INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Instructions

Form four work covers contemporary issues in a Christian’s life.

You are advised to read newspapers, listen to radio news, watch
television news and current affairs and any other relevant news
source. Work in twos. Give yourself topics to study and then give
a presentation to your partner or co learner.
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.

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b. Basis of Christian ethics. Sources of Christian’s ethics: - 1.
The bible, teachings of Jesus Christ 2. Human reason and
experience

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

i. Human reason. These are internal thoughts that guide us when

we are making decisions and taking actions. We use our minds
and thoughts when confronted by situations. They also rely on
internal thoughts in their life experiences.
Internal guiding thoughts have many parts. One is our
Conscience. This is our inner self that tells us and lets us know
what is right and wrong. There are four types of consciences;
doubtful conscience, sensitive conscience, certain conscience and
perplexed conscience.
For a Christian, rights and wrongs are in the Bible. God gave the
Law of Moses to Israelites. Jesus came and explained the Old

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Testament and taught new scriptures in the New Testament. These
teachings, which we have covered from Form one to three, explain
very clearly what is right and wrong. When doubtful of the
morality of an action, Christian consults the Bible to know if a
decision is right or wrong.

ii. Human Experiences: – these are internal and external guides

When confronted by situations, Christians use their minds i.e.
human reason and their life experiences in making decisions.

They rely on internal guides, (Human reason) and experience

(external guides) Internal guides

(i) Conscience: – Mind, aspect of knowing right or wrong.

When right, there’s’ approval when wrong it registers guilt.
When doubtful of the morality of an action we should not
do it if conscience is perplexed then make us decision. A
decision should be based on a certain conscience.

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Types of conscience

- Doubtful conscience

- Sensitive conscience

- Certain conscience

- Perplexed conscience

2. One can also make decisions based on knowledge and free

will To make a decision one should have
- Facts about the act, its aims, circumstances.

- One should be free to perform

A decision ought to be thoughtful

3. Intuition: inner feeling, insight

It’s an internal moral sense to do good or avoid evil. Intuition is

important in situations that require quick and immediate that
requires quick and immediate action.

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4. Feelings

Feelings are subjective e.g. it feels good to do so this, hence will

do…” it can be dangerous to make decisions purely based on
feelings especially in marriage friendship etc.
Eternal guides

Experience

Guides here include authoritative persons such as parents,

teachers, police, civil leaders’ philosophers, and religious leaders.
Rules from secular, religions, and African traditional culture are
part of external guides.
The bible

The bible, quoted in the text but now out of text guides Christian
behavior. God communicates to his people through the Bible.
The Bible 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

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trade etc. this gives reason and other sources / factors are basis
of Christian ethics in addition to the bible.

Moral principles in the bible

- They are mostly found in the teachings of Jesus and the Ten

Commandments, sermon on the mountain

- Christians are also encouraged to have

Faith

- The virtues encouraged include generosity, love, kindness,

faithfulness, patience, humility, peace, mercy, loyalty etc.
Christian community – church
Church leadership can make decisions, which touch on their
followers. They guide people on ethical issues e.g. politics, land,
justice, abortion, contraception etc.
Church organizations give rules on those conducts of their
members.

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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 list
citizens; Christians being citizens of a country are guided in their
behavior by the constitution.
Situation ethics

One should reason out the rightness or wrongness of an act. The

rightness or wrongness of an act depends on its uniqueness, the
circumstances - Christians are warned against making decisions
based on circumstances or the situation e.g. a pregnant student
seeking abortion as the option so as to continue with education.
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.

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Revision questions

1. What is the meaning of Christian ethics?

2. What is the basis or source or foundation of Christian ethics?

3. List the basic life skills that one needs to be able to lead a better
life

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 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. Through marriage, the family is formed.
HUMAN SEXUALITY

a. Human sexuality.

This is a sacred gift from God. It was given to Adam and Eve.
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.

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b. Christian teaching on human sexuality.

Males and females are God’s creation. Men and women were
created for many reasons. These are (1) to be fruitful and to
multiply; and (2) for companionship. In Genesis we learn that men
and women share the image of God because God intended man
and woman to play complementary roles and both are equal before
God.
Sex in marriage is a sign of love and it 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.
God created human body and it is to be kept holy. Chastity is
encouraged while unfaithfulness in marriage is discouraged.
Husbands / wives are to respect one another and give to each other
in mutual love.

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c. Traditional African understanding of human sexuality.

Human sexuality is highly valued in traditional African

communities. It is understood in terms of marriage and
parenthood. Procreation was the sole purpose of sex. Sex was to
be practiced in marriage and it was regarded as another sacred
duty.
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.
In traditional African society it was a taboo to discuss openly sex
matters. Grandparents taught sex education to their grandchildren.
Sex education was taught during initiation stages. Free mixing of
girls and boys was not allowed except under supervision. Girls
were married off immediately after initiation to avoid temptation
of engaging in pre-marital sex. To reinforce self – discipline in
relationships between the opposite sexes the African traditional
society instilled the fear of supernatural curses through myths,
marital status. Husbands and wives were expected to relate to each

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other, their parents, and in laws according to the community
customs. Conflicts between a husband and a wife were resolved
through intervention of relatives.

d. Gender roles.
There are specific chores and duties for either male or female in
African traditional societies. Roles were therefore according to
gender. Boys went hunting, herding, while girls fetched firewood,
and helped in cooking. At an early age, girls and boys would mix
freely as they played together. Mature boys and girls however,
were restricted from mixing freely without supervision by elders.
But there was gender identification. The boys identified with their
fathers and other male adults, while girls identified themselves
with their mother and other female adults. Education. Children
belonged to the community and not just to their biological parents.
At the adolescent stage; 13 – 18 years education was given to the
adolescents and intensified at initiation stage. Boys and girls were
taught traditional rules and secrets of the society during initiation.
Learning was informal. Knowledge was communicated through

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songs, stories and riddles among other forms of presentations. All
adults acted as parents to the young ones.

Socialization:

Men were socialized to be superior, while women were socialized

to accept their subordinate position and role. Everyone knew and
accepted what he/she was culturally supposed to do.

Division of labor was based on sex. In the African communities,

despite their differences, there were many common customary
roles, rules, regulations, taboos and beliefs that governed the
practices related to male – female relationships from early
childhood to old age. These traditional African practices relating
to male – female relationships existed at various levels. In all of
them, man held superior positions when compared to those of
women.

Age:

Old women and men were accorded respect. They were consulted
for advice and counsel. Kinship system was emphasized.

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e. Christian teaching on male- female relationships.

We learn that the husband is the head of the house and should love
his wife like Christ loved the church. Once a wife is loved, she
should submit to her husband. We also learn that both male and
female are equal and co – creators with God. Adam and Eve were
created to complement each other. Likewise men and women
should love each other. Jesus taught that each man should have
one wife and vice versa. Once married, the
husbands’ body belongs to the wife and hers belong to him. If that
is the case, wife and husband should avoid immorality.
Males and females are to relate freely. But the youth are to avoid
the passions of youth. These are sexual sins. 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.

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CHRISTIAN TEACHING ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY

a. Christian teaching on responsible human sexuality.

Christianity teaches us about responsible sexual behavior.
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). It is called responsible sexual
behavior, which is obedience to God’s commands.
Christians promote healthy social relationship between boys and
girls, men and women, and husbands and wives. Responsible sex
is between male and female. Sexual intercourse is allowed only
between married couples (1 Cor.7: 3 – 5). Married couples are
obliged to be sexually faithful to one another
(Heb.13: 4) adultery is condemned (exodus 25:14). Relationship
between a husband / wife should be one of respect faithfulness,
love, care, mercy, submission, tolerance, and forgiveness

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b. Christian teaching on irresponsible sexual behavior.

There is much irresponsible sexual behaviour.

They include among others all acts and forms of: perversion,
misuse, and abuse of sex, incest, rape, fornication, adultery,
homosexuality, lesbianism or gay, prostitution, concubine,
masturbation, bestiality and child marriages among others. These
irresponsible sexual 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.

