuse of family resources, economic crisis
i) Affluence – a lot of wealth
j) Unemployment, underemployment
k) Retrenchment – laying off of some employees in order to reduce the workforce
l) Mismanagement of family finances
m) Alcohol and drug abuse
n) The generation gap
o) Poor relations with in-laws
p) Cultural and religious differences

Traditional African approaches to problems related to family life today

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

Christian’s approaches to problems related to family life today

1) Christian families are obliged to live according to Christian principles and values such as
mutual respect, self-discipline, understanding, honesty, faithfulness, love and forgiveness
2) Premarital counseling is carried out
3) 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.
4) Women are encouraged to form participate in church organizations e.g. mothers union,
women’s guild where they learn roles of being a wife, mother, and a woman.
5) Some churches offer advice to families on management of their families. They are
encouraged to have investments.
6) Breadwinner is encouraged to write a written will
7) To improve the parent – child relationship churches offer guidance and counseling to the
youth
Christian parents are advised to set positive role models to their children
9) Parents are encouraged to be open and promote effective communication with their children
10) Churches in case of serious family conflicts such as child abuse, domestic violence, advise
legal action.
11) Churches organize youth seminars where they talk about drug abuse, premarital sex,
negative peer pressure and media influence etc.
12) Relevant information is passed through books, pamphlets, magazines, media FM, TV etc.
13) Some churches welcome unwed mothers
14) Churches provide health services, guidance on HIV / AIDS
15) Some churches care for widows, orphan widowers and the needy
 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.
Vocation
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. It’s 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.

Types of Work Done

1. Salaried Employment
People are employed to perform different types of Jobs and are given a salary at the end of the
month. E.g. managers, supervisors, clerks, messengers, cleaners etc.
2. Self-employment
This is the type of employment in which an individual or groups of people invest time, money
and other resources to set up some businesses.
3. Casual Work
This is a temporary kind of employment. Those who are given employment on casual basis are
hired when a firm or a business needs additional workers and are laid off as soon as their
services are not needed.

Dimensions of work
1. Physical Dimension
Work is the application of force to a body operating through acertain distance.

2. Spiritual/moral dimension
Work is directed to a moral or right purpose. Activities that involve immoral practices like
robbery and violence cannot be called work

3. Economic Dimension
Work facilitates production of goods and services

4. Political Dimension
Work involves governance and administration

5. Social Dimension
Work involves creativity like in music, dance, literature works of art.

What determines one’s career, vocation

1. Available opportunities for future development in a particular job
2. The need to serve others especially the church and the needy
3. Interests, strengths, talents, abilities
4. Inclination or attraction to a certain kind of work
5. Pressure from parents, peers e.t.c.

Reasons why people work

1. It’s 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
7. To assist and give to the needy
8. To get luxuries
9. People work to raise their standards of living
 10. For self-satisfaction and fulfillment
11. For personal development
12. To keep a person occupied and not idle
13. To acquire wealth and status in the society
14. To socialize with other members of the society
15. To 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.
 Work 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 sacrifices to God
 Through work, the basic needs of the individual, community were fulfilled
 Through 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

Christian teaching on work

 God himself instituted work. He created the heavens and the earth and all in it. Since
God worked man should work. (Gen. 2:1)
 God’s work of creation is good (Gen. 1:31) Christians should endeavor to produce good
works
 Work is a duty, an obligation, a command Christians are responsible for God’s 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 Adam’s 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 should work honestly not to 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 behavior / 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
- To regulate the behavior of professional (workers)
- Enables professionals to understand their role
- Ensures professionals provide quality of services to their clients
- To encourage respect among professionals
- Give guidance on how professionals should relate to one another
- They safeguard professionals against being compromised / misused
- They determine expected level of performance
- They serve as a measure of competence
- Act as a measure of quality service
- They protect the professionals
- They provide a reference point for disciplining (used to discipline the errant professional)
- They inspire respect and high esteem for professionals
- Through professional codes, ethics, ethos, professional earn public trust

VIRTUES RELATED TO WORK

Definition
A virtue is a good human habit. It’s a moral principle, moral quality or goodness of character
and behavior.
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 people’s welfare
(v) Tolerance – ability to bear with others or with difficult situations

MORAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

Employers are individuals or organizations that give people jobs for some form of payment.
Employees are people who get jobs for some form of payment.

Moral duties of employers

- To organize and conduct business efficiently for the benefit of the institution, employer,
community
- To respect the employee, treat them with dignity
- Pay a fair wage to the employee
- Ensure good healthy and safe working conditions
- Provide social welfare for the employees e.g. time off, leave days, time for recreation
- Grant leave as required by law or the terms of contract
- Take care of the welfare of the employees give medical cover, pension scheme etc
- To motivate their employees
- To reward employees
- Compensate employees made redundant

Rights of employers
Employers have a right to / are entitled to
-Get profits from their businesses
-Carry out their businesses without unfair taxation
- Form association with other employers
- Obtain and conduct business
- Hire, dismiss employees in accordance with the requirements of their firms and contract
-Demand a fair day’s work
-Conduct business without subjection to unfair conditions and competitions
-Open up new business ventures without unnecessary difficulties from the government,
provided that they operate within the law.
- Carry out their businesses without unfair competition from other organizations

