FORM FOUR TOPICS 4-7 AND ANSWERS
Topic Four: Christians Approaches to Leisure
Learning Outcomes:By the end of the topic, you should be able to
a Explain the meaning of leisure
b Discuss the traditional African understanding of leisure
c Discuss Christian teaching on leisure
d Discuss the importance of leisure
e Outline various forms and uses of leisure
f Explain how leisure is misused in the society today
g Discuss the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and their effects
h Explain Christian criteria for evaluating the use of leisure
· Christian criteria for evaluating the use of leisure
Lesson One: 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
Active leisure – there is use of physical energy
Examples of activities of passive leisure are
- Watching television
- Reading story books
- Playing video games
- Chatting with friends
Examples of activities of active leisure are
- Jogging
- Mountain climbing
- Gardening
- Dancing
- Tree planting
- Playing football
Leisure is used for
- Enjoyment
- Entertainment – song, dance, watching movies etc
- Relaxation – exercises
- Socialization – sharing, education
- Religious engagement – wedding ceremonies, visiting the sick, worship
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.
leisure activities are addictive while others are unproductive.
- Leisure activities should be planned for
- Leisure activities can also be economic, income generating activities.
Lesson Two: Traditional African Understanding of Leisure
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to: -
1.Define leisure according to the traditional African understanding
2. State the various forms of communal leisure 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
- 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
o Work in African society included fishing, tilling the land, herding, hunting, harvesting
· Most leisure activities in traditional African society were active form of leisure, communal, not individualistic and not for monetary gains
· All forms of leisure had an educational value. Folk stories had a moral value.
People were taught not to be selfish, greedy jealousy etc Myths and legends tell of the origin of the community and its history of important people as well as history of the community.
· In African traditional society, leisure led to acquisition of values or virtues such as co – operation, sharing, solidarity, love, bravery, empathy, endurance, tolerance etc. o 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
Lesson Three: Christian Teaching on Leisure
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Describe the Christian teachings on work
2. State the various ways that Christians use their 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
e) Jesus recognized the need for rest by withdrawing his disciples from their active ministry. Its good to have time alone for reflection, rest, visit friend etc. 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
· Reading the bible
· Praying etc
Lesson Four: Important Use and Misuse of Leisure
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State the importance of leisure
2. List the ways that leisure can be used properly
3. Describe how leisure is misused today
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 fulfilment (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 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 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. Its an opportunity for individual growth
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 form of leisure worldwide.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Lesson Five: Drug Abuse and Its Effects- Alcohol, Soft and Hard Drugs Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson, you should be able to: -
1. Define the terms drug, drug use, drug abuse
2. State the different ways that drugs are administered
3. List the various categories of drugs
4. List the different types of drugs
5. Describe the various effects of different 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 Liquids
2 Lotions
3 Ointment
4 Powder
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
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.
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
· Bhang / Marijuana
- A plant of Indian hemp
- Also called marijuana, Hashish, Cannabis, 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 behaviour
- Its side effects causes people to be engaged in criminal activities e.g.
robbery with violence as it gives changes in perception
· Morphine
Its used to suppress pain clinically
- Its addictive
- Its derived from cocaine
- Used as local aesthetic
· Heroine
- Its pain relieving
- Highly addictive
- Powder heated in foil paper, vapour forms hence smoked referred to as” chasing the dragon”
- Also called brown sugar
- Its injected and inhaled
- An overdose can lead to death
- its expensive
- It causes respiratory problems
- Its depressive
- Withdrawal symptoms when heroine is not available are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe anxiety
· Soft drugs
- Cigarette
- Alcohol
- Miraa / khat
Cigarette
- Made from tobacco - Cigarettes contain a) Nicotine – a highly addictive substance.
b) Carbon monoxide, which damages arteries heart and lungs c) Tar – black substance which promotes cancer of the throat, heart and lungs Cigarettes are legal drugs in Kenya.
Pregnant women may miscarry or terminate the pregnancy if they smoke.
Leads to chest respiratory diseases poor blood circulation Leads to destructive fires due to carelessness
Miraa / khat
1 Plants / legally in Kenyan, and other parts of the world
2 They are chewed
3 Causes temporary excitement
4 Makes one loose appetite for food and sex
5 The juice in miraa causes temporary excitement in the user when ingested
6 Miraa makes the user to be irritable
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
- 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 behaviour such as fights, violence
(viii) One is vulnerable to risky behaviour – a drunk person is unable to make proper decisions hence vulnerable to sexual infections such as HIV / AIDS
(ix) Can make a person cause accidents if driving under the influence of alcohol or staggering on the road.
Lesson Six: Causes of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Reasons Why People Abuse Alcohol and Drugs)
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State and explain the effects of drugs
2. State and explain the causes of drug use and abuse
(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
(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 weakens 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
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 heroine, cocaine kills. Alcohol can lead to a blackout, this affects the brain.
Lesson Seven: Remedies to Drug Abuse Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to:-
1. List down the various remedies to drug use and 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 counselling
Religious teachings – all religious condemn the abuse of drugs Family values to be promoted. Parents should set good examples to their children Every individual to cultivate individual values.
Respect their body and take care of their bodies Rehabilitation of drug users / abusers
Lesson Eight: Christian Criteria for Evaluating the Use of Leisure
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Describe the Christian’s 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 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
Topic Five: Christians Approaches to Wealth, Money and Poverty Learning Outcomes:By the end of this topic, you should be able to: -
a. Define the concepts wealth, money and poverty
b. Explain and appreciate the traditional African understanding of wealth and poverty
c. Describe the impact of the introduction of money economy in the traditional African society.
d. Explain Christian teachings on money, wealth and poverty
e. Discuss Christians approached to some issues related to wealth money and poverty
f. Uphold the Christian principles in acquiring and using wealth
Lesson One: 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
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 (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
Lesson Two: the Traditional African Understanding Of Wealth and Poverty
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the terms wealth and poverty according to the traditional African understanding
2. State the various ways in which wealth was acquired in traditional African communities
3. List the causes of poverty in tradition African communities Wealth
In African traditional societies wealth was measured in terms of the amount of land, livestock, grains, wives, children possessed by an individual or the community.
Wealth was acquired in various ways.
(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
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
• 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.
