Religion and Ethics

Key Unit Competence:

The learner will be able to observe the spiritual and social norms and rules in all sit-uations as guidance to happiness and peaceful life. Learning objectives:

• Outline the different spiritual norms and societal rules.

• Determine the Christian spirituality and the values.

• Outline the Christian and the civic values.

• Recall the importance of Christian and civic values in life.

• Study the Bible regularly and pray frequently.

• Construct harmony between societal rules and Christian spirituality.

• Execute the spiritual norms and values in his/her own community.

• Apply the Christian values towards happiness and peaceful life.

• Justify the Christian guidance towards happiness and peaceful life.

• Integrate Christian norms and values in his/her daily life.

• Participate willingly to the peace building actions based on the Christian spir-ituality.

• Exhibit loyalty towards the societal rules.

• Commit yourself and attend all the local church and honor church`s discipline.

• Practice proper relations with other people and help others to learn the word of God.

• Live an upright moral life and do all God`s will.

Introductory Activity 3

UWIMANA is a farmer. She is also a member of a Church near her house. Every time she attends the prayer meeting with her neighbours, she participates in several activities in her Church and her village.

• List some important things you think that Uwimana and her colleagues might discuss both in the Church and Village meetings.

• Do you think these things you have listed in question 1are important for the Church and the Village? Give reasons

• Is it important for Uwimana to participate in her church and village activities? Give reasons

3.1 Christian and the Civic Values

Learning Activity 3.1:

Answer the following questions:

1. What is a value?

2. How are the Christian values related to civic values?

3. Do Rwandans have values? Give examples.

4. Discuss the importance of Agaciro Development funds in shaping national identity

Every Christian must be committed to accomplish the mission that Christ gave to all His followers. He/she has responsibilities in the life towards the society. There are distinctive religious virtues and civic values he/she follows.

The main foundation of the Christian life is the respect of the Ten Commandments of God. Jesus gave them an ultimate Commandment of Love that extends itself in all moral life. True believers are known by the love they show to one another.

3.1.1 Christian values

Christian values are based on God’s principles and the work of Jesus Christ. The main Christian values include respect for God, hope, righteousness, love, humility, godliness, etc.

a) Respect God

Respecting God is the foundation of Christian value. This means continuously seeking His righteousness and totally relying on Him. As humans, we have the freedom of choice to decide what is right and wrong; and if we value God we will know what is right/wrong. We value God when we acknowledge that He knows everything we need in our lives better than we do. Jesus says we should seek God and value God above all things: «But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you». (Matthew 6:33).

b) Hope

The Christian hope is based on Jesus Christ’s promises that He can redeem mankind and give eternal life. The hope enables a Christian to be patient and persevere since Jesus’ promises of eternal life are unseen and unrealized in this present time. Paul advises us to place our hope in God and not in material things. “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?”(Romans 8:24).

c) Righteousness

When a Christian accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, he/she is now in right with God and becomes a new person. A Christian is now set-aside for God to be holy and righteous. Righteousness becomes more and more precious as a Christian grows in his or her love of God. A Christian seeks to do God’s will and do what is right in God’s eyes because he/she desires to strengthen their relationship with God. The righteousness and holiness are linked: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

d) Love

Christian love is called «agape», the love which means unmerited favor. Christians realize this type of love through God. He offers all of mankind eternal life through Jesus Christ. Christians in turn value God’s love and have a desire to provide this Godly love of unmerited favor to others: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 1:21).

3.1.2 Civic Values

The Civic values are principles of conduct centered on personal relationship within a society and serve to maintain social order. The vast majority of civic values are interrelated. Here are some of them:

a) Solidarity

Solidarity is one of the most important civic values because it depends on the strengthening of social relations. It consists of providing support to the person in need, especially in time of difficulty. The solidarity strengthens the personal relationship between people.

b) Responsibility

Responsibility is a civic value in which a person undertakes to fulfill what is established. In homes, there are always tasks assigned to household members. It is necessary to fulfill the agreed commitments and respect the rules. This constitutes responsible citizenship.

c) Respect

Respect is an essential civic value which must be maintained since each person has some personal character. It is about recognizing others in their particularities, differences. Respect leads to friendly relationship.

d) Justice

Justice is a very important civic value which corresponds to the Judicial Power and to its units. It consists of making the right decisions that correspond with reality. For example, when there is a conflict, it is always fair to respect rights and render justice to the person who deserves it. Justice also applies in the areas of money and finance.

Application Activities 3.1

Do you think it is possible to be at the same time a good Christian and a good citizen? Justify your answer.

3.2. Duties of Christians

Learning Activity 3.2

1. Do you remember what the kingdom of God entails and the kind of people who will inherit it? Discuss them briefly.

2.

3. As a Christian, would you like to inherit/to go to the kingdom of God?

4. If yes, in detailed manner, as a Christian, list down what you do in order to inherit the kingdom of God.

5. Are there similarities between what you have to do in order to inherit the kingdom of God and what a good Rwandan citizen should do?