Moral duties of the employees

-Carry out their duties to the best of their ability without supervision
-Respect and protect the property of the employer
- Encourage peaceful solutions to any problems encountered in their work place
-To work diligently for self – fulfillment and development
-To respect their employer and fellow employees
- Observe terms of contract with employer
- Be loyal, honest, respect to the employer

Rights of the employees

-To receive fair wages
-To have a reasonable work load
-Have reasonable hours of work
-Have safety and protection at work
-Right to join a labor union
-Right to further individual training and development education
-Rights to retirement, terminal benefits
-Rights to a fair opportunity for provision
-A right to time for rest
-Right to Favorable working conditions

CHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO ISSUES RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT

1. Wages and industrial action (Strikes)
A wage is payments for work done. Payment is in 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)
- Oppression is condemned (Amos 5:18, 8; 4)
- Workers’ wages should never be withheld (James 5:4)
2. 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.
Factors justifying industrial action
 If there is a just and serious cause
 If the advantages of the strike outweigh the consequences
 If the strike is not used to further selfish-political interests
 If there is a reasonable hope of success
 If it is the last resort of settling disputes
 If it does not lead to human suffering and loss of life
 If it does not lead to violence and destruction of property
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
a) Pay cuts
b) Demotions
c) Loss of jobs
d) Employers suffer losses
e) Inflation
f) Injuries even death when confronted by police
g) Victimization of some individuals
h) Bitterness among the workers and employers
Christian approaches towards strikes
a) Christians recommend a peaceful co – existence between workers and employers
b) There should be fairness, justice, love among workers, employees
c) There should be an open communication channel across the ranks from top to bottom
d) Employees should not destroy property
e) Working conditions should be better and improved
f) Employees to be human when dealing with employees

Factors that determine a just wage

The ability of the employer to pay
The profits or returns of the enterprise
The academic qualifications of the employee
The work of experience of the employee
The amount of work done
The number of working hours
The efficiency of the worker
The needs of the employee
The risks involved in the job to be done
3.Child labor
A child is a person below 18 years. A child does not have an identity card, does not vote (in
Kenya).
According to International Labor Organization the minimum employment age is 14 years.
Child labor
It is engaging a person below the age of 14 years in wage / paid employment.
Reasons why children are employed
- To provide cheap labor
- They cannot fight for proper terms
- They are easily hired and fired

Causes of child labor – reasons why children work

1 Lack of money / poverty
2 Death of parents
3 Dropping out of school due to pregnancy, indiscipline, (truancy), poor academic performance
or lack of school fees.
4 Those who never went or taken to school
5 Lack of good role models e.g. coast province Mombasa; Malindi has several of the financially
stable people being school dropouts, engaged in drug trafficking, commercial sex etc.
6 Influence of cultural values e.g. circumcision of boys in some communities is done later in life
and one is declared an adult e.g. the kikuyu circumcising at 13 years, or 12 years
7 Children being lured by employers
8 Greed for material benefits
9 Being homeless ending up as a street child

Disadvantages of child labor

Children are not yet mentally and physically prepared to do adult jobs. This leads to
a) Exploitation of children
b) Children paid less, taken advantage of
c) It inhibits the growth of a child and denies them a chance to enjoy their childhood
d) It deprives them of their right to basic education
e) It exposes children to hazards (dangers) from machines, chemicals
f) Heavy workload deprives children of social educational, moral, psychological, physical rights

Places where children are employed

- Plantations – coffee, tea
- Domestic services – homes
- Tourism sector
- Industries
- Children are trafficked and employed as commercial sex workers
Position of the church in dealing with child labor
- The church condemns it
- It has put up homes for poor children (orphanages)
- It provides guidance, counseling 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.

4.Unemployment and self –employment

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 in preference for the
unqualified.
3 Unequal distribution of wealth – some regions are more resourceful than others. Industries,
good infrastructure concentrated in some areas.
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 Christians to issues of unemployment
a) They encourage self – employment in cases of unemployment
b) They have set up vocational training, polytechnics to train people towards jobs that are for
self – employment
c) 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, entertainment (e.g. comedians),
community work, agriculture etc
Advantages of self-employment
1. It generates income that may be re-invested
2. It facilitates employment for other people
3. It enhances use of individual talents and creativity
4. It provides opportunity to learn skills such as manufacturing, managerial, technical and
problem solving.
5. It leads to self-reliance
6. It provides goods and services to the community
Problems / challenges
- 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
Ways through which the church promotes self-employment among the youth.
1. Sponsoring young people in education and training
2. Giving them initial capital to start their business
3. Organizing in-service courses for the self-employed on managerial skills
4. Initiating communal /self-help projects
5. Providing premises for their business
6. Providing guidance and counseling services on the dignity of work
 7. Assisting them to market their products

CHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO LEISURE

1. Definition of leisure
This is the time when one is free from work or other duties. Time at one’s own disposal, which
can be utilized in a productive manner depending on one’s interests and abilities.
The essence of leisure is to relax, refresh and regain lost energy
2. Forms of leisure and their uses
1. Passive
2. Active leisure
Passive leisure involves use of mental energy
Active leisure involves use of physical energy
Passive Leisure
Is where a person is less actively involved in the leisure activities physically and mentally.
Examples of activities of passive leisure
1. Watching television
2. Reading story books
3. Playing video games
4. Chatting with friends
5. playing computer games
6. Listening to music
7. Resting
8. Watching sports and games
9. Chatting
Advantages of passive leisure
1. It leads to relaxation and rest
2. It provides opportunity for people to contemplate and plan a head
3. It allows time for the recovery of the lost energy