Lesson Three: Impacts of the Introduction of Money Economy in Traditional African Society
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define economy, development and money economy
2. Explain the reasons for the introduction of money
3. Explain the impact of money economy in traditional African society
Introduction
- Money was introduced to Africa by the Europeans
- Before colonial period, Africans practiced barter trade – actual goods exchanged with other goods e.g.
animals would be exchanged with food grains, millet, sorghum, cowpeas, children exchanged for food during famine.
- Trade merchants from Asia had introduced into Africa forms of currency such as the cowrie shells, gold and the Indian rupees. Europeans introduced currency still used today
Economy:
– careful management of resources, finances, income and expenditure of a family, a business enterprise, community or a country.
The economy of a country is to be well managed if it has the ability to meet the social economic needs of her members.
Development
It’s measured by the healthy of its economy in the provision of health, education, housing, sanitation, employment, 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 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 – labour
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 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 centres.
13) The cost of living increased. Almost everything is acquired by money.
Lesson Four: the Christian Teaching on Wealth, Money, Poverty
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Explain the Christian teachings on wealth
2. Explain the Christian teachings on 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, needy.
5) Wealth is not permanent e.g. parable of the rich fool. When people die, they take nothing with them.
Naked into the world, naked out of the world. Job. 1:21
6) Wealth can create a false sense of independence feeling of self reliance no need for God.
7) Wealth should be obtained justly – no happiness for a person who gets riches in the wrong way.
Wrong attitude to wealth can lead to idolatry and other dangers. Matt.19: 23 – 24 danger of materialism – making riches their God, the love of money is the root of all evil (1 timothy 6:10)
9) It is wrong to discriminate against others on the basis of material possessions. Jesus associated with the rich, the poor, the sick etc.
10) Seek spiritual wealth, which is permanent and more fulfilling than material wealth, which is transitory – temporal. Matt 6:19 – 20)
11) Acknowledge God as the source of ones 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.
Christian teaching on poverty
1) Christian teachings discourage irresponsible behaviour 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
Lesson Five: Christian Approaches / Response to Issues Related to Wealth and Money.
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Describe the Christian’s response towards wealth and poverty
2. State the factors causing poverty
3. Describe how wealth/ resources can be distributed fairly Christian can respond by
A. Insistence on fair distribution of wealth
B. Fighting against bribery and corruption
C. Using life skills
D. Practicing Christian values
Introduction
- Affluence – having a lot of material possessions and a luxurious standard of living. Poverty is a state of lack of the basic necessities.
- Illegal means of acquiring wealth include fraud, grabbing public land, selling narcotic drugs etc
Factors that have contributed to poverty
1. Political instability
2. Lack of formal education
3. Laziness
4. Negative attitude towards work – choosing jobs
5. Historical factors – colonization lack of land
6. Exporting unprocessed agricultural products cheaply then sold back expensively.
A. Fair distribution of wealth / resources
a) Christians to promote the value of justice, fairness, social responsibility.
How? By having anti – corruption crusades, be role models, teach or import skills, advocate for cancellation of foreign debts, taxation to all etc.
b) Fair salaries.
c) Promotion of affordable and decent housing.
d) Favourable terms of loans.
e) Encourage Jua Kali artisans
f) Christians to demand transformation of society through implementation of just economic policies that can ensure fair distribution of wealth.
g) Encourage foreign investors through good infrastructure, incentives e.g. shorter process to register business, security.
h) Christian to encourage investments by churches and inculcate in people the values of hard work, proper time management free education free health care for the poor or needy.
Fair distribution of wealth / resources refers to jobs, infrastructure, hospitals, water, agricultural products etc.
Lesson Six: Bribery and Corruption
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the following terms bribery and corruption
2. Explain the factors that contribute to bribery and corruption
3. Explain the consequences of bribery and corruption
Fighting against bribery and corruption
Bribery and corruption are related terms.
Corruption: – practice of giving a bribe in the form of money, goods or privileges in return for a service.
Bribery: – act of giving money, material goods or services to someone to influence the recipient to give underserved favour.
It is aimed at influencing a decision to favour.
Bribery is a form of corruption.
- Corruption is some kind of moral degeneration.
A practice whereby someone uses his/her influence in an activity that is not morally acceptable.
- Example of corruption include promotion by a senior for a favour, colluding to miss work, use of government vehicles to attend to personal matters.
In Kenya, Kenya Anticorruption commission KACC is a national body formed to fight corruption.
Factors leading to bribery and corruption
1. Un-employment – one will bribe to secure employment
2. Greed for money – caused by peer pressure, poor moral values, wrong ethical foundation about money etc.
3. Fear – fear of being imprisoned
4. Ignorance – giving bribes in form of gifts
5. Disintegration of traditional African values
6. Lack of moral integrity – no Christian values, one having no spiritual basis
7. Frustration in the place of work
8. A perverted conscience
Consequences of corruption and bribery
1. Leads to injustice
2. Leads to incompetent supplies of goods or services being awarded hefty contracts – leads to poor services e.g. road construction
3. Poor infrastructure, poor public service delivery
4. Leads to undermining moral fabric of society – leading to social hopelessness and despair
5. Has led to lack of trust in public servants, and the government 6. Discontentment among people.
7. Degrades the personality of an individual
8. Can lead to imprisonment and lose of job
Lesson Seven: Christian Attitude Towards Bribery And Corruption
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Describe the Christian attitude towards bribery and corruption
2. Define the following terms life skills, decision making, critical thinking, creative thinking, self esteem and assertiveness
3. List the steps involved in decision making
2. Bribes cause injustice proverbs 17:23
3. Seen as morally wrong as they negatively affect one’s family 4. Jesus drove out merchants from the temple. They had started exploitation of the poor.
5. Condemned because it degrades the personality of an individual
6. Amos condemned taking and giving of bribes
7. Bribes blinds the eyes
In the parable of John the Baptist condemned soldiers from taking bribes Corrupt judge and the widow, corruption is condemned.
8. Christians are to live righteously and not give bribes or receive. They are the light of the world.
9. Money gained from corruption is not acceptable before God.
C Using life skills
Life skills are abilities, which enable a person to face the challenges of life in an effective way they are
· Decision making
· Critical thinking
· Creative thinking
· Self esteem
· Assertiveness
a. Decision making
Process of identifying the best alternative to overcome a challenge encountered.
