Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Religious Education Revision Material
Religious Education Revision Material
1. (a) State one similarity between African Traditional Religion and Hinduism. [1]
(b) Examine one way in which the ethical dimension of religion enhances social
harmony. [3]
As a value system, its focus is to regulate and control the moral conduct of
believers through the promotion of personal and social values like love,
compassion, self-respect and respect others, honesty, loyalty and many
others. These are they values which societies appreciate and endeavor to
preserve because they create unity and social harmony among people.
As a legal aspect of a religion, the ethical dimension spells out rules and
standards of behavior expected of the followers. These cover aspects of life
like mutual help in times of need, maintenance of social institutions such as
marriage and the family, the protection of the rights of children and the weak
as well as the maintenance of peace, law and order. Things such as
commandments, precepts, obligations and the general value system ensure
good relationships among people. They also strengthen the relationship
between people and Supreme Being or the Ultimate Power.
As the food and drink which keep societies alive, healthy and happy it
strengthens their moral life. Its ideals challenge believers to aspire to achieve
high standards by sharpening their dislike and avoidance of vices like greedy,
cheating, selfishness, dishonesty and so on. these give believers inner peace
because they gauge their behavior and spiritual wellbeing. Once there is a
break down in the moral life of a society, the whole integrity is shaken the
result of which is chaos. Therefore, the ethical dimension of religion strives
to construct a society where people readily demonstrate tolerance and
respect for one another and the rest of creation. It encourages people to live
together peacefully, to practice justice and fairness, in a way enhancing social
harmony.
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2. (a) According to African Traditional religion in Botswana, what two roles in the
universe are played by human beings? [2]
(b) Describe two positive effects of modern development on sacred places. [4]
(c) Explain two ways in which Botho has promoted peace and harmony in
Botswana.
It has broken class distinction. All people are seen as equals, leading to
no discrimination based on
- Colour
- Religion
- Sex
- Education etc
It has promoted unity among people through tribal – inter marriages and
the use of one local official language. This fosters fellowship among
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people from different ethnic groups and has also made people to respect
each other.
It has promoted co-operation among Batswana. It emphasizes that no
man is an island, leading to the awareness that Batswana need each other
for healthy living.
It has promoted tolerance among people though its emphasis on the
virture of hospitality.
It reflects that human need is a supreme criterion of human behavior.
This is seen through practices like mafisa, majako etc, where people help
each other in the production of food and in other economic activities.
3. (a) State two methods the early missionaries used to spread Christianity in
Botswana [2]
Chiefs were targeted as the first converts so that they would use their
authority or convert their subjects or people.
They introduced literacy so that people would be able to read the Bible.
They provided some incentives to attract people to Christianity e.g.
clothes and food.
Evangelism, the missionaries travelled form one village to another
preaching the Gospel and winning people to God.
(b) Assess how the missionaries participated in the politics of Botswana. [4]
During the scramble for Africa, some missionaries, for example, John
Mackenzie, influenced the British government to protect the land of
Batswana against the Boer expansion. As a result, in 1885, Botswana was
declared a British protectorate.
Later, when Britain wanted to handover Botswana to Cecil Rhodes’s
British South African Company, the London Missionaries society helped
chief (dikgosi) Bathoen, Khama III and Sebele to go to England, to try to
persuade the British government not to give away their land. During their
trip to England, the three chiefs were accompanied by a missionary called
Willoughby.
Sometime Missionaries became involved in Tswana politics because
chiefs (dikgosi) requested them to act as their advisers, secretaries and
interpreters in relations between Batswana and Europeans.
However, missionaries generally supported Christian rulers against non-
Christian ones. For example, the London Missionary Society missionaries
secretly supported Kgosi Khama III in his dispute with his father, Sekgoma
I, in the 1870s. This was because Khama III was a Christian and Sekgoma I
had rejected Christianity. They hoped to be able to work more freely and
successfully under a Christian chief or ruler.
During the colonial period, some missionaries developed a tendency of
being involved in Tswana internal politics. For example, in Ngamiland,
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The church has a mission that is not of this world, so it should not concern
itself about the things of this world.
Some politicians are corrupt and can abuse power. The church should be
loyal to the teachings of its Master and speak against corruption.
The church is holy, politics is dirty and the two cannot be easily merged or
reconciled.
(b) Explain how one of Jesus’ teaching on authority is similar to the modern
understanding of the concept. [3]
(c) State three ways in which Jesus demonstrated the value of love when
dealing the needy.
[3]
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5. (a) State three ways in which religions assist people who are affected by
natural disasters. [3]
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- Other people view thunder and heavy winds as some of the “vehicles”
by which God travels in great power through the sky.
Religion is a belief system which attempts to explain the position of human beings in
the world and their purpose of existence.
Religion is a forum that provides norms which help in maintaining order and stability
in society.
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(c) Describe any three factors which led to the origin of Christianity. (6)
Socio-economic factors that led to the start of Christianity
Jesus was concerned for the needy, provided for the hungry
Society he was born into had different ideas of who the messiah they were
expecting was
and it was difficult to unite them
Jesus’ performance of miracles such as healing lepers, paralytic men,
providing the
hungry with food e.t.c
Jesus taught that the coming of the kingdom is open to all people including
tax collectors,
prostitutes, the poor as long as they have faith something not thought of
before his
coming
Political factors that led to the start of Christianity
Jesus was a threat to the Jewish leaders therefore they opposed his
teachings
pressure groups plotted against Jesus and had him killed eventually
Jesus condemned some Jewish teachings and traditions
(b) State any four ways through which African Traditional Religion in Botswana can be
identified. (4)
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(c) Describe any two morals teachings of African Religion in Botswana. (4)
Honouring Ancestors:
Traditionally, Batswana were taught to honour their family ancestors and to
live acceptable listyle. For example, all people believed that ancestors
demanded loyalty and unquestionable respect for tribal and customary laws.
As a result people believed that ancestors were acapable of punishing those
who did not adhere to social moral values like respect for life, property and
nature.
3. (a) Explain any factor which lead to the rise of African Independent Churches in
in Botswana. (2)
Some missioneries did not make any effort to understand African culture
because they adopted a negative attitude towards it. Africans therefore felt
negleted and left those churches to form African Independent Churches.
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Some Africans felt that their spiritual needs were not satisfied in the
Christian Churches established by missioneries. They felt they would have a
sense of belonging when they worship God in their own languages and
culture. They wanted to form churches which they believe would address
their spiritual neends.
(b) Describe two ways in which African Independent Churches are contributing
towards the improvement of the lives of Batswana. (4)
(c) Examine any two roles of the Botswana Christian Council. (4)
The Botswana Christian Council has done a good job in unifying Christian
Churches in Botswana, so that they can dialogue, share iseads and
experiences. It organises evangelical campaigns for the advancements of the
Christian church, where followers of church domination converge and
spread the message of Christ. It also organises prayer gatherings for all
Christians as well as ecumenical meetings, all of which promote unity.
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Botswana Christian Council was responsible for the Dukwi refugee camp
management during the liberation war in Zimbabwe. It catered for the
needs of many refugees in the camp. It is in the fore front in addressing
social concerns like alcohol and drug abuse, crime, poverty and
homelessness.
ii. Peace: peace means harmony among people, the absence of hostility or
war, non-violence. It also means inward experience of forgiveness and
complete reconciliation between people. (1)
(b) Explain two ways in which people in authority can demostrate the values of botho
and tolerance in order to promote peace in the society (4)
(c) Describe what any two Bible texts say about Jesus in relation to authority. (4)
John 13:5 Jesus was good Shepherd who utilised his authority to serve others. He
washed the feet of his discliples during the last supper to demostrate that those in
positions of authority should serve the community. Mathews 20:28 saysa, Éven as
the son of man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ramson
for many’.
John 10:10; Jesus did not come to diminish life but to increase it. He did not use
authority for his own benefit but for men.
John 10:11; being a good shepherd he sacrificed his life for the benefit of men.
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John 10 verse 12 and 13; he did not abandon his role in face of difficulties because
he identified with his followers and knew them personally.
The message of the above text is that, people in authority should serve their
communities selflessly. They should not give up when faced with challenges.
4. (a) Explain the value of marriage in the context of African Traditional Religion. (2)
It is a meeting point between the departed (the dead), the living and those
to be born. The departed are the roots on whom the living stand while the
living are links between death and life. Those to be born are buds in the
loins of the living which marriage affords to germinate and spout.
(b) Describe any two ways through which families ties are strengthened in African
Traditional Religion. (4)
Ancestor veneration
(c) Examine how any two new roles of women benefit society today. (4)
Women are now engaged in paid jobs. If they are married, their families are
provided for in better ways such that family members will often have a
balanced diet. This reduces malnutrition in socities.
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Women often find themselves being heads of single headed families today.
If this is out of their choice, then peace and harmony is maintained withing
societies since they may not be bothered by unfaithful spouses. Closely knit
families with few mwmbers are often believed to be a sign of stability in the
society.
Women are now involved in politics. This creates equality between men and
women and a balance of power is the result. Checks and balances on the
violation of the rights of either of them are of benefit to socities.
1. (a) Explain one way in which African Traditional Religion expresses itself. (2)
(b) Describe the significance of any two practices of African Traditional Religion (4)
Widow inheritance (seantlo)
-The rivival of the name of a brother who has died by a younger brother who
inherits his wife or wives and children and care for them as his own.