Disadvantages of passive leisure

1. It may lead to idleness
2. It may lead to addiction such as watching television
3. It may lead to poor health such as obesity, overweight especially in children.
4. It may lead to poor performance especially in school if not well used
5. It may kill children’s creativity and even those of adults
Active Leisure
This is where a person is actively involved in a leisure activity, both physically and mentally.
Examples of active leisure activities
- Jogging
- Hunting
- Games for young children
- Mountain climbing
- Gardening
- Swimming
- singing and Dancing
- Tree planting
- Playing football
Advantages of Active Leisure
Active leisure enables a person to:
1. Develop his/her hobby
2. Build stamina if involved in sporting activities
3. Participate in his /her favorite activity
4. Socialize with others sharing common interests
5. Exercise God-given talents
6. Strengthen relationships
7. Discover new places and other ways of doing things.
Disadvantages of active leisure
1. It can prove to be expensive for example if one is engaged in expensive sports like golf,
swimming and tennis
2. May also make one addicted to an activity. When that happens one may use his /her
energy and resources and eventually become unproductive in their regular job due to
lack of time to rest
3. Some active leisure activities such as boxing, motor racing, wrestling and mountain
climbing may be dangerous to ones’ physical health.
Factors determining types of leisure activities
1. Availability of the leisure activity
2. Poverty
3. Lack of time
4. Ignorance
5. Physical fitness
The importance of Leisure
1. It gives people time to rest after working for a period of time
2. Leisure provides people with time for recreation
3. Leisure time allows people to attend social occasions.
4. It allows people to travel and visit friends and relatives
5. Leisure time can be used to enhance and acquire new skills and knowledge
 6. Help people to develop their talents and hobbies
7. Helps one to engage in income generating activities
8. It can be used for worshipping God
9. Leisure helps one to offer services to the needy.

Traditional African Understanding of Leisure

1. Leisure activities accompany work.
2. Leisure is mostly active
3. Leisure activities are determined by age, gender and social status
4. All forms of leisure had an educational value. Folk stories had a moral value. People
were taught not to be selfish, greedy jealousy etc.
5. leisure led to acquisition of values or virtues such as co – operation, sharing, solidarity,
love, bravery, empathy, endurance, tolerance etc.
6. Leisure activities have a religious dimension through which God and ancestors are
remembered.
7. Community matters are discussed and solved during leisure
8. Leisure activities were seasonal (E.g. dry/harvest season – dancing, singing); wet rainy
seasons – boat swimming
9. Leisure was incorporated into community’s celebrations.
10. Most leisure activities are done communally
11. Leisure activities have no commercial sense-free of charge
12. Leisure comes after work
13. The communities had various forms of nature

Examples of Leisure activities in traditional African society

1. Singing and dancing
2. Wrestling
3. Hunting
4. Weaving baskets
5. Games for young children
6. Visits to relatives and friends
7. Story-telling and telling proverbs and riddles
8. Celebrating the rites of passage such as marriage
9. Worship ceremonies such as sacrificing and praying
10. Tongues twisting
11. Beer parties for the elders
12. Cock of bull fighting
Importance of leisure in traditional African communities
1. It is a time to thank God for his continued blessings and support
2. It’s used to celebrate life’s achievements e.g successful raid
3. It’s an occasion when the youth are educated on community issues
4. It brings together family members, thus promoting family cohesion and friendship
5. Leisure leads to development of talents among people
6. It’s an opportunity to renew links with ancestors
7. Future leaders may be identified during leisure activities
8. It is a time to renew energy after work
9. It’s an occasion to identify marriage partners
10. It is a platform for offering moral teachings to the people
11. It offers an opportunity for passing on the community’s traditions to the younger
generation.
12. Leisure time is a time to visit and console the suffering and the bereaved
13. Community elders use leisure to solve community matters

CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON LEISURE

1. Work and leisure are of divine origin. God rested on the 7th day after working
2. Leisure is a gift from God to mankind
3. Leisure provides human beings with an opportunity to worship God
4. Work and leisure are ordained by God. -Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
5. Leisure provides us with the opportunity to worship God. Leisure should be used to
serve God.
6. Leisure is for personal growth and fellowship –Exodus 34:22
7. Jesus recognized the need to rest, he went to a lonely place with his disciples Luke 9:10,
mark 6:31-32
8. Leisure should be used to seek God and help others e.g. Jesus prayed, helped the needy
restored people’s health.
9. Leisure should be used to bring people back to God
10. Leisure is time to celebrate important religious occasions such as Easter and Christmas
11. Leisure is used to strengthen social relationships through visiting and meeting friends
and relatives.

Ways Christian use their leisure time – activities

1. Worshipping God –reading the bible, singing and dancing, praying preaching etc
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.
IMPORTANT USE AND MISUSE OF LEISURE
Importance of leisure
Leisure is necessary. It’s 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 fulfillment (Social function of leisure)
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) It’s time for recreation
10) Give one time to attend social occasions
11) Allows people to travel and visit friends and relatives
12) Leisure can be used to enhance and acquire new skills and knowledge
13) It’s a time to develop and discover one’s talents.