Often decisions we make do not only affect us but those around us.
Steps to decision – making
1. Identify the challenge (problem) what’s the problem? What is bothering you?
2. Understand the challenge / problem: – What is really bothering you?
3. Find out possible solutions
4. Find out the possible options and alternatives
5. Consider the possible consequences for each option
6. Select the best option
7. Implement
8. Evaluate the outcome of the action
b. Critical thinking
g. Ability to examine and assess a given situation impartially or objectively.
It involves reasoning carefully.
Getting detailed information, consider the option before making a decision.
Critical thinking
makes a person responsible for their actions.
c. Creative thinking
This is the act or practice of using ideas imaginatively to solve a problem
d. Self-esteem
- This is the regard one has about himself or herself. Self-esteem can be low or high, positive or negative.
A positive or high self-esteem person has confidence, is outgoing, social, appreciates self, realistic and independent.
- A person with low, negative self-esteem is naïve, withdrawn, shy, feels inadequate, and no selfconfidence.
e. Assertiveness
Ability to express ones feelings and wishes without hurting others.
Assertive people are confident; direct in dealing with others assertive people have a high self-esteem.
Lesson Eight: Christian Values Related to Wealth, Money, and Poverty.
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the terms, values, love. Honesty, reliability, fairness, justice, respect, humility, faithfulness, persistence and chastity.
2. State the values related to work Values – Beliefs, which guide people on what is right and wrong.
There are
- Social values
- Cultural values
- Moral values
Values related to wealth are: -
- Love
- Honesty
- Reliability
- Fairness
- Justice
- Respect
- Faithfulness
- Humility
- Persistence
- Chastity
Love – intense emotion of attachment, affection, warmth, fondness, regard for a person or something How should love guide a Christian in relation to wealth creation
? Honesty – quality of being truthful, fair trustworthy, sincere, genuine. The opposite of honesty is dishonesty.
Reliability
– being dependable, faithful, predictable, unfailing. The ability of being relied upon and keeping promises.
Fairness
– condition of being unbiased, free from discrimination. Justice – fair dealings with the people, as they deserve according to the law. Being fair, giving people what’s due to them. Opposite of justice is injustice.
Respect- Quality of having high regard for somebody or something. Politeness. It’s important to respect other people’s property.
Humility
– quality of not thinking that you are better than others. Being humble. Opposite of humility is pride, being proud.
Those who humble themselves shall be exalted.
Faithfulness
– quality of remaining loyal or true to someone. Christians should be faithful at their places of work and in allocating their wealth to God’s work.
Those who are entrusted with public resources to manage on behalf of the people should show a high degree of faithfulness.
Persistence
– quality to persevere. Quality to continue steadfastly, unrelentingly despite opposition e.g.
the unjust judge and widow, job =, Jeremiah are people who persisted.
Chastity
– a state of being pure, holy, innocent modest. It is abstinence from actions that may make one impure before God.
-Christians should strive hard not to defile their bodies in search of wealth
-Christians should strive to live holy lives, avoid prostitution, drug abuse;
corruption
-people use sexual favour to get jobs or promotion. Christians should thus avoid such.
Revision questions
1. Explain the biblical teaching on wealth
2. Discuss the biblical teaching on acquisition and use of wealth
3. Explain ways in which people misuse wealth in Kenya today
4. Show how misuse of wealth leads to family instability
5. Give ways in which the Kenyan government is alleviating the high levels of poverty
6. State the factors that have contributed to high levels of poverty in Kenya today
Topic Six: Approaches to Law, Order and Justice Learning Outcomes:By the end of the topic you should be able to:
a Define the terms ‘law’ ‘order’ and ‘justice’
b Describe the traditional African practices that promote law, order and justice.
c Explain the Biblical teaching on law, order and justice.
d Identify and evaluate the need for law, order and justice in the society.
e Explain the rights and duties of citizens.
f Explain the causes and remedies of social disorder.
g Evaluate the role of Christians in the transformation of the society.
h Discuss church-state relationship.
Lesson One: Definition of Terms
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the following terms law, order and justice
2. State the types of law
3. State the types of statutory laws
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 behaviour in the community Schools laws, religious laws, factory laws, hospital laws etc. laws differ from society to society.
Laws are dynamic. Laws cover all aspects of life.
B. Order
Condition brought about by obedience to set rules or laws. Order leads to peaceful co – existence in the society.
Where there is order, things are done systematically. The opposite of order is disorder.
Types of laws
1. Non – legal laws – no court action e.g. school rules
2. Customary traditional laws – based on culture, social traditions.
They have to agree with state laws.
They are respected by state.
3. Statutory laws / legal laws – laws made by local council or national government and citizens are expected to obey them.
Types of statutory laws
a) Civil laws – made by parliament on issues such as taxes, labour, divorce etc
b) Criminal law – on crime / punishment
c) Constitutional law – matters of state and governance
d) Company law
e) Religious laws e.g. Islamic law ‘sharia’
C. Justice
Treating others the way they deserve in relation to the law. Its administration of rightful dealings in a fair manner according to their actions.
A just society follows rules and administers legal action to those who offend others or disobey rules.
means treating people the same way without discrimination.
Lesson Two: Importance of Law, Order and Justice
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State the importance of law, order and justice
a) They are essential to preserve harmony and protect people
b) Laws guide people and ensure people’s rights are protected.
c) They protect people’s property and enable people to live in harmony
d) They protect the consumer from exploitation
e) They safeguard religious freedom
f) Laws control power of those in authority and promote political stability
g) Provides stability, encouraging economic growth
h) Helps to control discontentment among people
i) Helps implementation of taxes effectively
j) Provides / help in maintenance of security
k) Ensures human rights are upheld
l) Enables the government to protect its citizens from internal or external threats.
m) International law regulates relations between countries.
Lesson Three: Rights and Duties of Citizens
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able: -
1. Define the terms citizen, rights and duty
2. List the rights of citizens
3. State te duties/ responsibilities 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
8)Right to freedom of association
9) Right to freedom of assembly
10) Freedom of religion
11) Right to own property
12) Right to equality – non discrimination
13) Protection of freedom of expression and speech (own opinions, ideas) Children have rights e.g.
Right to life, education, parental care, health, protection from exploitation, right to identity etc.
