KALULUSHI DISTRICT

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (2046)

GRADE 12 WORK

COMPILED BY: DR. M. KANGO

CONTACT:

0966 803 542

0955 803 542

©2021

YOU SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU
FREE. (JOHN 8:32)

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 INTRODUCTION
The R.E notes have been prepared and produced against the background of lack of
enough Religious Education teaching and learning materials in most of the schools in the
country. The notes are also in line with the new revised Curriculum Syllabus. The
approach used in designing the content will endeavour make or link the learners
with the real life experience as they will be allowed to have access to real life
situation, criticise, analyse and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their
daily life. The points form based approach/ format employed in the layout of the notes
will have no doubt in assisting the learners to find it easy to study and acquire the much
needed knowledge, skills, morals, values as well as to have a positive attitudes which will
not only help them to live a fulfilled lives in their communities through passing but also
equip them with moral and spiritual values. It is our sincere hope and trust that teachers
as well as learners will find the content not only suitable for teaching and learning
purposes as they prepare learners for the passing of examinations, but also useful for
their daily living.
UNIT 1: THE EARLY CHURCH, RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DIFFERENT
PEOPLE
BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH
- Different groups were very conscious of their languages, culture or race.
- Because of this, they treated others differently and worshipped separately
- Communication barriers existed among the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles
- All the three groups were segregated
- Jews were prejudiced against tax-collectors and Samaritans
- There was also segregation between women, men, Lepers and ordinary people.
AFTER THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH
- Differences became immaterial as people got united in Christ.
For Example:
- Jews and Gentiles received the Holy Spirit.
- Circumcision no longer became a barrier
- Samaritans and tax-collectors were accepted on account of faith.
LANGUAGE BARRIERS

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 - Language is crucial for all forms of communication
- It is essential to have a common language for communication.
THE DAY OF PENTECOST (ACTS 2:1-13)
- “Pentecost” is a Greek word meaning “fifty”.
- The “feast of Pentecost” was a Jewish festival of thanksgiving at the end of the wheat
harvest.
- This feast took place fifty days after Passover. (Lev. 23:1-21)
- The festival was held in May/June, when travelling was easy.
- Many Jews came from even greater distances than 30 kilometres for this festival.
THE SIGNS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (ACTS 1:13-15)
- The 120 disciples were gathered in the upper room of a house.
- Suddenly there was a “ a noise like a strong wind blowing” (Acts 2:1-2)
- The wind was a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence (Ezekiel 3:12-13, John 3:8)
- There were tongues of fire
- In the Old Testament flames of fire represented God’s presence e.g. Moses and the
burning bush (Exodus 3:2-5)
- Fire from Heaven as an instrument of God’s judgement (1 Kings 18:38-39, 2 Kings 1:9-
12)
- The Holy Spirit brings the presence and power of God to believers, but judgement to
unbelievers.
- The disciples began to speak in other tongues, which they had not learned.
- Gentiles were converted to the Jewish faith.
- The Holy Spirit had come in power on the disciples enabling them to take the Gospel to
every people and to all nations as commanded by Christ.

RACIAL AND CULTURAL BARRIERS

- In the Early church, the believers were united and took it upon themselves to care for the
widows.
THE PROBLEM OF THE GREEKS (ACTS 6:1-6)

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 - A quarrel arose in the Christian community between the Greek – speaking Jews and the
Local Aramaic – speaking Jews.
- The Apostles felt that they must continue preaching and realizing the needs for
organizing the community.
- They suggested that seven men be appointed to administer supplies of money, food and
clothing
- The seven men were to be wise, filled with the Holy Spirit and to have a good reputation.
- One of them was Stephen, who was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit”
STEPHEN’S ROLE (ACTS 6:8-15)
- He was filled with the Holy Spirit and had great wisdom
- He was given power from God to do miracles
- Some Jews, who had been slaves had receive freedom
- His teaching emphasized new life in Christ, who fulfilled the Mosaic Law
- They accused him, and bribed people to make false accusations that he was speaking
against Moses, the Law and the Temple.
THE STONING OF STEPHEN (ACTS 7:54-60)
- Because of the death of Stephen the Christian witness increased and spread its Good
News whenever they went.
- Saul is mentioned to have approved the death of Stephen.
INCLUSION OF SAMARITANS (ACTS 8:1-25)
- Because of the death of Stephen and great persecution people scattered throughout Judea
and Samaria to preach the Good News
- Philip one of the seven deacons went to Samaria
- The Leader of the persecution was a Youngman called Saul
WHO ARE THE SAMARITANS
- Samaritans were half – Jews who were born out of the intermarriages between Assyrians
and Jews.
SIMON THE SORCERER IN SAMARIA – (ACTS 8:9-25)
- In Samaria, a sorcerer named Simon, deceived people by satanic power and they called
him “the Great power of God”
- Simon believed and was baptized but he was not truly born against.