Let us now discuss in brief some of the irresponsible sexual

behavior; beginning with
(I) Incest

-Which is a sexual relationship between people who are closely

related by blood. For example, sex between a brother/sister, father
/ daughter.

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Incest is condemned in the Bible. It was punishable by death in
the Old

Testament. Read Leviticus 18:6 – 8.

ii) Rape

. Rape cannot be justified and it is condemned in The Bible. 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 20 years
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 5 years imprisonment.

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iii. Fornication.
This is consensual sexual intercourse between unmarried people.
It is condemned by both African and Christian teachings and
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.
Why do the youth engage in pre – marital sex? There are several
reasons. Some of them are: sexual curiosity, proving manhood,
human weakness, lack of self control, testing fertility, fear of
being jilted / rejected; commercial sex for money; copying acts in
the print and electronic media. Others reasons are frustrations,
drug abuse, bribe to get a job, and permissiveness in the society.

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iv. Adultery
- Is committed by adults who have extra marital affairs; between
“married partner and another party”. Adultery is having sex
outside marriage with a person with whom one is not married to.
Adultery is caused by lack of self – control, sexual dissatisfaction,
and long periods of wife and husband separation, sexual
dysfunction and vengeance by an initially faithful spouse who
wants to be even with the unfaithful spouse.

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.
Why is there prostitution? There are factors leading to
prostitution. These are economic reasons such as unemployment,
poverty, rejection of a girl at home, drug abuse, stress, anger,
anxiety, frustrations in the family and pornography. The church
condemns prostitution because it defiles the body, which is a
temple of the Holy Spirit. It’s sexual immorality. Read Gal 5: 19
– 21.

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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.
What makes people prefer sex with the same sex? The Christian
view is that homosexuality is a sign of a lack of Christian moral
values. It may also be due to confinement in a prison and
permissiveness in society. If it is allowed to continue, it shall
disintegrate traditional African values.
Because of its threat to God’s people, the Church condemns
homosexuality. Other reasons for condemning it is because (1)
God created a male and a female. Read, Genesis 1:28. Two, sex
is sacred.
Homosexuality is an unnatural relationship, which lowers human
dignity.

It does not provide sexual fulfillment (as traditionally).

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Vii. sexually transmitted Diseases (STDs)

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. Let’s discuss
them one by one. 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;
and 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. Some symptoms include persistent
coughs, loss of weight, oral thrush, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
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

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teaches against sexual immorality and against all forms of
discrimination.
Gonorrhea -is caused by a bacterium called “Neisseria
gonorrhea”. Its symptoms appear a4 days after infection. Its
symptoms are burning sensation when passing urine; pain or
discomfort in the genitals; sticky discharge or pus in the vagina or
through the urethra. The good news is that Gonorrhea is curable
if treated early.
Syphilis.

Primary syphilis may show up in the form of a sore or a wound

in the genitals a few days after infection. The wound heals by
itself without treatment after some time. Syphilis infection may
take several years about 7 years before its symptoms re appear.
The symptoms of syphilis are a painless sore or pimple on the
man’s penis or woman’s vulva; and swelling of the glands in the
groin. Other symptoms, which may appear later, are skin rashes
and sores either in the face armpits, under breasts, mouth or throat.
Herpes genital -is a sexual disease caused by a virus. It creates
wounds in the genitals. A pregnant woman can transmit the

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infection to her newborn baby during delivery. This disease can
be controlled although there is not an effective treatment.
Hepatitis B virus causes Hepatitis B. It is transmitted through sex,
injections by unsterilized needles and contact with contaminated
blood. The infection does not show on the genitals. The signs and
symptoms of Hepatitis B include yellowness of the eyes
(jaundice) due to liver damage and pain around the upper
abdomen.

c. The effects of irresponsible sexual behavior.

There are many effects of irresponsible sexual behavior. They

include among others HIV / AIDS, sexually transmitted infections
(STI), abortion; family separations and divorces, deaths,
unplanned pregnancies; children living in the streets; school drop
outs and psychological problems.

i. Effects of incest.
These are many. One, incest undermines the healthy relationships
between members of a family as it brings shame and guilt among
the parties involved. Two, incest destroys relationships within the

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family and can lead to breaking up of a marriage. Three, 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. Four, incest can
lead to pregnancy, and abortion. And as you have read in the
newspapers, it can lead to infections with sexually transmitted
diseases (S.T.I.’s) and HIV / AIDS. As I write, a father was jailed
for life for raping his daughter and infecting her with HIV/AIDS
virus.

ii. Effects of Rape.

This crime has very serious consequences and harmful effects on
the victim. Rape may result in pregnancy and can lead to physical,
psychological, social, and spiritual side effects. The victim may
suffer (1) serious physical injuries and (2) 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

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may lose trust in the opposite sex. All these sufferings can lead to
suicide and death.

iii. Effects of Fornication.

Some of these are having children out of wedlock; feelings of
distrust, guilt, and hurt; contracting STI’s and HIV/AIDS;
loss of self-respect; early and forced marriage and abortion.
iv. Effects of Adultery. Christians teach against adultery
because it is against God’s commandments and can lead to
divorce, abortion, STI, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence,
murder (death) and psychological problems.

v. Effects of Prostitution.
. It can lead to break up of marriage, and family. It lowers a
person’s dignity and can lead to unplanned pregnancies, school
dropouts; infections such as STI’s and HIV /AIDS and improper
use of family resources.

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vi. Effects of homosexuality.
It is a threat to procreation. It promotes loose short-term informal
relationships and therefore promotes HIV / AIDS. Homosexual
couples are prone to HIV/AIDS infections because of having
many partners; although this is changing in USA where
homosexual couples are being married in churches.

vii. Effects of Sexually transmitted diseases

HIV / AIDS effects are numerous. They include recurrent illness

due to opportunistic infections. There is also stigmatization. Some
individuals have feelings of guilt, anger, denial and depression.
The sick persons have to look for extra finances to care for their
health. They have the burden for medications, and special diet.
HIV/AIDs has no cure and leads to death like many other diseases.
Parents die and leave their children as orphans.
Gonorrhea effects are many. The disease damages a woman’s
fallopian tubes leading to infertility; and a man’s epidydymis
leading to sterility. An infected expectant mother can infect her
newborn baby with gonorrhea.

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The disease may affect the eyes of the unborn child causing
blindness.

Gonorrhea can also cause inflammation of joints, the heart and

liver.

Effects of Syphilis are damage to the heart, brain and the nervous
system. This disease can lead to madness and death of the victim.
If a child is infected while in the womb, or during birth, the brain
maybe damaged. The child may have either physical deformities
or the infected mother may give stillbirths.

Effects Herpes genitals. Infection can cause severe brain

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

Effects of Hepatitis B. This disease damages the liver and may

lead to death of the infected person. It has a vaccine, but not
treatment.
viii. Other consequences of irresponsible sexual behaviors these
are death,

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unplanned pregnancies, children living in the streets, school
dropouts and psychological problems related to irresponsible
sexual behavior. These include among others: stress, depression,
self – pity, withdrawal, aggressiveness, and violence.
Stress is the response of the body and mind to any situation that
exerts pressure or makes demands on a person. The intensity or
pressure experienced determines the level of stress. Some of the
signs of stress are:
anxiety, worry, and drop in performance, chest pains, mood
swings,

rebellion, ulcers, heart palpitations, and fatigue and guilt feelings.

Solutions

To avoid stress, it is suggested that individuals should accept that

one is stressed; identify sources of stress, rest, exercise, listening
to therapeutic music and talk to a counselor.

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Depression

This is an acute mental disorder. It is also a state of hopelessness

and low spirits. Depression can be mild or severe. It has physical,
emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms. Let me caution
you that it is only a medical doctor who can know if one has a
depression or not. We are told by doctors that signs of a
depression are: persistent headaches and chest pains; loss of
appetite; too much appetite; loss of memory; insomnia i.e. lack of
sleep; weight loss or gain; nervousness and mood swings; low
selfconfidence; suicidal tendencies and self-pity. Other signs and
symptoms are loss of libido (sexual desire); poor performance in
school and in work places; hopelessness; loss of interest in ones
activities; hypertension and high blood pressure

d. Irresponsible social and human behavior.