Duties of citizens (responsibilities)
1) Pay taxes to the government
2) Respect the flag and national anthem
3) Respect those in authority
4) Respect the laws of the land
5) Register as a voter and voter in national elections
6) Be responsible at work
7) Participate in national development Promote peace and harmony in the society
9) Report errant members of the society to law enforcement agents
10) Protect the environmental – clean, plant trees, avoid poaching etc
Lesson Four: Traditional African Practices That Promote Law, Order, Justice
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State and explain the traditional African practices that promoted law, order and justice
Some of the practices that promote law, order and justice are
a) Punishment of offenders
People who committed offences such as stealing, murder, witchcraft were punished through death, curses, paying heavy fines etc. this promoted law, order, justice.
b) Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders
They were installed to maintain law, order and to execute justice in their areas of jurisdiction
c) Administration of oaths
- Administered by specialists and are used as a method of establishing and maintaining law and order
d) Making of covenants
- Covenants were made if there was a conflict between two communities. They would promise to live in peace and harmony.
e) Observing of taboos and customary law
Taboos were prohibitions. Those who went against taboos were severely punished
f) The kinship system
Defined how people related one to another
g) Rites of passage
Ensured customs, laws were adhered to
h) Religious practices
Such as praying, singing, sacrificing and giving of offerings had the effect of maintaining order.
Lesson Five: Biblical Teaching on Law, Order and Justice
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Describe the biblical teachings on law, order and justice God initiated Law, order, and justice.
1. God’s creation is orderly. God desires order
2. Man was created with a conscience to know right from wrong sin has consequences or punishment.
God does punish disobedience i.e. justice
3. God instituted the laws as part of his plan for salvation e.g. law of circumcision, Torah (10 commandments), circumcision of the heart, laws on what to eat etc.
4. God’s law governed kingship in Israel. National prosperity depended on a king’s ruler ship. Kings were to ensure law and order
5. In the New Testament John the Baptist urged people to observe the law (social justice).
6. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is based on law, order and justice. There should be fair treatment for all people.
7. Jesus said that the law of Moses was given to guide people.
8. Christians should obey the law of the land and respect those in authority.
9. The apostolic teachings stress the need for law, order, justice (1 Cro.14: 33)
10. Christians should be orderly.
11. The birth of Jesus was orderly. His ministry was also orderly hence should Christians.
Lesson Six: Causes of Social Disorder and Their Remedies
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State and explain the causes of social disorders
2. State the causes of discrimination
3. Explain the causes of crime
4. List the forms of punishment
Social disorder is a state of confusion or lack of order in the society Causes
1) Discrimination
2) Inequitable distribution of wealth, resources
3) Crime
4) Racism
5) Tribalism
6) Sexism
Discrimination
Discrimination is unfair treatment.
Discrimination is on basis of
- Race
- Tribe
- Sex / gender
People or a particular person is singled out and treated with disfavor or distaste.
It is showing bias or prejudice.
Causes of discrimination
a. Culture
b. Prejudice – bias original from opinions that have no known basis or supporting facts – stereotypes
c. Ignorance e.g. on HIV /AIDS
d. Social status – ones position in a society
Inequitable distribution of wealth and resources
- This is when riches of family, community, and nation are not fairly shared out due to Selfishness or poor planning.
Some areas are marginalized.
Racism – unfair treatment of people because of their race
Tribalism – discrimination on basis of ethnic group
Crime – an offence against state, normally settled in court. Its antisocial behaviour causing disorder.
Causes of crime (Why people commit crime)
1. Poverty
2. Public mistrust for law enforces
3. Lack of parental guidance
4. Wide gap between the rich and the poor
5. Greed for power, money
6. Materialism
7. Drug and substance abuse
Sexism
- Discrimination against people because of gender
- Women are discriminated in areas such as jobs, no promotion for women, oppression of women at home, cultural values demeaning the status of women, wife beating / men beating, female genital mutilation (FGM) early children marriages etc.
Remedies to social disorder
1) Rehabilitation for drugs users / abusers
2) Punishment for offenders of crime
Forms of punishment
- Imprisonment
- Payment of fines
- Corporal punishment
- Probation
- Being assigned community work
- Being placed under house arrest
- Learning in approved schools, Juvenile homes
3) Equitable distribution of national resources
- Develop marginalized areas
- Create jobs
4) Campaign against drug abuse
5) The public to use hot lines to report crime to police
6) Preach against racism, tribalism, and preach equality, freedom and interaction with all people
7) People to be sensitized to appreciate and respect different ethnics groups Promote national unity through education /cultural programmes
9) Creation of more national schools so as to have students from all backgrounds
10) Encourage domestic tourism
11) Enlighten women on their rights
12) Employment on merit
13) Rich countries to share wealth with the poor
Lesson Seven: Role of Christians in Transforming the Social, Economic, Political Life of The Society
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the term transformation
2. Describe Christian’s participation in social life
3. Describe Christian’s participation in political life
4. Describe Christian’s participation in economic life
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, universities providing educational services - Christians offer medical services to the society - They speak openly against sexual immorality, murder, bribery, corruption, abortion etc.
- They show compassion to those in need the poor, HIV / AIDS orphans, widows, widowers, aged etc.
- They offer guidance and counselling to dysfunctional families (the pastors, those trained to do counselling – almost all pastors get a training in guidance and counselling)
b) Christians participation in the political life
- Christians participate in the political life by advocating for fair distribution of wealth
- They offer prayers for government, political leaders
- They exercise their right by voting
- They also participating in the political life by standing up for elections (Vying for elections)
c) Christian participation in economic life
- Christians participate in economic life by paying taxes to the government
- By contributing in collection of funds for construction of churches, schools, hospitals
- They invest in business that promotes their own development as well as the development of the country.
- They provide financial resources in order to assist others to start economic activities or self employment.
- They discourage business practices such as using faulty scales, hiking of prices cheating in business etc and encourage proper acquisition of wealth.
d) The Church – State Relationship
The government and the church interact at various levels and in different areas
a) Religious leaders give advice to the state
b) The church speaks against corruption, robbery, rape, abortion, vices which the government is fighting
c) The church is the conscience of the state
d) Both educate the citizens on the constitution and their rights
e) The church preaches peace, love, unity, order
f) The state needs support of the church in mobilizing citizens to adopt government policies
g) Both are involved in rehabilitation of prisoners
h) The church builds schools and other institutions that supplement government institutions.
i) The church is involved in formulation of educational curriculum.