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 - But he was impressed by Philip’s miracles
- Simon was interested only in a miraculous signs hence he wanted to buy the power of the
Holy Spirit.
- Peter told him unless he truly repented or else he and his money would perish in hell.
- Simon begged him to pray for him.
THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH (ACTS 8:26-40)
- An Eunuch was a contrasted male person quite common in ancient eastern courts
- The king of Ethiopia was regarded as a god who lived secretly.
- He had made the long journey to Jerusalem to worship
- He had bought a scroll of the Prophet Isaiah and was reading it as he returned home in his
chariot ( a carriage drawn by horses)
- Philip was prompted by the Holy Spirit to leave Samaria and go along the Gaza road.
- The Spirit told him to go alongside the Ethiopian’s carriage
- Philip asked the man to explain the passage he was reading (Isaiah 3)
- Philip began from this scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus
- Philip had been faithful to the Lord’s instructions
- The sight of water suggested baptism to the Ethiopian who confessed faith in Christ
- So Philip baptized him (Matt. 28:19
- The Ethiopian continued on his way, full of joy, passing on the message of the Gospel in
Ethiopia.
PETER’S ROLE (ACTS 10:1-18)
- At noon, Peter was hungry and was waiting for a meal to be prepared.
- Suddenly he had a vision as saw a large sheet tied up like a bag, containing many kinds
of animals, reptiles and birds.
- He was told to kill some and eat, but these were all “unclean” animals which Jews were
forbidden to eat.
- So he refused and said, “I have never eaten anything that is ritually unclean”
- But the voice of God told him that he must not consider unclean anything, which God
had made “clean”
- This was repeated three times, and Peter was puzzled.
- Then some non-Jewish messengers arrived from Cornelius the Gentile.

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 - Peter went to meet them as the
- ”Iam the man you are looking for.
- Why have you come?
- After hearing about Cornelius’ vision, peter agreed to go with them to Caesarea.
- They found a crowd waiting to meet Peter at the home of Cornelius.
- They wanted to refer to Peter, as a superior but he stopped them, saying, “I, myself am
only a man”
- Their explanation was quite clear.
- Peter now understood the vision God had been showing him.
- The fact that the twelve Apostles had witnessed the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, was the emphasis of Peter’s message.
- As these people listened and believed, they received the Holy Spirit.
- This showed the Jewish believers who had come with Peter, that God had accepted
Gentiles believers into His church, since He gave them the Holy Spirit just as He had
given to the Jews.
- Peter challenged the Jewish believers who were with him and had seen and heard the
evidence, that God had shown His approval of Gentile faith by giving them the Holy
Spirit also
- The Gentiles would be accepted as Christians without first becoming Jews by
circumcision.
PAUL’S WITNESS TO PEOPLE OF VARIOUS CULTURES
- Saul (Paul) was a person known for his zeal to persecute the church until his conversion.
- He continued to be zealous after his conversion in reaching out to people of other
cultures.
- His name was later changed to Paul.
SAUL’S CONVERSION (ACTS 9:1-19)
- Saul witnessed Stephen’s execution.
- Saul increased his persecution of the church, imprisoning many and executing others.
- The increased persecution only caused the believers to scatter, preaching as they went,
and spread the Good News to other areas.
- Soul heard that the movement was now strong in Damascus in Syria. (John 14:6)