Polygamy:
- The continuity of the family name in case the first wife cannot conceive.
Bride price
- Unification of two families and communities of the bride and the groom.
- A token of apreciation by the groom’s family for losing a child bearing
member
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(c) ‘Religious believers should make concern for the environment a priority.’Do you
agree? Give reasons for your opinion, showing you have considered other points
of view.
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Since most religions teach that the earth is precious and was made by God out of his
love and power, there seems to be no good reason for religious believers not to put
concern for the environment high among their priorities. God’s gifts in creation and
the stewardship he ushered to human beings, are for the benifits of all people, and
not just for the present generation. Therefore, religious belivers should consider it
important to ensure that future generations can look forward to an environment
that is beautiful and full of natural resources as that of today. Though many parts of
the world have been spoiled by human geer and lack of understanding about how to
care for the environment. There is a lot that religious believers can do to improve
the state of the world and preserve it for the future.
However, some may argue that although care for the environment is a good and
important thing, it should not be prioritised over and above other things. For
example, some religious beliviers are concerned when they see people giving more
care to environmental and animal rights campaingns than they think should be
given, on the grounds that care for human beings must always take precedence.
Nevertheless, it is worth considering that unless we do take care of the environment,
human beings will suffer, so to make it priority helps everyone either immediately or
in the future. Therefore, caring for the environment is, indirectly caring for huma
beings.
(b) Describe two duties of women in African Traditional Religion in Botswana. (4)
Most of them are herbalists. They specialize in the healing of diseases which
affect people especially women and children. They give their patients herbs
and traditional medicine so that they become well.
They also perform religious duties such as counselling the sick, thus giving
them the hope to live worthwhile lifestyles.
(c) Explain the significance of traditional doctors’diving bones (ditaola) and hills in
African Traditional Religion in Botswana. (4)
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They are associated with mystical powers and therefore regarded as sacred.
They are believed to be dwelling places for ancestors and therefore certain
taboos have to be observed by people who visit them for fear the wrath of
ancestors.
Hills are custodians and symbolic features of African culture and religion.
Some hills are surrounded by mythical stories that attempt to explain some
natural phenomena in those areas.
It is through family relationships that children are taught moral values such as
to honour, obey and respect elders. (Ephesians 6:1-4) (Exodus 20:
(b) Compare two ways in which the value of marriage is expressed in African
Traditional Religion and in Christianity. (4)
i. Marriage is for child bearing and i. -Marriage is a gift from God and it
continuity of family name unites two people to be equal (husband
and wife). They commit themselves to
each other and to live together until
death of one of them.
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(c)Evaluate how Christians view the religious roles of men and women
Many Protestant churches teach that men and women should have equal
roles in life, including religion, and so they have women ministers, priests and
pastors. They support their belief by saying that:
Genesis 1 says that men and women were made at the same time.
St Paul stated that men and women are equal.
Jesus treated women as his equals and had women followers.
Jesus women followers were the only witnesses of his crucifixion and
they saw him first when he rose from the dead.
The Roman Catholic Church followers believe that men and women are
equal, but only men can become priest because Jesus only chose men to be
his successors. They also argue that Jesus was a man and the priest
represents Jesus in the mass.
The fact that Christians do not view the religious role of women in the same
way poses a problem for the religion. It shows that Christians interpret and
understand the teachings of the Bible about the role of women in the church
differently. To some extent this shows religious intolerance based on gender
as well as the fact taht Christians interpret Biblical texts to suit what they
think is right for them in their individual church denominations.
This can create doubts in the minds of people who might want to convert to
Christianity because they would not know which denomination to chose since
they have divergent views on this topic.
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(b) Explain one way in which the resurrection of Jesus Christ can be viewed as a
demostration of God’s love.
For Christians, the resurrection is the greatest miracle and the ultimate sign
of God’s love and action in Jesus. It is the act of God that fulfils the scriptures
by giving Christians the authority for believing in the living Christ. It means
God’s love to Christians will be seen again through the second coming of
Christ, when he will carry out his judgement, thus bringing Gods eternal reign
in peace and justice.
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians have faith in God whose
love for them is symbolized by his preparedness to die on a cross to wash
away their sins. The resurrection redeems Christians and symbolises the love
of God in Jesus, who thoght he died lives on in spirit in the Christian
community as the Holly Spirity.
- That Jesus Christ is the son of God who acts just like the Father
- That there is forgiveness for sins for those who believe in him
- That the kindom of God is ruled by a living sovereign
- That physical death is not the termination of human existence, there
is life after death.
- That there is ultimate victory of Christians over all its enemies.
Christians too will overcome as a result of the lamb’s sacrifice and
victory over death.
(c) describe three ways in which Christians have contributed towards the
attainment of justice in society.
Non violent ways of fighting against injustice e.g Bishop Desmond Tutu amd
Martin Luther King Jnr participated in non violet protest marches.
Martyrdom: sacrificing their lives for justice to prevail in society e.g Martin
Luther Jnr and Oscar Romero, the Archbishop of El Salvador.
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Living exemplary lives; taking care of the poor, by providing them with
shelter, food and clothes e.g Mother Theresa
Campaigning for equal rights among people of different races, gender e.g
Bishop Dom Helder Camara
When answering question 5, you should use the following religions as specified:
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam or Bahaí Faith
5. (a) Describe one way in which any of the above religions deals with sexual abuse. (2)
Buddhism
The law of ahimsa for buddhists, forbids all forms of causing pain and suffering.
Therefore it forbids believers form indulging in sexual misconduct which include
sexual abuse of any form e.g rape, fornication, adultery etc.
The third of the five precepts of Buddhism teaches believers not to indulge in
sexual misconduct because it causes pain and suffering. Sexual abuse is to be
avoided by Buddhists because how one lives and conducts himself or herself now
determines their next life.
Hinduism
Ahimsa – non violence means that believers should not cause any pain or
suffering to anyone or anything, that includes sexual abuse. If they cause pain
or suffering, they stay in the circle of samsarah for a long time before thet
attain liberation (moksha).
The law of Karma teaches that any action has consequences and bad action
like sexual abuse, result in negative consequences. Therefore, believers are
encouraged to enjoy sensual pleasure in a regulated manner or else they
suffer the consequences.
Islam
Muslims are taught that any form of sexual misconduct is punishable by the
Sharia Law, e.g rapists are given death penalty. Therefore justice and
compassion should be guiding values in all human relationships.
Bahaí Faith
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Bahaí family members are taught and expected to uphold the rights of other
people because for them sexual abuse is a form of aggression.
(b)Explain two ways in which anyone of the above religions influences family life.
(4)
Islam: the values of Islam are held through the family. The Qurán clearly
states the rules of running the family as the following:
The family must be united for the sake of the children, who are its pride and
joy. Children must be brought up in the faith and the Adhan (call to prayer) is
whispered to babies so that they hear the words that God is great from the
beginning of their lives.
While parents must be kind and nurture their children, children must be loyal
and obediant to their parents. They must also love their parents and be
caring and supportive as they grow old.
The father is the head of his family while the mother is the heart. He provides
for the material needs; she creates an islamic home true to the principle of
Faith.
Bahaí Faith: Families must be loving, unified and spiritual so that the society benefits
from families and becomes health.
Family life begins with marriage and couples should be commited to abide by the
will of God.
- Parents must help their children to know and love God and to recognise and
obey his manifestations. Children must be raised in a home filled with
respect, encouragement, love, prayer and laughter so that they have a
chance of growing into healthy, responsible adults.
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Family members should work to develop spiritual qualities where each one receives
support and strength from others and inspire them by his/her example. Abdul-Baha
says, in this type of family, the injury of one shall be considered the injury of all; the
comfort of each, the comfort of all, the honour of one, the honour of all.
Buddhism: The Five precepts are binding ethical mandates promoting personal virtues.
The precepts provide an ethical framework for family life.
Buddhists put more emphasis on the love that all people should share.
Buddhists are taught to treat each other with respect. It is the duty of the young and
the able bodied to look after the old and the vulnerable.
- Parents’major role is top provide children with basic needs; food, shelter,
clothing and education.
(c) Compare two beliefs that are shared by any two of the religions above. (4)
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Hindus believe in a continuous cycle of life and death. After death the soul of
an individual is reborn in a different body, either human or animal. What
kind of body or situation one is born into depends on ones actions in the
previous life. The Law of Karma, says that anything one does comes back to
one in the end. For example, a greedy preson’s soul becomes the soul of an
animal that is constantly grubbling for food, so the next body will suit that
soul that the person had developed. A spritual person’s soul will become the
soul of a guru to the extent of eventually becoming one with the Supreme
God.
Buddhists believe in a circle of birth, death and rebirth of the self according
to one actions in each life. The view existence as a wheel with many different
realms, heavens, sufferings, human life, animal life etc. The individual
person’s self moves from realm to another in life after life. Eventually,
through meditation and enlightement, it is possible for the self to be
released from the wheeland achieve completion or everlasting bliss.
Though Muslims and Bahaís share the above belief, they express it in diffent
ways. For example, the Bahaí belief in one God is part of the three oneness,
thus, the oneness of God, of religion and of humanity which presupposes
that God cuts across religions and is the same for all human beings. For
Muslims, the belief in Allah, is based on the believer’s adherence to the Five
Pillars of the religion, thus Shahadah (confession of Faith), salat (ritual
prayers), zakat (alms for the poor) Saun (fasting during ramadan) and Hajj
(pilgrrmage to mecca).
