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AFRICAN MORAL AND CULTURAL VALUES
MEANING OF LIFE AND ITS WHOLENESS IN THE TRADITIO-NAL AFRICAN SOCIETY
Life originates from God and it progress from one stage to another with a certain rhythm each person has to follow. Each stage of life is marked by rites of passage. Life is continuous and unending. Each person is expected to value life and to be responsible. Life involves sharing. It is immoral to be greedy and self centered. People are to be hospitable, warm and caring toward other people. Unity and harmony are to be upheld. Life is viewed as whole only if a person went through all the stages or rites of passage
Life was propagated through bearing children. Life cannot be divided into religious and secular. Every element of life has a religious meaning. Life is communal. Life was celebrated at every stage. Everyone depends on others. Labor was divided. There were duties for men, children and women.
In African traditional society, human life is precious. Murder was condemned harshly. Suicide was considered the worst thing anyone could do. It was seen as a curse on the family. If one died at childhood, it was regarded as abortion. Death did not mark the end of life. Death is referred to as ‘saying goodbye to food”, “sleeping,” “going home”, “being called by the ancestors”.
African concept of a community
A community is a group of people who share a common language, religion, and culture and may live in the same geographical location. This group of people or an ethnic group shares common interests and characte-ristics. For example, African communities:
Share common features and interests
Have the same origin and are likely to be related by blood
Share a common language
Live together and inhabit the same geographical location.
Are divided into smaller units called clans
A clan is made up of people who have the same forefather. A clan is composed of families. A family is made up of members (living or dead) who are related by blood and marriage. Family members therefore include the ancestors and the unborn.
KINSHIP SYSTEM IN AFRICAN COMMUNITIES
Kinship refers to the relationships between people. These can be by blood, marriage or adoption. People that belong to the same kinship system are referred to as kin.
Importance of kinship system and ties
Kinship relationships were and still are important among African communities. This is because these ties:
- Provided company. This ensured that people were not lonely.
- Provided a sense of belonging which one of the human needs. We all want to belong
- Controlled social relationships between people related by blood or marriage.
- Promoted mutual responsibility and help
- Enhanced a sense of security which is a human need
- Regulated marital customs, rules and regulations.
- Enabled people to live peacefully and in harmony.
- Bind the community together enhancing social cohesion and loyalty to each other
- Facilitated care for the disadvantaged members of community.
- Ensured that all members of the community are have knowledge of community beliefs and practices
- Provided a peaceful way of settling disputes.
- Provided mechanisms for proper inheritance of property for example land.
Factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in African communities
Some of them are (1) rites of passage (2) good morals (3) participation in communal activities such as ceremonies, work, leisure activities and worship (4) sharing of property and ideas (5) division of labor.
Tasks were distributed according to one’s age, gender and status. (6) rules/social norms regulated how people grew up; knowing what is wrong and right. Good morals help people to live in peace and harmony
RITES OF PASSAGE
In traditional African society, there were four main stages of life. These were (i) birth and naming (ii) initiation (iii) marriage and (iv) old age and death
Birth and naming
When a woman conceived, and pregnancy was visible, she was treated specially. She wore charms to keep away evil eyes. She ate special food and avoided sexual relations. The family and husband did not expect her to perform heavy task. When she was ready to deliver, midwives helped in delivery. After delivery, the placenta was seen as a sign of fertility hence it was buried in the fertile land such as a banana plantation. Some communities preserved placenta while others threw it into a running stream.
Birth
The arrival of a baby and its sex was announced through ululations or shouts. The placenta was disposed off ceremoniously. The mother was purified and baby protection rites were conducted. Once purified, a mother could wear charms to protect herself and the baby from malicious spirits, sorcery, witchcraft, and evil eyes.
Thanksgiving ceremonies were performed to show gratitude to God. The hair of the mother and child was shaved as a sign of purification and newness of life.
Naming
Naming of babies was carefully chosen. A baby could be named after either a season, weather,
ancestors, place or time of delivery, occasion, experience of mother during delivery, significance events such as war, and drought, personality of the child, and names of heroes and gods. A good example is the name ‘Were’ amongst the Luhya. Twins had special names.
Initiation – the second rite of passage.
There were different types of initiations such as circumcision for boys and clitorisdectomy for girls, excision of teeth and body marks. Initiation rites were important and every individual was expected to go through them or be rendered an outcast. Initiation practices were seen as tests for courage and bravery. They helped the communities when identifying future leaders and warriors.
Initiation was very important in communities where it was practiced. Initiation marked a transition from childhood to adulthood. In this transition, the initiate acquired new rights, new status in life, and privileges. For example the new initiates were allowed to marry, own property, and inherit the father’s property. In addition the initiates received specialized education. They were taught how to behave as adults, warriors, future husbands and parents.
The education brought families, relatives and friends together. This act strengthened kinship ties. It also prepared the initiates to face the difficulties and challenges of adult life. In addition, initiation helped to structure the community. Initiation was programmed to fit an age set; and it marked passage of specific time. Thus each initiation ceremony was held regularly, normally between 16 – 21 years of age. If you calculate, you can see that 16 to 21 years introduced a new age set or group of young people. The age set held power for 16 to 21 years and handed over to the new generation. Initiation was therefore a mark of identity. It gave the initiate a sense of belonging. It bonded the initiates together with the ancestors.
Initiation rituals are not popular today as they were in the past. This is because many communities have undergone social and cultural changes because of modern education. As a result some families take their sons to hospitals to be circumcised to prevent HIV/AIDs and to avoid infections because of unhygienic traditional initiation practices.
Other reasons are (i) urbanization and migration, (ii) individualization (iii) Christians religious values.
These have made some communities abandon some rites e.g. clitoris-dectomy and (iv) some countries have made girl’s circumcision illegal and an issue of human and health rights.