Every citizen of any country has certain obligations that they are required to fulfill. These vary from country to country. It is almost the same in the kingdom of God. We have duties and obligations to accomplish.

a) To be Good Citizen

Good citizenship means to conduct oneself in accordance with the rights, duties and privileges as an inhabitant of a country. A person might be a citizen in a certain geographical location by means of birth or naturalization. The respect of rules is a must. The Bible says: «Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God » (Romans 13:1).

b) To be peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

c) To show a spirit of gentleness and humble to all

«Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand » (Philippians 4:5).Christians must be careful of what they say and their actions. They must be ready to accomplish every good work (Matthew 5:16; James 3:5-6):

• «Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven » (Matthew 5:16).

• Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6).

3.2.1 Duties of Christians towards the Society

Christians must be a unique people in every society in which they live. At times, they are involved in the world system where they cannot easily distinguish between the kingdom of God and earthly kingdoms. Also, the society may fail to recognize Christians as real representatives of God’s eternal kingdom. Therefore, Christians must understand that they have a double role in the world: citizens and representatives of God’s kingdom. Otherwise, if they function according to the principles of this world, they forget that God’s kingdom is in opposition to worldly kingdoms. Then, they loose their uniqueness.

Christians should raise moral objection against oppression, injustice and corruption. They should seek to redress the oppressed and protection for the vulnerable. Christians must be the salt and the light not just in what they say, but also in their life example. They need actions that correspond with their words. For example, Christians not only advocated for the abolition of slavery in the United States but helped to also establish the underground railroad that helped slaves escape from Southern plantations.

The advocacy on behalf of the weak goes on today as Christians speak out against abortion on behalf of those who have the least voice of all 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 Christian faith. In doing so, these Christians act as salt and light helping society see, hear and understand the standard of righteousness and justice found in the Bible (Matthew 5:13-16).

3.2.2 Duties of Christians towards the Church

God has established three major institutions on this earth: the family, civil government and the church. It is the local church which has been commissioned by God to carry out His purposes in preaching the Gospel and reaching to the lost. Therefore, God’s plan for a Christian is better fulfilled when connected with the church.

a) Practice Biblical Discipline

When a believer identifies with the church, they place themselves under the discipline of the Word of God. The preaching or prophesying of the Word of God aims at encouraging and consolation of believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). In order for people to stay under the discipline of the Word of God they may get involved in regular attendance at the preaching services and participation in some kind of consistent Bible study, including the Sunday school or Sabbath School. Every church should have a Christian education program that has a systematic, comprehensive coverage of Bible content, doctrine and life expectation.

b) Use Your Spiritual Gifts

Another reason people identify with the church is to develop their spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit has given spiritual gifts to every Christian (1 Corinthians 12:11). These gifts were given for the benefit of the church as a whole (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). As every believer has a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 7:7), it is important that they all identify with a church where they can exercise that gift in ministry.

c) Worship the Lord

A purpose of the New Testament church is to glorify God and help every believer worship God (Luke 24:52-53; John. 4:23-24; Acts 2:47). Worship is not an option but an obligation. It is giving to God the worth due to Him. Worship is done for the reason of magnifying God, but not in search for man’s needs. Since God wants worship from man individually and corporately (John 4:23-24), it remains the duty of the church to worship him together.

d) Fellowship with Others

The church is also a place for fellowship. The gospel unites believers from various backgrounds in Christ, thus providing a basis upon which fellowship can occur (Galatians 3:27-28). Biblical fellowship consists of caring for the needs and concerns of one another.

Application Activities 3.2:

What does to be the salt and light of the world mean to a Christian?

3.3 Spiritual norms and human freedom

Learning Activity 3.3

1. Discuss the role of rules and regulations in a community/society.

2. Identify some social regulations at school and mention their importance.

The norms, freedom and responsibility are inseparably linked. God’s authority establishes freedom; freedom requires responsibility; responsibility protects freedom and restrains authority.

To be led by the Spirit in this manner demands that we spend time in prayer: praising, repenting, begging, thanking. We must also spend time listening quietly (meditation). For example, prophets and apostles made prayers in this manner:

• Speak, Lord, your servant is listening (1 Sam 3:10).

• Lord, what am I to do? (Acts 22:10).

• Worship him, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behavior of the world around you, but let your behavior change modeled by your own mind» (Rom 12:1 -2. John 8:32-26; 2 Corinthians 3:17).

The spiritual norms, divine laws as well as God’s commandments are fixed to de-velop social, moral and spiritual values. We are no longer slaves of laws (Rom 7:6). By Faith and Obedience to God’s laws we become righteous. Human being is at the same time social and Religious. He must then enjoy his freedom simultaneously observing social and spiritual norms.