Though Hindus believe in one God (Braham), other Gods (the trimuti, Vishnu,
Shiva, Brahma), have aspects of Brahman.
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Exaplain the effect of the Interaction between african Traditional Religion and Christainity.
The effect of the interaction between ATR and Christainity was the formation
of the African independednt churches
It also lead to the emergence of women as church leaders and priest
Brought about the process of the africanisation of Christianity which lead to
clapping of hands, use of drums and divination in churches
It brought about the process of prophecy and speaking in touges
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Examine any two teachings of African Traditional Religion with regards to the meaning of
human life.
Human life is sacred. Followers of ATR have come up with taboos, sayings,
riddles, religious laws and forms of punishment which guide people to ensure
that the sacredness of human life is not tampered with.
Societal structures like chieftainship, traditional doctors and other religuious
intermediearies protect human life. Those who violate the sacredness of
human life by killing are punished in diffrent ways.
Human life is a gift from God. The birth of a child in this religion brings joy
and happiness in the family and is recognised through the performance of
rituals. Married couples are expected to have children for the constinuation
of their family names and lineages.
State two challenges which the early missionaries faced when they were spearding the
gospel among Batswana
Tropical diseases due to climatic conditions that they encountered when they came
to Africa
poor transportation system and no roads
tribal wars which were happening between africans
language barrier they did not understand the language of the africans and also could
not communicate with them
some Batwana chiefs were hostile towards the missionaries
most Batswana were illiterate theu could neither read nor write and this made it
difficult for Batswana to read the bible.
Describe the ways in which the Christain Churches are contribuyting within the
communication sector of Botswana
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Postal services make sytem and letter writing/ bibles magazines and
newspaper.
Translation of the Bible and Christian literature into different langauages of
Batswana allows the gospel to be spread throughtout the country
Ecumenical movements being channels of communication between
govenment and churches
Introduction of christian affiliated radio and television broadcasting
programmes promotes effective communication among people in the
country.
The introduction of literacy ( reading and writing) through hristian schools
promotes effective communication within society.
Christian based guidance and counselling programmes and services e.g pre-
mariatal and marriage counselling etc helps to open bettwer commuication
channels
Teaching moral values
Assess how Christianity affected Tswana culture
Christianity wakened the setswana traditional value system in which all
people in the society had a role to play in the economic activities of families
and the society at large. For example, the mafisa whereby the poor were
loaned acatle by the rich to use as their own disapeared due to the money
economy introduced by missionaries.
Christianity contribted towards the literacy of Batswana by teaching them
how to read and write. This led to skills development in the country. Many
Batswana adopted a new culture of working in hospitals, schools and afarms
usig new methods of work.
Changed from polygamy to monogamy
Initiations schools were changed to formal schools
Tswana languages was aslo affected by the introduction of european
langauages.
To what extent is authority effective in modern times
Leadrs ensure that laws are implemented
Authority s effective nowedays because leaders throughout the world use
modern technology and mass media like television, internet. This mens that
morl guidance for all is abundant.
There is also provision of services
However, today the international community seems to be engulfed in
immoral acts which caue social ills more than in anay other time in the past.
There are mosre cases of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, teenage pregrancy, child
and mother trafficking and general lawlessness amongst people. This could
be a signthat authority is not efective.
Explain two ways in which Christians understsood the concept of love.
Christians demonstrate love by giving t the pool and needy
Christains understand the cncept of love to mean agape, brotherly love which
is love for God and love for the breathern
Love eros which is intimate love between a husband and a wife
Love phillias friendly love that is love between friends or family members
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Love storge which is natural love and affection between parents children and
relatives
Matth 7:12 do unto others what you want them to do unto you
1john 4: 7-8 love one another as i have loved you and that is God is love
Describe any Bible teachings on eternal life
Eternal life begins now: Revelation 3:5-9 he who overcomes will be dressed in
white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, byt will
acknowledge his name before my father and his angels
I will make those who pretend to be believers to come and fall down at our
feet and acknowledge that i have loved you.
1 corinthians 15 the resurrection of the dead is made possible by the
ressurection of jesus christ. For God so loved the world that he gave his only
be son that whoever beleives in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Matths25 the judgment days- eternal life is dependednt on ones relationships
with God and other people while on earth. The parable of the sheep and
gaots
Eternal life is the joy and happiness enjoyed by believers who have been
saved through the grace of God. It is the gift of God ephesians 2:8-10
State to reasons to supports why the equality between men and women is important in
society
The eqality men and woman is impiortant because
It promotes equal sharing of responsibilities and cooperation in the home
front and at societal leve
It encourages men and women to avoid abusing one another
It creates equal opportunities for men and women in different sectors of he
economy
It allows men and women to perform to their abilities
It facilittes colletive acheievement of goals men and women
Descrive why and how any one eole of women has changed in african traditional religion
in Botswana.
Decision making: why in the past it was a custom in botswana that the role of
a woman was to be married, have children , nurse them to adultehood and
care for husband and in laws. Men were the ones who went to work in the
mines and towns, leaving their female counterparts in the villages: how the
advent of western education gave women opportunity of going through
education system just like men. Today women contributes in the debates at
khotla meetings that involve the improvement of their communities, which
was not the cse in the past.
Leadership in society, whytraditionally setswana culture barred women from
assuming leadership positions in the community. The society was patrillineal
and leadership was inherited by males only. Some setswana sayings, like ga di
ke di etelelelwa ke manamagadi pele meaning women cannot lead men, also
contributed towards denying women the opportunity to be civil leaders.
How with modernation, indutrilization, western education and the human
rigts movements which advocates fo the rights of women, today women are
chiefs an they perform all duties just like men, for example kgosi mosadi
seboko of Ramotswa
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List ways through which family ties are strengthen in african traditional Religion in
Botswana.
Family ties ae strenhthened through the folowing ways
Family rituals e.g mantsho, go phekola, gosha, ditlhogo etc
Go reelelwa naming of children after other family members
Relatives living in distant villages visit each other fequently
Marriage negotiations and celebrations require all the blood relatives must
be present and participate
The extended family set up enables family members to help one another in
different ways
Collective responsibilities/ family members support each other financially nd
emotionaly
Marriage: when two people gether marriage the two families establish
bonds of friendship as they both become relatives of the children to be born.
This enables them to visit each othjer and share the responsibility of helping
the newly marriede couple to have a successful mariage
Family norms and values
Some family members are permitted to ger marride to their distant counsin
this practice strenghtens family bonds /seantlo as well
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At the kgotla men were expected to wear jackets and a hat while women
were expected to wear dresses and cover their shoulders as a sign of respect
to the ancestors who were believed to reside there. Women were not
allowed to wear trousers because it was believed that it would lower the
dignity of the place.
It was believed that before anyone can enter a sacred place, they should
have been given permission by the chief or other elders eho are usually the
guardians of the places.
Discuss how the role of men and women complement each other in African traditional
religion in Botswana.
While most male traditional doctors specialize in healing of variety of
illnesses, most of their women counterparts specializes in aliments most of
which affect women and children. Therefore male and female traditional
doctors share the role of practicing traditional medicine. In the process both
can be healers.
Both men and women plough the field during the ploughing season.
Traditionally, men would be handling the beasts of burden like cattle,
donkeys and others when ploughing is done while women would be directing
the plough, doing the actual ploughing. Therefore, the two depend and rely
on each other; hence their roles complement each other in the food
production process.
In the home front, the woman would be cooking for the entire family, nursing
and looking after younger children, sweeping the compound or performing
other household chores, the man would be milking the cows, looking after
domestic animals and or producing farming implements like yokes and
hunting so that he brings home meat for the family.
Both teach skills and moral values to the children girls by the women while
boys by the men
Procreation mothers carries out the role of child bearing while the man
provides and cares for the family
Both share the responsibilities of raising the children for instants the mother
takes care of the children while the father is responsible for the discipline of
the children in the household.
Name any missionary who worked among Batswana and mission station he or she
established
Robert moffat and he founded the Kurumane station
Hendrik Schroder he founded the Goyan station in shoshong
Wiliammuller and johannherberstLiteyane near ditubaruba
David Livingstone he founded the Livingstone Kolobeng station
Explain why the following values are important for Christian Churches in Botswana
Unity it is important for Christian Churches in Botswana because it brings
them together for purposes of spreading the gospel and helping the poor
and needy. Unity encourages religious tolerance and cooperation while
minimizing conflicts. Through unity Christian Churches can share ideas and
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learn from each one another. It also fulfills the scriptures that all should be
united in the body and bloody of Christ
It also promotes peace and harmony
Dialogue: it is important because it crates harmonious relationship between
Christian Churches on important issues like speaking with one voice, one
vision and one goal. Christians can understand each other better and in the
process peace and social harmony are enhanced. Dialogue can also enable
Christians to collectively address social concerns like alcohol and drug abuse,
crime and deteriorating morals within the society. It can also assist in the
haring of ideas and experiences.
Describe two ways through which Christians express their loyalty to God.