Attitude to birth and naming
There has been a change in attitude to birth and naming. This is because initiation is no longer a community but a family affair. In addition, pregnant women attend antenatal clinics. Majority of pregnant women give birth in hospitals and health centers. Thus a doctor and not a midwife announce the sex of the baby. In modern society, the mother and child are no longer secluded. Lastly most parents prefer western names for their babies.
Marriage was a requirement for all members of the community. It was a source of status in the community. Since a leader had to be married.
Young men and women married after initiation. Marriage was a happy occasion and a source of wealth.
The father gave young initiates some animals for dowry. Fathers of girls received dowry payments, as bride price was mandatory. It was given to the parents of the girl in form of (a) Cows (b) Goats (c) Camels (d) Jewellery (e) Poultry. The young men inherited the father’s property.
Importance of dowry
Dowry unified the community. When young women were married, their parents lost their labor. Dowry payments compensated for this loss. Men paid dowry as a sign of commitment to their wife and parents.
Importance of marriage
Marriage was sacred. It was an ordained by God. Marriage created new social relationships and expanded web of kinships. During the marriage ceremonies the whole community rejoiced, and feasted together. The newly married couple learnt new knowledge and skills. The community and society respected the newly married couple. Children born from this union propagated and ensured continuity of family, and the community
Modern community and marriage
There has been a change in attitude towards marriage. As a result: marriage is no longer seen as sacred and divorce is common. In addition, dowry has been commercialized, as it is no longer seen as important. Some young men do not pay dowry. In fact marriage is no longer seen as a sign of status Children were important in marriage. Barren women were frowned upon. Polygamy solved issues of childlessness. Couples without children can now adopt them from the Child Welfare society.
Divorce
This was very rare. It happened only if the girl (i) was not a virgin (ii) practiced witchcraft (iii) and did not show respect towards her husband.
Old age and death
This is the age of wisdom. Old people were respected. Grey hair was a sign of respect and wisdom. In all culture, the elders were the custodians of the law, norms and regulations. Social and religious specialists were seers, rainmakers, priests, diviners, and medicine men among others
Death
Old age is followed by death. It was seen as a transition into the spiritual life. Besides old age, many cultures believed that death was due to either breaking of the traditional customs and taboos, curses, evil spirits, witchcraft, war, diseases and epidemics. Burial rites were performed in many African communities.
Disposing of the dead body
Several methods were used to dispose the body. These were burials, leaving bodies in the forest, and throwing body to animals or placing the body in an abandoned house. African communities believed that animals carried the spirit of the dead person to the next life. Burial rites were performed by the bereaved. They buried the body with ones person belongings and tools. Thus if a person was a great warrior, he was buried with a war coat. Celebrations accompanied funeral rites.
Funeral songs (dirges) were performed
There was drinking and eating.
Importance of funeral and burial rites
Burial rites created a good relationship between the dead and the living. They were therefore given to appease the world of spirits, express unity in the society, cleanse the remaining relatives and obey the customs of the community. Rituals that were performed depended on the community. Some of the rituals for the dead included.
a) Shaving of heads. Some mourners shaved their hair completely, while others shaved in a specific pattern.
b) Dancing and singing, and giving gifts to the bereaved family
c) Mourning (d) Drum beating (e) Horn blowing 9f) Grave side fires
Here are some questions to make you think about marriages
1. In your opinion, what has brought changes in modern marriages?
2. Explain why divorce is rising in Kenya and Africa.
3. What changes do we see in contemporary marriages?
4. What has brought about these changes?
5. What are the major causes of death in Kenya today?
RELIGIOUS SPECIALISTS AND THEIR RELEVANCE IN MODERN SOCIETY
Religious specialists include Medicine men / healers, Herbalists, Diviners, Mediums, Prophets / Seers, Rainmakers, Priests and Elders. Religious specialists were given power by their parents who taught them religious duties. Others received divine call through dreams and visions. A few learnt from experts via apprenticeship. This is learning by observing and practicing what one sees the master teacher doing.
-Roles of the medicine women/men in the Community. Medicine women/men are healers who were and are respected by the community. This is because they were and are able to:
1) Treat and heal the sick
2) Solve serious and complicated chronic illnesses
3) Give medicine in form of powder, herbs, minerals or liquid form and observed patients swallowing, drinking, sniffing, and applying on the skin.
4) Offer prayers and sacrifices to God
5) Give charms to protect individual persons from evil spirits.
6) Perform specialized medical roles in some communities in spite of the fact that we have modern hospitals, counselors and psychologists.
Elders were and still are community leaders. They were not religious specialists but the community gave elders duties, which made them close to religious leaders.
Herbalists and their relevance
Herbalists were synonymous with witch doctors. They cured people through herbs just like the medicine women/men. Communities’ belief: Those herbalists are witchdoctors and possess magical powers. Herbalists continue to be consulted as ‘witch doctors’ or “waganga”. Today herbalists do religious tasks that were traditionally done by diviners.
Diviners were able to find hidden secrets and knowledge; reveal witches and thieves. They communicated with spirits and enhanced the work of healers and medicine people. They worked as medicine people and were healers of people. They used magic powers and predicted future occurre-nces. They used items such as pebbles, water, bones or gourds in divina-tion. They also warned of future calamities. They were mediators between God, ancestors and the people. To be a diviner, one had to be trained. There was a specialized curriculum prepared by diviners.
-Relevance of diviners in modern society. Diviners (‘witchdoctor’ “mganga”) are not popular today and are hardly consulted. But the unfo-rtunate Kenyans consult them who: need a job, promotion, and children. This consultation is secret. Mediums were channels of communication between the living and the spirits of people’s ancestors. The ancestor spirits possessed mediums and through them ancestors gave information and messages to their relatives.
Priests were religious leaders and functionaries. They were intermediaries between people, ancestors, spirits and God. Their work was to make sacrifices and give offerings on behalf of the people. They officiated during planting and harvesting rituals. They offered prayers and blessed the needy.
