Religion and Ethics

Key unit competency:
By the end of the unit, you will be able to justify the importance of Christianity in the society and manifest good behaviour.

2.1 Jesus as the centre of Christianity
Birth of Jesus as foretold in the Old Testament

Activity 2.1

Read Matthew 2:1-6; 1:21-23.
Based on what you have read, discuss in groups about the main message and values of Christianity.

The birth of Jesus as the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament. The Old Testament prophecies showed that the Messiah would come from the house of King David. The Messiah would be born of a virgin. He would save people from sin and perform miracles. He would be king and would set the people of God free from suffering. The Messiah would suffer from his enemies who would put him to death. But God would raise him from the dead. The birth of Jesus therefore is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

2.1.1 Jesus’ birth and early life in the New Testament (Mat 2:1-6, Luke 1:26-56; Luke 2)

Activity 2.2
Gasore’s story

A long time ago, there was a young man called Gasore in Nyarugenge Sector. The young man used to go to a nearby hill to pray. He always prayed in the morning and in the evening. Gasore strongly believed that God would hear his prayers. In our traditional African society, people believed that God lived in special places such as the mountains, hills, around big trees, in caves or in forests. He prayed for God to bless him with a good wife and children. People believed that children were a blessing from God. Therefore people would come together to give thanks to God whenever a child was born. They would sacrifice animals, pray, sing and dance for God.

As time went by, Gasore’s prayers were answered when he married Ingabire from his neighbouring community. As they were preparing the field for the planting season, Ingabire developed labour pains. An old grandmother who was a well known village midwife was called.

Shortly before she arrived, there were ululations from other mothers present that signified the birth of a baby girl.
Relatives from the two families both from Ingabire and Gasore came together to thank God for the child. They brought gifts of food, clothing and animals. They sacrificed some animals to God and ate the rest. The baby was treated with a necklace that could protect her from people with evil eyes. They continued to celebrate the child for more than a week. God continued to bless the family of Gasore and Ingabire.

 1. State two similarities in the birth of Gasore’s baby with the birth of Jesus.
 2. Identify two differences between the birth of Gasore’s baby and the birth of Jesus.

Today, Christians believe that a child is a gift from God. A pregnant mother is advised to go to hospital for medical checkups. Women are always advised to go to hospital for delivery. They give thanks to God when a baby is born. They also bring gifts to bless the newborn baby. The gifts include clothes, well wishing cards, cakes and money. A child is also taken to church to be dedicated to God. Church leaders pray to God to protect the child.

                        Fig. 2.1: Baby Jesus being laid in a manger

Activity 2.3

                                           Recite this verse:
The angel said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God.’
                                             Luke 1:30

Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary as foretold in the Old Testament. His birth was announced by the angel Gabriel according to Luke’s gospel. He was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days when Herod was the king. According to Matthew’s Gospel, the wise men from the East brought the news. When King Herod heard this, he was troubled. He then called the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where Christ was to be born. He was told that he would be born in Judea. Then he gathered his men to look carefully for the young child.

     Fig. 2.2: The wise men led by a star to where Jesus was born

The star guided the wise men to where Jesus was laid. They brought him three special gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. They had been divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod. They therefore departed for their own country through another way.

When the wise men had departed, Joseph was warned in a dream. He was told to take the young child and his mother and flee to Egypt and stay there. They departed and went to hide Jesus in Egypt. They did not come to Jerusalem until Herod was dead. This fulfilled that which was spoken by the Lord, “Out of Egypt I called My Son”

(Matthew 2:15).

Jesus was born to bring salvation to all people. Jesus grew and he became strong; he was full of wisdom and God’s blessing was upon him. As Christians we should give thanks to God and be happy about the birth of Jesus. We should also spread the Good News about Jesus Christ. We should share some gifts during Christmas with the needy such as the poor and orphans.

The baptism of Jesus

Activity 2.4
Dramatise how baptism is conducted in your church.

    Fig. 2.3: Jesus being baptised by John the Baptist

John the Baptist was baptising Jews in the River Jordan. Jesus came from Galilee to be baptised by him. John the Baptist tried to prevent Jesus by saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you and you are coming to me. But Jesus answered, ‘Permit it to be so now for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’. So John accepted
(Matthew 3:14-15).