Christians demonstrate their loyalty to God by observing the ten
commandments as they are instructed to do in the books of exodus 20:1-7
Christians demonstrate their loyalty to God through their love for their
fellowmen john 13: 34-35
They demonstrate their loyalty by worship God and praising him
By sacrificing themselves for the love of others john 15: 12-14
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Truthfulness
o The eight fold path which ends sufferings as follows
o Right speech, which means no lying or bad language
o Right conduct or behavior which means acting morally all the time. to live
according to Buddhateachings for right reasons
o Right intentions which means living according to Buddha’s teachings for right
reasons.
o Right understanding, which means looking at life from the right view point
that’s the Buddha way
o Right livelihood or occupation, which means not choosing occupations that
cause bloodshed or human suffering
o Right effort which means seeking good and avoiding evil
o Right mindfulness, working for freedom from unnecessary wants or avoiding
extreme of elf-indulgence
o Right concentration, which means to be able to mediate with the correct
contemplation mode and training the mind to the point of reaching
everlasting peace.
Through the lifestyle that they adhere to for example by practicing ahimsa
(nonviolence) this ethical law requires people to avoid inflicting pain, be it physical or
emotional to any living thing. This is why most Buddhist arevegetarians.
According to Buddhist doing good and living well with others and the natural world is
a way of bring justice to society.
Explain how African Traditional Religious practices can negatively affect the environment.
Cutting down trees or digging out their roots for traditional medicines
without replacing them. this can lead to depletion of the environment, which
means cause soil erosion
Hunting expeditions can also lead to depletion of animal specifies this also
goes hand in hand with the killing of animals for sacrifices which also reduces
their numbers and can also lead to extinction which can cause an imbalance
in the eco system
The graveyards can lead to pollution of underground water sources which
can lead to diseases
The use of certain places for example hills river, caves can lead to the
pollution of water sources which bring about health hazards for both people
and animals. This can also lead to littering in the environment
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It can also promote moral values since people are taught the principles of right and
wrongs. The golden rule teaches them the way they should treat each other’s as they
would want to be treated.
Describe some teachings of ATR on the relationship of/( or between) women and men
Monnaselepe /monna a botswekwa a tswangteng
Monnaga a betwe, o kgomothwahela/ mosaditswene o jewamabogo-
meaning a man/woman is appreciated for their role and not their
appearance
Men are the heads of the family this gives role clarity betweenmen and
women and the division of labour is well apportioned.
Men are providers and protectors of the family and women are the child
bearers and care givers. This helps both men and women to complement
each other in the family.
Men are responsible for the decision making and women are not involved in
it this gives men the absolute power.
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Describe ways in which the roles of women are changing in modern society
Universal education
Since education is open to both boys and girls up to university level, more
women are engaged in different professions like medicines, law engineering
etc. women work for the upkeep of their families unlike in the past where
they stayed at home and performed domestic chores.
Equality politics and decision making processes
Due to the general recognition of men and women today more women vote
and are voted for and assume influential decision making positions like being,
councilors, members of parliament etc
Family headship
Since the family institution is no longer that stable, some women are
choosing to stay single but have children. These women become self-
supporting heads of their households or families.
Leadership in the religious arena
The advert of equality and human rights have also helped to assume
leadership positions in some religious organizations and different church
denominations unlike in the past when men dominated in terms of religious
leadership positions throughout the world.
Describe ways in which equality between men and women can contribute temporally
towards national building
Equality has contributed in job opportunities
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In education attainment such as that the syllabus is open to both boys and
girls
Economic independence economic empowerment /poverty eradication etc
Decision making-there are shard ideas in decision making processes
Leadership roles –roles are also shared and women can occupy the roles that
were previously held by men only
To what extent can religious followers solve problems associated with global epidemics?
Followers of various regions can provide counseling services to people affected by
global epidemics, so as to help them emotionally. They can use religious teachings to
prepare people for possible out breaks of global epidemics.
They can provide materials needs such as foods, cloths and shelter to those affected
by global epidemics
However, some followers of religions can take advantage of global epidemics asking
for donations to support people affected by global epidemics yet they use the
donations for personal gain.
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ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF RELIGION ON SOCIETY. When a question is asked like this it means
When you answer you should look at the positive and negative of the issue
Religion unifies society through the performance of rituals which often bring conflicting
persons or groups together. It also unifies members of society through the formation of
alliances done by heads of eh tribes to bring about peace.
It is a source of comfort to members of the society in times of needs, for example members
who worship together will act as comforters when one of their members has lost a loved
one. They would also be able to as counsel their member of the situation that they are going
through which might be able to bring comfort to the other member.
It provides moral guidance to members of the society. Each religion ha what is called the
fundamental rules and guidelines which members are supposed to follow for e.g in
Christianity there are the Ten Commandments, which provide guidance on how the people
should behave towards each towards each other and also to God. The Sharia law in Islam
also does the same to members who belong to the reliant and so do all the other religions.
These laws ensure that members of the society live well together and is also prescribes the
form of punishment that should or would be given to those who do not follow the
guidelines.
In situation whereby religion has influence in the political affairs of the country, it can lead
to oppression of other people who do not follow that religion and also lead to corruption
and oppression of other people.
ART in Botswana is a product of a variety of Botswana cultural heritage, seen in the diversity
of the different people beliefs, art and customs. Botswana Religious culture is made up of a
whole range of human activities, which are learnt and transmitted from generation to
generation through various learning processes. These include dress code
e.gBakalangaHosona ran making attire, marriage customs, and language.
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ART in Botswana is found in many different ethnic groups’ rituals, ceremonies and festivals.
These include rites of passages rituals, harvest rituals and rain making ceremonies some of
which are observed at family level while others are for whole tribal communities. They have
a lot of religious meaning and through their observation; religious ideas are passed on from
generation to another.
ATR in Botswana diversity is found in different Batswana Families, tribe and community
shrines, sacred place and religious objects. It is also reflected in these people’s music, dance,
art, proverbs, riddles, wise sayings as well as in individual’s tribal communities’ beliefs and
customs. All these strengthen believersspiritually and unify them as tribal religious
communities’. These values are therefore passed down to the next generations and
preserved. People from different ethnic groups respect their differences on how they
approach God through ancestors, knowing that they are all Batswana though they practice
ART differently.
People might also be influenced by the environment in which the live or find themselves
living. For example
Discuss the challenges that were faced by African Independent Churches when they were
established in Botswana.
They also faced discrimination from the mainline churches due to their theology which some
of it went against the teachings of the mainline churches for example polygamy, use of
herbs for healing and other things
They were also trying to convert followers who were already members of the mainlines
churches hence it was like a war fight to the members and these followers questioned most
of the practices of the AICs such as worshiping God through Ancestors, being involved in
rain making rituals, etc as they were regarded to be unchristian.
Most of their leaders were illiterate and this made it difficult for most of the Batswana to
take them seriously because they could not read the bible. This made them to fail to attract
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Batswana who now were from different social and economic level. As a result of the AIC
only attracted people who were from the marginalized groups who could relate to their
message and those who did not want to lose their culture.
Since the leaders were mostly from humble backgrounds, they could not secure funds to
build churches and other facilities like the mainline churches could. This made them to be at
a disadvantage. Also because these churches had revolted from the mainline churches, they
were not sure they could remain autonomous. They were also not sure if they could stay
true and committed to their new beliefs and ideals and become successful independent
entities.
It is has contributed in form of building hospitals such as the Bamalete Lutheran Hospital,
the SDA Hospital in Kanye, the Deborah Relief Memorial Hospital
They have contributed towards the training of nurses and other medical personnel to work
in the health facilitated established.
Health campaigns to sensitize people on health issues e.g measles.
Development of infrastructure for accessibility to health facilities e.g roads and electricity.
The Creation of employment opportunities: medical facilities require labour force to deliver
medical services.
Building of hospices to take care of the elderly and terminally ill
They also provide the necessary skills, information and counseling services to orphans so
that they cope with their situation. Some of the churches have also successfully assisted in
providing healing to their members and the wide community at large.
Discuss how Christians in Botswana help people who are affected by natural disasters.
Christians in Botswana assist in the provision of tents and allowing those affected to use
their church buildings as temporary shelter. Donations of food baskets, donations of money,
building materials and many other items to the Red Cross society of Botswana which
distributes them to victims. They offer moral support by visiting those affected in camps and
they also provide free counseling to the affected to help them cope with their situations.
They also offer inter-denominational prayers to the affected. Some can even foster children
who become orphans due to natural disasters.
These are done by Christian individuals or organizations and usually the assist in usually
short lived as it is aimed to assist during that particular time. There is a need for the
assistance to be long-term which means carrying out follows ups even after the disaster to
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ensure that the victims are protected and live dignified lives. Another problem is that the
Christians usually do not teach the victims of natural disasters to be self-reliant. This makes
them to be too dependent on handouts such that when disasters strike they become
helpless and look forward to handouts. Christians should offer natural disaster victims
permanent solutions so that they fend for themselves in times of need.
Some Christians might collect funds in the name of assist the victims and at the end some of
them misappropriated the funds used. And some may do it for publicity and not as a
genuine effort to assist the victim by to be praised by members of the society.
Describe how the Church has contributed towards political stability in Botswana.
Church leaders act as conscience of the society, they discourage things like corruption or the
discrimination of some people. Church leaders preach good governance and respect for
political leadership.
Churches guide people to become good citizens through teaching like universal love and the
value of adhering to societal rules and laws. The church intervenes during the times of civil
strife and crisis e.g during the industrial strike.