However the church differs with government on various issues such as a) Use of condoms (Some churches opposed to this)
b) Use of live bullets by the law enforces when curbing riots
c) Fight on corruption a thorn to the church since state leaders are involved
d) Issue of death penalty – church been fighting against death penalty to convicts
NB. The government lifted the death penalty as a form of punishment in the year 2009.
Revision questions
1.state ways in which Christians can promote peace/unity in the society
2. Why should Christians take part in voting?
Topic Seven: Christian Approaches to Selected Issues Related to Modern Science, Technology and Environment
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the topic, you should b able to:
1. Explain the Christian view on some issues related to modern science and technology
2. Explain the Christian view on the effects of modern science and technology on the environment
Lesson One: Definitions
Science
Subject field that deals with a systematic study of our surroundings and behaviour of materials in the universe
It is based on observation, experimentation and measurement.
Technology – application of science to achieve desired objectives.
Environment – our surroundings – both natural and human made i.e.
mountains, lakes, land, forests, animals, buildings, flowers etc
Lesson Two: Positive and Negative Effects of Science And Technology
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State the various ways that science and technology has improved our lives
2. State the 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
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, 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, its easier to control population growth
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 families
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
Lesson Three: Christian View on Issues Related to Science and Technology.
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the following terms euthanasia, blood transfusion, organ transplant, genetic engineering and plastic surgery
2. Describe Christians’ view on euthanasia, blood transfusion, organ transplant, human cloning, genetic engineering and plastic surgery.
3. State the reasons for and against euthanasia, blood transfusion, organ transplant, human cloning, genetic engineering and plastic surgery
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 its practiced against or without the sick person’s consent
· Its 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.
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.
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 haemoglobin 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
6. Donors should not be below 16 years or above 65 years
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
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) Its 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.
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
· 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.
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. It’s un-ethical, immoral experiment. Its destruction of the embryo hence abortion
7. 95% of clones have failed (animal) most animals died
8. Its illegal
9. Closed animals died of cancer, had arthritis, deformities and an early death
10. Cloning may bring a destructive copy of humans
Advantages of genetic engineering
1. Implanting genes that are diseases free in people, plant and animals could prevent diseases.
2. Genetic crops yield more
3. Helps to determine the biological parent in case of dispute on babies (DNA)
4. Helps to increase disease resistance in crops and altering animal traits in plants and animals
5. Assists in classifying blood during screening before 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.
3. The dignity of the human being is eroded or disregarded and should be upheld.
4. Christians oppose cloning and test tube babies
5. Its 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.
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.
Lesson Four: the Christian View on the Effects of Modern Science and Technology on the Environment (Pollution, Desertification)
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. State the various ways of caring for the environment
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, entertainment centres.
9. Waste to be managed through
· 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.
Lesson Five: Pollution and Its Effects.
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the terms pollutant and pollution
2. Give examples of pollutants
3. State and explain the types of pollution
4. State the effects of the various types of pollution.
It’s 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 – violent rays from nuclear plants
· 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.
- 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 is 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
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, industries
Effects
(i) Leads to diseases such as bronchitis, asthma
(ii) Leads to depletion of the Ozone layer leading to ultra – violent rays of the sun penetrating to the earth causing skin cancer, cataracts (eye problems), low plant yields.
(iii) Causes rusting of roofs
(iv) Causes acid rains
(v) Carbon dioxide (02) in the atmosphere has led to global warming.
(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.
Noise pollution
- Experienced especially in urban centres, 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.
· 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.
Lesson Six: Desertification
Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1. Define the term desertification
2. Describe the causes of 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.
(iv) Industrialization – industries emit carbon dioxide (CO2) leading to formation of acid rain, which leads to unproductive land hence desertification.
(v) Overgrazing especially among the pastoralist communities.
(vi) Poor farming methods like cultivation on riverbanks and slopes, which causes soil erosion, leading to desertification.
Lesson Seven: Solutions to Desertification Learning outcomes. By the end of the lesson you should be able to: -
1.state the 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
(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?
C.r.e. – Questions and Answers
Topic One
Christian Ethics
Q1. What is the meaning of Christian Ethics?
· This is the study of human conduct or behavior.
· It is about how Christians make choices in their daily lives guided by Christian principles and value.
Q2. What is the basis or sources or foundation of Christian Ethics?
· The Bible/Biblical scripture (holy)
· The natural law
· Human experience and reason
· The Christian community – preachers
· Situation Ethics
· Secular/Civil Law
Q3. List the basic life skills that one needs to be able to lead a better life
(a) Critical thinking
(b) Creative thinking
(c) Decision – making
(d) Self-esteem
(e) Assertiveness
Topic Two Male/female Relationships
Q1. Explain seven Christian teachings on male/female relationships
· Male/female were created as equal human beings: created in the image and likeness of God.
· Male/female created for companionship, help/ partners/ compliment each other.
· Both are co-creator with God – done through procreation.
· Union between both is consummated in marriage.
· Relationship is based on love and respect/chastity.
· Man/husband is the head of the family.
· Each man to have his own wife and wife own husband.
· Husband and wife should not deny each other conjugal rights.
· Youth should abstain from sex until marriage.
· Male/female body is temple of the Lord.
· Short periods of abstinence are allowed among married people but with consent from each other.
· Christians appreciate different roles of men and women in the church e.g. leadership in choir for women and men.
Topic Three. Human Sexuality
Q1. Explain the Traditional African understanding of human sexuality
· Human sexuality is regarded as sacred and secret in many African communities.
· The sacredness of sex is related to the power to transmit life – procreation.
· It is taboo to discuss sex matters freely especially in the presence of children.
· Grandparents who are free from any tying job teach sex education.
· Young people are prepared for adult life in the context of age group e.g. games of sexual nature take place within an age group.
The age group has control of each other and there is no sex whatsoever.
· During initiation ceremonies, vigorous sex education is provided to the initiates.
· They are taught about sex, its secrets and the mystery of manhood and womanhood.
· Girls are expected to remain virgins.
· Rape offenders are severely punished.
· Boys and girls are not allowed to mix.
· Division of labour is on the basis of sex.