There are social and human behaviors that are contrary to

Christian life.

These unacceptable behaviors are abortion, and divorce.

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Abortion is termination of pregnancy before the foetus is capable
of independent life. There are two types of abortions. One is
spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. The other is induced
abortion, which is deliberate and illegal in Kenya. Induced
abortion has been debated in Kenya. The main question is should
abortion be legalized or not. This is because abortion is legal in
some European countries.
Why do mothers seeking abortion? There are many reasons,
which are known only to mothers. These are one, pregnancy due
to rape and incest. Two, if the mother believes that the unborn
child will be a burden. This may be because the baby is conceived
outside wedlock and the mother lacks economic resources to take
care of the baby. Another reason maybe that the mother is in
school and she cannot look after the baby and continue with her
education. Three, medical personnel may abort a deformed foetus
or in order to save the life of the mother if it is in danger.
Christian’s view of abortion as murder (Exodus20: 13). This is
because abortion interferes with the mother’s body, and destroys
the baby. Christian view is that the body is the temple of the Holy
Spirit.

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God is the giver of life and He alone has the right to take it away.
Abortion carries with it stigma and the effects mentioned above
make Christians condemn abortion.

e. Effects of irresponsible social and human behavior.

Effects of abortion are infertility, ectopic pregnancy, destruction

of a woman’s body parts; fetal malformation; risk of the mother
bleeding to death and destruction of uterus. Other effects are that
the mother may experience in future still births, miscarriages, risk
of barrenness; failed abortions leading to deformed babies and
psychological problems that we have discussed. These are stress
and depression.

Revision questions

1. Explain the T.A. understanding of human sexuality

2. Explain Christian attitudes towards human sexuality
3. In what ways is sex abused in Kenya?

4. Why do you think minors are defiled or sexually abused in

Kenya?

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5. Explain the Christian teaching on male/female relationships 6.
What is the Christian teaching on responsible sexual behavior?
7. List the different types of irresponsible sexual behavior

8. Explain the Christian teaching on irresponsible sexual

behavior 9. State the effects of irresponsible sexual behavior

MARRIAGE

a. 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.
Marriage partners choose each other. In some cases, senior
member of the family and church influence the choice of a
marriage partner. When marrying partners agree to marry, they
are joined in church and they become husband and wife.

Marriage is thus a covenant in which the partners give themselves

to one another.

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Marriage involves other members of the community hence it is a
social and community affair. Marriage is a permanent union.
Marriage is a community requirement in which everyone in the
community participates. Each person is expected to undergo
marriage because it is a rite of passage. Marriage gives a person,
a high social status and prestige in the community.
Marriage is also a covenant between a man and a woman that
should not be broken. Two people are joined in marriage in order
to procreate and perpetuate the community. Once married, a
couple is allowed to have sexual relationship, and companionship.
Marriage is an expression of and fulfillment of mutual love and
comfort. It enhance unity; social prestige, and respect in society.
Purpose of marriage is sexual fulfillment; cultural and social
requirement; obligation to build a family; and procreation
although children are a gift from God.

Forms of marriages

There are many forms of marriages. There is a marriage ceremony

organized as a symbol or mark of the union between a man and a
woman. These marriages ceremonies are either civil, or religious.

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The main religious ceremonies are Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and
Sikh among others. We also have African customary ceremonies
many of which are polygamous. Christianity does not allow
polygamous marriage.

Secular approaches to marriage.

In the modern world, some people choose not to marry for

personal reasons. Some people have children without getting
married while others opt to have a marriage without children.
Husband and wife are equal.
Monogamy is practiced for economic reasons. In some families’
women are the heads of the family. Choosing a partner is an
individual act and not communal. In marriage traditional qualities
of a good wife such as industrious, honesty, and hospitality are
not considered. The modern society values external beauty,
financial status and social status. As a result, there is a high rate
of marriage, separation, and divorce. At times young people fail
to be married in church. There is no formalization of marriages.
These marriages are called “Come-we-stay” arrangements.

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Gender issues in marriage. The wife is subordinate to the husband
but had rights. Marriage did not end with death of the husband.
The wife was inherited by one of her husband’s brother. This is
widow inheritance / Levirate marriage. She could also refuse to
be inherited but remained married to that man even in death. The
wife could not marry outside the family because of dowry. There
was dowry payment to parents. If a wife died, the man would
marry the sister of his dead wife. This is surrogate marriage.

Those who did not marry were considered “lesser humans”.

Young people were prepared for marriage during initiation, which
was witnessed in a public ceremony. During marriage, couple
makes vows to each other. The ancestors are invoked to bless the
marriage.

Factors that lead to a stable, healthy and successful marriage

People are different and they understand their roles differently.
Here am giving you a few suggestions.
Discuss with your study companions and come up with other
suggestions. One important factor is mutual responsibility by the
couple. This occurs if there is mutual consultation with each other

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in decisionmaking. Two is forgiveness of each other. Three is
good treatment of each other especially with equal respect. Four
is sharing scriptures together. Five is giving love and respecting
each other. Six is having a faithful sexual relationship and lastly
being open and honest.
Seven is African traditional qualities of a good wife who is
described as: hardworking, fertile, morally upright, generous,
kind, obedient, humble, clean, beautiful, polite, warm hearted and
hospitable. Eight are the qualities of a good husband, which are
described as: being able to provide good leadership in the family.
Other qualities are being aggressive, wise, brave, courageous,
responsible and good property manager.

b. Christian Teaching about Marriage.

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. Marriage should therefore be monogamous and
permanent as God protects marriages. 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. Marriage is

28
complete even without children as it is between a male and a
female. Marriage is not obligatory and it ends when one partner
dies.
Christian’s preparation and approach to marriage

Christians organize youth seminars, and rallies to teach the youth

how to choose marriage partners and how to treat wife / husbands;
care for the children; behave towards in laws; acquire wealth
(men); and head a family. Youth are taught to avoid sexual
intimacy before marriage. Those intending to marry are
encouraged to go for pre marital counseling. During counseling,
they are informed that love is the most important bond of unity in
marriage. Church encourages partners to go for HIV /AIDs test
before. Marriage ceremony is conducted in church

Choice of a marriage partner

There are many ways of identifying a marriage partner. One is

arrangement by parents. If not one can make an individual
decision and choose a wife or husband. Two is through an
intermediary or third party. In African traditional polygamous
marriages, the first wife identified a wife for her husband.

29
Girls would be given out to a chief as a gift

c. 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. Courtship was important in
A.T.S. This was because the man and woman who were girls and
boys got to know each other better before marriage. It was a
period when girls/boys were instructed in family life education. It
was also a period for linking the two marrying families. 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.
The families and clan had an opportunity to check if the marrying
couple was related and if their clans were acceptable to the
parents. Courtship gives time to the two families to negotiate and
pay the bride wealth or dowry. Bridal Wealth, dowry, bride price
are all expressions of partnership. The family of the man pays

30
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,
jewellery and clothes among others?

Importance of dowry

It acts as a compensation for the girl’s labor and seals the marriage
covenant. It is a public expression of appreciation for the coming
of a new wife/mother into the man’s family. It promotes
friendship and cements relationship between families. It shows
commitment and seriousness of the future husband. After dowry
payment, the woman belongs to her husband.
A ceremony is carried out depending on the community. Bride
price payment is accompanied by marriage ceremonies. Lastly
dowry helps in maintaining peace
Traditional African approaches to marriage preparation.
Polygamy is one husband, married to many wives. Polygamy is
allowed by the African traditional religion because it occurs if the

31
first wife is barren; ensures that all women have husbands;
prevents infertility; provides extra labor in farms. A polygamous
man has a higher status because many wives symbolize wealth.
Children are important in a marriage because they promote social
status of their parents. They cement a bond of unity between
husband / wife. They are a source of labor, and wealth. They are
heirs to the family wealth They provide security to the family.

