• UNIT 5: THE PILLARS OF FAITH IN ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

    Key Unit competence: Evaluate the contribution of Religious values to the 

    peaceful life in the society

    l

    Introductory Activity

    1. Discuss on the things that are important to observe in order to 

    have peace.

    2. According to you, what are the causes and consequences of 

    insecurity?

    h

    5.1. Learning activitiy :

    In the picture above, we see people living together peacefully. There is 

    sharing and playing together. Describe what you understand by the term 

    peace, and discuss why you think peace is very important in society.

    5.1. Meaning of Peace and inner peace

    a. Definition of Peace

    The concept of peace is etymologically in line with the Latin pax and the 

    Greek eirenewhich are approximations of Hebrew shalom a cognate of 

    Arabic salaam, meaning safety, prosperity and security. Like other abstract 

    terms, peace is intangible. But like “happiness”, “justice” and “freedom”, we 

    recognize peace by its absence. Peace denotes the opposite of things we 

    don’t like, that disturb our peace

    It is often said that peace is not merely the absence of war but presence of 

    justice. The word peace can be defined as a social and political condition 

    that ensures development of individuals, society and nation. 

    It is a state of harmony characterized by the existence of healthy relationships. 

    It is a condition related to the social or economic welfare and equality. 

    It is also related to a working political order that serves true interests of all. 

    In the context of intra-national and international relations, peace implies the 

    presence of socio-cultural and economic understanding and unity. 

    Some scholars have differentiated negative peace from positive peace.

    Negative peace implies that there is no visible violence. In this case, there 

    could be lots of unresolved underlying issues that people do not want to talk 

    about

    On the other hand positive peace is a situation where there is restoration 

    of relationships, the creation of social systems that serve the needs of the 

    whole population and the constructive resolution of conflicts so that situation 

    do not escalate to open violence. Peace therefore, is a situation that prevails 

    when there exist respectful attention to the legitimate needs and interests of 

    all concerned

    Christians are called to be peace builders. In simple terms peace building 

    is all activity aiming at improving the quality of life. Peace building prevents, 

    reduces, transforms and helps people recover from all forms of violence. 

    Throughout the word of God, young people have always been called to rise 

    and shine and be examples and role models in their communities as peace 

    builders (Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 34:14; Ecclesiast 9:18). God himself is a God 

    of peace and hope. Young people are called to be ambassadors of peace 

    and hope. They can become instruments of peace, harmony, love and unity 

    in their community through mediation, mobilization, advocacy, ensuring 

    security, creating awareness on human rights (Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 4:3; 

    Romans 12:18). 

    b. Definition of inner peace

    Inner peace is also called peace of mind or inner calmness. It can be 

    developed through a kind of exercises and behaviours or discipline. It refers 

    to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge 

    and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. 

    Being “at peace” is considered by many to be healthy (homeostasis) and 

    the opposite of being stressed or anxious, a state where our mind performs 

    at an optimal level with a positive outcome. Peace of mind is thus generally 

    associated with bliss, happiness and contentment. Peace of mind, serenity, 

    and calmness are descriptions of a disposition free from the effects of stress.

    5.1 Application activity: 

    1. Define the term Peace

    2. Distinguish between positive peace and negative peace

    3. After defining the tern inner peace explain the actions you can 

    carry out to develop inner peace.

    5.2. Obstacles to Peace and inner peace

    5.2. Learning activitiy :

    Observe and describe the pictures below and discuss on the factors that 

    can be barriers to peace

    h

    The obstacles of inner peace in the society, habit makes our character and 

    then after, our personality. When one does not develop a number of tips to 

    maintain his or her inner peace, he or she will find him/herself dominated 

    by stress and then overloaded by ideas and actions that can lead to a 

    disharmonious life. Being so, inner peace will progressively die and loose its 

    place in one’s life. Therefore, stress is the big obstacle of inner peace.