They cared for the shrines and poured libations to the ancestors. They led the community in public worship. They were political heads and judges. Today, traditional priests are not relevant since most Kenyans follow several religious practices like Christianity, Hindus, Islam and many others. But there are however, a few traditional priests who take care of community shrines.
Prophets / Seers predicted the future. They foretold events such as invasions, wars, drought, and epidemics. They gave advice. They also performed religious duties. They could bless and curse. Religious prophets are common today but traditional prophets are not common.
Rainmakers were responsible for bringing or withholding rain to a community. They interpreted weather conditions. They performed certain rituals like asking God for rains. They were highly respected in the society. Modern science has replaced rainmakers
Meteorological departments have made the rainmakers redundant.
Elders were custodians of community values and secrets. They acted as educators. They gave punishment to offenders of social norms/rules. They acted as counselors and guided the youth on matters of sex and marriage. They helped in maintaining roles for important religious functions, such as rites of passage. They were political leaders in the community. They were negotiators and solved conflicts since they settled family disputes especially agreements concerning land. They were custodians of the traditional values, customs and history of the people.
Relevance
Elders are relevant in modern society. They are referred to as village elders and are recognized by the government of Kenya.
AFRICAN MORAL VALUES
Introduction
African communities were regulated by a strict code of laws and moral values. In this lesson we shall study moral values, which regulated individual members of society as well as the community itself.
What is a cultural value?
These are community practices and beliefs. Each community has cultural values that it accepts and upholds. These cultural values are laws, customs, and forms of behavior, regulations, rules, observances and taboos. The cultural values form a moral code, which regulates the community. For example, if the culture, values private property, it will have laws that forbid theft of property. These laws are cultural values. Cultural values influence the social order and peace. God gives peace and harmony. God is seen as the giver and guardian of the law. Disobedience was and still is regarded as evil, wrong and was and still is punishable by law.
What is a moral value?
Moral values are standards of behavior towards others. They are based on what is valued by the community. Moral values are also positive attitudes. Each community decided what is important to it and what is desirable for its members to practice and uphold.
The moral values that communities observed were many. They included amongst others:
1. Hospitality and Love for self and others. This is the habit of welcoming all people, treating oneself and others well. Members of the community were taught how to be hospitable to visitors, strangers and how to assist the needy.
2. Honesty. This is developing good habits like telling the truth, Loyalty, Respect, Co – operation with all.
3. Obedience to parents, elders, community leaders and elders. Cultural regulations were followed and adhered to leading
4. Caring for others. This is being responsible to members of the community
5. Developing social moral behavior like Humility, Sharing, Responsibility, Chastity, Integrity, Tolerance, Perseverance, and Courtesy
6. Working Hard. Do chores. These were according to sex, age and social-economic status.
7. Cooperation. Members cooperated and worked together with others.
Moral values were learnt in the process of socialization. Leisure activities helped in acquisition of moral values. Learning moral values was a lifelong process. The most valued behavior was obedience.
Children were to obey their parents; wives obey their husbands; community obeys their leaders, and elders.
Learning to obey was a lifelong process. An obedient person was respected and rewarded.
-Misconducts. There were taboos that the community observed. Failure to obey community laws resulted in punishments. The community did not allow stealing of livestock. Domestic animals were the most valued private property. Individuals owned livestock while land ownership was communal. There were many forms of punishment for stealing livestock and committing other crimes. For example
a. Payment of heavy fines to replace stolen livestock
b. Being beaten in a sack
c. Thrown down a hill
d. Cast out of community. Thieves and murders built their homes at the outskirts of the community.
They were not allowed to interact anymore with the members of the community.
e. Being covered with dry banana leaves and then set on fire.
CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
Formal education introduced the western way of life. Employment and trade forced Africans to leave their villages to look for employment and markets in towns. These actions led to urbanization and pluralism. As a result different communities came to towns and lived together.
1. Paid employment.
Workers were paid by money. The concept of money changed community life. Individualism ownership of money replaced communalism
2. Land used to be communal.
There was plenty of land for everyone. But changes were brought by modern life. For example, health improved and people lived longer. There were fewer deaths and population increased. With money, there was an expansion of trade. Individuals started buying land with money instead of clearing forests.
Modern life changed the concept of land. Individual started owning land.
The colonial governments introduced policies about land ownership in different African countries. In communities where education was accepted and money economy took over from livestock economy, communal land disappeared.
Parents did not have land for inheritance. As a result, people moved and bought land away from their ancestral birthplaces. This resulted in both migrations and immigrations.
3. Property.
Traditionally property included land, cattle (Livestock), women/ wives, and children. In African traditional culture, this property belonged to men or the first-born son in paternal societies. In maternal communities, it belonged to wives and daughters.
Today property or wealth is in different forms such as money, buildings, vehicles, land, shares, stock, jewels, insurance, and others. Women, men and children own property. Because of this, the status of a person is measured by property.
Dowry – Bride price / bride wealth
In African societies, bride price was very important. It was given in various forms. For example cows, animals skin, and camels. Today dowry is commercialized. It’s mainly in form of cash money. This has made marriage costly for the poor. Some young people are staying together without a formal wedding in church or in the community. Others do not want to pay dowry. Young couples are living together in what is called – come – we – stay arrangements.
4. Health Medicine
In traditional society, Illness was caused by witchcraft, sorcery, bad omen, or curses. Diviners, herbalists, and healers treated the sick people.
Today bacteria, viruses, or environmental factors, cause illnesses. These are treated by nurses, and doctors; in hospitals and health centers. There is however a craze for herbalists. The communities are consulting herbalists and are taking herbal tea, and medicine
5. Dress
Mode of dressing varied between countries. It was dependent on the type of climate. African communities were clothes made from skins or hides, leaves of bananas and trees. Women wore beads, and necklaces for decoration.
Modern mode of dressing is a mixture of African, Asian and European wear. There are clothes for men, women, and unisex. African and western ornaments are worn for beauty and style.