Divorce is legal dissolution of marriage. Christians allow

divorce because of specific grounds. Divorce was rare in African
traditional societies. Divorce is granted under circumstances of:
adultery, witchcraft, laziness, cruelty and disrespect of wife.
In the contemporary society, divorce is sought after or allowed
because of: unfaithfulness in marriage or adultery; domestic
violence; misuse of family resources; childlessness; in-law
interference and alcohol abuse.

32
Legal reasons for divorce

According to the laws of Kenya, divorce is allowed under the

following reasons; adultery; if a man deserts his wife for more
than 3 years; if a partner becomes insane; and domestic violence
for example, physical, and psychological torture.

Christian teaching about divorce

Christians discourage divorce because marriage is a permanent

status. There is no room for divorce. Church discourages divorce
because of its adverse effects. Some denominations allow divorce
if there is adultery. God hates divorce. Married couples should
remain faithful to each other Effects of divorce are strained
relationships, children suffering psychologically, and experiences
of rejection. A divorcee faces social stigma, rejection, and
isolation. If parents separate, they create single parent families.
These families suffer from economic hardships and feelings of
failure and inadequacy.

33
e. Celibacy as an alternative to marriage.

Celibacy is a Latin word “Coelebes” meaning bachelor. Why do

some people fail to marry? There are many reasons. Some of these
are to pursue education leading to delayed marriage; and career
demands (workaholic). Other people are discouraged by examples
of failed marriages. Other reasons maybe economic
independence, poor health, HIV /AIDS, mental illness, parental
interference and disappointment from past failed relationships.
This happens if parents do not approve a partner.

Revision questions

1. Explain the traditional African understanding of marriage

2, what is the importance of children in traditional African
society?
3. What is the Christian teaching about marriage?

4. What is the importance of courtship period in T.As?

5. Why are many people opting for celibacy?

34
 THE FAMILY

Introduction

As society grows and changes, the family grows and changes. As

a result, there are several types and practices of the family. In this
lesson, we shall discuss the traditional family as it is practiced in
the Bible, the traditional African societies and some Christian
families.
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 is 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

35
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 are many. 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 – Father, mothers, 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 – one parent, and children. Single

– parent families are created by several circumstances. One

36
 is by parents separating. Separation of parents 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. Two, a single family is created by divorce. Divorced
parents may decide not to marry again. Three is when one
parent refuses to marry. This happens when a girl gets
pregnant and the boy does not marry her. Four is because of
death of a spouse. The remaining parent may decide not to
remarry. Five is when some mothers decide to have children
without marriage. This may not be correct as there is no
research to suggest it. Six is imprisonment of one partner for
a long time. One parent is left looking after children because
one is in jail.

iv. Extended family – father, mother, children, uncles, aunts,

and cousins. This is the common family type in traditional
African communities.

37
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.

b. Traditional African family values and practices.

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

subsequent procreation. Family is viewed as a sacred institution
in African society. The African traditional family includes the
dead (ancestors), the unborn children and the living.

38
An African traditional family has obligations and duties.
These were

(1) offering sacrifices to ancestors,

(2) Pouring libations; and

(3) Giving the dead decent burials

(4) Providing basic needs to their children

(5) Bringing up children to be morally upright individuals. Further

to this, the African traditional family is responsible for the

upbringing, caring, and protection of its children. This is
demonstrated by the nuclear family, which provides necessities
required to meet and satisfy the economic needs of its
members.
The African traditional family is expected to participate in
communal activities. Work in the family was divided according
to age, gender and social status. Each family member worked for
its basic needs as well as the welfare of the community.

39
The African family had well-stated and practiced values
There were

(1) respect for family members

(2) Providing responsible parenthood, which is the process of

bringing up children to become all round or self reliant persons
(3) Educating children in all aspects of life. Parents and the
extended family members helped their children to develop
intellectually and cognitively.
The family taught children physical skills. It also gave children
confidence to appreciate their physical strength. Children were
taken through a rigorous physical curriculum of games such as
wrestling, swimming and running to develop their physical
strength. Children’s bodies were nourished thoroughly.
They were served good and nutritious food, which improved their
muscle strength.
Children were taught social skills. They learnt how to behave
towards adults, peers and grandparents.
They developed social skills since parents allowed them to
socialize and interact with other children, grandparents and the

40
community. This made them grow socially, emotionally and
psychologically.
They had a curriculum for teaching and training in traditional
African religious values, family matters, moral and social values.
This teaching of children started from an early age. The teaching
method used was observation and practice. Parents taught by
being good role models. They were expected to model desired
values and family practices. Children were taught how to relate
with one another as brothers and sisters. Parents were to show
tolerance to children. These values show that African parents
understood their parental roles and responsibilities. These values
were sometimes; exploited by the irresponsible family members
or specific individuals.
This exploitation encouraged dependency, leading to conflicts,
competition, hatred, and jealousy.
Christian parents are expected to train their children to know God;
be self -disciplined, and follow the Christian way of living.
Another duty is to provide basic needs to their children.

41
Christian understanding of the family
Among Christians, family is sacred and instituted by God. Read
again about the Christian teachings about marriage.
Role of children in the Christian family A Christian child is
expected to obey parents, honor them, and respect parents. This is
one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God.

Parenting styles

a) Dictatorship /authoritative / autocratic – the parents 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

42
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 – lying 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

43
• 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

44
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.

45
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, orphans widowers and the
needy

Revision questions

1. State the different types of families

46
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

Work can be described as a vocation, profession, trade, craft,

career or a job.
Vocation is from a Latin word “Vocare” which means call.
Christians believe that every individual has been called of God to
various duties. Vocation is work that requires special skills,
special training or a unique call or a special mission in society.

1
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.

2
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.

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 etc General reasons why people

work a)

It’s an essential element of life

3
b) God ordained work. Humans work for their food

c) Work contributes to the development of the community

d) Work is personal. It defines a person

e) People work to earn a living

f) People work for enjoyment, leisure

g) To assist and give to the needy

h) To get luxuries

i) People work to raise their standards of living

j) For self satisfaction and fulfillment

k) For personal development

l) To keep a person occupied and not idle

m) To acquire wealth and status in the society

n) To socialize with other members of the society

o) To attain independence and not depend on someone else

4
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ATTITUDE TO WORK

a. Explain importance of work

1. Work is essential to the well being of the individual and survival

of the community
2. Work ensured basic needs such as food, shelters etc were
provided.

3. In traditional African society work was divided according to the

age, gender, and status e.g. chief, elder of the individual.

4. 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. 5. Works among the traditional African societies included
pastoralist, farmers, livestock keeping, fishing, bee keeping etc

6. Work was a communal affair; people would work together

and assist each other
7. Work was not for a wage (Money). The rewards of work-
included food, communal unity, acquisition of moral values etc 8.
Hard work was emphasized, laziness was condemned

5
9. There were some specific works for specialization e.g. herbal
medicine men, divination, prophecy, rain making, pottery etc.
10. Work involved giving prayers, offerings, and sacrifices to
God 11. Through work, the basic needs of the individual,
community were fulfilled
12. Through work potentials; talents and skills were explored,
acquired and utilized.
13. Work had a religious dimension as well as a social dimension.
It brought people together improving their relations
14. SAE

1. Find out how different communities in Kenya lived in the past

and how they live today
2. How did the lifestyle of the communities influence daily
activities?

6
CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON WORK

1. Describe the christens teachings about work

The Christian teaching on work is based mainly on the

interpretation of the bible, the teachings of Jesus and the teachings
of the apostles. Some of the teachings are: -
1. God himself instituted work. He created the heavens and the
earth and all in it. Since God worked man should work. (Gen.
2:1)
2. God’s work of creation is good (Gen. 1:31) Christians should
endeavor to produce good works
3. 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.
4. Human beings should work to acquire their basic needs
(Genesis.

1:29 – 30, 3:19) God blesses the work of our hands

5. Human beings are co – creators with God (Gen.1: 28) God

continue to create through human beings.