Churches members assist in constitutional review and in forums and committes which deal
with issues of moral decadence e.hhiv/aids alcohol abuse etc
Some Christians are involved in politics or are politicians. This enables them to promote
Christian values like humility, kindness, compassion and help the society to come up with
fair and just laws.
By visiting people in the prisoners, and by providing counseling services to some people
during difficult times, however some people help so that they can benefit something tit for
tat. Works of charity, dependency unless those people are taught ways of catching fish for
themselves
Some people may be subjected to abuse in the name of helping them especially children
who become orphans after the death of parents. These children may be exposed to abuse
from adults who may want favours from them. Some may do it for personal gains or
recognition.
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In Christianity salvation is derived from the centrality of Jesus Christ as the sone of God as
well as a human being. Christians agree that salvation means saving of the soul, or
deliverance from sin and its consequences such as heaven and hell. It also means the whole
process of forgiveness brought about by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection.
However, Christians differ in terms of how salvation of believers occurs or should happen.
Salvation by grace of God some Christians believe that Christ died so that he could wash
away the sins of the believers, and that whoever believes in this will have a place in heaven.
These Christians believe that Jesus showed the love o God by taking on the burden of the
world sins and sacrificing his life to atone or make amends (pay) for their sins. By so doing
human-kind was restored or reconciled to God and were/was given the promise of eternal
life. According to this belief, Jesus brought salvation which is reflected in his title savior.
Salvation by deeds or works. There are other Christians who argue that believers must
humbly live out the good Christian life characterized by the development of virtue like
honesty, love, obedience and faithfulness so that their deeds prepare them for salvation.
These Christians further argue that by praisingGod loving Jesus and allowing oneself to be
guided by the Holy Spirit, a believer can be freed from fear, even fear of death and can be
released from any sense of guilt or sin. One can be born again by accepting that Jesus Christ
dies for them and follow him as their savior.
Some Christians however, combine the above two meanings of salvation by teaching that
individuals must repent and believe in Jesus Christ, in so doing they will be working for their
salvation. They also acknowledge that salvation is not merely a human enterprise; God takes
an active role by helping human beings to be saved through his grace.
There seems to be a problem with how the various Christian understand salvation since they
are divided. With regards to the salvation through the grace of God does that mean human
beings are helpless in their state of sin that God does most of the work, or at least take the
fist step? How then is human free will and effort related to God’s grace and predestination?
With regard to salvation through deeds, how are those who do not ascribe to Christianity
saved? Some people who might have interest in the religion but not ready to convert into it
might become scared that they may not satisfy the good deeds qualification of the Christian
salvation.
Describe ways in which Hinduism handles the problem of sex outside marriage
The Hindu practice of arranged marriage is one way of ensuring that young people do not
easily get involved in sex outside marriage. The expected age of marriage is 15 years for girls
and 18 years for boys and is the 13thSamskara and religious duty. Before marriage boys and
girls have to totally abstain from sexual activities.
Some Hindu rituals performed during initiation also help in dealing with the problem of sex
outside marriage. During the Upanayana or the sacred thread ceremony, young boy are
instructed to keep the thread holy by reframing from social ills such as fornication,
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defilement etc. young girls also taught about good conduct during their initiation. The
initiation into adulthood is about character building and help girls and boys to avoid
becoming sexual active before marriage.
Hindu teachings such as no sex before marriage are emphasized to both girls and boys when
they are initiated. The law of kharma which deals with ritual action clearly states that all
human actions have consequences that affect not only one’s present but also one’s future.
This laws therefore, enables young boys and girls no to be engaged in ore-marital sex as well
as sexual activities outside of marriage.
The traditional set up of the Hindu extended families also assists in helping young boys and
girls to be guided by everyone in the society. Those who guide them also address the issue
of sexual purity.
Married couples are guided by tradition and the teachings of the Hindu religion to avoid
engaging in sexual activities outside marriage.
Describe ways in which Buddhist handles the problem of sex outside marriage
Buddhist teaching encourages boys and girls not to become sexually active before marriage.
For example they are taught that happiness comes as a result of living a positive way such as
having the right knowledge, belief, right action, right effort and right mindfulness. A part of
the sangha, Buddhist girls are taught to follow these teachings so that they attain total bliss.
Buddhist know that suffering comes as a result of greed or having desires, therefore, theory
deal with desires through meditation so that they focus only on good and beneficial
thoughts. Young people are told that sex outside marriage is a wrong act that can result in
suffering hence they should avoid it. Self control helps one to stay focused on good things.
Apart from the stated teachings there are also the five precepts of which the third deals
with sex. It states that believers must not be involved in sexual misconduct. Any sexual
activity outside marriage would bring suffering and should be avoided.
Buddhism emphasizes monastic life where boys and girl go to the monastery to learn from
the nuns and monks about how to lead acceptable behavior. All these ways in which the
deal with issues of the right sexual behavior as they teach children from a very tender age.
Describe ways in which Islam handles the problem of sex outside marriage
When a teenage boy or girls attains puberty, the parent should see to it that he or she is
married. If the father does not arrange their marriage and the boy or girl indulges in pre-
marital sex, the responsibility will lie with the father.
Teenage girls were protected by their parents against sexual impurity. They are often
escorted when they go on errands.
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Any consequences of loss of self-control such as alcoholism, drug intake, petting or just
mixing with people of the opposite sex in secluded places are strictly forbidden for Muslim
teenagers. Muslim teachings put a lot of emphasis on the prohibition of alcohol, drug and
premarital sex for Muslim children.
In islamanything which can lead to moral decay is also considered wrong. Muslim parents
control the music their children listen to, television programmes they watch, the magazines
they read and the clothes which may provoke sexual desires from people of the opposite
sex. All these are ways of handling the problem of sex outside of marriage.
Socialization among the young people should be under the supervision of elders. Dating is
not allowed. Islam teachers that sex before marriage just like adultery (zina) is an
abomination and an evil act. According to the Hadith, it is also considered one of the worst
sins in the eyes of Allah. It is such a serious offence that actions that lead to Zina such as
being in the company of the opposite sex one is not related to is also forbidden in Islam.
For Muslims to be pregnant and unmarried is one of the worst situations to be in. such girls
are usually shunned by the society and are considered to have brought shame on their
families.
Sex outside marriage can also result in serious consequences for all involved. In some
instances Muslims girls are killed for getting themselves in such a shameful situation. In
Islam, sex outside marriage is a crime of fornication punishable by 100 lashes. It also states
that sex outside marriage is punishable by stoning to death
HINDULISM
The first period of life is a time of immaturity when a Hindu child undergoes a period of
formal education, therefore, Hindu children are taught by elders to become useful and
mature members of society.
They are equipped for family, social and religious life for example boys of the first three
castes go through the sacred thread ceremony whey they are 12 years of age.
Through Dharma, young people are taught that each person is born with a certain duty
which must be filled through earning merit and this result in a better rebirth. The boys and
girls are prepared to become better future house holders.
The extended family players a major role in teaching boy and girls duties, values and
traditions of the society.
Programmes such as the true love waits encourage young people to make sexual abstinence
part of their marriage preparations and some even sign pledges to abide by abstinence till
marriage.
The sacred thread ceremony is key in the preparation of hindu young boys before marriage.
It is here that they are offered a new life of manhood through the wearing of the sacred
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thread which is the door way to recitation of the Vedas or mantras as well as marriage since
sexual purity is considered to be part of the marriage ceremony.
ISLAM
In Islam boy and girls are prepared for marriage through the teaching from the holy Koran
such as no sex before marriage. Boys and girls are separated immediately after puberty.
They are not allowed to date or spend time together alone in secluded places, so that they
do not get tempted to engage in sex outside marriage.
Parents have the responsibility of teaching and guiding their children on the religious and
moral values so that they become good Muslims who adhere to all Islamic laws and rules on
a number of issues such as
Five pillars
Halaal food
Dress code that is to dress modest and dignified way
To be truthful, reliable and honest
To keep promises and commitments
To be modest and pure
They are taught to condemn and not engage in sex outside marriage, prostitution,
homosexual acts, gamble, take part in bribery, drink alcohol or take drugs.
They learn how to carry out prayers perform rituals such as wudu so that they make right
choices and decisions therefore become responsible in their religious matters.
Although the whole community is responsible for the learning of young people, the
Madrasah usually exposes them to the learning of Arabic languages s well as the Koran
itself. The Madrasah alsotransmits values and life skills.
Male children are usually guided by men while girls are guided by women through their
duties and responsibilities.
Discuss how marriage was used to unity people in African Traditional Society
Bogadi each member of the grooms family contributed towards the accumulation of the
bride price to be paid to the brides family and those who received it distributed it among
various members of their family including uncles, aunts. It tended to bring all the relatives
together and enhanced family unity, co-operation and promoted a sense of being there for
one another.
Patlo the (marriage negotiations r consultation) various family members played different
roles and had responsibilities. This enabled members of the community to share their
marriage life experiences with the newly married couples and this, created a lasting bond
among them
Children born within the marriage belong to the entire community: in cases where one
family member was not able to bear children, others gave them children to bring up as
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theirs. Adoption of children was in the form of assimilation which created unity among
people.
Marriage celebration brought the entire community together and all were involved.
Marriage was the cement of society; marriage was not only between two people but
involved the whole community. Not a private affair everybody participated in marriage, no
one was invited.