6. Worship.
Worship is an important activity in African communities. There are different forms of worship, which are done in various places. Those who were converted to Islam worship in Mosques. Those converted to Hinduism worship in temples. Christians worship in churches. The few traditional African communities continue to worship their ancestors in shrines. These are very few. But a few groups are turning back to traditional worship and reviving worship of ancestors and spirits, and their traditional God. For example “Mungiki” a cult in Kenya, made up of young people, worship the traditional Ngai and practice traditional culture.
Traditional religions have many offerings such as foodstuffs and sacrifices such as goats, cows, and sheep and chicken. Human sacrifice has been discarded.
It is illegal, and it is murder. In the news, we have heard of cases of body parts being stolen from a dead body in mortuary probably for religious rituals. This is illegal and a criminal offence.
Modern offerings in most religious institutions consist of money.
7. Death changes immediately the status of families.
Mothers and fathers become widows and widowers. Children become orphans. Many parents, wives and husbands have died because of HIV / AIDS, road accidents, diseases and other modern calamities. They have left orphans, widows and widowers.
Orphans used to be looked after by grandmothers, brothers and uncles. Today government, churches, charities, NGOs, well-wishers, and guardians, the elder sibling looks after orphans. Some orphan sisters and brothers drop out of school to look after the rest. Some orphans have ended up in the streets because there is no one to look after them Widows. Traditionally brothers inherited widows. However, widow inheritance is being discouraged to prevent HIV / AIDS. But on the other hand, a widow is encouraged to remarry as society has become individualistic and no longer assists community members as an obligation.
Widowers are not inherited and many of them remarry soon after the death of their wives.
8. Old age.
In traditional African communities, old people were respected. But now old age is not respected. The aged are seen as a burden to their children. This is because the need medical care, food, and other forms of care to meet their needs. Most of them are neglected and mistreated. In traditional communities, children took care of their aged parents. Today some children care for their parents.
Fortunately, churches have set up homes for the aged. An example is “Nyumba za wazee”. A few old people can look after themselves since they have pension schemes, life insurance policies, and income generating projects, investments and bank deposits. They can care for themselves.
Revision questions
a) What is the significance of the kingship system?
b) Outline and explain factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in the traditional African society
c) What was the purpose of the bride wealth in the traditional African society?
d) Explain the role of medicine men in the African communities and their relevance today.
STUDY ACTIVITIES
Read the Bible quotations given
Carry out role-plays e.g. the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham
Consult the aged to assist in the understanding of African traditional practices Form one answers
TOPIC ONE
1. What is the importance of reading the Bible?
Strengthens people’s faith.
Helps in spreading the gospel.
Helps in composition of songs and hymns.
Acts as a reference when we write its translations and other books.
Promotes good relationship between God and man.
2. In society, people in schools, crusades, churches, lodgings, homes, and hospitals read the Bible.
3. In the government, the Bible is used for swearing in the Courts, Parliament and Cabinet when members of parliament are nominated to become ministers of the government.
4. The major divisions of the Bible are the old and the new testaments. Read 1.3.4. Above for more information
2. What are the effects of Bible translation on African languages?
The Effects of Bible translation into African languages
The translations increased and deepened people’s faith in God. They also led to the establishment of schools. The Gospel spread to local communities and many of them became Christians. The missionaries and colonialists learnt African Languages. This led to the promotion of African languages. This helped the African converts to judge when the missionaries were unfair or when they practiced inequality of races.
8. Why is the Bible referred to as (a) a Library and (b) the Word of God?
(a) The Bible is referred to as a Library because its:
1. Books are arranged in a series and in order.
2. A reference book
3. Is a book of literary works?
4. Books were written under different situations and circumstances
5. Books are many
1. Inspiration is a process through which God took the initiative to prompt and enlighten the writers of the Bible its Godly influence
TOPIC TWO: CREATION AND THE FALL OF MAN
1. Find answers on the differences between the two creation stories in lesson four
2. Traditional African view of creation is in lesson four. Africans’ view was that:
God is the architect of the world
God existed from the very beginning of time
God created everything from nothing
God provides for the needs of human beings, animals, and all creation
God continues to create through human beings
3. Human beings continue with the work of creation in lesson four
4. The origin of sin and evil read again lesson five
5. Consequences of sin in lesson five When Adam and Eve sinned
Man’s friendship with God changed to fear of GOD
What had been innocent and good became shameful
Relationship between GOD and man was damaged and became spoilt
Man began to toil for food, safety and other basic needs
Pain became part of human experience
Death sentence was passed
6. Consequences of evil are in lesson six Africans understand evil as barrenness, war, drought, epidemics, madness, sickness, death, burning in a house and others
7. God’s plan of salvation is lesson seven. The lesson tells us that GOD saved human kind by providing:
Clothing for Adam and Eve
Means to find food
A decree to defeat serpent through the seed of the woman
A solution in which he chooses Abraham and separated him from others
A delivery of Israelites from Egypt
Prophets with messages for Israelites
The Messiah to die on the Cross to save humankind
8. Compare the biblical concept of sin and the African concept of evil.
Similarities:
Both agree that God is good and did not create evil.
In both, sin is a result of disobedience, greed and selfishness of humankind.
In both cases, sin lead to human suffering.
Both hold the view that sin/evil befalls humankind in the form of a curse.
Sin brings separation between God and man.
In both, there is reconciliation and forgiveness between God and man. Thus sin does not end a relationship.
Differences
In the bible, the serpent is seen as the cause of sin whereas in many Traditional African communities, the spirits of the dead causes evil.
In the bible, there is external punishment (hell) for sinners while the African communities believe that punishment is here on earth.
Biblically, human beings are born sinners because they are descendants of Adam (1st parents’ sin). In Traditional African Community, a child is born free of evil.
Biblically had taken the initiative to end sin but in Traditional African Community, man does through sacrifice to the ancestral spirits.
9. Subdue the earth in genesis 1 verse 28
TOPIC THREE: FAITH AND GOD’S PROMISES TO ABRAHAM.
