Religious Studies for ECLPE ,LE, SME

Key Unit Competence:
Explain the link between religious conviction and responsibility in life and in
the society.

Introductory activity

Mugisha is a Rwandan business person. He is also a religious man because
he is a member of a church near his home. He attends church services,
visits sick people, and gives offerings and tithes. On the other hand, he has
an account in one of the commercial banks located in the centre in which
he operates that he uses for payment of transactions in his various business
activities. He pays taxes to the government, attends the meetings organized
by local authorities, and never misses to participate in the community works
at the end of every month. Mugisha has a good relation with his neighbours.
He attends parties when invited and gives his contribution. His one car is
used to take sick people to the hospital whenever needed.
1. Based on the above description of Mugisha, what are the values that
Mugisha has?
2. Do you think that Mugisha’s commitment to his church and society is
very important and relevant to his life? Justify your answer.

3.1 Role of the believer in society

Learning activity 3 .1

Using different resources: internet, English dictionary , religious books, and
other resources, describe the role of a beliver in society.

The Bible, Word of God, encourages believers to live godly before men so
that they could see God revealed in their lives (1 Peter 2:12). In verse 17 of 1
Peter 2, we are given a brief description of what a christian’s role in society is
to be. The Apostle Peter nicely mentions four roles that show how believers are
to relate to those around them. “Honour all men. Love brotherhood. Fear God.
Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

The main thought of this chapter is to live in submission to the authorities
around us. Considering the situation of our country, believers should not think
only in terms of paying taxes as if it were sufficient. Believers should invest their
money, time, knowledge and life, as well as anything else they may treasure, in
the interest of their country. A believer must know that his/her country and the
people around him or her are God’s gift to him/her and to his/her posterity. The
believer is part of society and as such he/she should cooperate with government
as well as other organizations such as rural and urban associations, in working

for the well-being of the Rwandan people. Everything possible should be done
by the believers in contributing to the development of agriculture so that hunger,
one of the most enemies of developing countries, should be done away with.

Beyond obeying laws and rules, believers should strive to live with respect and
honour towards others around them.

God created people because He wants to have a relationship with them. The
Bible is written so that we can know God. Yet, when we do not respect and
honour others because of the creator who made them in His image, then we are
not showing respect to God.

This does not mean we need to accept the sins of others. God does not tolerate
sin. He will punish it. Yet God calls us to love those around us. Love them
enough that we are willing to share with them the joy of knowing God’s Son,
Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer.

It is a part of religious people’s duty to act in a moral way. This involves helping
others around them.

Believers can support people who are going through difficulties, whatever
background they may come from.

Christianity began by preaching and practicing the ‘gospel of love and charity’
which included almsgiving and care for widows, orphans, slaves, travellers, the
sick, the imprisoned and the poor.

Driven by the love of Jesus believers went out and expressed their love for the
neighbour. The early disciples showed true mercy and compassion. Peter, who
had no silver or gold on his person, gave a crippled beggar what he did have:
the gift of health (Acts of Apostles 3:6). Tabitha (Dorcas) is cited as an early
disciple ‘full of good works and acts of charity’ (Acts of Apostles 9:36).

Jesus taught the importance of helping others who are less fortunate:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave
me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes
and clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you
came to visit me (Matthew 25:35-36).

Relationship between a believer and his or her fellow Christians

Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples,
if you love one to another.”

If we are to live according to 1 Peter 2:17 then we must live with love and in
harmony with God’s children. There is nothing wrong with having your own
group of friend with whom you would rather spend time; you should be in love
with everyone in the church. Begin with the people in your congregation. Learn
to love them for who they are in Christ. Extend that out to other Christians who
may have some differences from yours. For example those who may not dress
like you do or listen to the same music because our tastes and preferences are
different.

This does not mean you blindly accept everything that comes along and claims
the name of Christ. We should be wise in what we accept (1 Thessalonians
5:21; 1 John 4:1-5). But we also should not push genuine christians away just
because they part their hair differently. Separation is necessary due to doctrinal
differences, not because of petty preferences.