    The other obstacles of inner peace are: failure to achieve goals, physical 

    and mental troubles, fear, anger, hatred, disputes, quarrels, hunger, bad 

    relationships with others, 

    Actions that can develop inner peace: Finding peace within is a wonderful 

    but also a difficult thing. It is easy to go looking for it in the wrong places. So 

    here are five timeless thoughts to help develop your inner peace:

    • Simplify: The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A 

    persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that 

    places harmony in one’s life. 

    • Accept: Acceptance of others, their looks, their behaviours, their 

    belief, bring you an inner peace and tranquillity instead of anger and 

    resentment. 

    • Forgive: Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. 

    Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for 

    correcting our misperceptions. Forgiveness is important because as 

    long as you don’t forgive someone you are linked to that person.

    • Do what you enjoy: Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re 

    happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. 

    And if you have that, along with physical health, you’ll have more 

    success than you could possibly have imagined.

    • Be careful with your inner peace: Never be in a hurry; do everything 

    quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything 

    whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.

    5.2. Application activity:

    1. List the factors that influence the lack of inner peace. 

    2. Explain how stress is the big obstacle of inner peace.

    3. Discuss the actions that can develop your inner peace.

    5.3. Religious teaching on Peace

    5.1. Learning activitiy :

    1. Observe the images below and read Genesis 4:1-12 in the Bible. 

    2. Find out why Cain killed his brother Abel. 

    3. What else could he have done to avoid committing murder

    h

    In biblical view, peace describes the state of those who love the word of God 

    (Psalm 119:165). It depicts the concept of peace expressed in the blessing 

    of Aaron found in numbers 6:24, wherein it sums up all blessings and is 

    closely associated with the presence of God. Peace is the result of God’s 

    presence in a person’s life as God is the source of Peace Psalm 85:8).

    Peace in the Old Testament

    In the Old Testament, the primarily Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and 

    it refers to relationships between people (Genesis 34:21), nations (1 Kings 

    5:12), and God with men (Psalm 85: 8). Peace is a desired status in each 

    of these arenas, and shalom is often tired to a covenant or promise kept. 

    A familiar friend (literally, “friend of my peace” in Psalms 41:9) is one with 

    whom you would be at ease, a trusted companion. Peace was the standard 

    greeting (1 Samuel 25:6), still used in many cultures today.

    Shalom denotes completion or wholeness. The general meaning of the root 

    word is of entering into a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship. 

    It also conveys a wide range of nuances: fulfilment, completion, maturity, 

    soundness, wholeness, harmony, tranquillity, security, well being, welfare, 

    friendship, agreement, success and prosperity. The word shalom occurs 

    more than 250 times in the Tanakh and appears in 213 separate verses.

    Peace in the New Testament

    In the New Testament the primarily Greek word for peace is eirene, and it 

    refers to rest or tranquillity. Peace is the state of law and order that gives 

    rise to the blessing of prosperity. It also used to denote peaceful conduct 

    towards others. The New Testament use of the eirene remains firmly based 

    in the Hebrew traditions of Shalom in the Tanakh. It can describe both the 

    content and the goal of all Christian preaching, since the message is called 

    the Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6: 15). The word is found 91 times in the 

    New Testament, 24 of which are in the Gospels.

    A key focus of peace in the New Testament is the advent of Jesus Christ. 

    As announced by the angels in Luke 2: 14 (“Peace on earth”). Isaiah had 

    predicted the Messiah would be the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He is 

    called the Lord of peace in 2 Thessalonians 3:16. It is through Christ’s work 

    of justification that we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1); and that 

    peace will keep our hearts and minds secure (Philippians 4:7).

    God commands us to seek peace (Psalms 34:14; Matthew 5:9). We should 

    “make every effort to do what leads to peace (Romans 14:19). Of course 

    there will be people who do not desire peace, but we are still to do n utmost

    to be at peace with them (Romans 12:18). Believers have an obligation to 

    “let the peace of the Lord rule” in their hearts Colossians 3:15). This means 

    we have the choice either to trust God’s promises (letting His peace rule) or 

    to rely on ourselves and reject the peace he offers. Jesus gave his disciples 

    peace based on truth that he has overcome the world (John 14:27; 16:33). 