Explain why Abraham is referred to as the Father of Faith
Faith is complete trust in somebody or something. This is because he demonstrated faith in his life’s actions.
Accepting to move from his homeland to an unknown land
By accepting circumcision at an old age and change of name
Being ready to sacrifice his only son – Isaac
He made altars for the worship of God at Bethel etc.
He believed in a God he did not know/see.
By accepting to enter into a covenant relationship with God where he gave his best animals as a sacrifice
Give five (5) actions from the life of Abraham that shows his faith in God
Abraham obeyed God’s call and left his homeland Haran to go to an unknown land.
He believed in the promises God gave him.
Build altars for the worship of God, one at Schechter and the other at Bethel
Covenant – accepted to make a covenant with God where he sacrificed the best of his animals
Circumcision – accepting the command to circumcise himself and all male children in his household
Sacrifice of son – willing to offer his only son Isaac as a burnt offering to God
List some of the promises God gave to Abraham.
Abraham and his wife Sarah would have a son.
Abraham would be famous.
He would become the father of a great nation.
God would curse those who cursed him and bless those who blessed him.
God assured Abraham of a personal protection.
Many descendants – like stars on the sky.
The descendants would be slaves in a foreign land but God would deliver them.
He would live to a ripe old age and die in peace.
God would establish an everlasting covenant with him and his descendants.
Some of his descendants would be kings.
God would give him and his descendants land.
Compare and contrast Jewish and Traditional African practice of circumcision
A. Similarities
In both communities, circumcision is taken as a physical sign of membership to the community.
It involves the cutting of the foreskin.
Members who refuse to be circumcised are treated as outcasts in the community.
The shedding of blood is symbolic as it binds the people with God and ancestors.
It has a religious significance.
Special people in both do circumcision.
The occasions are accompanied by a ceremony which being kinsmen together.
The rite is compulsory for males.
The practice is handed down from one generation to the next.
Names are given during the occasion.
In both cases, it is done in special or religious places e.g. temple/under mugumo tree/ shrine etc.
It is a command from God/ancestors.
Differences
For African, initiation leads to adult responsibilities such as marriage, becoming a warrior, decision- making and property ownership. In Jewish community, the boys are too young to take up responsibility.
In the Jewish community, only males are circumcised while in the Traditional African Community, both boys and girls are.
For Jews, one remains a child while in the Traditional African Community, they move from childhood to adulthood.
Jewish community circumcise at the age of eight days while in the Traditional African Community, it is at puberty.
Among the Jews, it is a sign that they have become God’s people, but in Traditional African Community, one is bound to the ancestors.
The Jewish circumcision is a command from God as a sign of their covenant with him while Traditional African Communities do it in obedience to the customs and traditions of their duty.
The rite, taken place on the 8th day of both in Jewish community while in the Traditional African Communities, it occurs after every four – six years
Done to individuals in Jewish community while it is done to a group of age mates in the Traditional African Communities.
No seclusion period among Jews as is the case in most African communities.
In African communities, the ceremony enables them to choose future leaders, which is not the case with the Jews.
Helps one endure suffering (pain) in future in the African communities unlike in the Jewish communities.
Only one form of initiation (cutting of foreskin) is done. Various forms are practiced in the Traditional African communities. These include:
Cutting of foreskin
Lib/ear piercing
Removal of lower teeth
Scarification (putting marks on face/body)
What is the importance of faith to Christians?
Faith is the foundation of Christian life today. It makes Christians part of the great nation of God.
Through faith in Jesus, Christians became the chosen people of God.
Faith enables Christians make correct choices in life e.g. When choosing a career, marriage partners etc.
Faiths help them to face temptations and challenges in their lives and are able to overcome them.
It gives them perseverance in prayer as they wait for God’s answer.
It gives them the courage to commit their lives to God totally.
It is through faith that Christians obey God.
They are able to achieve impossible things through faith.
They are able to believe what they have not seen through faith.
They are able to serve the world, help the needy because of their faith in Christ.
. State the elements of a covenant
Partners two or more partners are involved.
A physical reminder – a certificate/sign
Promises: – given by both partners.
Ceremony – whose blood seals it or an oath taken
Witnesses – must be present
It requires faithfulness, obedience and loyalty to the regulations
It spells out serious consequences for those who break it.
On 7. Give examples of covenant in the bible and the modern society
The Bible
God’s covenant with Noah: where he promised never to destroy the earth with flood – rainbow is the sign of the covenant (Gen 9).
God’s covenant with Abraham: God promised to fulfill the promises he made to Abraham. The sign was circumcision (Gen 15 & 17).
The covenant between God and the Israelites on Mt Sinai – sign was the Law – 10 commandments (Exodus 24).
The covenant between God and King David – promise to David’s kingdom would last forever (2 Sam: 7).
Jeremiah’s covenant: The new covenant with God’s people (Jr 31: 31 – 34).
Modern Society
• Baptism
• Marriage
• Oath of allegiance/loyalty
• Ordination
• The National Anthem binds all
• The loyalty pledge
• Employment contract
Discuss the circumstances that led God to enter into a covenant relationship with Abraham
To seal the promises given unto Abraham e.g. a great nation, son, many descendants.
It was an assurance of the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham.
It was to unite God and the Israelites.
It was to be a source of blessings to all.
A starting point for the salvation of mankind, whereby he would renew the relationship between himself and man after the separation by the 1st parents
TOPIC FOUR: SINAI COVENANT.
What are the qualities of Moses as a leader?
Education: he received education while in the pharaoh’s palace where he grew up.
Jewish religion knowledge: his own mother who was his maid taught him the history of Israel.
He learned leadership skills from the King as he grew up.
Shepherd: herding the father-in-law’s herds made him gain experience of shepherding people.
Life in the wilderness where he lived after killing an Egyptian gave him experience in desert life through where he would lead the Israelites.
Father/parent: his marriage to Zipporah helped him learn family leadership. Later he applied this to his work.