However, believers must understand they have a unique role to play in the
world as citizens and representatives of God’s unique kingdom. If they operate
according to the principles of this world, if they mistakenly believe that God’s
kingdom is established in opposition to worldly kingdoms, then they lose that
uniqueness.

Believers as Salt and Light of the World (Matthew 5:13-16)

Jesus explained the unique role of believers in society by calling them the salt
and light of the world. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its
saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything,
except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A
city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a

bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good
deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Believers must be first to raise moral objections when the powerful oppress the
weak, first to expose injustice and corruption, and first to seek redress for the
oppressed and protection for the vulnerable. Of course, believers must be the salt
and the light not just in what they say, but also in their life example. To effectively
illuminate God’s standard of righteousness and justice; they need actions that
correspond with their words. Believers can be proud of their heritage in both
advocacy and action. For example, believers not only advocated for the abolition
of slavery in the United States but helped to establish the Underground Railroad
that helped slaves escape from Southern plantations.

This advocacy on behalf of the weak goes on today as believers speak out
against illegal abortion on behalf of those who have the least voice of the unborn
children. Many others adopt children who need families, work to stop human
trafficking, bring hope to those in prison, and care for the poor and needy
because of their beliefs. In doing so, these believers act as salt and light helping
society see, hear, and understand the standard of righteousness and justice
found in the Bible.

Role of the church in contemporary society

It is the duty of believers to help other people in the society. Religious people can
do a number of things to help unite local communities and to assist homeless
and poor people.

Religion and community cohesion

Believers can also play an important role in community cohesion. This is very
important because we live in an increasingly multicultural and multi-religious
society. Christians believe that the church can be a stabilizing force for good
in a world that is increasingly unreligious. Often the church will seek to work
with other religious groups to help keep peace and harmony in the community
as religious leaders still have some influence in the areas that they work in.
Churches can do number of things to help promote unity within a diverse and
multicultural community.

Application activity 3.1

1. Explain this statement, “Believers are the salt and the light of the
world.”
2. Describe the role of beliver to the community, the church and the
country.

3.2 The concept of freedom

Learning activity 3.2

Using internet and dictionaries find the meaning of the concept of freedom
and the types of freedom.

Definition of the term freedom
Freedom is having the ability to act or change without constraint. Something is
free if it can change easily and is not constrained in its present state. The word
‘freedom’ can have powerful emotive force, that is, the power to arouse strong
emotions. Its connotations are almost exclusively positive.

For example, if you describe a group as ‘freedom fighters’ this suggests that you
approve of the cause for which they are fighting; to call them ‘terrorists’ means
you make clear your disapproval.

Types of freedom
The following are the main types of human freedom:
– Freedom to be alive: it means that nobody can try to end your life.
This means that the Government has to take appropriate measures to
safeguard life by making laws to protect its people.
– Freedom of association or freedom of assembly which is the
right to join together with others peacefully to reach common goals
and express common opinions both in public and private. This usually
includes business groups or corporation, civic organizations, political
parties, and protest groups.
– Freedom of belief or freedom of religion: the right to change your
religion or beliefs at any time.
– Freedom of speech or freedom of expression: is the right to state

one’s opinions and ideas without being stopped or punished. Freedom
of speech is thought to also include freedom of information.
– Freedom of the press: is a promise by a government not to punish
journalists and other people who report the news for doing their jobs.
– Freedom to choose one’s state in life: this means the freedom to
have a nationality.
– Freedom from bondage and slavery: this prohibits people being
held in conditions in which the powers attaching to the right of
ownership are exercised.

Biblical view of freedom for our lives
Freedom in the Bible begins as inner freedom from bondage to sin that leads
us to desire out freedom for ourselves and others. Inner freedom bears outer
implications.

Redemption as a basis for people’s freedom

Christianity teaches that redemption in Jesus Christ gives freedom from sin bondage

When thinking about freedom, it is important to remember that redemption applies
to all of life. On a personal level we are redeemed from sin. On a corporate level,
we are also brought into a new community, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians
12:13). Redemption extends beyond the personal and the corporate to the
whole earth. Acts 3:21 says that God’s ultimate goal is the “restoration of all
things.”