· Roles of boys and girls are taught from childhood e.g. by copying their parents.
Q2. Explain Christian attitude towards human sexuality
· Sex is sacred.
· Man and woman are equal before God.
· It is for procreation.
· Man and woman are complimentary.
· Both were created in the image of God.
· They became one in marriage.
· Sex is only allowed in marriage.
· Virginity is valued.
· Human beings have the ability to control sexual desires.
· Chastity is a virtue.
· All forms of irresponsible sexual behavior are condemned.
Q3. In what ways is sex abused in Kenya?
· By practicing fornication/sex before marriage.
· Adultery – sex outside marriage
· Through prostitution
· By practicing bestiality
· Through homosexuality/lesbianism/gayism
· Incest
· Rape/defilement of minors
· Masturbation
· Pornographic literature – using of technological devices in sex
Q4. Why do you think minors are defiled or sexually abused in Kenya daily?
· Lack of self-control among some men.
· Drugs and drug abuse.
· Permissiveness in society.
· Influence from the mass media.
· Mental illness – mad people.
· Erosion of the African culture/moral values.
· Devil worship/strange cults/false religion.
· Breakdown of religion values.
· Irresponsible parenthood.
· Indecent dressing.
· Leniency of the Law/no punishment for criminal.
· Idleness.
· Poverty.
Responsible Sexual Behaviour
Q 5. What is the Christian teaching on responsible sexual behavior?
· Responsible sex is between male and female.
· Sexual intercourse is allowed between married people.
· Faithfulness is a virtue in this: Both partners must avoid adultery.
· Responsible sexual behavior means exercising self-control.
· It entails obedience to God’s commands hence a Christian has to shun forbidden sexual behavior e.g. fornication.
· Body temple of the Lord. Our sexual relationships should uphold human dignity and respect for our bodies.
· The Bible teaches that whatever we do with our bodies should be for the glory of God (1 Cor. 7:19-20).
Q6. List the difference types of irresponsible sexual behavior
• Homosexuality (lesbianism, sodomy)
• Bestiality
• Masturbation
• Rape
• Incest
• Prostitution
• Fornication
• Abortion
Q7. Explain the Christian teaching on responsible sexual behavior
· It defiles the body, which is the temple of God.
· It is wickedness.
· It is unholy and dirty before God.
· It is spiritually unclean.
· Those involved break the commandment of God.
· It involves coveting – a sin.
· Polygamy is condemned and considered irresponsible.
Q8. State the effects of irresponsible sexual behavior
· It can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (AIDS).
· Can lead to pregnancy and then abortion.
· If married people are involved (adultery) divorce may occur.
· Separation
· Children suffer lack of parental care due to divorce as a result of adultery.
· It may lead to street children.
· It discourages young people from marrying.
· It can lead to fights, quarrels, misunderstanding and friction.
· Young people can chop out of school due to pregnancy/AIDS.
· Can lead to single parenthood.
· Withdrawing from family and society.
· Self-pity and loneliness.
· Psychological problems e.g. depression.
· Stress.
· Suicide and death.
· Unwanted/unexpected pregnancies.
· Aggressiveness and violence.
Lesson Three: the Family Q5. State the different types of families
· Nuclear family
· Single parent family
· Polygamous
· Extended
Lesson Two: Marriage Q1. Explain the Traditional African understanding of marriage
· Marriage is viewed as the focus of existence, i.e. the point where the three members of the community meet (i.e. living, departed and the unborn).
· A rhythm of life through which everybody must participate.
· Marriage is a duty/a must/compulsory.
· Failure to marry means the person has rejected society and the society rejects him in turn.
· Those who do not marry are considered as sub-human or lawbreakers.
· Marriage is God ordained.
· Young boys and girls are prepared for this sacred institution during initiation.
· They are taught everything pertaining to marriage e.g. sex.
· Children cement the marriage.
Q2. What is the importance of children in Traditional African Society
· They help their parents at old age.
· Cement a marriage: One without children is considered incomplete.
· Children (boys) provide security at home and the community.
· They help in the perpetuation of the family and community name.
· The departed are reborn through naming of children.
· Provide labour.
· It is through children that (new) members meet and get to know each other.
Young children are introduced to their relatives e.g. during initiation, marriage etc.
· Children uphold the statue of parents.
Q3. What is the Christian teaching about marriage?
· The church defines marriage as a covenant.
· The Bible teaches that marriage is a divine institution.
· Marriage is for procreation.
· Marriage is for companionship.
· It is for fulfillment of mutual love.
· Marriage is a remedy against sin – fornication.
· It should be monogamous.
· Marriage should be permanent – no divorce.
· Without or with children marriage is complete.
· Sex outside marriage is forbidden.
Q4. What is the importance of courtship period in Traditional African Societies?
· It helped in identifying a suitable marriage partner.
· The two families involved established a firm relationship.
· The boy and the girl had a chance to learn each other’s character.
· It gives an opportunity to know whether the boy and girl are related.
· Allows time for exchange of gifts between the two families, thus a firm relationship is established.
· Time to negotiate the bride-wealth.
· Boy and girl are instructed about their duties and responsibilities.
Q5. Why are many people opting for celibacy instead of marriage today?
· Celibacy is used to refer to the unmarried.
· Many remain single today because of Christianity – to serve God.
· Some are born Eunuchs – cannot father children.
· Education – one may want to pursue education.
· Career demands – too demanding to allow one get time for a family.
· Lack of guidance and counseling on marriage and family.
· Discouragement from failing marriages.
· Economic reasons – one may not have money for a big house, wedding and bringing up a family.
· Poor health e.g. epilepsy
· Economic independence – whereby young people feel satisfied when they have enough money.
· Parental interference – or whom their son should marry.
· Disappointing relationships.
Chapter Six Christian Approaches to Work
Q1. What is work?
Answer
· Work means any human activity, be it manual, intellectual or both.
Q2. List any six reasons why people work
· People work for self-satisfaction and fulfillment.
· For personal development.
· In order to acquire basic needs of life.
· To give life meaning, direction and dignity.
· To provide service for the community.
· To acquire wealth and status in the community.
· In order to socialize and grow as a member of a community.
· To attain independence and stop depending on others.
· In order to help others e.g. beggars.
Q3. Explain the Traditional African attitude towards work
· Work was understood as a fundamental dimension of human existence here on earth.