Prophet: Enabled him to foresee the future and inform the community.
Miracle-maker: helped him solve problem facing his people in the wilderness e.g. lack of food, water.
Lawgiver: gave laws that were used to govern the community of Israel i.e. the Ten Commandments.
Hard work: worked for his father-in-law serving the family e.g. fetching water. Later he was able to serve the Jews.
(i) Describe the call of Moses: Exodus 3: 1 – 22
God called Moses as he herded his father-in-law’s flock at Mt Sinai.
Moses saw a burning bush, which was not consumed. He drew nearer to get a better look.
God called Moses by name from the middle of the burning bush and told him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.
God told Moses that he had seen the suffering of his people in Egypt and heard their cry.
He told Moses that he had chosen him to go to Pharaoh and release them from bondage.
Moses objected to the task because he felt inadequate.
God promised to be with Moses and to protect him.
Moses asked for the name of God so that he would have a point of reference when asked who sent him.
God revealed himself to Moses saying, “IAM WHO I AM”
God gave Moses power to perform miracles that he would use as proof of his work.
Moses protested further saying he was a stammerer.
God commissioned Aaron, Moses’ brother as his spokesman.
Moses then told God he was afraid to go to Egypt.
God assured him that the man he was afraid of was already dead.
On b (ii) Why was Moses hesitant to God’s call?
It is because he was already a criminal and wanted in Egypt after having killed and Egyptian and ran away.
He was not a good speaker (stammerer).
He did not know the name of God who was sending him.
(i) What is the significance of the items used for the Passover feast (similar to what is the meaning of the Passover meal)?
The Lamb: reminded the Israelite of the sacrificial lamb whose blood saved their 1st born from the angel of death.
The unleavened bread signified purity.
It too signified the hurry they had to leave Egypt, as unleavened bread is easy to bake.
Roasting the meat was the easiest method of cooking.
Not breaking bones and spilt blood signified forgiveness.
Bitter herbs symbolized the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.
Other Meanings:
Eating while standing symbolized the haste with which the Israelites were to leave Egypt.
They were not to leave any meal to avoid profanation in the form of flies. Burning was the simplest way of disposal & sacred.
(ii) Compare the Lord’s Supper to the Passover feast
Similarities:
Both are acts of salvation from suffering. Passover saved Israelites from slavery while the Lord’s
Supper saved people from bondage of sin.
Both are celebrated in memory of a past event – suffering.
Lambs offered in both Hebrews – the Passover lamb in the Lord’s Supper Jesus is the paschal lamb.
In both a symbolic meal was taken.
In both cases each group is saved through a mediator – Moses and Jesus respectfully.
God’s covenant is remembered in both cases i.e. Old testament and new covenant respectfully.
In both the religious significance of the feasts is taught and emphasized.
Differences:
In the Passover feast, animal sacrifice is offered while in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus was the last sacrifice and instead bread and wine are offered to represent his blood and body.
Whereas the Jewish Passover was compulsory for every few, the Lord’s Supper is not compulsory in all Christian churches.
The bloodshed in the Jewish Passover is for the salvation of the Jews only while the blood of Jesus shed on the cross is for the salvation of the whole human race.
Passover lamb offered in Hebrew while Jesus was the lamb offered in the Lord’s Supper.
Describe how the Sinai covenant was made
The Israelites arrived at Mt Sinai through God’s saving power.
Moses was instructed by God to tell the elders to do the following in preparation for the making of the covenant.
All Israelites were to cleanse themselves and wash their garments.
Mark the boundaries of the mountain and avoid going near or crossing the border.
Avoid sexual relations between married couple
Note: All these happened after Moses had gone up the mountain and God had promised to make the Israelites the following if they obeyed him.
i. His people
ii. A kingdom of priests
iii. A holy nation
On the third day after cleansing, Moses took the Israelites to meet their God. God manifested himself in the following forms: thunder, lightening, earthquake and a thick cloud that filled the mountain and a loud trumpet blast.
Moses came down and told people about the laws which was to guide them as a covenant people.
The people agreed to obey all the words the Lord had spoken (Ex 24: 3 – 4)
Thus the covenant was made.
Describe the circumstances that led to the breaking of the Sinai covenant
Moses went up the mountain to receive the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments where written. He delayed (40 days) thus forgetting God.
The Israelites became impatient. They forgot the saving power of God that had delivered them from
Egypt.
Aaron was a weak leader who failed to lead the people to uphold the covenant. He yielded to their demands to make and worship idols.
Availability of gold jewellery: used to make the calf image.
Idolatry was a practice done while in Egypt so they copied/continued with it.
They were used to God’s (idols). They could see while in Egypt unlike the Yahweh who was invisible.
How was the broken covenant renewed?
Moses pleaded to God not to destroy the Israelites.
God spared them.
God commanded the Israelites to cut two stone tablets where he would rewrite the commandments.
God gave conditions to be fulfilled by the Israelites in the renewal of the covenant.
These were:
a) To obey God’s command.
b) Not to make treaties with other nations.
c) To tear down the altars of the gods of other nations and temples.
d) Not to worship idols.
e) Not to make images to represent God.
f) Not to marry foreign wives.
g) To keep and celebrate the three festivals namely, Passover, feast of weeks and the feast of in gathering.
h) To keep the Sabbath day holy.
i) Dedicate to God 1st born male children and animals.
God promised that if they obeyed Him, He would:
a) Protect and preserve them
b) Bless them
c) Make them prosper
After this Moses was ordered by God to write a new set of Laws on the stone tablets.
Thus the covenant was renewed.
Describe how the Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness
Worship is the practice of showing respect and love for God.
The Israelites showed their respect and love for God in the wilderness in the following ways: –
1) The Ark and the Tabernacle: The Ark was a wooden box where the Ten Commandments were kept.
They signified the presence of God. The tabernacle was a portable tent for meeting between God and the Israelites.