When he was baptised and came out of the water, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of the Lord descending like a dove and landing upon him. Suddenly a voice came from heaven. “This is my own dear Son with whom I am pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).

The baptism of Jesus had two important meanings. In the first place, it signified that he was truly human. Secondly, it signified that Jesus was the Son of God.
This is the reason why baptism is a sacrament among Christians especially the Catholics.

2.1.2 Jesus’ mission
The calling of the twelve disciples (Luke 6: 12-16)

               Fig. 2.4: Jesus calling the first disciples

Activity 2.5
Ntwali’s story

Ntwali was a young energetic man in Nkungu village. He loved the green vegetation.When he was a young boy, he lost his left arm due to sickness. He would go to Nyarurema forest during his leisure time. Whenever they had a school holiday, he would walk for kilometres and kilometres to look for tree seedlings. He was so
happy to plant and water them in one corner of their piece of land. Before he could plant them he always consulted his mother and father. He also sought help from his brothers and sisters while planting them. Ntwali always cried whenever he saw somebody cut down a tree without a good reason.

As Ntwali grew up, he was taught in school about the importance of trees. This made him become interested in topics that dealt with green environment. He learnt lessons about conservation of the environment. Then he developed the idea of a Tree Planting Club in school. He started a club with four other members of his class. These were two girls and two boys, who were very interested in environmental conservation. As time went by, the number of members grew until it became the leading club. Journalism Club had for long been known to be the best club in the school. Ntwali’s club started participating in community projects.

After finishing Senior Four, Ntwali developed the club into an Environmental Protection Movement. Soon the government started funding projects with the movement. Later, the movement spread throughout the country and to the neighbouring countries. The movement continued to grow and keep them environment friendly to many human beings. Members of Ntwali and his Tree Planting Movement may be called followers.

Ntwali does not need to be employed by the government. Explain.

                          My environment, my life!
By maintaining our environment we improve our economy. When we improve our economy we improve our livelihood. Let us improve our environment in every way.

Jesus also needed followers to spread the Good News about the Kingdom of heaven. The first followers of Jesus were the twelve disciples. After baptism, the Spirit led Jesus Christ to the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. He was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights. From that time Jesus started to preach and call people to repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus saw two brothers Simon
Peter and Andrew his brother fishing. Jesus said to them, ‘follow me and I will make you fishers of men’ and they followed him (Matthew 4: 18-22).

Then he saw two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Jesus called them too. They left their boat and followed Jesus.
He went to Galilee preaching and healing all kinds of sickness and disease. From the first disciples, Jesus called others. He commanded them to go and gather the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
After the ressurection and ascension of Jesus, his followers began to be called Christians. From those small groups, Christianity has spread all over the world.

Activity 2.6
List the names of the other disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Sermon on the Mountain and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7)

Fig. 2.5: Jesus teaching a multitude on a mountain (Sermon on the Mount)

Activity 2.7
Look at the picture above.
1. Describe two things that took place during the meeting between Jesus and his followers.
2. Identify at least six Christian values in Matthew 5-7.
3. What promises did Jesus give to: the merciful, pure in heart and peace makers?

As Jesus became famous, multitudes followed him. They wanted to listen to his teachings and receive miracles. He taught people of different backgrounds. One of his greatest teachings was the Sermon on the Mount. In his sermon, Jesus taught the multitudes about what they were required to do to enter the Kingdom of God. They were expected to have right attitudes and values. His teachings about these right attitudes and values are also called the “beatitudes”.

The beatitudes are the sayings that start with the word ‘Blessed...’ In general, Jesus promised heavenly rewards to:
  • Those who were poor in spirit.
  • Those who were mourning.
  • Those who were hungry and thirsty for righteousness.
  • Those who were merciful.
  • Those who were pure in heart.
  • Those who were peace makers.
  • Those who were persecuted for righteousness.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus condemned sexual immorality and lust. He also condemned divorce and separation.
He condemned people who brought a gift at the altar but had differences with their brothers. He therefore taught, ‘so if you bring your gift to the altar and while there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift’ to God (Matthew 5:23).