    Peace is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, so, if we are allowing the Spirit of God 

    to rule in our lives, we will experience His peace. To be spiritually minded 

    brings life and peace, according to Romans 8:6.

    The world will continue to have wars and interpersonal conflicts until Jesus 

    comes to establish true, lasting peace (See Isaiah 11:1-10), but God will give 

    His Peace to those who trust Him. Jesus took the chastisement of our peace 

    (Isaiah 53:5) and has made it possible for us to have peace with God. Once 

    His peace rules in our hearts, we are able to share that peace with others; 

    we become publishers of peace (Isaiah 52:7) and ministers of reconciliation 

    (2 Corinthians 5:18).

    5.3. Application activity: 

    1. State the biblical meaning of peace. Discuss

    2. Coment this statement,”Peace is the result of God’s presence in 

    a person’s life.”

    3. What do you know about the biblical teachings concerning peace

    5.4. Peace and Conflict

    5.4. Learning activitiy :

    1. Find the meaning of the term conflict.

    2. In the conflict situation below, who is the mediator and who are 

    the fighters?

    3. Propose all the causes of conflict that you know.

    j

    Definition of conflict

    A conflict is situation where there is opposition between two persons or 

    entities. It is the result of incompatibility of objectives and manifested 

    behaviours by protagonists. The term conflict comes from the Latin 

    “conflictus” which means an “act of striking together”. In other words, conflict 

    basically means a situation of competitive or opposing action. Put different 

    conflict is a natural and even necessary part of our lives whether at home, in 

    our families, at work, or within the church because it helps to resolves issues 

    which would otherwise prevail. Intense conflicts can, but does not have need 

    to, lead to violence. This means that when a conflict is not well resolved, it 

    may generate severe problems.

    Types of conflict

    Conflicts can be classified in the four types:

    Interpersonal conflicts

    This refers to the conflict between two people. This is because people are 

    different from one another. For example, some people get angry easily, some 

    are emotional others are slow to anger.

    Intrapersonal Conflict

    These are the conflicts that occur within an individual. The experience takes 

    in the person’s mind. It is a psychological conflict as it involves people’s 

    thoughts, values, principles, and emotions. Intra personal conflict may be a 

    simple one like making a decision between going or not going for lunch.

    Intragroup conflicts

    It is a type of conflict that happens among individuals within a team. The 

    incompatibilities and misunderstandings among these individuals lead 

    to an intragroup conflict. It arises from interpersonal disagreements (e.g. 

    team members have different personalities which may lead to tension) or 

    differences in views and ideas (e.g. in a presentation, members of the team 

    might find the notions presented by the one presiding to be erroneous due to 

    their differences in opinion). Within a team, conflict can be helpful in coming 

    up with decisions which will eventually allow them to reach their objectives 

    as a team. 

    Intergroup conflict 

    This takes place when a misunderstanding arises among different teams 

    within an organization. For instance, the sales department of an organization 

    can come in conflict with the customer support department. This is due to 

    the varied sets of goals and interests of these different groups. In addition, 

    competition also contributes for intergroup conflict to arise. There are other 

    factors which fuel this type of conflict. Some of these factors may include 

    a rivalry in resources or the boundaries set by a group to others which 

    establishes their own identity as a team.

    Conclusively conflict may seem to be a problem to some, but this is not 

    how conflict should be perceived. On the other hand, it is an opportunity 

    for growth and can be an effective means of opening up among groups or 

    individuals. However, when conflict begins to draws back productivity and 

    gives way to more conflicts, then conflict management would be needed to 

    come up with a resolution.