2) The Sabbath: They observed the Sabbath as a sacred day for resting and worshipping God.
3 Festivals: Celebrated many festivals as one way of worshipping God. E.g. Passover
4) Altars – built them when there was need to worship God – meeting place between God and the people and sacrifice to God.
5) Observance of the Ten Commandments. These guided them on how to live with God and man.
6) Religious leaders: God chose priest from the tribe of Levi to organize worship.
What is the relevance of the Ten Commandments to Christian today?
Christians learn that God is a jealous God. They avoid holding other things in their lives strong in the place of God.
Christians learn that God is unique and cannot be represented by visible man-made objects or described in human terms.
They are reminded to observe the Sabbath by worshipping God.
They strive to have a good relationship with God.
They are taught to respect other people and their property.
They learn that long life is a result of honoring and respecting their parents.
They strive to live upright and moral lives.
They learn that lust for money and other property is sinful.
What did the Israelites learn about God in the wilderness?
They learned that God is faithful. He keeps promises.
A provider – provided manna, water etc.
God is the controller of natural forces e.g. Red sea, a pillar of cloud & fire, earthquakes etc.
A jealous God – no worship of other gods
Just – forgave those who broke the covenant and punished those who refused to repent.
Merciful and compassionate
Give them a 2nd chance after breaking the covenant.
A God of victory – helped them defeat Amalekites.
God valued a personal relationship – commandments given.
TOPIC FIVE: LEADERSHIP IN ISRAEL
a. Explain the reasons against Kingship in Israel (1 Sam 8:10 – 20)
The King would force the sons of the Israelites to serve him as soldiers in the army.
The King would create forced labor and enslavement by making the young men work in his farms and in making weapons. Daughters would work in his house.
He would also grab their land and give it to his loyal servants.
He would overtax them in order to maintain his administration.
It would be seen as a rejection of Yahweh as their King.
Israel would be like other nations who did not know Yahweh.
Yahweh would reject them when they cried to him.
b. Explain the importance of David as King of Israel
David was important because he was chosen by God and publicly anointed by elders in a religion ceremony. He too became ancestor of many communities.
David was a great musician and wrote many songs for promising God.
He killed Goliath the philistine soldier.
He conquered the enemies of Israel such as Amalekites, Ammonites etc.
He expanded Israel through his military conquests and marked the boundaries of the nation.
He captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it a capital city.
He too made it a religious centre by placing the Ark of the Covenant there, which had been housed – Abidjab’s.
He had good diplomatic relationship with other nations.
He encouraged trade with other nations thus making Israel prosperous.
He was a shrewd administrator who chose wise elders to advise him.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit.
He established the largest and most enduring dynasty that lasted 400 years.
He composed the books of Psalms used to praise God.
Whenever he wronged God, he genuinely repented and humbled himself before God.
He was a just ruler.
He respected the prophets of God and consulted them before making decisions.
He was prayerful and consulted God in his undertakings.
He united the twelve (12) tribes of Israel.
He set a good example of faithfulness to Yahweh that he wanted all the Israelites to emulate.
c. How did Jesus fulfill the prophecies of Prophet Nathan as a descendant of David? (i.e. Areas where Jesus is mentioned as coming from David)
Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary who was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of
David. The Angel referred to Jesus as the King whose wisdom would last forever (Lk 1:26-33).
Jesus was born in Bethlehem – the birth place of David (Lk 2: 4 – 5)
Abraham and David are mentioned as the ancestors of Jesus.
During the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the crowds who met him sang with joy and shouted ‘Hosanna to the son of David.’
On the days of Pentecost when Peter addressed the crowd, he referred to Jesus as a descendant of David (Acts: 2 29-35).
Zechariah in his Benedictus, says that God has promised a savior descended from the house of David (Lk 1:69)
The blind man at Jericho referred to Jesus as the son of David (Lk 18:38).
d) What was the failure of King Solomon?
Solomon was the 2nd King of Israel, succeeding his father King David. He failed to live according to the covenant way of life in the following ways.
He married foreign wives thus breaking the Total that clearly stated that the Israelites should not marry foreigners because they can come with their gods – idols.
He allowed the wives to worship their gods (idols) thus leading to spread of idolatry in Israel.
He not only worshipped the gods of his wives but also built temple for their worship.
He, by worshipping the gods became a bad example to Israel, as King. They copied him.
Although he built God’s temple, he erred in many ways:
i. He built his palace for 13 years but took only 7 years to build God’s temple. Shows he loved himself more the God.
ii. He used foreign designs and materials in the construction of the temple, ignoring God’s specifications on how to build it.
iii. He liaised pagan craftsmen from Tyre to design, decorate and furnish the temple.
He broke the sixth commandment by killing his half brother, Adonijah. He suspected that Adonijah would become his rival to the throne.
He spent a lot of Israel’s money on his lavish lifestyle. He had a large army and servants.
He overtaxed the people to meet the amount.
He used forced labor in his development projects.
He enslaved young men and women who went to work in the palace as servants for the wives.
He practiced nepotism. He exempted them from forced labor.
He sold part of Israel – sold 20 towns of Galilee to King of Tyre as payment of a debt he could not pay contrary to God’s command.
He made treaties with other nations that were against the condition set during the renewal of the Sinai covenant.
In the above ways, he oppressed the people of God.
e.
Which leadership qualities can modern leaders learn from David?
Justice: A good leader is one who does not favor some people like David (I Sam 24: 1 – 12).
Courage: David showed this while fighting Goliath. Leaders need to be brave and courageous in their work (I Sam 17:41 – 54).
Fear of God and Faith: David consulted God before any undertaking. Leaders should do the same.
Gratitude: David was thankful to blessings he received. Leaders should be happy and grateful to God.
Loyalty: Modern leaders should remain loyal to their office. David was loyal to God and his people (2 Sam 2:7)
Kindness: Good leaders should show mercy to their people like David did e.g. he forgave Saul twice (2 Sam 19: 9 – 39).