7
Human beings glorify God through their work.

6. God reveals himself through his work of creation. God had a

purpose for his creation. He is orderly, source of life,
Almighty etc.
7. Work is a co – operative undertaking. Eve was created to be
Adam’s helper (Gen. 2:20) Christians should co – operate in
their undertakings 8.
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.
9. 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.
10. People should enjoy what they have worked for (Ecc.3: 22)
11. Work should be done for the glory of God and for the good
of the society.
12. People should work honestly not steal but work to earn an
honest living (Eph.4: 28)
13. Those who do not work should not eat

8
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.

9
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 safe guard 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

10
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

11
MORAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
EMPLOYERS

AND EMPLOYEES

Employers: government, non – governmental organization,

private sector – individuals, company, self-employment.
Employers have several duties and responsibilities towards
their employees. They are:
- 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

12
- To reward employees

- Compensate employees made redundant

Rights of the employer

Employers have a right to / are entitled to

(a) Get profits from their businesses

(b) Carry out their businesses without unfair taxation

(c) Form association with other employers

(d) Obtain and conduct business

(e) Hire, dismiss employees in accordance with the requirements

of their firms and contract
(f) Demand a fair day’s work

(g) Conduct business without subjection to unfair conditions and

competitions

13
Moral duties of the employees

1. Carry out their duties to the best of their ability without

supervision

2. Respect and protect the property of the employer

3. Encourage peaceful solutions to any problems encountered in

their work place
4. To work diligently for self – fulfillment and development

5. To respect their employer and fellow employees

6. Observe terms of contract with employer

7. Be loyal, honest, respect to the employer

Rights of the employees

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

14
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

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

15
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)

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.

16
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
7 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

17
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

18
CHILD LABOUR

A child is a person below 18 years. A child does not have an

identity card, does not vote (in Kenya).
According to International 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

Disadvantages of child labor

Children are not yet mentally and physically prepared to do adult

jobs.

This leads to

a) Exploitation of children

19
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

20
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

21
Position of 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.

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.

22
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)

4 Limited job opportunities – probably due to high population

growth 6 Few international investors in Kenya, probably due to
high crime rate, insecurity

Identify ways of creating job opportunities

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

23
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
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

Revision questions 1. What is work?

2. List any six reasons why people work

3. Explain T.As attitude towards work

4. List some of the factors that have changed the attitude towards
work in the modern society
5. What are the rights of employers?

24
6. State the duties of employees

7. Why has child labor become common in Kenya?

8. What are the causes of unemployment in Kenya?

9. What can the government do to reduce unemployment in

Kenya?

25
CHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO LEISURE

MEANING OF LEISURE

Work is an obligation – however people cannot work 24 hours. They

need to rest. God rested on the 7th day after work. Work and rest
are
complementary elements of human life.

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. Leisure provides mental,
physical relaxation,
spiritual, emotional relaxation and enrichment

Forms of leisure

1. Passive

2. Active leisure

Passive involves use of mental energy

1
Active leisure – there is use of physical energy

Examples of activities of passive leisure are

- Watching television

- Reading story books

- Playing video games

- Chatting with friends

Examples of activities of active leisure are

- Jogging

- Mountain climbing

- Gardening

- Dancing

- Tree planting

- Playing football

2
Leisure is used for

- Enjoyment

- Entertainment – song, dance, watching movies etc

- Relaxation – exercises

- Socialization – sharing, education

3
 Religious engagement – wedding ceremonies, visiting the sick,
worship In passive leisure others entertain while in active leisure
the person is active, whole body is involved.

Active leisure enables a person to

1. Develop his/her body

2. Build stamina

3. Strengthen relationships etc

Some leisure activities are dangerous e.g. boxing, motor racing;

while others are expensive e.g. golf.
Other leisure activities are addictive while others are
unproductive.

- Leisure activities should be planned for

- Leisure activities can also be economic, income generating

activities. In traditional African society leisure permeates all
aspects of life. Leisure activities accompany work.
Leisure and work were entertainment. Work was accompanied by
singing, reciting stories sharing past events. Examples of leisure
activities in traditional African society include

4
- Wrestling

- Running

- Playing ajua

- Mock fighting

- Swimming

- Spear throwing

Poetry

- Music and dance etc

Leisure activities that were communal include

• Bull fighting

• Tongue – twisters

• Poetry recitation

• Telling of myths legends

• Dancing

• Brain teasers

• Riddles etc

5
-Work in African society included fishing, tilling the land,
herding, hunting, harvesting o most leisure activities in
traditional African society were active form of leisure,
communal, not individualistic and not for monetary gains
-All forms of leisure had an educational value. Folk stories had a
moral value. People were taught not to be selfish, greedy jealousy
etc Myths and legends tell of the origin of the community and its
history of important people as well as history of the community.
- In African traditional society, leisure led to acquisition of values
or virtues such as co – operation, sharing, solidarity, love,
bravery, empathy, endurance, tolerance etc.

Most activities were linked to the worship of God and,

veneration of the ancestors
- Leisure activates were organized along gender and age group
season

(E.g. harvest – dancing, singing); wet rainy seasons – boat

swimming - Rites of passage e.g. initiation, marriage, birth and
naming provided leisure activities
-Leisure activities were planned for

6
CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON LEISURE

Christian teach that:

a) Work and leisure are of divine origin. God rested on the 7th day
after working
b) Leisure is a gift from God leisure should be put to good use. Its
not be wasted
c) Leisure provides us with the opportunity to worship God.
Leisure should be used to serve God.
d) Christians associate leisure with personal growth and
fellowship
7
e) Jesus recognized the need for rest by withdrawing his disciples
from

their active ministry. It’s good to have time alone for reflection,
rest, visit friend etc.
f) Leisure should be used to seek God and help others e.g. Jesus
prayed, helped the needy restored people’s health.

Ways Christian use their leisure time – activities

Worshipping God

Visiting the sick

Caring for the needy

Resting

Watching television

Chatting with family members

Retreat – time spend away with a group of people to be alone

with God

Visiting friends, relatives

8
 Reading the bible

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

9
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 ones talents

Uses of leisure – proper use of leisure

Leisure can be used for a. Religious
experience
b. A time for rest

c. Leisure is used to provide us with time to help others

d. Leisure can be used to spread the word of God

e. Development of talents

f. It’s an opportunity for individual growth

10
g. Leisure strengthens social relationships

h. Leisure can be used for reflection on one’s decision; actions etc

leisure activities reveal who we are.
i. Leisure can be used for educative and economic purposes

Proper use of leisure is when leisure time is spent doing activities

that add value to us.

Misuse of leisure today

Leisure time can be misused through various activities e.g. 1)

Spending too much time in passive activities e.g. pornography
watching, watching films that are violent
2) Spending leisure time in idle talk – gossip-leading to conflicts

3) Spending time in gambling, casinos making bets on horses

playing Ajua games etc
4) Alcohol and drug taking – when a person over drinks alcohol,
spends time drinking at the expense of family, abusing drugs is
misuse of leisure time.
5) Leisure can also be misused by engaging in dangerous
activities. Night dancing, disco dancing has become a common

11
 form of leisure worldwide. What are the advantages and
disadvantages?

DRUG ABUSE AND ITS EFFECTS- ALCOHOL, SOFT

AND HARD DRUGS

A drug is any substance which when taken may alter or cause

changes in the normal functioning of the body.
Drug abuse

-Improper use of drugs. Using a drug for another purpose than

what it is intended for
Drug use

Proper use of drugs

Drugs are taken in various forms namely

1 Liquid

2 Lotions

3 Ointments

4 Powders

12
5 Cake form,

Drugs are classified as legal and illegal

Ways of administering drugs

Drugs are taken /administered in various ways

- Infecting

- Inhaling / smoking

- Chewing

- Swallowing

- Drinking

- Sniffing / snuffing

Categories of drugs

a)Medicinal

b) Soft drugs

13
c) Hard / narcotic drugs

Types of drugs

1) Preventive drugs e.g. drugs to prevent polio, cholera, yellow

fever

2) Curative drugs – drugs that cure diseases

3) Sedatives, palliatives – drugs that alleviate pain, put patients to

sleep

e.g. drugs for diabetes, heart diseases, asthma, painkillers

4) Tranquillizers – drugs that relieve tension induce sleep e.g.

piriton, valium
5) Stimulants – drugs used to increase physiological activity of a
particular organ. They arouse the activity of the central nervous
system / senses.