    Causes of Conflicts

    Here are some of the causes of conflict that can arise in society:

    1. Failure to apologise: Failure to apologise for the wrong done to 

    others can lead to conflict. People are human and therefore they 

    are not always perfect. They make mistakes and wrong others. 

    However, if one is wronged but the offender fails to express regret 

    for the wrong done that can lead to a conflict.

    2. Backbiting: Backbiting is another vice which can cause conflict. 

    Backbiting annoys many people. It hurts most when it is a friend that 

    has been backbiting you. You feel betrayed, such a friend proves to 

    be unfaithful to you.

    3. Selfishness: Being selfish is about being self centred and always 

    pursuing selfish interest. A person who always puts his interests first 

    without considering the good of others is selfish person.

    4. Envy: An envious person feels bad when another person is favoured, 

    gets good grades at school or does something better than him or 

    her. Envy leads to gossiping, insulting others and or even fighting. 

    (James 4:1-2)

    5. Divisive manipulation: This is what colonialists used “divide and 

    rule”. They would turn peaceful African communities against each 

    other to fight but in the interests of the colonialists. 

    6. Nepotism and tribalism: Nepotism is about favouring one’s 

    relatives at the expense of others. An example is a leader who can 

    unjustly employ his or her relatives in Government offices. Normally 

    such persons are appointed without following the proper rules of 

    appointing civil servants. 

    7. Prejudice: This means judging someone before you know the 

    facts. It is the act of judging others without supporting evidences. 

    Many times we are prejudiced against others on the basis of their 

    personal characteristics, say obesity, disability, homelessness, age, 

    skin complexion or height.

    8. Lack of self-control: Some people are ‘short-tempered’; they hardly 

    control their anger which results in being quarrelsome person. 

    9. Poverty: When people are poor they are not happy. They tend to 

    think that those who are rich are the ones who made them poor. The 

    poor think that the rich have accumulated a lot of money of which 

    some would have belonged to the poor.

    10. Injustice: this refers to unfair treatment of one party by another. 

    It is therefore, the absence of equal treatment, misuse of laws 

    against others and victimising any person by any means. Injustice 

    of whatever kind breeds bitterness, hatred and the desire to seek for 

    revenge. It is this desire to seek for revenge which eventually leads 

    to conflict or violence.

    Consequences of conflict in society 

    1. Lack of peace: The first thing a conflict takes away from people is 

    peace. Where there is conflict, people live in fear and are always 

    worried. They do not know what can happen any time. Where there 

    is absence of peace, people cannot concentrate on things that matter 

    a lot to their existence. This blocks development and progress.

    2. Deaths during wartime: The most important thing for any person 

    is his or her life. Once life is lost nothing else has any meaning to 

    a dead person. Conflict that can lead to physical aggression such 

    as war is deadly because it can cause injuries or death. The main 

    reason why people flee away from war zones is the fear of being 

    killing deliberately or accidentally by stray bullets or explosives.

    3. Migration: Conflict can lead to real physical war. Where there is 

    conflict or an actual war there is neither peace nor safety. Those who 

    feel vulnerable and cannot defend themselves decide to migrate to 

    other areas where they can be safe. By migrating they leave behind 

    their homes and places of their daily activities. They often move to 

    places where they may not have relatives. This makes them refugees 

    or internally displaced people. They begin to live on handouts from 

    well-wishers, charity organisations or the Government.

    4. Destruction of infrastructure: War is always disaster. Battlefields 

    are characterised with exchange of bullets, bombs and different 

    kinds of explosives. When this land of infrastructure such as water 

    facilities, electricity generating sources, roads and buildings are 

    destroyed. All these things are important for the provision of social 

    services. Government spends a lot of money to establish these 

    social facilities.

    However, a war of a few days can destroy facilities that took 

    Government several years to establish. Even when a war ends, it 

    always takes a long times to rebuild the infrastructures that were 

    destroyed during the war time.