Freedom cannot be limited to inner transformation. On necessity, it must
extend to all life. Jesus not only preached and taught, he also healed people’s
body. People were freed inwardly and outwardly. Where Christ’s freedom is
experienced, the natural outworking is towards political, religious, and economic
freedom.

Implication of the biblical view of freedom

Freedom from the bondage to sin, the Mosaic Law, death, and lies about reality
will inevitably push further and further out until it leads to freedom in all areas of
life. Here are seven implications for our lives from this truth.
1. Freedom is not autonomy or doing what you feel like doing without any
constraints. In fact, following Christ’s commands frees you to be more of
the person God created you to be.

2. Freedom is within the context of Law. We are not under the obedience
to the Law as a condition of salvation, but the moral Law and Christ’s
commands give us a guide to know how to live and to love.

3. We are truly free when we know the truth about ourselves and the world.
This means throwing off the lies and deceptions to which we are so often
captive.

4. Salvation is not primarily political liberation. But God often intervened
when his people were oppressed by unjust totalitarian leaders (Exodus
and Judges, for example).

5. Inner renewal often leads to outer consequences and renewal of the land.

6. The Bible does not prescribe one type of government but freedom
(political, economic, and religious) is consistent with (not contradictory
to) the Bible.

7. Inner freedom inevitably drives toward outer freedom. You can have
political, economic, and religious freedom and still be in bondage to
sin. You can have inner freedom in an oppressed situation. Inner and
outer freedoms are the most ideal state for human beings (Micah 4:4).
Believers should be the freest to enjoy life and God’s creation, as long as
it is within the structure of how God has made us. We are not free from
God-ordained obligations, but we are free to live life as God intended it
to be lived.

Freedom in the Old Testament

There is a universal thirst for freedom. Throughout history people of all cultures
have sought it. The freedom in the Old Testament is presented differently.

In the Old Testament, freedom was primarily a freedom from slavery. There was
provision in the Law for the freedom of Israelite slaves every seven years in the
sabbatical year. The previous “owner” was to be generous in giving gifts that
would enable these freed ones to set up a new life (Deuteronomy 15:12-13).

In a larger sense, freedom was unstable for Israelites. God by his grace delivered
them from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 7:8). After reaching the
Promised Land, Canaan, they repeatedly needed to be delivered from foreign
oppression by the Judges.

Time and again, a generation came along that didn’t know and follow the Lord
and a foreign conqueror would make their lives difficult until the Lord raised up
a deliverer. When God’s people were disobedient, they often lost their freedom.

The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom (2 Kings 17:7-23) and the
Babylonian captivity of the southern kingdom (2 Kings 21:10-15; 22:19; 23:25)
are illustrations of this pattern. In later Judaism, freedom movements arose to
gain political freedom in order to allow religious freedom among other things.

This freedom was often referenced in the prophets. Jesus’ inaugural sermon
repeated this theme (Luke 4: 18-19). Isaiah 61:1 said: “The Spirit of the Lord
God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me, to bring good news to the
afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and freedom to the prisoners.”

This proclamation of “liberty” and “freedom” was a mark of the Messiah’s
message.

Freedom in the New Testament

The predominant note of the New Testament is not political freedom but freedom
in Christ from bondage to sin, the Law, Satan, the old man, and death.

It is not that political freedom or freedom from slavery was unimportant, but that
there was an even deeper bondage that had to be overcome first of all.

The problem is that even if you were politically free, you could still be in bondage.
Human will is not at this present time neutral, but it is captivated by sin. Humans
by nature “love the darkness” and “hate the light” (John 3: 19:20). “And this is
the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness
to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things
hates the light and does not come towards the light.”

Jesus speaks about this freedom in the classic verses in John 8:31-32: “Jesus
then said to those Jews, who believed him, ‘If you remain in my word you will
truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

The scribes and Pharisees immediately respond to this statement of Jesus by
arguing that they are Abraham’s offspring and have never been slaves, so how
can Jesus say that “You shall become free?”

Jesus responds that anyone who sins becomes a slave of sin, but “If therefore
the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Jesus’ death and resurrection graciously applied to our lives liberate us from
bondage to sin so that we can live a redirected life.