Factors that hinder a Christian from taking part in leisure

1. Lack of enough money to pay for leisure activities
2. Inadequate leisure activities
3. Insufficient time
4. Ignorance on the availability of leisure activities
5. Involvement in family responsibilities at the expense of leisure time
Factors Christians should consider when choosing leisure activities
1. Availability of leisure time
2. The cost involved
3. The location or place of leisure activity
4. The other people involved
5. The availability of social amenities
6. The morality of leisure activity
7. The effect of leisure will have on others
8. The interest of other people involved
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 at the
expense of family, abusing drugs is misuse of leisure time.
5) Leisure can also be misused by engaging in dangerous activities such as sky-diving, night
dancing, disco dancing has become a common form of leisure worldwide.
6. Addiction to a leisure activity is not a good thing because it prevents a person from engaging
in other activities.
7. Partaking of leisure activities that compromise Christian principles such as dancing to secular
music.
8. Spending too much money on leisure activities can lead to a person neglecting other
important projects and tasks.
9. Some people have too much time for leisure. They spend more time relaxing than working
which is unethical.
10. There are cases where people have inadequate time or no time for leisure. This results in
stress and tension.
USE AND ABUSE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
 Alcohol is a sedative drink made through fermentation
 It’s a drink used in social ceremonial occasions
 It’s in form of beer wines, traditional brew (e.g. busaa, muratina, mnazi) and spirits e.g.
whisks, brandy, gin, chang’aa
 Alcohol is prepared by fermentation or distillation – heating to a certain degree.
Importance of alcohol in traditional African Society
1. Medicinal value
2. Entertainment
3. Marriage celebrations
4. Beer parties given to visitors as a sign of hospitality
5. It’s a way of forgetting ones’ problems
6. Some people take to overcome shyness
7. Alcohol is given to honor adults
8. Owned guests like a father in-law may be served with food and beer when they visit a bride’s
home
9. Organized beer parties bring together families and friend
Use of alcohol in contemporary society
1. Used for medicinal purposes
2. Used for social purposes-most drink alcohol for fun
3. People use it to conform with wishes of peers and friends
4. Some take it to overcome shyness
5. It’s used to release tension and escape frustrations or realities
6. It’s used for prestige or show off.
Symptoms of alcohol
1. Shyness
2. Withdrawal from people
3. Depression
4. Trembling of hands
5. Untidiness
Effects of alcohol abuse
(i) Squandering family resources in order to satisfy their desires for alcohol
(ii) Health deterioration
(iii) Lack of concentration leading to poor quality of work
(iv) Family break-ups due to frustrations A man experiences a desire for sex but lacks the ability
to perform leading to break ups
(v) Deformed fetus if a mother abuses alcohol when pregnant
(vi) Alcohol destroys brain cells
(vii) It leads to unruly behavior such as fights, violence
(viii) One is vulnerable to risky behavior – a drunken person is unable to make proper decisions
hence vulnerable to sexual infections such as HIV / AIDS
(ix) Can make a person cause accidents if driving under the influence of alcohol or staggering on
the road.
(x)When alcoholics lose their jobs, it affects their families economically.

CAUSES OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE (REASONS WHY PEOPLE ABUSE ALCOHOL AND
DRUGS)
(i) Frustration due to unemployment, inability to perform well and meet set standards or other
personal frustrations.
(ii) Idleness/Boredom – when idle some turn to alcohol and drug use
(iii) AddirAvction
(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
(xv)Negative peer pressure.