    5.4 Application activity: 

    1. Define the term conflict.

    2. Explain the types of conflict that you know.

    3. Highlight the causes and consequences of conlict in society

    5.5. Methods of Conflict resolution

    5.5. Learning activitiy :

    The story of Uwineza and Gasimba

    Uwineza and Gasimba are Senior one students and were still fighting in 

    the field when Mahoro arrived. They were fighting over a lost pen they 

    found in the field. Each one of them claimed that the pen belonged to 

    them. Nobody wanted to lose the fight. Mahoro stopped them from fighting 

    and requested them to give her the pen. Because she was a friend and 

    classmate to both, they gave her the pen. Then she asked them who was 

    the real owner but both claimed ownership. She told them that she, as 

    the mediator, would take the pen. Gasimba became happy that neither 

    of them would get the pen. Uwineza looked innocent as she said she did 

    not have a pen to use in the class. Mahoro decided to take the pen to 

    class without the two. She went entered the classroom and asked other 

    students about the pen. Those close to Uwineza confirmed that the pen 

    belonged to her. She called the two and gave the pen to Uwineza because 

    she was convinced that the pen belonged to her. After that clear evidence, 

    Gasimba said that he only admired the pen. He therefore agreed to buy 

    five pens for her as they shook hands.

    1. From the above story did you know that it was good to be honest? 

    Explain.Identify at least two methods of solving conflict.

    2. Identify the evidence that the two classmates in conflict were 

    eventually reconciled. 

    3. What do you think was the situation after solving the conflict ? 

    Think and discuss other methods of conflict resoltion.

    j

    There are several methods used to cope with conflict. Those methods are 

    called Conflict resolution methods. Some of them are: mediation or dialogue, 

    negotiation, arbitration, promoting democratic rule, counselling and 

    litigation

    1. Mediation or dialogue:

    Mediation is a voluntary process in which an impartial person (the mediator) 

    helps with communication and promotes reconciliation between the parties 

    which will allow them to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation 

    often is the next step if negotiation proves unsuccessful.

    The Process: The mediator manages the process and helps facilitate 

    negotiation between the parties. A mediator does not make a decision nor 

    force an agreement. The parties directly participate and are responsible for 

    negotiating their own settlement or agreement

    2. Negotiation:

    Negotiation is the most basic means of settling differences. It is back-andforth communication between the parties of the conflict with the goal of trying 

    to find a solution.

    The Process: You may negotiate directly with the other person. You may hire 

    an attorney to negotiate directly with the other side on your behalf. There 

    are no specific procedures to follow - you can determine your own - but it 

    works best if all parties agree to remain calm and not talk at the same time. 

    Depending on your situation, you can negotiate in the board room of a big 

    company, in an office or even in your own living room.

    Negotiation allows you to participate directly in decisions that affect you. In 

    the most successful negotiations, the needs of both parties are considered. 

    A negotiated agreement can become a contract and be enforceable.

    3. Arbitration:

    Arbitration is the submission of a disputed matter to an impartial person (the 

    arbitrator) for decision.

    The Process: Arbitration is typically an out-of-court method for resolving 

    a dispute. The arbitrator controls the process, will listen to both sides and 

    make a decision. Like a trial, only one side will prevail. Unlike a trial, appeal 

    rights are limited.

    In a more formal setting, the arbitrator will conduct a hearing where all of the 

    parties present evidence through documents, exhibits and testimony. The 

    parties may agree to, in some instances, establish their own procedure; or 

    an administrating organization may provide procedures. There can be either 

    one arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators. An arbitration hearing is usually 

    held in offices or other meeting rooms.

    4. Promoting democratic rule:

    The most conflicts in Africa are caused by bad governance; leaders should 

    strive to establish democratic rules in their countries. When people are led 

    democratically and can participate in the management of their countries, 

    conflicts will be reduced. Elections must be free and fair so that those 

    defeated accept results honorably. Wherever there is serious discontent 

    over election results, those cheated can resort to violence.