· It is through work that human beings were able to change, reorganize and restructure their society.
· It was regarded as a recreational activity as through it, people built their houses, places of worship, produced art like sculpture and carving.
· Work was highly valued and the dignity of work was taught early in life.
· Each member had his own role to play e.g. men went out to hunt, herd etc accompanied with boys while mother did house work with the help of daughters.
· Grandparents taught the youth how to behave and baby seated.
· They believed work was God’s will and so they invoked God’s name through prayer, sacrifice to bless their work.
· They had freedom over their work. No supervision. They decided when to work, when to rest but rest came after work.
· Work was related to leisure, for people sang, danced and told stories as they worked.
· Through work, many people exploited talents or learned e.g. building houses, song etc.
· All were workers – work was compulsory.
· Work brought people together – solidarity. This is because they shared work (communal work).
Q3. List some of the factors that have changed the attitude towards work in the modern society
· Level of education – determine the type of work.
· Availability of job opportunities.
· Stiff competition
· Work is personal unlike in Traditional African Communities where it was social.
· Negative attitude to work. This is where some people hate manual work.
· People work for personal gain and gratification.
· Work is a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder.
Q4. What are the rights of employers?
· They have a right to a fair taxation in their business.
· Get profits from their business.
· Have association with other employers.
· Expect loyalty form their employees.
· Receive from their employees work input as agreed upon on the employment contract.
· Operate without being black mailed by trade unions.
· Open business ventures without Government restrictions.
Q5. State the duties of employees
· To carry out their duties to the best of their ability without supervision e.g. be punctual, present etc.
· To respect and protect the property of the employer.
· To resort to peaceful means of solving problems, and not destructive ways e.g. strike.
· To work diligently for self – fulfillment and development.
· To respect the employer and fellow employees.
Q6. Why has child labour become common in Kenya?
Definition: – This is the employment of children on a full time basis.
Reasons:
· Their labour is cheap.
· They are not unionisable and can therefore not fight for proper terms and conditions of service.
· They can easily be lured and fired.
· They do no have qualifications in any skill so as to negotiate for their terms.
· They are looked at as a source of income by their parents or guardians.
Q7. What are the causes of unemployment in Kenya?
· High population – There are too few job opportunities as compared to the many young people.
· Hatred for manual work – many youth are looking for white-collar jobs despising the available “blue jobs.”
· Bribery and corruption – In the job market whereby the rich are able to give while the poor though with good qualifications cannot secure a job.
· Lack of skills and capital to start self-employment.
· Bad governance and poor economic policies from the government.
· SAPS – Structural Adjustment of Programmes i.e. Policy – not giving funds has led to poverty.
· International policies of globalization that have affected the agric sector that has been the greatest employer in Kenya.
· Retrenchment of workers in the Civil Service and Private Sectors.
· Increase in crime that has aggravated insecurity in the country. This has discouraged local and international investors.
Q8. What can the Government do to reduce unemployment in Kenya?
· By creating more job opportunities.
· By starting more industries.
· Increase of workers by 10% after every 10 years.
· Encouraging self-employment whereby loans and space are given.
· Starting of a school curriculum (8.4.4.) – starting that gears students into blue-collar jobs.
· Starting the District Funds for Rural Development = C.D.F.
· Stopping rural –urban migration.
· By Africanisation of jobs – sending away foreign workers.
Chapter Seven Christian Approaches to Leisure: and the Use and Abuse of Drugs
Q1. Identify five (5) reasons why the taking of alcohol as a way of spending leisure is condemned
· It leads to conflicts/quarrels within the family.
· Misuse of family resources.
· May lead to addiction.
· Leads to irresponsible sexual behaviours e.g. prostitution, adultery, and fornication.
· Could lead to loss of income.
· May lead to irresponsibility, which leads to accidents such as motor accidents.
Q2. Write down 5 ways in which modern Christian use their leisure time
· Organize/attend religious seminars.
· Participate in church choir/concerts.
· Offers services to the aged.
· Read religious literature e.g. Bible.
· Keep the church and its environment clean.
· Have fellowship with other Christians.
· Initiate self-help projects to assist the needy.
· Provide guidance and counseling to the community.
· Preach the word of God.
· Visit relatives and friends.
· Be with family members.
· Listen to Christian preaching/songs on radio.
Q3. Give 5 ways in which drug abuse could affect a Christian family
· Drains family resources.
· Fights in families may occur.
· Leads to diseases.
· Leads to family break-ups/separation/divorce.
· It reduces one’s capacity to be productive in the family.
· Results in making wrong decisions/judgement.
· Leads to denial of conjugal rights.
· Leads to loss of religious values.
· Leads to poor role models for children.
· Leads to crime/imprisonment.
Q4. Identify ways in which Christians can overcome temptations to drug abuse
· Practicing self-control.
· Praying against being tempted.
· Seeking guidance and counseling.
· Avoiding the company of those who misuse drugs.
· Reading literature on the correct use of drugs.
· Participating in activities that promote proper use of drugs/healthy activities.
Q5. Why is leisure important in the life of Christians?
· Gives one time to visit the sick/needy.
· For dedicating oneself to God/worshiping God.
· Provide an opportunity to fellowship with others.
· It allows one to develop the different talents given by God.
· It gives one an opportunity to meet new friends/family.
· One is able to read the word of God.
· Provides an opportunity for one to preach/evangelize.
· Provides an opportunity to take care of the environment.
· Provides an opportunity to guide and counsel others and be guided.
· Provides time to rest to gain lost energy.
Q6. What factors have contributed to the misuse or leisure in Kenya today?
· Too much money/wealth/availability of drugs/contraceptives.
· Inadequate facilities.
· Lack of proper guidance/education on how to use leisure.
· Poverty
· Inability to make right decisions.
· Bad company/peer pressure.
· Watching/reading phonographic materials/negative media.
· Misunderstanding in families/frustrations.
· Inability to balance between different activities.
· Permissiveness
· Lack of role models
· Idleness/boredom/unemployment
Q7. State the factors that have led to the misuse of drugs in Kenya today
· Poor role models.
· Stress/depression/rebellion.
· Peer pressure/curiosity.
· Irresponsible parenthood.
· Influence of mass media.
· Availability of drugs/wealth.