Jesus came to reconcile human beings with God. Therefore during his ministry he encouraged reconciliation.

Fasting and praying

Activity 2.8

From the Bible read Matthew 6: 9-13. Recite what you have read.

We should all learn to pray. Prayers can be said at any time, in the morning, at noon and at night. We should pray at home, at school and in church. As Christians, parents should teach their children how to pray. There are also special prayers where someone goes without food for a period of time.

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught the importance of prayer and fasting. He taught that we should not pray like hypocrites did. They loved to be seen praying on corners of the streets so that they could be seen by their fellow human beings.

When we pray we should go into our rooms and close the door. Our Father who is in the secret place and who sees what you do in secret will reward you openly.
Jesus taught his disciples a prayer known as, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ by Christians.

Jesus also taught about fasting. He taught that when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face . This was to hide from that you are fasting, but to your Father who is in a secret place, will reward you openly.
Finally, Jesus taught that we should seek first the Kingdom of heaven. The rest of the things shall be added to us. We should also never worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Miracles of Jesus Christ

Activity 2.9
Read this story

A local church elder was teaching teenagers in a church. She told them the story about Jesus’ presence at a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus and his disciples had been invited.

When the wine had gone out, Jesus’ mother told him, ‘they have no wine left.’ There were six stone water jars, each one holding about a hundred litres. Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water. They filled them to the brim. Then he told them to draw some water out and take it to the man in charge of the feast. They took him the water which now had turned into wine and he tasted it. He did not know where this wine had come from. So he called the bridegroom and told him that the best wine should come first. He asked him where he had kept that best wine until late. One of the teenagers asked the elder, how the water turned into wine. Another teenager answered quickly, ‘that is a miracle!’ (John 2:1-12).

Throughout his ministry, Jesus performed a number of miracles. The miracles of Jesus are the supernatural deeds found in Christian and Islamic texts. He performed them to prove his Messianic powers and prove he was the Saviour. Some of Jesus’ miracles are:

• The cure of the noble man’s son: He cured the noble man’s son at Cana of Galilee. A nobleman asked Jesus to go to Capernaum and heal his son who was about to die. Jesus healed the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-54).
• The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law: After worshipping God in the synagogue, Christ and his disciples went to Peter’s house. There Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law who had a fever (Matthew 8:14-15).
• The driving out of an evil spirit: He ordered out an unclean spirit from a man. Jesus was preaching in the synagogue when a man with an evil spirit came in. Jesus ordered the spirit to be quiet and to come out of the man (Mark 1:23-28).

Fig. 2.6: Peter and his brother fishing

• The great catch of fish: Simon Peter and others had fished the whole night and caught nothing. When  

    they  were retiring home Jesus told them to put the net back into the sea. They got more than the 

    expected  (Luke 5:1-11).

• The healing of the daughter of a Canaanite woman: The daughter had a demon that made her

  condition  terrible (Matthew 15: 22-28).

                 Fig. 2.7: Jesus heals the blind man

• The healing of a man born blind: Jesus restored sight to a man born blind. Some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes and he received healing(Mark 8:22-26).

• The feeding of the five thousand: He told his disciples to make people sit down and eat because they were tired and hungry. Jesus fed at least five thousand people with two fish and five loaves of bread. They all ate and had enough and there were twelve baskets of left overs (Luke 9:10-17).

According to John’s gospel, Jesus did many more miracles. If every one of them was written down, the books could have been so many.
The miracles increased people’s faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. They proved that he was the Messiah who came to save people from their sin and suffering. They showed that he had come to change people’s lives and bring them closer to God. In order to receive a miracle, one had to have faith.

Activity 2.10

In small groups, memorise five miracles that Jesus performed. Write them on clean pieces of paper. Share them with other groups for comparison.

Parables of Jesus Christ

Activity 2.11
Use the Bible and the internet in your research. From Luke’s Gospel, list down any three parables that Jesus used in his teachings.

A parable is a short story designed to teach some truth, religious principles or moral statements.
After his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus started teaching in parables.

His disciples wanted to know why he started using parables. He told them that they had been granted to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven but to others it had not been granted (Matthew 13: 11).