Humility: Leaders should not hesitate to ask for forgiveness from God and people. David was humble and asked for forgiveness any time he went wrong.
Willingness to delegate: Learn to delegate future as David did (2 Sam 20: 23 – 26)
Wisdom: Be wise in choosing legal advisers as David did.
Respect: Leaders should show respect to God and preaches those they serve as David did to the prophets and his people.
TOPIC SIX: LOYALTY TO GOD- ELIJAH.
a.
Qualities of Elijah that led to his achievements
• Elijah was fearless and courageous. His courage helped him to face King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and condemn them for their wickedness such as corruption and idolatry
• He was faithful to God. Yahweh guided him in his dealings with Baal prophets and King Ahab.
• He lived a simple life. For example, he wore simple clothing made of camel’s skin.
• He stood for the covenant at a time when the religion of Yahweh was in danger
• He had the power of God in him and was able to control rain.
• He confirmed that Yahweh had authority over land and over the people.
b) Schism is sharp religious, social, political differences within a group or organization
Syncretism is the process of mixing religious beliefs and practices
c) Some characteristics of Elijah that a modern Christian should strive to emulate
1) Courage
2) Faithfulness
3) Zealousness for God
4) Concern for the needy / poor
5) Provision of social justice
6) Patience
d. What were the effects of idolatry in Israel?
Syncretism developed where the Israelites worshipped Yahweh alongside the gods of Canaan.
The Israelites started calling Yahweh by the names used for Canaanites gods e.g. El.
The Israelites started naming their children after Canaanite gods like Baal.
They changed their religion calendar and celebration to correspond with their Canaanite celebrations and feasts.
They converted the high places used for worshipping Baal to Yahweh’s shrines without removing the graven images of idols.
The unity that existed between the two tribes of Israel was destroyed. They no longer treated one another as brothers.
The Kings of Israel behaved like the Canaanites leaders by oppressing the weak and grabbing other people’s property.
The people neglected Yahweh’s holy places.
God’s prophets were mistreated, persecuted and even killed.
God withdrew his blessings from the Israelites because they angered Him by worshipping other gods.
They broke God’s commandments, which forbade worship of other god a part from Yahweh.
The Israelites practiced temple prostitution and other Canaanites rituals and sacrifices.
e. Describe Elijah’s fight against false religion in Israel
Elijah rose to challenge false religion at a time when Baalism had become the official religion.
He prophesied a three and a half years drought because the people had turned away from Yahweh.
After the drought God appeared to Elijah and told him to go to King Ahab and tell him that the drought was as a result of idolatry in Israel.
Elijah requested the King to order all the people to meet at Mt Carmel to hold a contest.
Elijah asked the King to invite the 400 prophets of Asherah and Baal’s 450, saw that they could prove who the true God is.
Elijah would sacrifice a bull and the false prophets would too sacrifice their own to call on their Gods to send fire. The one who could send is the true God.
The prophets of Baal were the 1st to pray to their god but he never sent fire.
The prophets cut themselves with knives to please their god but he never sent it.
Elijah then prepared the altar with 12 pillars representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
He dug a trench around the altar, placed wood and put the cut bull on top of the wood.
He ordered for water to be poured around the trenches until it flooded.
Then in the evening Elijah prayed and called upon the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to send fire.
Fire came and consumed the whole sacrifice, including the water in the trenches.
As a result, the Israelites bowed down and declared that Yahweh was the true God.
Then Elijah ordered the killing of all the prophets of Baal and the prophetesses of Asherah.
Elijah went to the top of the Mt Carmel and prayed for rain. Yahweh sent His servant to watch for the sign of rain from the sea.
The servant looked towards the sea seven times after, which he saw a small cloud forming.
Then heavy rain fell, signaling end of drought.
f. Describe Elijah’s fight against corruption – 1 Kings 21
Corruption: Can be defined as dishonesty or misuse of power for personal gain.
In a corrupt society, the rich and powerful people tend to take advantage of the weak/poor by exploiting them and denying them their rights.
King Ahab of Israel desired a fruitful vineyard owned by a man named Naboth.
King Ahab approached Naboth to sell him the vineyard or exchange with another one.
Naboth declined the offer because in Israel, selling ancestral land was against the covenant law. The land belonged to God.
Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, soon learned, Naboth’s refusal and she arranged Naboth’s murder through false accusations.
After Naboth was killed, Ahab possessed the vineyard.
God commanded Elijah to go and declare His judgment on Ahab for committing such an evil act in Israel.
Elijah declared the following judgment on Ahab:
i. Dogs would lick Ahab’s blood at the same place where they had licked Naboth’s.
ii. Ahab’s dynasty would fall kike those of the Kings before him who had disobeyed God.
iii. All family members of Ahab would face violent deaths.
On hearing this, Ahab humbled himself before God and repented. God postponed Ahab’s punishment to the days of his son.
g. what can Christian learn from the teachings of Elijah?
From the Mt Carmel incident, they learn that Yahweh controls the forces of nature – can bring rain or stop it.
Yahweh is the only true and living God – Mt Carmel.
Yahweh is forgiving – pardoned those who repented on Mt Carmel.
Yahweh is a jealous God. He will not share honor with any God – killed the 450 prophets worshipping Baal.
A prosecutor – protected Elijah.
A provider – provided Elijah with food.
Yahweh answers prayers. He is faithful.
They also learn that church leaders should condemn evil like Elijah did in the case of Ahab and Naboth.
Christians should work to protect the poor from exploitation.
They should be prayerful so that God can help them overcome difficulties like Elijah.
They should strive to lead lives free from corruption.
They should remain faithful even if it means costing their lives to Naboth.
Leaders should realize authority comes from God and are accountable to Him.
They should avoid idolatry, which Elijah condemned.
Perform tasks given by God however had they may be as Elijah did – facing Ahab, killing the 450 false prophets etc.
Finally, they should invite sinners to repeat and bring them back to God.