DRUG ABUSE AND ITS EFFECTS- 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 is intended for.
Drugs are taken in various forms namely
1 Liquid
2 Lotions
3 Ointments
4 Powders
5 Cake form
6 Inhaling/smoking
7 chewing
8 Swallowing
10.Sniffing
Categories of drugs
a) Medical drugs
b) Soft drugs
c) Hard / narcotic drugs
1. Medical drugs
These are drugs that doctors prescribe to patients for different purposes
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.
2. 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
1. Cocaine
It’s a narcotic drug derived from cocoa leaves
Side effects
1. Dependence
2. Addiction
3. mental problems and death
4. Can lead to death on overdose
5. Confusion
6. Convulsions
7. Circulatory
8. Collapse and rapid heart beat
2. Bhang / Marijuana
 A plant of Indian hemp
 Also called marijuana, Hashish, Cannabis, and Sativa depending on which part of the
plant is taken i.e. leaves, stem, or roots.
Side effects
1. Users become aggressive excited or high
2. Bhang changes perception of space, time and reality
3. It causes drowsiness and irresponsible behavior
4. Its side effects cause people to be engaged in criminal activities e.g. robbery with
violence as it gives changes in perception
3. Morphine
 It’s used to suppress pain clinically
 It’s addictive
 It’s derived from cocaine
 Used as local aesthetic
4. Heroine
 Its pain relieving
 Highly addictive
 Powder heated in foil paper, vapor forms hence smoked referred to as” chasing the
dragon”
 Also called brown sugar
  Its injected and inhaled
 An overdose can lead to death
 It’s expensive
 It causes respiratory problems
 Its depressive
 Withdrawal symptoms when heroine is not available are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
severe anxiety
3. Soft drugs
 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
Cigarettes are legal drugs in Kenya.
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
1 Plants / legally in Kenyan, and other parts of the world
2 They are chewed
3 Causes temporary excitement
4 Makes one loose appetite for food and sex
5 The juice in miraa causes temporary excitement in the user when ingested
6 Miraa makes the user to be irritable
c
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 dependent on them. It
cannot perform without the drugs. It leads to depression, irritability, aggressiveness, paranoia,
one becoming afraid to face reality etc.
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 weaken
the body’s system e.g. alcohol leads to liver Cirrhosis, stomach ulcers. One is susceptible /
prone to HIV /
AIDS infection STI’s 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 problems
Abuse of drugs leads to family conflicts, leading to separation, divorce, family quarrels fights
and even murder (domestic violence)
8. Accidents
9. Frustrations
10. Poor performance in school work
11. Death
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
Drug abuse has become a global problem. Remedies or solutions include:
a) Law enforcement
-Through bodies such as UNDCP United Nations International Drug Control Programmed Anti-
Narcotics Police Units, NACADA National Agency for the Campaign against Drug Abuse so as to
control abuse of Narcotics and other drugs.
b) Education
-People to be educated on the effects of drugs. The curriculum from primary to secondary to
include topics on drug abuse.
c.) Guidance and counseling
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
-Rehabilitation of drug users / abusers
 sCHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO WEALTH, MONEY AND POVERTY
DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPTS OF 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 jewelry, land, commercial and residential buildings etc.
Ways through which wealth is acquired
1. Through inheritance
2. Industrial development/investment
3. Successful business career
4. Commercial farming
5. Better paying jobs
6. Investment of money in financial institution
7. Provision of commercial services
8. Through receiving gifts and presents
9. Winning lottery
10. Exploitation of natural resources

b) Money
 It’s 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.
 Money is a measure of wealth. What it can purchase is the 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
  It is usually in form of coins or notes. Good monetary media (money) has certain
qualities.

Qualities/characteristics of a good monetary system

1. It should be acceptable –People must have confidence in its purchasing power
2. It should be fairly stable-its value must be maintained through proper control of its
circulation.
3. Divisibility-should be easy to divide into small units
4. It should be portable-easy to carry around.
5. Should be relatively scarce
6. It should be durable- It should not be subject to deterioration during the time of storage
7. Its value should be maintained through proper control of its circulations

c) Poverty
State of being without adequate basic necessities of life e.g. food, shelter, clothing
It’s the economic helplessness of an individual, people and a nation.
It is characterized by poor health, hunger, and lack of education facilities.
Causes of poverty
1. Geographical factors such as adverse climatic conditions.
2. Historical and social factors such as Poor family background.
3. Political stability leading to civil wars
4. Poor governance e
5. Regional imbalance of natural resources
6. Low level of technology
7. Laziness
8. Over dependence on foreign aid
9. Lack of inheritance
THE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF WEALTH AND POVERTY
a. Wealth
 In African traditional societies wealth was measured in terms of the amount of land,
livestock, grains, and wives, children possessed by an individual or the community.
 Wealth can be owned communally or individually
 Men with wealth are honored and given respect by the society
 There are clear guidelines on the ownership and use of wealth
 Those with wealth had the social responsibility of sharing with poor kinsmen
 Women and children were not allowed to own any property
 People believe that wealth is a blessing from God
  Acquiring wealth through dishonest means such as stealing are discouraged in
traditional African Society.
 Wealth is seen as a sign of hard work
Ways of acquiring wealth in traditional African communities
1. Wealth comes as a gift from God.
2. Most Africans believe that wealth is a blessing from God.
3. Through inheritance of property-In cases where the head of the family is dead, the
eldest son becomes the custodian of the estate. The clan and community elders give
direction on how the wealth is to be shared out.
4. Through bride wealth
5. Through Farming
6. Exploitation of natural resources – honey, wood for carving, building materials etc
7. Through trade -African communities were involved in barter trade where they
exchanged good and services
8. Raids – wealth was also acquired by raiding other communities – goats, sheep, Cattle.
9. Those with talents like medicine men and rainmakers sell their services
10. Through use of skills such as weaving and pottery
11. Through marrying many wives who sire many children who provided labor force

b. Poverty
Poverty was viewed as punishment or curse for wrongdoing.
Causes of poverty
1. Laziness
2. Lack of inheritance
3. Raids by other communities
4. Natural calamities e.g. drought, floods, earthquakes.
5. Sickness – rendering the individual weak to acquire wealth
6. Curses from God and ancestors
Principles that guides the traditional African attitudes to wealth and poverty
1. Value for human life- Everyone should be helped with food shelter and other necessities
of life.
2. Mutual responsibility- It’s the duty of everyone to be concerned about the welfare of
others. Where parents are unable to care for their children, other relatives may take the
responsibility
3. Mutual sharing and reciprocity (give and take)-Traditional African Communities practice
sharing and communal work. People work together in cultivating weeding and
harvesting.
 4. Communal ownership of resources- Resources like land, water places, rivers and salt-
licks belong to the whole community and everyone has access to them.