The parables present clear stories from every day events. The crowds would recognise and understand the relationship between the story and the events. They would comprehend the stories related to their lives. Some of these parables are:

1. The parable of the sower: It is about a man who went to sow corn. The scattered seeds fell on different types of ground. The seed represents the word of God. The different types of ground represent the different people who receive the word. We should obey the word of God and put it into practise (Luke 8:5-15).

           Fig. 2.9: The sower and the seeds that fell on the path

               Fig. 2.10: The sower and the seeds that fell on the rock

2. The parable of a covered lamp: When we light a lamp, it should be put on a lamp stand. We should listen to the word of God and lead by example
(Luke 8:16-18).

2. The parable of the unforgiving servant: There was once a servant who owed a king millions of pounds. He begged the king to be patient with him and the king forgave him. After the king forgave him, he too met one of his fellow-servants who owed him a few pounds. He grabbed him and told him to pay what he owed him. When the king learnt about it, he became very angry. He sent him to jail until he paid the whole amount of the debt (Matthew 18:21-35).

3. The parable of the prodigal son: A man had two sons. The young one asked for his share of the property and his father gave it to him. He sold his share and wasted it in a far country. After realising his mistakes, he asked for forgiveness. His father forgave and accepted him back home (Luke 15: 11-32).

Fig 2.14: The prodigal son coming home after he realised his mistakes

It should be noted that the parables divided the crowd into two groups. Parables would also bring people closer to Jesus and prove that he was truly human. He was familiar with everyday life experiences.

Jesus’ public ministry was misunderstood by of the Pharisees, priests and scribes. They then planned to kill him.

Arrest of Jesus and charges against him
The following were the accusations against Jesus:
  • Mixing with sinners and tax collectors.
  • Blasphemy. Calling himself the Son of God was a crime which was punishable by death (stoning).
  • Possession by demonic power.
  • False prophecy that the temple would be destroyed.

The Jewish religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus because of the charges against him. They bribed Judas Iscariot to betray him. Judas betrayed Jesus during the Last Supper. Jesus was arrested and tried. Finally, they judged that he deserved a death sentence as a blasphemer.

                Fig. 2.15: Judas kissing Jesus before the crowd

2.1.3 Crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus

Activity 2.12

Study the above picture and briefly write the events that led to its occurrence.

Crucifixion
In life, there are situations or events that bring sorrow to our lives. There are also times of happiness. We feel very sad when a family member is sick or dies. We should give thanks to God in times of happiness and in times of sorrow.

The passion and death of Jesus took place at a time famously known as the week of passion. The week of passion began with the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jesus told the twelve disciples that what was written was about to be fulfilled. Grief and anguish came over him but he continued to pray. Then the hour came when he was going to be handed over to the power of sinners. One of the disciples called Judas Iscariot, went straight to Jesus and kissed him. After Judas had kissed Jesus, the crowd armed with swords came and arrested Jesus.

Jesus was tried before Pilate as the crowd chanted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’So Pilate sentenced him as the crowd had requested. Barabbas who was in prison was set free as Jesus was sentenced to death.

The crowd followed Jesus, among them were women who were weeping. Turning to them, Jesus said, ‘daughters of Jerusalem do not weep for me’. He told them to weep for themselves and for their children. For days were about to come in which they would say blessed are the barren wombs that never bore and breasts which never nursed (Luke 23:26-43).

The criminal on his left scorned him, ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ However, the other one rebuked him saying, ‘do you not fear God for you are under one condemnation.’ Jesus promised to be with him in paradise that day.

Death
From the sixth hour until the ninth hour it was dark. Jesus cried out, ‘Father into your hands I place my spirit’. Having said this he breathed his last. A man named Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council who had not agreed to their decision asked for the body of Jesus. He buried him in his own grave. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee went and observed the tomb (Luke 23:44-49).

Resurrection
On the third day, women went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty. Suddenly, two men in bright shining clothes told them, ‘Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here, he has been raised’ (Luke 24: 6). They remembered his words and returned from the tomb and told the rest of the apostles. Peter ran to the tomb but he saw only the linen cloths lying there.

When two of his disciples were traveling to Emmaus, Jesus appeared to them. He asked them, “What are you talking about to each other, as you walk along?” One called Cleopas asked Jesus, ‘Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem that doesn’t know the things that have been happening there these last few days?