14
6) Volatile drugs – these drugs intoxicate the user, they are
derived from petroleum products paint thinners dry cleaning
fluids glue etc.
stimulants and volatile drugs classified as soft drugs.

7) Hard drugs or narcotic drugs

These are highly addictive drugs. The body forms dependence

on these drugs. These drugs affect the mind causing drowsiness;
sleep, stupor and they are the most commonly abused drugs.
Examples are

Cocaine
- From coca leaves

- Its highly addictive

- Causes mental problems

- Can lead to death on overdose

-A very expensive drug

Other side effects are confusion, Convulsions, circulatory

collapse and rapid heart beat

15
 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.

- Users become aggressive excited or high

- Bhang changes perception of space, time and reality

- It causes drowsiness and irresponsible behavior

- Its side effects causes people to be engaged in criminal activities

e.g. robbery with violence as it gives changes in perception
-

- Morphine

It’s used to suppress pain clinically

- Its addictive

- Its derived from cocaine

- Used as local aesthetic

Heroine

16
- 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

- Its expensive

- It causes respiratory problems

- Its depressive

- Withdrawal symptoms when heroine is not available are nausea,

vomiting, diarrhea and severe anxiety

Soft drugs

- Cigarette

- Alcohol

- Miraa / khat

Cigarette

17
- 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

18
5 The juice in miraa causes temporary excitement in the user when

ingested
6 Miraa makes the user to be irritable

Alcohol

- Alcohol is a drug 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.
- In African traditional society, alcohol was fermented and used
for

1. Medicinal value

2. Entertainment

3. Marriage celebrations

4. Beer parties given to visitors

- Excessive drinking was discouraged

- Drunk people were scorned or scolded

19
- Young people were not allowed to drink alcohol

- When alcohol is taken excessively it is abused

Alcohol abuse

- Alcohol can lead to body dependence or addiction

- Consequences of abusing alcohol are such as

(i) Squandering family resources

(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 foetus 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 /

20
AIDS

(ix) Can make a person cause accidents if driving under the

influence of alcohol or staggering on the road.

21
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 – when idle some turn to alcohol and drug use

(iii) Addiction

(iv) Boredom

(v) Bad examples from adults

(vi) Availability of drugs in the Kenyan market

(vii) Negative peer pressure

(viii) Experimentation then addiction

(ix) Media influence

(x) Societal permissiveness

(xi) Urbanization

(xii) Pressure of work

(xiii) Financial stress

22
(xiv) Globalization – foreign world influences

Effects of drug abuse

Drug abuse poses danger to the health of a person, affects family,

society in general. Effects of drug abuse are
A. Psychological problems – drugs are addictive. The body
becomes dependant on them. It cannot perform without the drugs.
It leads to depression, irritability, aggressiveness, paranoia, one
becoming afraid to face reality etc.

B. 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 C. Illusion –
users do not face reality
D. 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

23
E. Economic problems

Drugs are expensive. Abuse leads to depletion of family resources

leading to poverty
F. Loss of job and income

G. Social problems

Abuse of drugs leads to family conflicts, leading to separation,

divorce, family quarrels fights and even murder (domestic
violence)
H. Accidents

I. Frustrations

J. Poor performance in school work

K. Death

People die out of drug abuse. An over dose of heroin, cocaine

kills.

Alcohol can lead to a blackout, this affects the brain

24
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 Programme 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.
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

25
CHRISTIAN CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING THE USE OF

LEISURE

Criteria – criterion – a principle or standard for judging

something. How does a Christian determine whether a certain
leisure activity is lawful, acceptable before God – criteria for
evaluating the use of leisure? 1) Christians, should engage in
leisure activities which promote their respect and dignity they
should socialize with people who are morally upright (bad
company corrupts good morals)
2) God ordains leisure hence it should serve God’s purpose.

3) Leisure should come after work

4) Leisure should be used for the good of others. The activities that

are harmful to others should be avoided

5) Activities chosen should enrich their knowledge of God

6) Activities should provide service to others

7) Leisure doesn’t mean laziness

A Christian should not engage in a harmful activity to self but

those that promote respect and dignity

26
9) Christians to avoid activities that lead to sin or to
addiction 10) They should perform an activity which
develop their physical emotional social and spiritual well
being 11) Leisure should be enjoyed with moderation
12) Activities for leisure should be moral, within the laws of God
and pleasing to good.

Revision questions
1. Identify five (5) reasons why the taking of alcohol as a way of
spending leisure is condemned
2. Write down five ways in which modern Christians use their
leisure time

3. Give five ways in which drug use and abuse could affect a
Christian 4. Identify ways in which Christians can overcome
temptations to drug use and abuse
5(a). Why is leisure important in the life of a Christian?

5(b). What factors have contributed to the misuse of leisure in

Kenya?

6. State the factors that have led to the misuse of drugs in Kenya

27
 CHRISTIANS APPROACHES TO WEALTH, MONEY
AND POVERTY

DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPTS WEALTH, MONEY

AND POVERTY

a) Wealth: – accumulation…

-Accumulation of materials owned by an individual, family or a

group of people. Wealth is property that has economic value e.g.
land, animals, money, valuable possessions such as jewellery,
commercial and residential buildings etc.
Ways of acquiring wealth

Inheritance

Business

Commercial farming

Salaried Jobs

Investment of money in financial institution

Provision of commercial services

28
 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. It is usually in form of coins or notes. Good
monetary media (money) has certain qualities.
Qualities of money

• It should be acceptable

• It should be fairly stable

• Easy to divide into small units

• Easy to carry

• Should be relatively scarce

• It should be durable

• Its value should be maintained through proper control of its

circulations Money is a measure of wealth. What it can purchase
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

29
(Europe), Yen (Japan) Etc

c) Poverty

State of being without adequate basic necessities of life e.g. food,

shelter, clothing

It’s a state of helplessness. It is characterized by poor health,

hunger, and lack of education facilities, uncared for environment.
Causes of poverty

a. Adverse climatic conditions (Geographical factors)

b. Poor family background (historical and social factors)

c. Political stability leading to civil wars

d. Poor governance

e. Regional imbalance of natural resources

f. Low level of technology

g. Laziness

h. Over dependence on foreign aid

30
 THE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF

WEALTH AND POVERTY

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 was acquired in various ways.

(i) As a gift from God

Most Africans believe that wealth is a blessing from God.

(ii) Inheritance

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.
(iii) Bride wealth

(iv) Farming

(v) Exploitation of natural resources – honey, wood for carving,

building materials etc
(vi) Trade

31
African communities were involved in barter trade where they
exchanged good and services
(vii) Raids – wealth was also acquired by raiding other
communities – goats, sheep, Cattle.
- People were encouraged to work hard to acquire wealthy honesty

- Wealthy people were highly regarded and were considered for

leadership position
- Wealth was incomplete without a family

Poverty

Poverty was viewed as punishment or curse for wrongdoing.

Other causes of poverty according to African Traditional Society

were: - •

Laziness

• Lack of inheritance

• Raids by other communities

• Famine

• Natural calamities

32
• Sickness – rendering the individual weak to acquire wealth - In
acquiring wealth, principles such as value for human life, mutual
responsibility, and sharing, communal ownership were
emphasized. - Places that were communal include grazing land,
rivers, and watering places
- Laziness was ridiculed through songs, riddles and proverbs.

33
IMPACTS OF THE INTRODUCTION OF MONEY
ECONOMY IN

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY

Introduction

- Money was introduced to Africa by the Europeans

- Before colonial period, Africans practiced barter trade – actual

goods exchanged with other goods e.g. animals would be
exchanged with food grains, millet, sorghum, cowpeas, children
exchanged for food during famine.
- Trade merchants from Asia had introduced into Africa forms of
currency such as the cowry shells, gold and the Indian rupees.
Europeans introduced currency still used today
Economy: – careful management of resources, finances, income
and expenditure of a family, a business enterprise, community or
a country.

The economy of a country is to be well managed if it has the

ability to meet the social economic needs of her members.