Describe how the extended family structure is promoting social stability in Botswana
In an extended family there are many people who are responsible for upbringing of the
children (setshwarwakentsapediga se thata), in an extended family all the adult are
responsible for assist the parents in the upbringing of the children, the uncles will be
educating the boys while the aunts would also be responsible for the girls together with the
grandparents and others and this bring about stability in the family.
It creates unity and good relationships which leads to peace. It creates stability as the family
shares things. It promotes cooperation, co-responsibility and strong family ties, it
encourages team spirit, e.g during weddings, funeralsetc, and conflicts are resolved
amicably as many family members participate in solving them. It also encourages the spirit
of botho
Christians have also launched programs and organizations for example the Botswana
Council for Refugees was started by Christians as an ecumenical movement to look after the
welfare of refugees who were in asylum at the Dukwi refugee camp. It also worked with the
United Nations high commission for refugees for the repatriation of refugees when their
countries stabilized.
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Christian have also set aside some days as commemoration to help people focus and pay
attention to the need for peace. Such days include special liturgical events such as the
Hiroshima day, anzac day palm Sunday when they will be peace. Though such days are
commemorated it is not uncommon for Christians to experience violence at such events
from opposing factions.
Describe how the extended Family structure is promoting social stability in Botswana
The main objective her is for you to link how the extended family brining stability not
explaining what extended family is and how it works.
(18)
Extended Family
Many people are responsible for the upbringing of children (setshwarwa ka ntsa pedi ga se
thata.)
Conflicts are resolved amicably as many family members participate in solving them
Disciplinary measures are implemented by all hence children are well rounded.
Assess how the Christsian Teaching on Love is expressed in modern Society. (7)
Christians express love by participating in charity, e.g Red Cross Society, Cancer Awareness
etc
By providing counseling services to some people during difficult times However, some of
the people help so that they can benefit something out of it that is tit for tat.
Works such as caring for the sick and counseling the services provided by the care givers
may encourage dependency unless those people are taught ways of catching the fish for
themselves.
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Some people may be subjected to abuse in the name of helping them especially children who
become orphans after the death of parents. These children may be exposed to abuse from
adults who may want favours from them.
Discuss how Christian in Botswana help people who are effected by natural disaster
(25)
Christians in Botswana help people affected by natural disasters in the following way
They provided tents and allowing those affected to use their church buildings as temporary
shelter.
Donations of money, building materials and many items to the Red Cross Society of
Botswana, which distributes them to victims.
Offering free counseling to the affected to help them cope with their situation
Adopting or fostering some children who become orphans due to natural disaster. These are
done by individuals or through organizations such as Ministers Fraternal, Bcc or Evangelical
Fellowship of Botswana and many others
Though Christians help disaster victims in many different ways stated above, their help is
short term and is only effective immediately. They should make sure that they come up with
long term assistance e.g doing follow ups even after the disaster to ensure that victims are
protected and live dignified lives.
Christians do not teach victims of natural disaster to be self reliant. This makes them to be too
dependent on handouts such that when disasters strike, they become helpless and look
forward to handouts. Christians should offer natural disaster victims permanent solutions so
that they fed for themselves in times of need.
Describe how the church has contributed both positively and Negatively towards
political stability in Botswana
(18)
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The positive contributions of the church towards political stability are as follows.
Church leaders preach good governance and respect for political leadership.
Churches guide people to become good citizens through teachings like universal love and the
value of adhering to societal rules and laws.
The church intervenes during the times of civil strife and crises e.g during the industrial strike
in 2011.
Church members are involved in constitutional reviews and in forums and committees which
deal with issues of moral decadence e.g HIV and AIDS, Alohol abuse and many others.
Some Christians are either involved in politics or are politicians. This enables them to
promote Christians values like humility, kindness, compassion and help the society to come
up with fair and just laws.
Some members may fail to promote their duties and the conscience of society due to
meddling in politics, thus causing political instability
Church leaders who are associated with political parties may fail to strike a balance between
politics and religion and at times cause confusion among voters and conflict between political
parties.
They might also focus too much on the political activities at the expense of religion.
It can also lead to division between members in the church where members feel that they
priest has taken or supports a certain political party
Critically analyse the role of the Christian church in the empowerment of girls in
Botswana
Some churches. For example the Dutch Reformed Church have built home craft centers to
teach girls skills in cooking and sewing. However, this is viewed as making sure that the girls
end up performing household chores only to the detriment of working as scientists like boys.
The church preaches about the equality between boys and girls
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Practically, boys are believed to be superior to girls for example, in most church
denominations men occupy most of the high positions.
Though most church schools give boys and girls the opportunity to do the same subjects, thus
empowering girls to compete fairly with boys, very few such schools have programmes in
place in which girls who dropouts of school due to pregnancy are given the chance to finish
school like what the young women Christians does.
Women wing a day set aside for women to lead the service/but men still have the upper hand
The family propagated by Christian teachings as a minor where the child is socialized to be
submissive
Describe how African traditional religion in Botswana is both similar and different
across communities ( this question was not properly phrased) (18)
They have common values across cultures such as botho is some thing found across all
Tswana tribes
It is found in the rituals ceremonies and festivals of the people. While some rituals and
ceremonies are performed and celebrated at family level, others and some festivals are
observed by the whole communities, eg the dikgafela festivals.
It is found in the people’s shrine and religious objects. These are material expressions of
religious ideas and beliefs. Shrines and religious objects help Tswana communities in
practicing their religion and in handing it down to new generations.
It is found in different Tswana communities music, dance, proverbs, riddles and wise sayings
though which different communities emotionally express their religious beliefs and life.
Proverbs, riddles and wise sayings of different Tswana tribal groups contain religious beliefs,
morals and warnings .
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It is found in the names of people and places. A Setswana name like TShegofatso is religious
because it expresses Batswana beliefs that God blesses them through the birth of the child.
Places such as Letswe la Baratani are associated with Tswana religious myths and legends
It is rich in the African cultural heritage for example, arts beliefs and customs reflected
different Batswana artistic abilities and their interest in religious ideas and social life. It is
also originated in Africa and it therefore genuinely Africa and indigenous.
Geographical Location
Some communities moved from one place to another due to various reasons and often
developed or acquired new life styles and cultures based on how they have adapted to their
new environment. For example people in the chobe area have adapted to the life of fishing
while those in the north eastern Botswana plant crops like millet and depend on phane
harvesting
External contacts
The migration of some Batswana to new places enabled them to come into contact with
people whose religions were different from theirs and in the process, some Batswana co-
opted some of the new elements into their religion. For example ancestor veneration is
practiced differently among different Tswana Communities.
Religion unifies society through the performance of the rituals which often bring conflicting
persons or groups together. It also unifies members of society through the formation of
alliances done by heads of tribes to bring about peace.
It creates divisions in the society e.g the religious people and those who are not associated
with religion despise one another.
Martyr from religious persecution. This is where people get killed for their religious beliefs
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Where religion has an influence in state affairs, it can be used as a tool for oppression and
corruption
You must then show your own understanding or view points on the points above
Hoe far has Religion influenced people and societies in the World?
Religion has influenced people in Society in both positive and negative ways
Positive influences
It has influenced people to develop positive characters which help them to care for others. For
example they are in charity work and have established organizations which cater for the poor
and under privileged people in different societies
It has influenced many people to develop and put into practice the spirit of forgiveness e.g
after war or conflicts, people come together to consult and negotiate deals. This has made it
possible for many societies to have peace and social harmony
Religion has influenced people to transmit and preserve values like compassion, humility,
selflessness, empathy and many others. These have created peace and harmony in societies
worldwide.
It has influenced people to uphold moral uprightness. This encourages them to be good
citizens of their countries. For example if a leader is a God fearing person, he or she will help
his or her country to come up with laws that promote good governance.
Religion has helped many people to understand how things came in to being and this
encourages them to have a positive attitude towards each other, others creatures and life in
general
Negative influences
Religion has influenced some people be intolerant towards others by implanting fanaticism
into their minds and this has led to religious wars and conflicts
It has influenced people to obey their religious laws and principles blindly, the results of
which have been religious fundamentalism, leading to the prevalence of the killing of some
people based on religious differences.
Some people used religion as a tool of oppression e.g some political leaders have made
statements from holy books of religions to oppress others. The apartheid regime of South
Africa prior to independence in 1994 to a certain extent used biblical scriptures to oppress
black people
It can also make people docile or it can be used to manipulate people into a certain way of
thinking
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Slavery
Prophet Muhammad campaigned against the above acts. He wanted to improve the standard
of living of the under privileged, to promote equality between the rich and the poor and to
promote social harmony and stability in the society (18)
Examine the value of the Ethical dimension of religion in the modern world. 18
The ethical dimension of religion provides human beings with acceptable or proper patterns
of actions and behaviors. Whether it is expressed in the forms of laws, moral commandments,
customs or system of values, it guides believers to have a good relationship with God, each
other and with natural world.
It provides people with a sense of obligation. In the modern world, the ethical process is
governmed by laws, e.g just as a driver have an obligation to drive safely in public roads,
religious traditions have set patterns of behavior (laws) that believer are obligated to adhere
to such as the Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity. These promote peace and
stability in society and homes.
In Buddhism there are the eight fold path e.g right speech which could mean do not gossip
about others and hence there can be peace. In ATR the concept of Botho, hospitality and
mafias are values because they enhance peace and stability and social harmony in society.
The Islamic sharia law of conduct which prescribes severe punishments like amputation of
hands also guide believers to be moral upright.