IMPACTS OF THE INTRODUCTION OF MONEY ECONOMY IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY

Introduction
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.
Development
It’s 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
 Growing of cash crops for sale such as coffee and tea
 Introduction of different taxes to be paid. Africans were supposed to pay taxes to the
government. Taxes were paid in form of money.
 Introduction of formal education School fees was introduced. Fees was paid in form of
money.
 Introduction of modern medical services.People paid medical services using money.
 Emergence of new lifestyles
 Working for the missionaries or colonial government as clerks, teachers or domestic
workers.
 Being self-employed in various enterprises such as carpentry, masonry and shop keeping
 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.
Impact of the introduction of money economy in traditional African society
Positive effects
1) Introduction of wage – labor in towns and farms
2) Some people got employed as clerks in mission hospitals schools and government
offices coffee, tea, pyrethrum and cotton
3) Some Africans began growing these cash crops as small scale farmers
4) The development of towns where industries were set up thus making people to move
from rural-urban areas in search of employment
5) Africans were able to interact with the outside world through trade
6) It led to higher standards of living for the Africans who were employed.
Negative effects
 1) Break up of family ties as people migrated from rural to urban areas in search of
employment
2) African land taken by the colonialists, reducing people to squatters hence need to work
3) Individual ownership of land was emphasized. Land could be sold at will
4) There was creation of a gap between people – the rich and the poor
5) Emergence of vices e.g. corruption, bribery, prostitution, robbery
6) Deterioration of cherished African values e.g. bride wealth has become commercialized,
customs lost etc.
7) Loss of African human dignity. Africans had to pay taxes to the colonial government.
They were forced to work in European farms so as to get money. They worked under
dehumanizing conditions
8) Production of traditional food crops declined replaced by cash crops.
9) There was increase of rural – urban migration leaving the rural people less educated.
10) Exploitation of the poor by the rich – poor wages, overcharging prices on foods.
11) Destruction of the natural environment to create room for building projects, urban
centers.
12) The cost of living increased. Almost everything is acquired by money.
13) Labor became a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder
14) Bride wealth became commercialized
15) Destruction of the natural environment to create room for building projects, roads and
urban centers became rampant.
16) Stiff competition for prices of goods and services between local and multi-national
enterprises.

THE CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON WEALTH, MONEY AND POVERTY

a.Teaching on wealth
1) Wealth is a blessing from God –assign of His love.
2) Those who obey God’s laws, teachings of the prophets are promised blessings by God
Deut28: 1 – 4
3) Wealth has duties associated with it e.g. 10% tithe, alms to the poor, and an aspect of
stewardship.
4) Wealth should be used wisely. People are not owners of their property but are stewards.
Should share with the poor and needy.
5) 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
6) Wealth can create a false sense of independence feeling of self-reliance no need for God
7) 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
materialism – making riches their God, the love of money is the root of all evil (1 timothy 6:10)
9) It is wrong to discriminate against others on the basis of material possessions. Jesus
associated with the rich, the poor, the sick etc.
10) Seek spiritual wealth, which is permanent and more fulfilling than material wealth, which is
transitory – temporal. Matt 6:19 – 20)
11) Acknowledge God as the source of one’s riches
12) Use wealth to help the needy
13) Wealth is an instrument to enable us live decently.
14) Obsession with money and wealth leads to sin
15) Church leaders should avoid greed for wealth (1 Timothy 3:3)
16) God will judge rich exploiters.
Teaching on poverty
1) Christian teachings discourage irresponsible behavior and habits e.g. laziness, idleness and
negligence. Some people became poor because of such.
2) Some people become poor because of misfortunes e.g judgement/persecution like in the
book of Job
3) Others are poor because of judgment due to disobedience to God
4) God cares for the poor
5) Those with more should share with the poor
6) People should work to alleviate poverty in the society
7) Jesus helped the poor so should we. The poor in spirit will be blessed.

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES / RESPONSE TO ISSUES RELATED TO WEALTH AND MONEY.

Christians can respond by:
a. Insistence on fair distribution of wealth
b. Fighting against bribery and corruption
c. Using life skills
d. Practicing Christian values
1. Fair distribution of wealth / resources
Fair distribution of wealth means sharing the nation’s resources equitably among its members.
Ways in which Christians can ensure fair distribution of resources is achieved
1. By having anti – corruption crusades
2. Be role models
3. Teach or import skills on economic development
4. Advocate for cancellation of foreign debts
5. Advocate for taxation to all
6. Advocate for fair salaries
 7. Promotion of affordable and decent housing
8. Favorable terms of loans
9. Encourage Jua Kali artisans
10. Christians to demand transformation of society through implementation of just
economic policies that can ensure fair distribution of wealth.
11. Encourage foreign investors through good infrastructure, incentives e.g. shorter process
to register business, security.
12. 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.
2.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 favor. It is aimed at influen-cing a decision to favor.
Bribery is a form of corruption.
Forms of corruption found in our society today are:-
1. Tribalism
2. Bribery
3. Cheating in business
4. Stealing
5. Robbery with violence
6. Dishonesty
7. Misuse of public funds/property
8. Grabbing of personal and public land
Causes of corruption in the modern society
1. Unemployment
2. Greed for money
3. Stealing
4. Robbery with violence
5. Fear-not being arrested and charged in a court of law
6. Ignorance-people give or receive bribes in the form of Gifts
7. Disintegration of traditional African moral values
8. Lack of moral integrity
9. Lack of professional ethics and moral guidance
10. Frustrations and lack of motivation in the work place
11. Weak law enforcement systems –corrupt people not being punished
12. Corruption being used as a cover up for scandals
13. Lack of moral guidance
Effects of corruption in the modern society