34
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

1) Colonization brought a lot of changes such as unoccupied land

declared

‘Crown land’ for colonialists. 2) Tax introduction

Africans were supposed to pay taxes to the government. Taxes

were paid in form of money.
3) Introduction of formal education School fees was introduced.
Fees were paid in form of money.
4) Introduction of modern medical services People paid medical
services using money.
5) Emergence of new lifestyles

35
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
1) Introduction of wage – labor

2) Break up of family ties as people migrated from rural to urban

areas in search of employment
3) African land taken by the colonialists, reducing people to
squatters hence need to work
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
36
conditions Production of traditional food crops declined replaced
by cash crops. 9) Individual ownership of land was emphasized.
Land could be sold at will
10) There was increase of rural – urban migration leaving the rural

people less educated.

11) Exploitation of the poor by the rich – poor wages, overcharging

prices on foods.

12) Destruction of the natural environment to create room for

building projects, urban centers
13) The cost of living increased. Almost everything is acquired by
money.

37
THE CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON WEALTH, MONEY,
POVERTY

Teaching on wealth

1) Wealth is a blessing from God

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.

38
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.

39
Christian 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

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

40
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.

1
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.

2. 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’

2
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

3
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.

4
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

5
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

6
9) Report errant members of the society to law enforcement
agents

10) protect the environmental – clean, plant trees, avoid poaching

etc

7
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

8
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.

9
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.

10
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

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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

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 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

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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

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- 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

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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.

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- 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

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- 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

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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.

19
Revision questions
1. State ways in which Christians can promote peace/unity in the
society

2. Why should Christians take part in voting?

20
CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO SELECTED ISSUES
RELATED TO MODERN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND
ENVIRONMENT

DEFINITIONS

Science – subject field that deals with a systematic

study of our surroundings and behavior of materials in
the universe It is based on observation,
experimentation and measurement.
Technology – application of science to achieve desired
objectives. Environment – our surroundings – both natural and
human made i.e. mountains, lakes, land, forests, animals,
buildings, flowers etc

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY

Ways science and technology has improved human lives:

1) Improvement of crop production – a quality seeds, fertilizers

leading to improved yields
2) Better nutrition, health care, medical services

1
3) Improvement of livestock production through artificial
insemination, quality medicine leading to more milk
production.
4) It has led to development of efficient means of transport –
land, air, seas

5) Work has been made easier and enjoyable. There is use of

machines, automation, and use of computers.
6) People’s lives have been spared, saved e.g. through life saving
machines (ICU), incubators
7) Business transactions are being done through the internet

Communication has been made easy – fax, email, short text

messages on mobile phones etc
9) Research is ongoing for incurable diseases i.e. HIV / AIDS,
cancer

10) There is better management of environment

11) Technology has made the world a global village

12) Through family planning methods, it’s easier to control

population growth

2
13) There’s a better security system through use of scanners,
alarms, electrified fences etc.
14) Improvement of learning through e–learning

15) There’s easier movement from one country to another

Negative effects of science and technology

1. People use medicine to commit suicide

2. Increase of crime, fraud and death through modern means of

communication
3. Destruction of family relationships

4. Breakdown of community names, values morals, breakdown

of familyes 5. Terrorism
6. Greed for money / materialism

7. Unemployment – replacement of personnel by machines

8. Health hazards such as accidents in factories

9. Pollution, air poisoning

3
CHRISTIAN VIEW ON ISSUES RELATED TO SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY.
a. Euthanasia

b. Blood transfusion

c. Organ transplant

d. Genetic engineering

e. Plastic surgery

Euthanasia

It’s a Greek word, which means an easy and painless death. It is

‘mercy killing’ ending a person’s life so as to alleviate them
from experiencing pain.
Its practiced with the sick person’s knowledge

It is involuntary when it’s practiced against or without the sick

person’s consent It’s done by
a) Injecting an overdose of sleeping pills to the sick person

b) Switching off life support machine

c) Exposing the person with chronic pneumonia to very cold air.

4
Christians view on Euthanasia

Christians are opposed to euthanasia for several reasons such as

a) Life is sacred; a gift from God and only God can take away
human life

b) Suffering is part of human life

c) Euthanasia is against medical ethos, which demands that

doctors and nurses work for the sustenance of human life and
alleviation of suffering but not to terminate it.
d) Jesus has power over sickness and through his name all
sickness are healed
e) Accepting euthanasia discourages medical research on
vaccines that may cure various diseases.
f) Euthanasia discourages patients and makes them to lose hope
in life.

They may feel unwanted and rejected.

5
Blood transfusion

- It’s the process of injecting a person’s blood into another

person through his/her veins. The giver is a donor the receiver is
a recipient.
Reasons for blood transfusion

1. When a person is suffering from acute anemia (little blood in

the body) low blood level.
2. To restore blood lost during fatal accidents, wars, or childbirth

3. To maintain blood levels for patients undergoing major

operations

4. To correct the low hemoglobin level of some patients

5 Blood has to be screened for any diseases, and then kept in

blood bank after determining the blood group. The transfusion
should be in a hygienic way. The equipment used should be
sterilized
5. Donors should not be below 16 years or above 65 years

6
Alternatives to blood transfusion

a) Volume expanders – increase fluid levels in the body

b) Growth factors – intra operative / post operative

c) Blood salvage – same blood when on surgery is saved then

transfused back to the patient
Christian view on blood transfusion

a) Some Christian’s believe it is wrong to take blood from a

healthy person and transfuse it to another person.
b) Blood is life and life cannot be taken from one person to
another

c) Blood transfusion is essential as it saves life

d) Blood transfusion can transmit dangerous diseases like HIV /

AIDS and

Hepatitis B

e) God has given Christians the intelligence and capability to

make the right decision and choice

7
Organ transplant

- This is the removal of a defective organ and replacing it with a

healthy one. Body organs transplanted are kidneys, heart and
eyes small intestines, pan crease.
- The purpose is to replace the damaged organ of a recipient

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

a) It saves life hence acceptable to some

b) Its transferring human life from one person to another

c) It’s wrong to transplant from animals – view by some

Christians

d) Some support organ transplant by referring to the story of

creation of

Eve from parts of Adam

e) It is part of human beings continuing with the creation work of

God.

8
f) It is an expression of love and concern for those suffering as
taught by Jesus Christ.

Genetic engineering

- It’s a scientific technique used by scientists to change the

biological characteristics of living organisms by deliberately
altering the structure of individual genes.
- There are genetically modified foods, genetically
engineered seeds, test tube babies, human clones, and genes of
human insulin.

Human cloning

This is a form of genetic engineering. It’s a creation of

genetically identical copy of a human being, human cell.
Twins are a form of natural cloning

There’s therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning (human

cloning)

Therapeutic cloning is when cells from an adult are used in

creating medicine or for research

9
 Reproduction cloning is the making of human beings
More than 90% of cloning has failed.
Animals cloned have died young, had cancers or arthritis.

Human cloning is illegal worldwide

Genetic cells are used to treat Alzheimer, heart attack, cancer

Test tube babies are different from human cloning. Test tube
babies are where the egg and sperm is fused together outside the
body.

In cloning, a needle like device is used to draw out the cells

from an embryo, then preserved using chemicals, then put in a
womb/uterus to grow. Some do not need a sperm cell; they use
other body cells for fertilization.

Reasons for advocating human cloning

Can clone people whose genetic composition is of a genius,

people with special abilities or talents
Can be able to bring, revive back great extinct characteristics.

Those who support it believes it can reduce immorality

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Reasons against human cloning

1. God is the sole creator. Cloning takes the place of God.

2. It de –humanizes human beings purpose of human

reproduction

3. It destroys uniqueness of each individual (Cloning is an exact

copy)

4. It can be abused and used to create antisocial people (rapists,

thieves)

5. May create deformed people

6. Its un-ethical, immoral experiment. Its destruction of the

embryo hence abortion
7. 95% of clones have failed (animal) most animals died

8. It’s illegal

9. Closed animals died of cancer, had arthritis, deformities and

an early death
10. Cloning may bring a destructive copy of humans

11
Advantages of genetic engineering

1. Implanting genes that are diseases free in people, plant and

animals could prevent diseases. 2. Genetic crops yield more
3. Helps to determine the biological parent in case of dispute on
babies

(DNA)

4. Helps to increase disease resistance in crops and altering

animal traits in plants and animals
5. Assists in classifying blood during screening before it’s
transfused to another person.