    5. Counselling:

    This is the profession of advice and guidance in resolving a personal 

    problem. Counselling is a framework though which the counsellor reaches 

    out to a person in need of advice and guidance for the purpose of enabling 

    that person to overcome some certain personal difficulties. Sometimes, the 

    cause of conflict between parties or people can be personal weaknesses 

    that need to be addressed in order to end dispute. Counselling can play an 

    important part in helping individuals involved in a dispute to be reconciled

    The counsellor can help individuals to identify better and safer ways of 

    solving problems that head previously seemed very difficult to deal with

    6. Litigation

    Litigation is the use of the courts and civil justice system to resolve legal 

    controversies. Litigation can be used to compel opposing party to participate 

    in the solution.

    The Process: Litigation is begun by filing a lawsuit in a court. Specific rules 

    of procedure, discovery and presentation of evidence must be followed. The 

    attorney for the other side will want to take your deposition to learn more 

    about the facts as you see them and your position in the case. There can 

    be a number of court appearances by you and/or your lawyer. If the parties 

    cannot agree how to settle the case, either the judge or a jury will decide the 

    dispute for you through a trial.

    A trial is a formal judicial proceeding allowing full examination and 

    determination of all the issues between the parties with each side presenting 

    its case to either a jury or a judge. The decision is made by applying the facts 

    of the case to the applicable law. That verdict or decision can conclude the 

    litigation process and be enforceable; however, if appropriate, the loser can 

    appeal the decision to a higher court. In some cases, the losing party may 

    have to pay the costs of the lawsuit and may have to pay the other party’s 

    attorney fees.

    For conflict based on interest, approaches like win-win, lose-lose and winlose are frequently used. 

    • Active Nonviolence Methods

    Definition of Active Non-Violence: It is the personal practice of being 

    harmless to self and others under every condition. The idea came from 

    the philosophy of “abstention from violence: not hurt animals, people and 

    environment. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Junior and Mandela used this kind 

    of methods for several times. Among the principles of Active Non Violence, 

    we can cite: non-aggression, non-killing, non-violence, etc

    Six Principles of nonviolence in conflict resolution (according Martin 

    Luther King Jr)

    1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active 

    nonviolent resistance to evil.

    2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. The end 

    result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.

    Six Principles of nonviolence in conflict resolution (according Martin 

    Luther King Jr)

    1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active 

    nonviolent resistance to evil.

    2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. The end 

    result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.

    • Gandhi and Active Non-Violence Methods 

    Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was an Indian 

    activist who was the leader of the Indian independence movement against 

    British rule. Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to 

    independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across 

    the world. Gandhi’s birthday, 2 October, is commemorated in India as 

    Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of 

    Nonviolence. According to Gandhi, nonviolence and truth are inseparable.

    • Martin Luther King and Active Non-Violence Methods 

    Martin Luther King Junior (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American 

    Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and 

    leader in the civil rights movement from 1954 through 1968. He is best known 

    for his role in the advancement of civil rights using the tactics of nonviolence 

    and civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs and inspired by the 

    nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi. King believed and declared that 

    violence was immoral. 

    • Mandela Nelson and Active Non-Violence Methods 

    Nelson Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013), (imprisoned for 27 

    years) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and 

    philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. 

    He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully 

    representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling 

    the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism and fostering racial 

    reconciliation. Ideologically an African nationalist and socialist, he served as 

    President of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997.

    • Effects of Conflict Resolution (individual, family and society) 

    Conflict resolution has significant impact on individual, family and society. 

    At the individual level, the person whose conflict is resolved, is peaceful 

    and can work positively and successfully. When he or she has overcome his/

    her conflicts, he/she becomes a source of benediction for others. 

    At the family level, the resolution of conflicts creates harmony between 

    family members and enhances their efforts for integral development. 

    At the society level, conflict resolution contributes to the welfare and 

    development of communities. 