1. Corruption contributes to injustices in the society

2. It demeans human dignity and destroy the public image of leaders
3. It impoverishes individuals, families and nations
4. It discourages foreign investment in the country
5. It may lead to the collapse of public cooperation’s and mass unemployment
6. It is an illegal practice and can lead to loss of job and imprisonment
7. People loose respect for corrupt leaders
8. It retards the development of a nation as money is squandered by those in charge
9. Financial institutions and donor countries may withhold their financial assistance to
corrupt nations.
10. It encourages laziness among people
11. It denies people their right, hence causing discontentment among them

Ways in which Christians can help in reducing corruption in Kenya

1. Respecting oneself and others
2. Respecting laws set up in the constitution
3. By practicing moral values
4. Building a fair and just society by applying life skills such as critical thinking, creative
thinking and making appropriate moral decisions
5. Advocating for the enactment of laws that will fight corruption
6. By lobbying for the punishment of all those who abuse justice.
7. Pray for the corrupt to change their behavior
8. Preaching to corrupt to corrupt change their ways
9. Set good example of acting as good role models for others
10. Educate people on the evils of corruption
11. Report those who engage in corrupt practices to the relevant authorities.

CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TOWARDS BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

1. It is condemned as an evil practice (a social evil) Ex. 23:8
2. Bribes cause injustice proverbs 17:23
3. Seen as morally wrong as they negatively affect one’s family
4. Jesus drove out merchants from the temple. They had started exploitation of the poor.
5. Condemned because it degrades the personality of an individual
6. Amos condemned taking and giving of bribes
7. Bribes blinds the eyes
In the parable of John the Baptist condemned soldiers from taking bribes
Corrupt judge and the widow, corruption is condemned
8. Christians are to live righteously and not give bribes or receive. They are the light of the
world.
9. Money gained from corruption is not acceptable before God.
c. Using life skills
Life skills are abilities, which enable a person to face the challenges of life in an effective way
they are
1. Decision making
2. Critical thinking
3. Creative thinking
4. Self esteem
5. Assertiveness
a. Decision making
Process of identifying the best alternative to overcome a challenge encountered. Often
decisions we make do not only affect us but those around us.
Steps to decision – making
1. Identify the challenge (problem) what’s the problem? What is bothering you?
2. Understand the challenge / problem: – What is really bothering you?
3. Find out possible solutions
4. Find out the possible options and alternatives
5. Consider the possible consequences for each option
6. Select the best option
7. Implement
8. Evaluate the outcome of the action
b. Critical thinking
g. Ability to examine and assess a given situation impartially or objectively. It involves reasoning
carefully. Getting detailed information, consider the option before making a decision. Critical
thinking makes a person responsible for their actions.
c. Creative thinking
This is the act or practice of using ideas imaginatively to solve a problem
d. Self-esteem
- This is the regard one has about himself or herself. Self-esteem can be low or high, positive or
negative.
A positive or high self-esteem person has confidence, is outgoing, social, appreciates self,
realistic and independent.
- A person with low, negative self-esteem is naïve, withdrawn, shy, feels inadequate, and no
self-confidence.
e. Assertiveness
-Ability to express one’s feelings and wishes without hurting others. Assertive people are
confident; direct in dealing with others assertive people have a high self-esteem.

d.CHRISTIAN VALUES RELATED TO WEALTH, MONEY, AND POVERTY.

Values – Beliefs, which guide people on what is right and wrong. There are
- Social values
- Cultural values
- Moral values
Values related to wealth are: -
- Love
- Honesty
- Reliability
- Fairness
- Justice
- Respect
- Faithfulness
- Humility
- Persistence
- Chastity
Love – intense emotion of attachment, affection, warmth, fondness, regard for a person or
something
How should love guide a Christian in relation to wealth creation?
Honesty – quality of being truthful, fair trustworthy, sincere, genuine. The opposite of honesty
is dishonesty.
Reliability – being dependable, faithful, predictable, unfailing. The ability of being relied upon
and keeping promises
Fairness – condition of being unbiased, free from discrimination.
Justice – fair dealings with the people, as they deserve according to the law. Being fair, giving
people what’s due to them. Opposite of justice is injustice.
Respect
-Quality of having high regard for somebody or something. Politeness. It’s important to respect
other people’s property.
Humility – quality of not thinking that you are better than others. Being humble. Opposite of
humility is pride, being proud. Those who humble themselves shall be exalted.
Faithfulness – quality of remaining loyal or true to someone. Christians should be faithful at
their places of work and in allocating their wealth to God’s work.
Those who are entrusted with public resources to manage on behalf of the people should show
a high degree of faithfulness.
Persistence – quality to persevere. Quality to continue steadfastly, unrelentingly despite
opposition e.g. the unjust judge and widow, job =, Jeremiah are people who persisted.
Chastity – a state of being pure, holy, innocent modest. It is abstinence from actions that may
make one impure before God.
-Christians should strive hard not to defile their bodies in search of wealth
-Christians should strive to live holy lives, avoid prostitution, drug abuse; corruption
-people use sexual favor to get jobs or promotion. Christians should thus avoid such.