Freedom has its degrees according to the measure of their faith; and therefore
Paul, though clearly made free, still groans and longs after perfect freedom
(Romans 7:24).

The truth will make us free.
– We are, in our natural sinful state, captive to lies.
– We do not see reality as it is.
– We deny what we know deep down is true, “exchanging the truth of
God for a lie” (Romans 1:25).
– We live in a state of unreality. If truth is that which corresponds to
reality, then throwing off lies and deception frees us to see reality for
what it is. We see our own slavery to sin and can receive forgiveness
and new power to live in accordance with reality. We can be what we
were created to be. Truth leads to freedom.

We are historical beings that have a past, present, and future. We do not reinvent
ourselves at each moment, but are influenced by past patterns and choices. We
are according to the old self (sinful nature) directed away from God, saying, in
effect, “My will be done.”

In Christ, we are freed from this bondage in order to say “Your will be done.”
We are headed down a road away from God and have been turned around
180 degrees by God’s grace so that we are now pursuing our Lord rather than
running away from him.

We were serving sin, but now we are serving Christ.

Application activity 3.2

1. What do you understand by the term freedom?
2. Explain what a person can do in order to be free from sin.

3.3 Responsible freedom

Learning activity 3.3

1. Using English dictionary and internet define the following terms:
Freedom and Responsibility
2. What do you think can be the benefits of being responsible?

Being a responsible person

Definition of the term responsibility

If we look at the etymological origin, the meaning of responsibility is not so much
related to the tasks performed or the obligations, but rather with commitment
involved.

Becoming a responsible person means being able to consciously make
decisions, conduct behaviours that seek to improve oneself and/or help others.
Most importantly a responsible person accepts the consequences of his her
own actions and decisions.

We can define a responsible person as one who accepts the results of the
decisions he/she makes. Oxford dictionary defines responsibility as “the state
or fact of being accountable or to blame for something.”

This definition of responsibility emphasizes the need for the person to agree
with the negative consequences of his or her actions.

Being responsible brings us many benefits. It can help you achieve your goals
and objectives in any area of your life. Responsibility allows you to create
principles, morals and helps you to lead your life. Being a responsible person
helps you to:

– Be honest: When we tend to tell the truth and keep our promises, the
people around us will believe us and see us as an honest person.

– Be more independent: Assuming the consequences of our actions
will help us make better decisions.

– Be more reliable: by being responsible, we gain other’s trust and we
will also gain confidence in ourselves. Doing the right thing will make us
feel good. And even if we are wrong, we will be satisfied because we
know that we have done our best.

The value of responsibility
Both families and schools teach their children to be responsible. The aim is to
educate in values and morals.

It is clear that everyone wants a committed and responsible partner, responsible
children who do not get into trouble, responsible parents and teachers who take
care of the children, professionals who do their work responsibly.

The reason of that is that having responsible people around us generates
confidence, gives us security. You will hear some people saying, “yes, he is a
responsible person, he will do it and things will work out.

This is one of the reasons why in our society, responsibility is so positively and
highly valued because it gives us security, confidence, and a certain stability.

How can I be more responsible?

There is no magic formula that makes us more responsible. However,
responsibility can be trained.

If you want to fulfil your purposes, your obligations, and commitments, what
you need is, to a large extent, predisposition and motivation. Here are some
guidelines for you:
1. Set goals: It is important to know what we do things for. Having a sense
and direction helps us to be consistent and to continue to do our duty. If
you think the goal is too long term, set small goals to achieve it. I advise
you to write them down. It sounds silly, but putting it on paper makes
them real. Writing your goals can help you be more responsible.

2. Objectivity: What is under my control or up to me and what is not? Make
a list of the things that depend on you and you can control them. Your
attention must be directed to those aspects, for what does not depend
on you is not your responsibility.

3. Routines: This means being organised. If it takes a lot of effort to
“get dressed”, it’s best to get organized. If you have a routine, you will
know what to do at every moment. But not only that, sometimes, knowing
how much time you have to put in the effort also helps. “Come on, it’s
only an hour of study before I go to the movies!”

4. Rewards: Internal attributions come into play here. If you’ve reached
what you set out to do, why not admit it? It is your moment; give yourself
a pat on the back.