It creates a sense of responsibility among people e.g zakat , mafias can reduce poverty
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Makes people avoid immoral acts such as rape, adultery and murder etc
It also helps create platforms for debates among people who view issues differently. Since
ethical standards of religion are based on doctrines they ay differ across religions. For
example, abortion suicide sexual orientation etc often furiously defended or protected by
people who approach them from different religious or secular world views.
It creates mechanisms for the creation of peace within people, between people and within
societies. A religious person, who stays away from his or her religious path, cuts himself or
herself from the religious community and thus is a source of shame, guilt distress and tension.
Some religions provide mechanism for realignment such as confession in the Roman Catholic
Church. In the other religions, people who are found to be guilty of not adhering to thee sets
standards are often punished and counseled so that they can improve their behavior. Thee
create peace and social harmony within their societies. (18)
Evaluate the Socio-Economic factors that led to the Origin of the Sikh Religion (7)
Sikhism came about as a response to the Hindu caste system which divides people according
to classes. Such classes are not allowed to inter marry, to interact in social gatherings, and
they do not live in the same areas.
Guru Nanak who is the founder of Sikhism condemned the issues of untouchables who were
made to do dirty jobs. He preached equality for all people.
He condemned practices that reflected inequalities such as sati where women were expected
to thrown themselves in the funeral pyre when their husbands were cremated.
The killing of the girl children to avoid paying dowry was also condemned by him
There was a big gap between the rich and the poor and this is also condemned
However, we still see a lot of elements of Hinduism within the sikh religion, which makes it
seem as if it was just a mere change of names e.g the equality between men and women as
well as other members of the society is not yet realized.
The payment of dowry by the girl’s people a custom practiced in Hinduism is still practiced
by some Sikhs
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There is no clear distinction between the social life and the religious life, .religion permeates
every aspect of life of the individual and the community. Daily activities’ like economic,
social and political issues are manifestation of religion and guided by it .
Religious authorities controls both the social and religious sphere. Traditional doctors have
been involved in the process of rain making, for example, the mwali cult among bakalanga.
Apart from being a religious practices, rain making is also a social value to the entire
community especially when there is no rain or where rain has been delayed.
Ancestral authoirity cuts across the religious and the profane. Ancestors are believed to be
present in the lives of individuals and the community since they are believed to be aware of
what is happening on earth. The are believed to see everything, hear everything and are
interested in the affairs of the people especially their well being. Ancestors are believed to
have powers to discipline those who violate the laws of the family an the community.
However, ATR is a religion because it satisfies the seven dimensions of religions are outlined
by Ninian Smart. For example it has the ritual dimension such as burial of the dead. The
philosophical dimension in terms of beliefs as they belief in the oneness of the Supreme
Being among others.
Like others religions ATR has leaders or should we say religious leaders or intermediaries,
general followers who follow its teachings as well as ethical codes. The religious leaders
include dikgosi, traditional healers, rain makers etc. the kgotla is a political place where
disputes are settled as well as a place where people pray for rain.
ATR like other religions s dynamic, that is there are certain changes and influences that are
noticeable in the development of this religion for example, followers of ATR act and do
things out of their own will. They take pleasure in partaking in religious duties ceremonies
and rituals
ATR is all embracing such that its relevance and importance as a religion is a force to reckon
with.
ART has myths which are expressions of how people understand a view their societies.
Describe how Christian Teaching on Authority can be used to promote peace. (18)
Christianity teachers that , Jesus was a good shepherd who took care of his flock. He used his
authority to serve others. Authority should be used to serve so that people needs would be
satisfied and there would be social harmony
Jesus taught his disciples that the greatest among them is the one who serves. He
demonstrated this principle by washing his disciples feet at the last supper. This is an
example of service that disregards people positions in society. Positions can cause
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inequalities among people, but when a leader humbles himself and serves his subjects they
too get humbled.
The bibles teaches that leaders should be respected and prayed for so that people would be in
peace. (timothy 2:1) if people in authority sacrifice their lives for others there would be
cooperation and social harmony in the society. Jesus set an example to his followers by using
his authority to serve all mankind from sin through his death. Leaders can sacrifice their
resources, energy time etc to ensure that all their subjects live harmoniously and satisfactorily
John 10: 10 I have come so that you may have life. This promotes fairness, reconciliation
which leads to peace. Dom Helder and Desmond Tutu could have been influenced by
Christian teachings. Their goal was to better people lives.
Successes
They have created forums for Christians as well as non Christians and followers of other
religions to share ideas.
They are helping the under-privileged e.g the poor and destitute with material and emotional
support.
They are the conscience of the community e.g times they criticise the government on issues
of declining moral standard
They deal with constitutional issues e.g the abortion bill, recently they confronted the
president on the political state of the country.
Failures
The fact that they are many weakens the voice of the Christian church
They discriminate against each other e.g Pentecostal church organization versus African
independent churches or Evangelical Ecumenism bodies
LEGABIBO they are failing to contain the issue of homosexuality and transgender peoples
rights
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Equality will promote justice, cooperation and tolerance between men and women.
It will facilitate the empowerment of women e.g ownership of property and land
Women will be able to make decisions just like men which may be of great benefit to society
Women will enjoy the same rights as men hence perform to the best of their abilities
Hospitality –in this religion, people take pride in maintaining the tradition of hospitality
which makes everybody a part of the society they find themselves in. for example visitors are
made to feel at home by allowing them to participate in almost all the sectors of the economy.
However, some people have taken advantage of this moral teaching of Botswana and have
acquired more land and other resources than Batswana.
Adherence to societal taboos. Individual ethnic groups in Botswana have always taught their
young ones to observe certain taboos, either in relation to the totemic animals associated with
their tribes or with what they consider to be sacred. For example animals such as hyenas,
leopards crocodiles some snakes and many others are protected and conserved due to the fact
that people regard them as totems or sacred. However, due to globalization and modern trade
or money economy, some people including some Batswana kill some of these animals
indiscriminately such that animals like rhinos and others are facing extinction
How far has religion influenced people and societies in both positive and negative ways as
follows: [25]
Religion has influenced people and societies in both positive and negative ways as follows:
Positive Influences
It has influenced many people to develop and put into practice the spirit of forgiveness .For
example, after war or conflicts , people come together to consult and negotiate peace deals.
This has made it possible for many societies to have peace and social harmony.
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Religion has influenced many people to transmit and preserve values like, compassion,
humility, selflessness, empathy and many others. These have created peace and harmony in
societies worldwide.
It has influenced people to uphold moral uprightness. This encourages them to be good
citizens to their countries .For example, if a leader is God fearing person, he or she will help
his or her country to come up with laws that promote good governance.
Religion has helped many people to understand how things come in to being and this
encourages them to have a positive attitude towards each other, other creatures and life in
general.
Negative Influences
(a) Describe how African Traditional Religion in Botswana is both similar and different
across communities. [18]
African Traditional Religion in Botswana is similar across different communities because;
Similarities
I t is found in the rituals ceremonies and festivals of the people. While some rituals and
ceremonies are performed and celebrated at family level, others and some festivals are
observed by the whole communities, e.g., the dikgafela festival.
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It is found in the people’s shrines and religious objects .These is material expressions of
religious ideas and beliefs. Shrines and religious objects help Tswana communities in
practising their religion and in handing it down to new generations.
It is found in different Tswana communities music, dance, proverbs, riddles and wise sayings
through which different communities emotionally express their religious beliefs and life.
Proverbs riddles and wise sayings of different Tswana tribal groups contain religious beliefs,
morals and warnings.
It is found in the names of people and places. A Setswana name like Tshegofatso is religious
because it expresses Batswana’s belief that God blesses them through child birth. Places like
the Lentswe la Baratani are associated with Tswana religious myths and legends.
It is rich in the African cultural heritage for example, arts, beliefs and customs reflect
different Batswana’s abilities and their interest in religious ideas and social life. It also
originated in African and is therefore genuinely Africa and indigenous.
African Traditional Religion in Botswana is also different across different communities
because of the following;
External Contacts
The migrations of some Batswana to new places enabled them to come into contact with
people whose religions were different from theirs and in the process; some Batswana co-
opted some of the new elements into their religion. For example, ancestor, veneration is
practiced differently among different Tswana communities
Political influence
Language
Technology
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(b)Assess how African Traditional Religious practices are relevant in modern day
Botswana. [7]
Initiation into adulthood ceremonies
These are applicable in the modern day Botswana because they help inculcate societal
moral values moral values in the minds of young people. Through initiation, younger
generations are taught how they can become goof future husbands, wives and responsible
parents.
However, there are a often a clash between traditional ideas and practices and modern
ways of doing things for example, the very young people who are supposed to be initiated
into adulthood are bound to be confused by current values often passed to them through
mass media and a variety of other sources. This may end up clouding their decision making
processes when they try to combine traditional practices and modern practices.
Payment of bogged (bride price)
The practice of paying bogadi is still relevant in modern Botswana because it is seen as a
token of appreciation by the groom’s people to the bride’s people for losing a member of
their family as a wife to their young man.
However, some people abuse the practice by firstly linking it to buying of a wife and
secondly by over charging the bride groom’s people, thus making it difficult for those who
do not have enough to present to their future in-laws to fail to get married.