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 - Somewhere on the road to Damascus, this hard-hearted Pharisee met God’s challenge.
- It seems that his conscience was troubling him.
- Was he wrong in continuing this persecution?
- Could Stephen have been rights, that Jesus was the son of God and was alive?
- Such may have been the questions troubling his mind
- Suddenly there was blinding light and he was struck to the ground.
- Then a voice asked, “Saul, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?
- Why are you kicking against your conscience and the working of the Holy Spirit? (Acts
26:14)
- Saul thought this must be God’s voice but the reply came, “Iam Jesus…..”
- Saul had to identify the” Lord” with Jesus of Nazareth, whom he had persecuted through
his followers.
- He realized that the crucified Jesus was indeed alive and able to communicate with
people.
- The tremendous shock of this revelation, together with the bright light, blinded soul.
- He realized he had to change his loyalty to be on the side of Jesus. (Philippians 1:21).
- Saul’s future work is then revealed to Ananias. (Acts 910-18)
- Ananias obeyed and went to Saul calling him “brother” thus identifying him as now
belonging to the very people he had been persecuting.
- As Saul’s physical sight returned, so his spiritual “eyes” were opened.
- He began to “understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.
- Then, he was baptized.
THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH (ACTS 11:19-26)
- Due to persecution in Jerusalem, Christians were scattered preaching the Gospel only to
their fellow Jews.
- But some went to Antioch where many believed the Gospel and were first called
“Christians” (Because they behaved like Christ).
- After a year or so the same church led by the Holy Spirit sent out Paul and Barnabas to
the Gentiles.
THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM (ACTS 15:1-35)

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 - The Jewish Christians opposed the inclusion of any non-Jew in the early church.
(Legalistic Jews or the circumcision party).
- The legalistic Jews taught that unless one is circumcised and obeyed the Laws of Moses,
he cannot be saved.
- Paul and Barnabas argued with them, finally the church sent Paul and others’ to Jerusalem
to sought out the problem with the Apostles and elders.
- Paul reported what God had been doing among Gentiles which led to a lot of debate.
- Peter explained how God had accepted and cleansed them on the basis of faith.
- In order not to offend Jewish, Christians, Gentile Christians were given guidelines to
follow, in order to live/be at peace with others.
- They agreed to write a letter and send it to the Gentile Christians with Paul, Barnabas and
others.
- The content of the letter was in support of the Gentile Christians that is:
- The Holy Spirit was behind their decision.
- There was no need to burden the Gentile Christians with Jewish Laws but to give them
guideline.
The guidelines were as follows: -
- They were not allowed to eat food or meat offered to Idols.
- Not to eat an animal strangled or killed by snaring or not bled properly according to
Jewish Laws.
- Not to commit sexual immorality e.g. prostitution.
- Jews were taught the moral standards set by God but Gentiles had no such standards
(Lived immoral societies) at Corinth.
- The guidelines were not to burden anyone but simply to help them live a better Christian
life.
NOTE
- The decision made at the council, led to a multi-racial church
- The decision led to the spread of the Gospel to the end of the world.
WHY SOME CHRISTIANS FIRST OPPOSED THE INCLUSION OF
GENTILES?
- Because they were uncircumcised people.

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 - They did not respect and obey the laws of Moses and the Temple.
- The Gentiles Christians were considered to be sinners
- The Gentile Christians were considered as outcasts.
- They were considered as sinners beyond God’s forgiveness.
THE INCLUSION OF DIFFERENT RACES AND CULTURES IN OTHER
RELIGIONS.
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
Similarities
- Both believe not to discriminate others on the basis of races or cultures.
- Both are universal religions.
Differences
- Christianity – Conflicts do not arise in a cross culture situation e.g. marriage customs and
death rites.
- Islam – Conflicts may arise in a cross cultural situation e.g. marriage customs and death
rites.
CHRISTIANITY AND Z.T.R
Similarities
- Both do not discriminate against people regardless of race colour or religion.
- Both encourage people of all races to work together.
Differences
- Z.T.R – Do not comprise principles to make membership.
- Christians – upon repentance and faith in Christ anyone is accepted as a member
- Christians – Obey God’s commands.
- Z.T.R – Obey ancestral spirits.

UNIT 2: CHRISTIAN WITNESS

WITNESSING IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
- Some people have been persecuted for what they believed everywhere in the world.

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 - In Zambia the following are some of the examples:,
- Dr. Kaunda, Simon mwansa Kapwepwe, Charles Lwanga and many others.
- Despite being persecuted, these people reacted in a non-violent way.
WHAT ATTRACTED PEOPLE TO JOIN THE CHRISTIANS (ACTS 2:40-47)
- Because the Apostles preached about the risen Messiah by trusting in Him as the Lord
and saviour their sins were completely forgiven if one repent.
- They were attracted to the new life style of the early Christians e.g. they had everything
in common, showed love and concern for each other.
- They were attracted by the boldness of the Apostles (Acts :13-14)
- Others were attracted by the Christians reaction to persecution and opposition.