5. Be honest with yourself: Have you failed; was it something that
you could control? Take responsibility, assume the consequences and
analyze what you could have done differently, how would you improve for
another time?

6. Share your plans: I am not talking about posting on social networks.
No, I mean something more intimate. Talk to your partner, your mother or
your best friend and tell them what you are going to do, when and how.
This way they will ask and become more involved and there will be no
escape, you will have to comply.

7. Operationalize: This means that the things you can take responsibility
for are actions. For example, picking up your room, delivering a job,
preparing food, etc. These are concrete behaviours that you can take
on as responsibilities and obligations to fulfil, but you cannot assume
responsibility for the consequences. For example, the teacher can give
you an A, people might like or not the food you prepared or flatter you but
this is not up to you. Therefore, specify activities and tasks that you have
the resources and willingness to do and get on with it.

True freedom is the highest virtue, and it is sought after by all who are, or consider
themselves to be, oppressed.

Freedom is the opposite of being bound, the opposite of bondage. Bondage
means slavery. True freedom protects the freedom of others and acts responsibly
on behalf of others. True freedom is the unrestricted, uninhibited access to
pursue the specific area of one’s gifts and talents for the blessings and benefits
of others.

True freedom demands greater responsibility, accountability, stewardship,
maturity, wisdom and character. We must learn that freedom is not the absence
of laws, but the embracing the divine law.

Responsible freedom is a value to be acquired, a gift to be cherished, and a
quality to be cultivated. We are free only if we surrender ourselves to God. We
are free in the measure in which we are generous and unselfish. There are laws
of nature, society, state, morality and laws of freedom. These are necessary
limitations to our freedom, and it is best for us to know and accept them. Law
helps us organize our lives and guarantee the freedom. Real freedom therefore
is not restricted by law; in fact it can flourish only under the law. True Freedom
is being virtuous, free from anxiety, confusion, and fear, being brave and wise.

Responsible freedom in relation to others

Responsible freedom makes you see others as having their own choices and
decisions. You limit your own freedom because of love which means you pursue
the best for others.

Responsible freedom affects thoughts about yourself and your behaviour. You
now see more clearly how many options and choices you have rather than
thinking you are powerless. In fact, you encourage, trust, and accept your own
freedom to make choices.

However, because of people’s sinful nature, freedom is more often used
irresponsibly. They are free to treat others improperly, manipulate and dominate
them. In fact, one of the greatest misuse of one’s freedom is when he or she
fears others will be irresponsible with their freedom. That drives you to try to limit
their freedom.

Responsible freedom versus Irresponsible freedom

In the same chapter where God tells you that He sent His Son to die for you to
set you free, He tells you to not use your freedom irresponsibly.

“For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as
an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love” (Galatians
5:15).

God urges you to be responsible, not irresponsible with your freedom.

“For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good
things you do. Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover
up any evil, but live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:15-16).

Freedom is often hard to accept, not as much as yourself, but definitely for
others. You tend to push for maximum freedom for yourself, but often minimize
the freedom for others.

Responsible freedom and irresponsible freedom is the difference between what
you are able to do and what you are encouraged and invited by God to do. It is
the difference between can and will, between the possibility and the beneficial.

You can do whatever you want. You are free to do it. However, why would
you? Once dead and now made alive in Christ, why would you want to walk
as though you were still dead? This is why this verse points you back to the
fundamental decision in life.

“And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness,
but present yourself to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your
bodies to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin is not to have any power
over you, since you are not under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:13-14).

Depending on God means, you present yourself as an instrument of righteousness
not unrighteousness. Responsible freedom pleases God, irresponsible freedom
is often sin.

Application activity 3.3

1. Define freedom and responsibility.
2. Explain how being responsible can help you achieve your goals and
objectives.
3. Identify the effects of irresponsible freedom and show how they are
threats to the community.

3.4 End unit assessment

End of unit assessment

1. Identify the responsibilities of a believer to the society and to the
country.
2. How can you describe a responsible believer?
3. Define freedom and responsibilities. What is the difference?
4. Explain what a responsible freedom is.
5. Discuss the benefits of responsible freedom and the effects of
irresponsible freedom.