Application Activity 3.3

Some students believe that they are free when there is no teacher or any other authority, and they are free to do whatever they want. What is your point of view? Justify.

3.4 Christian Freedom and the Societal Rules

Learning Activity: 3.4

According to you? What is freedom? Identify things that show that an individual is free?

In the Old Testament, God gave to his people very specific laws and regulations to guide them in their living. He gave them laws and procedures for dealing with everyday life. For instance: preventing infectious diseases such as mildew, rules for farming, for a Sabbath day, how to punish specific crimes, and how to conduct international relations. Specific instructions on worship and sacrifice were prescribed too. These laws were meant to keep Israel together as a nation and prepare for the coming Saviour.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Saviour came and fulfilled God’s law for all people. Through faith, believers are justified by grace and forgiven from the past sins. They no longer have any specific restrictions for living and regulations for worship. They can live and worship in any way that pleases God. That is what we call Christian freedom (Galatians 5:13).

a) Freedom is not an authorization to Sin.

In situations where we have a right of choice, God has given us instructions so that we can make wise decisions as we exercise our Christian freedom. Christians are not supposed to use their Christian freedom as a license to sin (Galatians 5:13; Romans 6:1-14; 2 Peter 2:20-21). Even when Christ paid for our sins, Christians are not supposed to continue sinning against Christ (Romans 7:22; Galatians 5:16-18; Psalm 119). Also, as Christians live freely for God, they will not allow themselves to «be mastered by anything» (1 Corinthians 6:12).

This means they are not to fall into anything that is harmful to themselves, such as sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:13-20) or addiction. For example, being able to eat and to work is good, but indulging in food or working long hours to the point where either it is harmful to you or to your family physically or spiritually is an abuse of Christian freedom.

b) Standing Up for Your Freedom.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

In fact, Christians can uphold the pure gospel by clinging to the freedom Christ has given them. Paul had to do so on his missionary journeys as he chose others to travel with him. When Paul took Timothy with him, he had him circumcised. Circumcision was commanded in God’s Old Testament law. So he would not be a stumbling block to the Jews he was trying to reach. However, he rejected the obligation to circumcise Titus lest that he does not contradict the Gospel message by putting a burden to the Gentiles.

c) Relationship between freedom and social norms.

A social norm is the accepted behaviour that an individual is expected to conform to in a particular group, community or culture. These norms often serve a useful purpose and create the foundation of correct behaviours. But freedom is not to do whatever you want. Even when a Christian is in Church, he/she lives in a society and cannot do whatever he/she wants. Therefore, to have freedom goes hand in hand with the respect of social norms.

Application Activity 3.4

Freedom is not an authorization to Sin. Discuss by giving tangibles examples.

3.5 The Christian Values towards Happiness and Peaceful Life

Learning Activity 3.5

What is the source of your Happiness and Peaceful life?

Historically, the Christian values refer to the values derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Happiness is the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.

a) Eight fundamental Christian social values

The following Eight fundamental Christian social values lead to happiness and peaceful life:

• Grace: Giving people more than they deserve.

• Hope: a guarantee of immunity from harm but a conviction that God is always present.

• Faith: to believe in something that is not yet seen.

• Love: means to show affection to others.

• Justice: A concept in favour of the disadvantaged.

• Joy: inward pleasant feeling.

• Service: support offered to another.

• Peace: not just the absence of fighting, but the state of positive living.

b) Some examples of Sources of Christian happiness

Christian happiness finds its foundation from the grace of loving and being loved by Jesus who offered his life for the world. It is expressed in the faith and hope for the following spiritual truths:• God is our perfect Father.

• We know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

• The Holy Spirit is sanctifying and empowering us.

• Our sins are forgiven.

• God lives in our hearts.

• We are justified and adopted into God’s world-wide and heaven-wide family.

• Everything is working together for our good.

• God is our guard and guide

• We have all the promises of God.

• Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven and will welcome us there.

c) Peacemakers and the society

Peace and harmony come to those who strive for sustainable peace. We are called to be peacemakers, following the example of the supreme Peacemaker (Matthew 5:9). As Paul puts it, “if it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men» (Romans 12:18). The prayer for peace (peace of mind and peaceful relationship) is an essential recommendation and practice: «lead a quiet and peaceable life » (1Timothy 2:2); «Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus» (Philippians 4:6-7).

Application Activity 3.5

According to Matthew 5:43- 48, discuss how Christian students can be peacemakers at School and at home?

3.6 End Unit Assessment 3

End Unit Assessment 3

1. With specific examples of values, mention the difference between Christian and citizen.

2. Explain the benefits of observing the Christian and civic values in the society we live in.

3. As a Christian how would you be able to fulfill the duties and obligations towards the church and society?

4. What is the source of Happiness and Peaceful life of a Christian?

5. Read the following passage and discuss the aspects of peace: Romans 12:18; 1Timothy 2:2; Philippians 4:6-7.