Jesus thereafter revealed himself to the disciples as he sat at the table with them. He took bread blessed it, broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they knew him and he disappeared from their sight. They went to Jerusalem and told his disciples but Thomas doubted until Jesus appeared to them. They were amazed when he showed them his hands and his feet. He asked for food and they gave him fish. Jesus took it and ate in their presence. That was when they realised that he had indeed resurrected (Luke 24: 13-35).

Later Jesus ascended into heaven. He had commissioned his disciples to go and preach the Good News. He commanded them to preach to the rest of the world starting from Jerusalem.

2.2 Duties and rights of a Christian
2.2.1 Duties of a Christian

Activity 2.13

Discuss the importance of living a Christian life, both as an individual and as a member of the society.

In every country, citizens have certain obligations that they are required to fulfill. They vary from country to country. The Kingdom of God is no exception. Christians have obligations and duties to carry out. We should remember that a Christian is a citizen of the Kingdom of God. He or she is also a citizen to the country to which he or she belongs. For a Christian, duties to God come first. Jesus taught his followers to seek first the Kingdom of God and all the rest would follow. A Christian’s duties to God include serving other human beings because that is God’s will.

A Christian’s duties to God include the following:

a. To have faith in God as our creator, provider of our needs and sustainer of our lives.
b. To worship God. Christians have a duty to praise God and appreciate His greatness and sovereignty. 

      We should also worship God and thank Him.
c. To pray to God. To Christians, prayer is a communication with God to thank Him, ask for forgiveness 

      and make requests for our needs.
d. To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and win more souls for God’s Kingdom.
e. To pay tithe and help in the building of the church as the house of God. This is for the benefit of the

     whole Christian community in the area.
f.  A Christian should follow the Ten Commandments just like Jesus did.

     They should avoid evil such as  murder, theft and adultery.

g. Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus. They should be simple, child -like, meek, humble, impartial and gentle. They are supposed to be humble like a dove and clever like a serpent.

h. Christians are called upon to desist from loving money too much. For the love of money is the source of all evil.

i. Reading the Scripture. Christ commanded his followers to search the Scriptures for in them we find the truth and have eternal life.
j. Christians have the duty to condemn evil in the society.
k. As followers of Jesus Christ, Christians are required to submit to him and obey his teachings. They should repent of their sins, forgive others, practise justice, resist temptations and be ready to suffer for the sake of the gospel. They should promote peace and avoid vengeance.

l. A Christian should help the needy and show them love. They should share wealth with the less fortunate, donate food, clothing and perform other acts of charity.

m. Christians are duty bound to protect and preserve the environment as God’s creation. For example, as Christians and citizens of Rwanda we should also participate in Umuganda. This is because we want to live in a clean country.

n. It is the duty of a Christian to set a good example to others by leading a righteous life. Jesus told his followers that they should be the light of the world.

A Christian should be careful of what he or she says. The tongue, small as it is can bring a lot of trouble just like a match stick.
Christians are supposed to be peaceful, strive to make and maintain peace in the community and avoid revenge.
Some of the duties of a Christian as a citizen of his or her country are:
   a. To pay taxes to the government.
   b. To respect those in authority, such as government and church leaders. It is important to note that all 

       authority comes from God.
   c. To elect their government leaders. Christians should vote and support their elected leaders.

Activity 2.14
Read through the first set of duties of a Christian. Mention three that apply in both cases as duties to God and to a country.

2.2.2 Rights of a Christian

Activity 2.15

Did you know that Christians have rights in our country?
Discuss any three rights Christians have.

Christians like other groups in society have rights and freedoms. Some of these rights are:
  • Right to freedom of conscience and thinking.
  • Right to work with the government.
  • Right to participate in elections, choose leaders or present themselves to be elected.

                                    Fig 2.20: People queueing to cast their votes

  • Right to condemn any bad acts by the state, individuals or church leaders.
  • Right to be heard in legal ways. For instance, in case a Christian is offended he or she has a right to go to

     court and be heard.
  • Right to marry a person of his or her choice. Christian marriage is between a man and a woman.