Christian view of genetic engineering

1. Christians support genetic engineering that is beneficial to

human beings e.g. Cure of genetic diseases, production of
drugs, plant and animals
2. Human beings are made in God’s image and are loved by God
with or without defects.

12
3. The dignity of the human being is eroded or disregarded and
should be upheld.
4. Christians oppose cloning and test tube babies

5. it’s against God’s will or teaching

Plastic surgery

- It’s to change or mould the shape of something, to enhance or

restore an area of the body
- It’s repairing or improving of damaged, diseased or
unsatisfactory shaped parts of the body with pieces of skin or
bone taken from other parts of the body.
- Skin grafting is the most common type of plastic surgery

- Plastic surgery is done on cleft lips i.e. cosmetic surgery, breast

surgery – reduction or enlargement, surgery done to look
younger.

13
Reasons for plastic surgery

- It can help restore ones confidence or self – esteem

- It enhances beauty, attractiveness or youthfulness

- It enhances a person’s life and can be a life changing procedure

- It may help a person to get a new job

Disadvantages

- Its expensive

- Can lead to transmission of diseases

Christian views on plastic surgery

- Some support it, as it has some benefits

- Some Christian oppose plastic surgery in order to look younger

- Some argue that some people do it because of a lack of self –
acceptance, low self esteem hence should work on such issues
first.

14
THE CHRISTIAN VIEW ON THE EFFECTS OF
MODERN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON THE
ENVIRONMENT

(POLLUTION, DESERTIFICATION)

In Genesis 1, man was given the responsibility of taking care of

the environment
Ways of taking care of the environment

1. Cleaning up the environment, clean up rivers

2. Educating people on the importance of conservation

3. Dispose industrial wastes properly

4. Enforce use of environment – friendly fuel (unleaded fuel)

5. Factory owners to supply protective wear to factory workers

6. Planting of trees and flowers

7. Establishing airports, industries, and disco clubs away from

residential areas.
8. Advocate for laws to be passed to minimize noise from
vehicles, aircrafts, and entertainment centers.
9. Waste to be managed through

15
 Reuse e.g. bottles

Recycle plastic bottles to be recycled to plastic bins, old

newspapers to be recycled to tissue papers.
Recover – burning waste products to produce electricity

Waste can be managed to reduce use of ‘Throw away’ goods e.g.

batteries to use of electricity.

POLLUTION AND ITS EFFECTS

Its introduction into the environment of substances or energy

that is liable to cause hazards to human health, harm to living
resources and ecological systems
In simple terms pollution is the contamination of the
environment. Substances that cause pollution are called
pollutants. Some of the pollutants include; Industrial affluent
Pesticides

Insecticides

Fertilizers

Ultra – violet rays from nuclear plants

16
 Dust

Smoke

Noise

Waste heat

Exhaust gases from automobiles

Types of pollution
a) Water pollution
p) Air pollution
q) Land pollution

r) Radiation pollution

s) Sound pollution (noise)

Water pollution

This is the increase of substances in water in excess of its

rightful chemical components thus making it unsuitable for
human, animal or plant use.
- Disposing domestic and industrial waste into rivers, lakes, seas
etc pollutes water.

17
- Disposing agricultural chemicals pesticides into water bodies.

- Oil spilling into waters

- Poor sanitation bathing or washing clothes in rivers or dams

Effects of water pollution

a. Causes diseases, which are communicable such as cholera,

typhoid, and dysentery.
b. Leads to death of marine life – birds (Flamingo) fish by oil
spills

c. Mercury (metal) leads, silver are poisonous. They kill

organisms.

d. Water becomes unfit for human consumption

Air pollution

- Presence of contaminants in the atmosphere caused by a.

Smoke

b. Fumes

18
c. Dust – from mines, quarries

- When there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere that’s pollution
- Other major atmospheric pollutants include gases such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), and sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen Oxide (NO) i.e. fumes from vehicles, aircrafts, and
industries

Effects

(i) Leads to diseases such as bronchitis, asthma

(ii) Leads to depletion of the Ozone layer leading to ultra – violet

rays of the sun penetrating to the earth causing skin cancer,
cataracts (eye problems), and low plant yields.
(iii) Causes rusting of roofs

(iv) Causes acid rains

(v) Carbon dioxide (02) in the atmosphere has led to global

warming.

19
(vi) Formation of smog (thick fog), which can lead to accidents.
(vii) Colored rain due to large amounts of dust in the atmosphere
(viii) Eyesight loss due to gas leakages from industrial plants.

Land pollution

Land pollution is any physical or chemical alteration to land,

which causes change in its use and renders it incapable of
beneficial use without treatment.

- Improper or excessive use of insecticides, pesticides makes

land acidic - Land is also polluted by improper disposal of
waste / garbage, broken glasses.

Effects
(i) Waste is an eye sore spoiling the beauty of the environment

(ii) Broken glass can lead to injuries

(iii) Open mining leaves pits, which are a danger to people and
animals.

20
Noise pollution

- Experienced especially in urban centers, near roads, running

water, mining areas, airports, music from bars, nightclubs etc.
- An instrument called sound meter measures noise. The lowest
unit is O Decitel, which is okay. More than 80 decibels is
harmful to the ear. Noise over 80 decibels can cause (effects)
- Deafness, hearing problems

- Psychological disorders – frustrations, irritation

- Insomnia

- Shock due to sudden noise

- Cracking of walls

Noise can be minimized by

Construction of sound proof buildings

Location of residential areas away from industries, airports,

bars, main roads

Banning of unnecessary hooting, playing of loud music in

public vehicles
Installing silencers in generators

21
 Education people on the effects of noise pollution

Pollution caused by radiation

Mainly in developed countries

-Atomic explosions e.g. Hiroshima / Nagasaki in Japan in 1945.

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

22
DESERTIFICATION

This is slow encroachment of desert – like a condition to land

that was previously productive making it desolate, uncultivatable
and uninhabitable. Human activity accelerates creation of
deserts.
Causes of deserts

1. Natural

a) Persistent rains in a semi – arid area

b) Exposure of an area to very high, very cold temperatures

c) Inadequate rainfall for a long period of time 2. Human

Human activities that lead to desertification are

(i) Cutting down of trees (deforestation) for land use such as

building, industries, and not replacing them.
(ii) Use of water from wells to irrigate land. Its harmful
especially salty water – salt on soil salination is toxic to soils.
(iii) Incorrect use of pesticides and fertilizers destroy soil
nutrients.

23
(iv) Industrialization – industries emit carbon dioxide (CO2)
leading to formation of acid rain, which leads to unproductive
land hence desertification
(iv) Overgrazing especially among the pastoralist
communities (vi) Poor farming methods like cultivation on
riverbanks and slopes, which causes soil erosion, leading to
desertification.

SOLUTIONS TO DESERTIFICATION

Land can be restored through the following ways;

(i) Removal of people, livestock from certain areas e.g. forests

(ii) Installation of good drainage systems

(iii) Reduction of water logging / salination

(iv) Use of alternative sources of fuel such as wind, solar, biogas

instead of cutting down trees to use as fuel (charcoal)
(v) Advocate for penalties to those who pollute the environment
– factories

(vi) Replace trees that are cut down

24
(vii) Build water storage facilities to store rain water then use it
for irrigation
(viii) Educate people on the importance of the environment

(ix) Use of manure instead of harmful fertilizers

Emulate Prof. Wangari Maathai implanting trees – 8th October

2004 she was awarded the Nobel peace prize, an international
award, for her efforts in preserving the environment.

Revision questions

1. How can modern Christians evaluate scientific and

technological discoveries?
2. Why is the church in Kenya opposed to plastic surgery?

3. How has science and technology improved human life?

4. What are the consequences of science and technology in our

society?

25