    Conflict Analysis

    For conflicts to be resolved, it is necessary to understand what is going on 

    between conflicting individuals or entities. One needs to study the problem, 

    analyze it and this to be easy some tools can be helpful. 

    • Problem Analysis

    It is usually said that a problem well analyzed is a problem half solved. In a 

    basic conflict analysis, we should gather as much information and knowledge 

    about:

    • Who are the people directly and indirectly affected by the conflict? 

    What are their perspectives about the conflict?

    • What are the underlying issues and needs that are not being mentioned?

    • What are the roots causes of the conflict? Do the conflicts have historical 

    roots or do they come from the current social context?

    • If there is no immediate intervention, is the conflict likely to escalate to 

    violence?

    • Are there parties who may be benefiting from the conflict; and is there 

    anyone trying to resolve the conflict?

    • How should you intervene in the conflict?

    • Classical Problem Solving Approach

    • The following steps can help solving the problem: 

    • Define the problem.

    • Generate as many options as possible for resolution

    • Evaluate the options.

    • Pick the best.

    • Develop implementation plan. 

    • Alternative approach to Conflict Resolution

    One of the tools to resolve conflicts is by the “The conflict resolution tree”. As 

    the name suggests, the conflict resolution tree focuses on the root causes 

    of the core problems that we can visibly see. The analogy of a tree is very 

    familiar with most people hence they can easily identify with the dynamics 

    in the analysis. In the Conflicts Resolution Tree, the leaves and branches 

    represent the effects while the stem or trunk represents the core problem. Of 

    course the roots represent the root causes of the conflict.

    n

    5.5. Application activity: 

    1. Define conflict resolution methods.

    2. Outline different means of conflict resolution.

    3. Explain the active non violence method of confict resolution and 

    out line its princples according to Martin Luther King Junior.

    4. Outline the effects of conflict resolution to an individual, family and 

    society

    5.5. End unit assessment

    1. Why is the lack of peace in any given area a great disadvantage 

    to people?

    2. Highlight the causes and consequences of conlict in society.

    3. Identify and explain the effects of war on a development.

    4. Among the following five actions, find one which cannot develop 

    inner peace: Simplify, Accept, Forgive, Do not do what you enjoy, 

    be careful with your inner peace.

    5. Explain how stress is the big obstacle of inner peace.

    6. Distinguish the different types of conflict.

    7. Explain the different ways conflicts can be resolved.

    REFERENCES

    a. Books:

    Abdul Wahid Hamid, (1989). Islam,the Natural Way. Kingdom Bahrain: 

    Discover Islam.

    Conference Episcopale du Rawanda, Bureau Nationale de Catechese(2017). 

    Church-Mystery, Church-History. Kigali: Edition bibliques et Liturgiques

     Conférence Episcopale du Rwanda, Bureau Nationale de Catéchèse (2017). 

    Initiation to the Bible. Kigali: Edition bibliques et Liturgiques

    Conseil Protestant du Rwanda (2002). La vie en abondance en JésusChrist: Contenu du Programme de Religion Protestante pour l’enseignement 

    secondaire. Kigali : CPR.

    Diana Hayden, (2009) Religious Studies A, Islam. London: Nelson Thornes.

    Dictionary,O.E., (1989).Oxford English dictionary. Simpson, JA & Weiner, 

    Esc.

    Dr. Abdrahmane Raffat Al-Pacha, (2000). Histoire des Compagnons du 

    Prophète, Volume VI. Koeit: Agence des Musulmans d’Afrique.

    Gichaga S. N, et al,(2000) Secondary Christian Religious Education, 

    Students` Book Four, Secondary, Education, Kenya Literature Bureau, 

    Nairobi.

    Godfrey E.N. Nsubuga (2016): Christian Religion and Ethics for Rwandan 

    Schools, Learner’s book 1, MK Publishers, Kigali, Rwanda.