· Lack of guidance and counseling.
· Corruption/greed.
· Poverty.
· Moral decay/permissiveness in the society.
· Lack of knowledge/ignorance on use of drugs.
· Idleness.
· Urbanization/west culture.
Chapter Eight
Christian Response to Issues Related to Wealth, Money and Poverty
Q1. Explain the biblical teaching on wealth
· It is a blessing from God.
· When wealth come with responsibility.
· Wealth can create a sense of false independence.
· It should be acquired in just and honest way.
· Wrong attitude to wealth leads to idolatry.
· One should seek spiritual wealth, which is permanent and more fulfilling.
· It is wrong to discriminate others on basis of material possessions.
· Christians should share whatever wealth they have.
· Wealth is not supreme good.
· Wealth gives people independence so that they do not beg.
· Wealth may bring suffering and insecurity.
· God is the owner of wealth and people should realize that they are only stewards.
Q2. Discuss the biblical teaching on acquisition and use of wealth
· Riches acquired through just and fair means are not condemned.
· Even if wealth is acquired through just means it should not be idolized.
· Failing to use wealth to glorify God.
· God is the source of all riches.
· Wealth is acquired through obedience to God’s laws.
· People ought to take care of their wealth not misuse.
· Wealth should be equally distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few.
· Wealth should be used to develop the nation’s infrastructure.
Q3. Explain ways in which people misuse wealth in Kenya today
· Indulge in alcohol and drugs.
· Engaging in immoral practices e.g. prostitution.
· Gambling which might lead to loss of wealth.
· Being luxurious/extravagant.
· Unfair class competition among the wealthy.
· Using wealth to undermine others e.g. assassination.
· Using wealth to promote crime.
· Engaging in risky/dangerous sports or projects e.g. motor racing, wrestling.
· Using wealth selfishly/lack of social concern.
· Using wealth to engage young people into immoral practices e.g. sex tourism.
Q4. Show how misuse of wealth leads to family instability
· One may indulge in alcohol/drug abuse at the expense of family needs.
· Engage in immorality/extra-marital sexual relations/prostitution.
· Leads to misunderstanding on how to use wealth/invest.
· One uses wealth to engage in gambling.
· Spoils children/encourages laziness.
· Arrogance/pride/showing off.
· One becomes obsessed with wealth and fails to care for the family love – has no time for the family.
· Inheritance squabbles in case of death.
· One fails to meet the basic needs for the family.
Q5. Give ways in which Kenyan Government is alleviating levels of poverty
· Offering free education.
· Provision of C.D.F.
· Allocation of bursary to the needy.
· Creating and enabling environmental employment in formal and informal sectors (easy access to loans).
· Providing market for agricultural products e.g. K.C.C, Cereal Board.
· Provision of low cost health services.
· Improving infrastructure e.g. roads, electricity.
· Providing youth fund through the Ministry of Youth Affairs.
Q6. State the factors that have contributed to high levels of poverty in Kenya today
· Geographical factors e.g. adverse climate conditions.
· Historical/colonialism and social factors e.g. poor family background.
· Political instability, which may lead to civil wars.
· Poor governance.
· Regional imbalance of natural resources.
· Low level of technology.
· Unemployment.
· Laziness.
· Over dependence on foreign aid.
· Abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
· Lack of formal education hence no employment.
Chapter Nine Christian Approaches to Law, Order and Justice Q1. State ways in which Christians can promote unity/peach in the society
· By reporting criminals to the police.
· By being good example to others as peacekeepers.
· Praying for criminals.
· Building and counseling criminals.
· Teaching the society the importance of keeping peace.
· Condemning evil and evildoers.
Q2. Why should Christians take part in voting?
· They belong to the society and leadership affects them.
· It is a God-given duty.
· In order to choose righteous leaders who will encourage values/virtues.
· In order to help reduce bribery and corruption and other vices in the society.
Chapter 10
Christian Approaches to Selected Issues Related to Modern Science, Technology and the Environment
Q1. How can modern Christians evaluate scientific and technological discoveries?
· They should keep in mind that God gave them high-level power of thinking.
· Discoveries must be used intelligently to solve man’s problems.
· They should not be used as an insult to God who created all things e.g. in things like plastic surgery, test tube babies etc.
· Discoveries must be used intelligently to solve man’s problems.
· Discoveries should not erode Christian values by increasing man’s trust in scientific and technological production.
· Acknowledge God as the source of all truth including science.
· Should help man make moral decision and judgments e.g. effect of alcohol, smoking, etc.
· Man should not be a slave to scientific discoveries instead he should control it.
Q2. Why is the church in Kenya opposed to plastic surgery?
· It is against God’s plan of old age and death.
· It is a sign of lack of appreciation to God’s work of creation.
· It can lead to death if the operation fails.
· It interferes with God’s image given at birth.
· May be very expensive.
· Emphasis on beauty and pleasing which are seen as idolatry.
· Certain diseases can be transmitted especially where tissues may be detached from a donor with an infectious disease.
· Can bring about other operations like diseases.
· Scientists use it to compete with God’s creation.
· Leads to vices such as pride.
· It may lead to criminal activities by the victim due to different appearances.
· It is a sign of lack of faith in God’s power of creation/healing.
· It is against human dignity.
Q3. How have science and technology improved human life?
· Modern methods of transport and communication have improved social interaction and faster movements.
· It has improved efficiency at work where machines are used.
· Has improved agricultural development hence increasing food production.
· Irrigation and wealth forecasting have too increased in food production.
· It has brought better health care through modern medical technology.
· Human beings are now better placed in terms of security matters by use of radar, alarms and electrical fencing.
· It has led to the creation of job opportunities through industrial development.
· Formal education and training has equipped human beings with new skills for survival.
· Trade has been promoted through the use of computers and the Internet.
Q4. What are the consequences of science and technology in our society today?
· Unemployment is acute in our society today because computers have taken over.
· There is exploitation of workers by the employers because they want maximum profits.
· It has caused pollution and air poisoning.
· It has caused health hazards and accidents in factories, roads etc.
· Machines have replaced human labour.
· Families are separated due to employment whereby a mother lives in the rural with children while the father goes to town to work.
· It has destroyed family relationships and replaced it with individualism
2. How Jesus followed the customs and traditions of the Jewish people
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