It is important to bear in mind that, as Christians exercise their rights and freedom that they should seek God’s guidance as all wisdom comes from God.
All men are created equal in the image of God. We should give respect to others in a dignified way. We are all wonderfully made in God’s image.

2.3 The importance of Christianity

Activity 2.16

The story of Uwamahoro and Mugisha
Uwamahoro and Mugisha are Senior One students in Kigali International Community School. Uwamahoro was brought up in a Christian family. Her father was a church elder. Her mother too used to clean the church compound daily. They always prayed together as a family in the morning and in the evening. Her parents were always honest and faithful. Uwamahoro turned out to be a very rude and bad girl in the village. However much her parents tried to correct her, she could not change for any better. This was all because of the bad friends she chose.

On the other hand, Mugisha was brought up in a family where members did not go to church. They used to rest at home while drinking wine and beer. Mugisha was very obedient to his parents and the village members. Later, they became independent from their parents.

Uwamahoro remembered the honest and faithful life her parents lived. She started living according to the Christian values and skills her parents had showed her on. She lived a happy and comfortable life afterwards.
For his part, Mugisha continued with life the way his parents brought him up. It became very difficult for him to stop drinking. He then became an alcoholic and could not manage his own life. People in the village were tired of solving his conflicts from time to time. He ended up being locked up in jail.

Explain how Mugisha’s life was influenced by his family background.

Christianity is important in society because it plays an important role in history. Christianity is one of the world’s leading religions. It has over two billion people following its teachings and beliefs. It has shaped the moral values and moral actions in the society.

                               Moral values lead to a healthy life!
This has helped our society to deal with matters such as human sexuality and HIV and AIDS.

  • Christianity helps people to have deeper relationship with God. It also makes them live a just and moral

     life.
  • Christianity has many teachings about fellowship and how to live a good life It therefore influences

     believers in their daily lives. It also helps them how to relate with their neighbours emphasising love of 

     their neighbour.
  • Christians strive to have attributes such as kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice.

  These direct them to help the needy and the disadvantaged in society such as theorphans and the sick.
  • Christianity helps people live in peace and harmony. It promotes the unity of the communities in our 

     country.

  • It helps society build good homes and families. For instance, church groups assist people to build their

    homes.
  • Christianity helps Christians to understand the purpose of marriage and the dangers of divorce (Matthew

     19:3).
  • Christianity helps individuals to work for the Kingdom of God and gain salvation.
  • Christianity emphasises values such as humility, loyalty and respect. These attributes help people to live

    in peace and harmony.

                                    Remember
1. Christianity has helped the society learn reconciliation, forgiveness and avoiding revenge. These promoted unity, peace and reconciliation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.
2. It is the duty of every Christian to respect leaders on earth. This is because all authority comes from God. On the other hand, a Christian has a right to reject bad governance.
3. The attributes and values of Christianity help shape Christian behaviour in society. This has promoted a standardised way of living.

                                 Unit summary

• Jesus is the centre of Christianity. The birth of Jesus Christ as the Messiah was foretold in the Old Testament. He would come from the house of David. He would save people from their sins.

• When the time came, Jesus was born as it was foretold. He was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. Herod made plans to kill Jesus but through the divine intervention he survived. He was baptised by John the Baptist in River Jordan.

• After baptism Jesus started his ministry. He began on his Ministry through calling of the disciples, preaching, praying and fasting.

• Crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus: Jesus was tried before Pilate and was sentenced to death. He cried out to God and breathed his last. He was buried and on the third day he rose from among the dead.

• Duties of a Christian: Christians have duties to serve both in their government and in God’s Kingdom. Christians should seek the Kingdom of God first and other things will follow. In the government, Christians should pay taxes, respect those in authority and elect leaders.

• Rights of a Christian: Christians have rights and freedoms such as freedom of conscience and thinking. They also have a right to participate in elections and be heard in legal ways.

• Christianity is important to an individual and the society. It has shaped the moral and spiritual values of the society.

              Unit Assessment

1. Who brought Good News to Mary about the birth of Jesus?
2. List three groups that Jesus said will be blessed during the Sermon on the Mount.
3. Explain any two parables that Jesus used in his teachings.
4. Describe three duties of a Christian in the society today.
5. State four ways in which Christianity is important in society.