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Though this is a good forum for chiefs to discuss issues that affect their tribes, they do not
make laws that govern their tribes since this is the jurisdiction of parliament and its
members
Polygamy\wife inheritance
Confinement \botsetsi
Circumcision
regiments
Discuss the response of followers of African Traditional Religion to human suffering during
epidemics.
Followers of African Traditional Religion respond to human suffering during epidemics in the
following ways:
Positive Responses
Divination- Some followers of ATR use their religious wisdom and talents to find out the
cause of epidemics and to come up with what they believe to be the right cure. For
example, the throwing of bones and many other methods of divination.
They perform traditional rituals to restore health to the affected. For example, they perform
family or communal health rituals like to pour libation while invoking ancestors.
Some believers like traditional doctors, seers and others, use magical powers which they
believe help and heal those who are affected.
Others use traditional medicine of different kinds, for example, giving the affected some
traditional medicine to drink so that they get better physically and emotionally. Some
victims are offered spiritual counselling and given traditional medicine to apply on bodies
for their protection against further attacks.
Negative Responses
Some followers of ATR, especially traditional doctors sometimes create fear, uncertainly and
false security among people who are affected by epidemics. They influence them to believe
that bad magic, mystical powers, sorcery and witchcraft are causes of epidemics and that,
it is only through the use of traditional medicine that they can be dealt away with.
When you choose to answer question 6 you should use one of the following religions:
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam or Baha`i Faith.
Describe ways in which one of the above religions influence family life. [18]
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Buddhism
Family life is influenced by the following:
The Eight Fold Paths and Five Precepts.
Eight fold paths teach that the kindness of a mother starts from the conception of a child
and extends throughout its life until death. This influences mothers to care for their children
by feeding them properly and protecting them from danger.
By following or adhering to the Five precepts, which are guidelines of good conduct,
Buddhist family member can find happiness and avoid harming others.
Maintenance of good marriages
Buddhism couples are encouraged to practise virtues like loyalty, faithfulness, honesty and
truthfulness. For them, fulfilling marriage responsibilities influence family life, the result of
which is that every family member experiences happiness within the security of the family.
Hinduism
Family life in Hinduism is influenced by the following:
The extended family set-up.
The extended nature of Hindu makes sure that children are born and brought up by many
people. The family members collectively care for children teach them the Hindu faith and
set a good example of a Hindu lifestyle for them.
Adherence to dharma
Dharma means the highest good or to do what is right and to carry out ones religious duties.
Hindu family members are expected to be disciplined and to perform religious duties that
are essential for the support and protection of the individual, the family and the society.
Through dharma, they learn the rules and customs of their families and this affects all
aspects of their life which include rising and caring for a family in a religious way.
The house holder stage
For Hindus being a householder is one of the stages of life in which each believer must go
through in order to gain merit.
A large part of Hindu worship (daily puja) takes place in the home. Here, parents teach their
children Hindu practices and influence them to be good future Hindus who would respect
them and care for them when they grow old.
Islam
Islamic teachings influence family life by stating that:
Child should be brought up in a family with a mother and father
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Parents should look after their children and make sure that they (children) learn all about
Islam and become good Muslims
Parents should make sure that their families are kept halal at all times
Children should obey their parents and look after them when they are old
Parents will be judged on how well they brought up their children, since the family is the
way God wants children to be brought up
Children should be allowed to participate in religious activities at home since the beliefs and
values of Islam are learned first in the family
The Mosque, Madrash and Muslim schools
The family vaules are learnt by both the young and the old at the mosque where Imams
offer advice on matters of marriage and family life
Family life values are reinforced at the Madrash where children learn the values of families
as well as how to read the Quran in Arabic. Muslim religious schools also teach children
Islam values and ethics, for example to dress decently and modestly by covering themselves
well.
Bahai Faith
The following Baha’i Faith teachings provide a new model of family life
They teaching about the equality of men and women (boys and girls). The teaching
emphasises the equality of behavioural patterns that are conducive to a peaceful and
harmonious society
Members of a Bahai Family are expected to respect one another regardless of gender and
age
They emphasis the consultation process which aims at creating peace and unity and finding
ways of solving problems peacefully
The atmosphere within a Bahai family should promote humble fellowship and loving
consultations between the family
Husband and wife are expected to conduct themselves and evince excellence of character
and conduct that is spiritual
The relationship between parents and children – the emphasis here is placed on the
contribution each member of the family an make, for example collaboration, mutual
support and equitable sharing of tasks and resources strengthens the family life.
Mother and father share family chores, pray and care for parents when they are old.
Children are expected to perform their chores, pray and care for the parents we they are
old.
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Assess the status of women in marriage in any one of the religion above (7)
Buddhism
A wife should maintain a good marriage by bearing children while practicing virtues like
loyalty, honesty and faithfulness to her husband.
She should manage the household and be hospitable to her in-laws
However, some members of Buddhism believe that all followers of the religion should
recognise the equality between husband and wife. They argue that husbands should share
the authority in the family with their wives and also allow the wives to have careers outside
the home.
Hinduism
A wife should be a home maker who bears children and brings them up to the basis of Hindu
customs and practices
She should care for her husband , in-laws and look after the family shrines
Hindu groups like the Swaminarayana believe and teach that although wives and husbands
have equal rights in life, they have different roles in the temple. They argue that Hindu
scriptures designate worship in the temple to be conducted by men
Some Hindus, however, teach that wives are completely equals to their husbands both at
home and in the temple. They argue that Hindu scriptures need to adapt to modern life
Islam
A wife bears children, nurses them to maturity while caring for her husband and inlaws.
Some women are not allowed to take up careers
However, some Muslims believe that rights of a woman and man are equal and that wives
should have careers though family commitments should come first. They argue that the
Quran teaches equality and that prophet Muhammad allowed women to worship in the
mosque with men.
Baha’i Faith
A wife bears children, nurses them to maturity and is their first educator
She shares household chores with her husband where possible.
She can have a career outside the home
Despite the critical views and beliefs above, the roles of most married women in each of the
above religions are still confined to the home.
Examine how champions of justice in Islam contributed towards justice in Society (25)
Prophet Muhammad
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He advocated for the use of violence to fight for the rights of black people who were
oppressed by whites.
His violent stance caused discomfort amongst black people as well as the whites because it
was against restoration of peace and unity between the two races in America.
Discuss how marriage was used to unify people in the African Traditional Society (18)
Bogadi, each member of the grooms family contributed towards the accumulation of the
bride- price to be pad to the bride’s family and those who received it distributed it among
various members of their family including Uncles’ and Aunt’s. This tended to bring all
relatives together and enhanced family unity co-operation and promoted a sense of being
there for one another.
Patlo various family members played different roles and had responsibilities. This enabled
members of the community to share their marriage life experiences with newly married
couples and this created a lasting bond among them.
Children born within marriage belong to the entire community. In cases where one family
member was not able to bear children, others gave them children to bring up as their.
Adoption of children was mostly in the form of assimilation which created unity among
people.
Marriage celebration brought the communal participation
Marriage was the cement of society. Marriage was not only between two people but
involved the whole community. It was not a private affair everybody participated in a
marriage, no one was invited.
Marriage was capable of bringing hostile families together
Reconciliation marriage was an alliance it brought potentially hostile groups
Describe ways in which one of the religions handles the problem of sex outside marriage
(18)
Hinduism
The Hindu practice of arranged marriage is one way of ensuring that young people do not
easily get involved in sex outside marriage. The expected age of marriage is 15 years for girls
and 18 for boys and is the 13 samskara and a religious duty. Before marriage boys and girls
have a duty to totally abstain from sexual activities.
Some Hindu rituals perfomed during initiation also help in dealing with the problem of sex
outside marriage. During the Upanayan or sacred thread ceremony, young boys are
instructed to keep the thread holy by arefraining from social ills such as fornication,
defilement etc. young girls are also taught about good conduct during their initiation. The
initiation into adult hold is about character building and helps girls and boys to know that
decisions they make including those on sexuality affect their future lives.
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Hinduism also puts a lot of emphasis on discipline. This is attained through yonga and
meditation. Meditation help’s young people to make responsible choices which include not
to be engaged in pre-marital sex as well as sexual activities outside marriage.
The traditional set up of Hindu extended families also assists in helping young boys and girls
to be guided by everyone in the society. Those who guide them also address the issues of
sexual purity.
Married couples are guided by tradition and the teachings of the Hindu religion to avoid
engaging ins sexual activities outside marriage.
BUDDHISM
Buddhist teaching encourages boys and girls not to become sexually active before marriage.
For example they are taught that happiness comes as a results of living in a positive way
such as having the right knowledge, belief, right action , right effort and right mindfulness.
As part of the Sangha, Buddhist girls are taught these teachings so that they attain total
bliss.
Buddhist know that suffering comes as a result of greed or having desires, they therefore,
deal with the desires through meditation so that they focus only on good and beneficial
thoughts. Young people are taught that sex outside marriage is a wrong act that can result is
suffering hence should be avoided and self control helps one to stay focused on the good
things.
Apart from the stated teachings, there are also the Five Precepts of which the third deals
with the issue of sex. It states that believers must not be involved in sexual misconduct. any
sexual activity outside marriage would bring suffering an should be avoided.
Buddhism encourages monastic life where boys and girls would go to the monastery to learn
from the nuns and monks about how to lead acceptable behavior. All these are ways in
which they deal with issues of the right sexual behavior as they teach children from a very
tender age.
ISLAM
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