    Godfrey E.N. Nsubuga (2016): Christian Religion and Ethics for Rwandan 

    Schools, Teacher’s Guide 1, MK Publishers, Kigali, Rwanda.

    Godfrey Nsubuga E.N, (2016). Christian Religion and Ethics for Rwandan 

    Schools, Learner’s book 1. Kigali: MK Publishers.

    Jan Thompson, (2005). Islam, a New Approach. London: 3rd Edition Hodder 

    Education 

    Michael Keene, (2007). Muslim Beliefs and Issues. Stevenage , Hetfordshire: 

    Badger Publishing.

    Michael Pennock (2007), Learning and Living Justice, Catholic Social

    Teaching, ave maria press notre dame, Indiana, USA

    Mukama Kakuru, Pamela Owiti (2016): Christian Religion and Ethics 

    for Rwandan Schools, Senior 1, Student’s Book; Published by Longhorn 

    Publishers, Kigali, Rwanda.

    Mukama Kakuru, Pamela Owiti (2016): Christian Religion and Ethics for 

    Rwandan Schools, Senior 1, Teacher’s Guide; Published by Longhorn 

    Publishers, Kigali, Rwanda.

     Mukama kakuru, Pamela Owiti,(2016). Christian Religion and Ethics For 

    Rwandan Schools, Senior 1Student’s Book. Nairobi: Longhorn.

    Onoka A. (2009). Christian Religious Education, Student’s Book three. 

    Nairobi: Kenyan Literature Bureau (Second Edition).

    Protestant Council of Rwanda (2016). Sustainable Peace in the World of 

    God, Senior Four Teacher’s book. Kigali.

    Protestant Council of Rwanda (2016); Christian family life as the mirror of 

    the heaven: Religious Education, Manual Upper Secondary School, Senior 

    Six, Teacher’s Book, Kigali.

    Protestant Council of Rwanda (2016); Jesus, the cornerstone of the church: 

    Religious Education, Manual Upper Secondary School, Senior Five, 

    Teacher’s Book, Kigali.

    REB 2016. Religious Studies syllabus.

    Shiphrah Gichaga N., Ruth Kerre M.; Dr Philomena Mwaura N., Elizabeth 

    Onoka A. (2003). Christian Religious Education, Student’s Book one. Nairobi: 

    Kenyan Literature Bureau (Second Edition).

    Shiphrah Gichaga N., Ruth Kerre M.; Dr Philomena Mwaura N., Elizabeth 

    Onoka A. (2003). Christian Religious Education, Form 2Teacher’s Guide. 

    Nairobi: Kenyan Literature Burea

    Shiphrah Gichaga N., Ruth Kerre M.; Dr Philomena Mwaura N., Jeremiah 

    Mambo M., Elizabeth 

    The New African Bible (2012). Paulines Publications Africa.

    b. b. Online references

    Abu Amina Elias, (2013). The golden rule in Islam, retrived from https://

    google.com /ur l?sa =t&source web&rct=j&url (on 9/919).

    Brannon Deibert, what is the Golden Rule? Biblical meaning, importance 

    and examples, on https://www.christianity.com/christian-life/what-is-thegolden-rule.html (on 10/9/2019)

    Courtnage Richard, Loving the Lord with all your heart, your Soul, your mind 

    and your strength. On https://www.ibelieve. Com (on 9/9)

    Crosswalk.com. (2019). Prayer of St Francis of Assisi on https://www.

    Crosswalk .com/ faith /prayer/the-prayer-of-st-Francis-MakeMe-aninstrument.html%3Famp %3 D1&ved (Visited 10/9/2019)

    Bernock, D. (2009). What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? 

    On https: www.crosswalk.com (on 9/9)

    Tzvi, N. R. (2018). Golden rule in Judaism, on https://www.aish.com/sp/pg/

    judaism-Golden-rule.html%3Fmobile%3Dyes&ved

    UNIT 4: THE PILLARS OF FAITH IN ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONSTopic 6