APPROACHES TO LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Introduction
- Law, order, justice are essential for the survival of any society
- Following laws leads to order and justice lack of following leads to disorder and injustice laws
of Kenya are laid down in the constitution.
A. Law
Established rules by an authority to regulate human behavior 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.
B. 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.
1. 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, labor, divorce etc
b) Criminal law – on crime / punishment
c) Constitutional law – matters of state and governance
d) Company law
e) Religious laws e.g. Islamic law ‘sharia’
C. Justice
Treating others the way they deserve in relation to the law. It’s 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. Importance of law, order and justice
a) They are essential to preserve harmony and protect people
b) Laws guide people and ensure people’s rights are protected.
c) They protect people’s property and enable people to live in harmony
d) They protect the consumer from exploitation
e) They safeguard religious freedom
f) Laws control power of those in authority and promote political stability
g) Provides stability, encouraging economic growth
h) Helps to control discontentment among people
i) Helps implementation of taxes effectively
j) Provides / help in maintenance of security
k) Ensures human rights are upheld
l) Enables the government to protect its citizens from internal or external threats.
m) 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 claims that 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 e.g. one should not be imprisoned, detained, without trial. One is
innocent until proven guilty
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
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
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
Some of the practices that promote law, order and justice are:
a) 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
b) Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders
They were installed to maintain law, order and to execute justice in their areas of jurisdiction
c) Administration of oaths
- Administered by specialists and are used as a method of establishing and maintaining law and
order
d) Making of covenants
- Covenants were made if there was a conflict between two communities. They would promise
to live in peace and harmony.
e) Observing of taboos and customary law
Taboos were prohibitions. Those who went against taboos were severely punished
f) The kinship system – defined how people related one to another
g) Rites of passage – ensured customs, laws were adhered to
h) 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.
1. God’s creation is orderly. God desires order
2. Man was created with a conscience to know right from wrong sin has consequences or
punishment.
God does punish disobedience i.e. justice
3. 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.
4. God’s law governed kingship in Israel. National prosperity depended on a king’s ruler ship.
Kings were to ensure law and order
5. In the New Testament John the Baptist urged people to observe the law (social justice).
6. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is based on law, order and justice. There should be fair
treatment for all people
7. Jesus said that the Law of Moses was given to guide people
8. Christians should obey the law of the land and respect those in authority
9. The apostolic teachings stress the need for law, order, justice (1 Cro.14: 33)
10. Christians should be orderly.
11. The birth of Jesus was orderly. His ministry was also orderly hence should Christians.
CAUSES OF SOCIAL DISORDER AND THEIR REMEDIES
Social disorder is a state of confusion or lack of order in the society
Causes
1) Discrimination
2) Inequitable distribution of wealth, resources
3) Crime
4) Racism
5) Tribalism
6) Sexism
Discrimination
Discrimination is unfair treatment. Discrimination is on basis of
- Race
- Tribe
- Sex / gender
People or a particular person is singled out and treated with disfavor or distaste. It is showing
bias or prejudice.
Causes of discrimination
a. Culture
b. Prejudice – bias original from opinions that have no known basis or supporting facts –
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. It’s antisocial behavior 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 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
1) Rehabilitation for drugs users / abusers
2) Punishment for offenders of crime
Forms of punishment
- Imprisonment
- Payment of fines
- Corporal punishment
- Probation
- Being assigned community work
- Being placed under house arrest
- Learning in approved schools, Juvenile homes
3) Equitable distribution of national resources
- Develop marginalized areas
- Create jobs
4) Campaign against drug abuse
5) The public to use hot lines to report crime to police
6) Preach against racism, tribalism, and preach equality, freedom and interaction with all
people
7) People to be sensitized to appreciate and respect different ethnics groups
Promote national unity through education /cultural programmes
9) Creation of more national schools so as to have students from all backgrounds
10) Encourage domestic tourism
11) Enlighten women on their rights
12) Employment on merit
13) 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
a) 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 counseling to dysfunctional families (the pastors, those trained to do
counseling – almost all pastors get a training in guidance and counseling)
b) Christians 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)
c) 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 financial resources 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
d) THE CHURCH – STATE RELATIONSHIP
The government and the church interact at various levels and in different areas
a) Religious leaders give advice to the state
b) The church speaks against corruption, robbery, rape, abortion, vices which the government is
fighting
c) The church is the conscience of the state
d) Both educate the citizens on the constitution and their rights
e) The church preaches peace, love, unity, order
f) The state needs support of the church in mobilizing citizens to adopt government policies
g) Both are involved in rehabilitation of prisoners
h) The church builds schools and other institutions that supplement government institutions.
i) The church is involved in formulation of educational curriculum.
However the church differs with government on various issues such as
a) Use of condoms (Some churches opposed to this)
b) Use of live bullets by the law enforces when curbing riots
c) Fight on corruption a thorn to the church since state leaders are involved
d) Issue of death penalty – church been fighting against death penalty to convicts
NB. The government lifted the death penalty as a form of punishment in the year 2009.