The Persecution of Peter and John Or The Healing Of A Lame Man At The
Beautiful Gate Of The Temple (Acts 3:1 – 10; 11 – 26).
- There was a lame man at the beautiful gate of the temple.
- The man was carried to the gate to beg for food and money from people every day.
- When he saw Peter and John going into the temple,
- He begged them to give him something.
- They looked at him straight and Peter said.
- “Look at us.”
- He looked at them hoping to get something from them.
- But Peter said to him
- I have no money at all, but I give you what I have.
- “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I order you to get up and walk.”
- Then he took his right hand and helped him up.
- At once the man’s feet and ankle become strong.
- He jumped up and started walking around, went into the temple with them.
- Walking and jumping and praising God.
- And when they recognized him as a beggar,
- They were all supris3ed and amazed at what had happened to him.
Reasons Why Peter and John Were Persecuted After The Incident.
- They had become too popular after healing the man.

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 - They were accused of taking the authority of religious leaders and teachers.
- They preached about the resurrection of Jesus which was against the teaching the
Sadducees who never believed in life after death.
Reaction to This Persecution.
- They showed respect to the Jewish leaders but would not allow them to go against God.
- They committed the whole problem to God in prayer.
- They were not afraid and boldly preached the Gospel to the leaders.
The Stoning Of Stephen.
- You stubborn people with heathen heart and deaf ears.
- You always resist the Holy Spirit.
- You are just like your ancestors.
- Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute?
- They even killed those that predicted the coming of righteous one.
- And now you have betrayed and murdered him.
- You who have received the law that was put into effect through angels, but have not
obeyed it.
- When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him in anger.
- But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit,
- Looked up to heaven and saw God’s glory and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
- ”Look” he said, “I see heaven open and the son of God at his right hand side.”
- With a loud cry the members of the council covered their ears with their hands.
- They all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.
- While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed,
- “Lord Jesus received my Spirit.”
- Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord does not hold this sin against them.”
- When he had said this, he fell asleep.
- And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.
Reasons Why Stephen Was Brought To Trial.
- He was accused of speaking bad words against the Law of Moses and the temple.
- He claimed that Jesus was the messiah
- Taught that God was no longer accepting animal sacrifices.

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 - Preached that God was no longer living in the temple, a house made with hands.
Reactions To Persecution
- He showed an attitude of love and forgiveness towards them.
- Asked God to forgive them for what they were doing.
- He quietly and calmly explained what he had preached.
Persecution Of Saul. Acts 9:23 – 30.
- After becoming a Christian,
- Then Jesus came together to plan to kill Saul.
- But he was told of their plans.
- Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.
- One night Saul’s followers took him and lower him in a basket.
- He went to Jerusalem and joined the disciples,
- But they were all afraid of him because they did not believe that he was a disciple.
- Then Barnabas took him to the apostles and explained how the Lord had spoken to him.
- He also told them how Saul had preached the good news in Damascus.
- When the believers got the news about killing Saul
- They took him to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
Reactions To Persecution
- He rejoiced over his persecution as a way of showing God’s great power.
- He never allowed himself to be discouraged by persecution.
- Used persecution to show that his new life in Christ, which he preached was real, eternal
and far more important than mere physical existence.
- VARIOUS PERSECUTIONS FACED BY THE APOSTLES
The persecution of the church by Herod Antipas [Agrippa]. Acts 12:1 – 24. [1999
2005]
- Herod arrested some Christians who belonged to the church so as to persecute them.
- He put to death the brother to John by the sword.
- When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he seized Peter,
- Put him in prison and guarded him with four squad of soldiers
- The disciples were praying for him just the night before public trial.
- The very night the angel of the Lord appeared.

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 - He stuck Peter and woke him up
- Told him to get out of prison
- Later the angel let him out of prison
- He passed the two sleeping guards and made it to the temple gate that opened by itself.
- After rescuing Peter the angel disappeared.
- Peter went to the house of Mary where many had gathered to pray for him.
- Finally, Peter explained to Mary how the power of God set him free from jail and
thereafter he left.
- In the morning, there was a commotion among the soldiers about Peter’s whereabouts
- Herod made a cross examination on the soldiers and ordered them to be executed.
Reasons for the persecution of the early Christians.
- Herod wanted to popularize the Roman Colonial rule to the Jews.
- He wanted to please the Jews who were enemies of Christians.
- Wanted to find easy ways of ruling the Jews.
Reaction to persecution
- The Christians used prayer as their greatest weapon.
- The Christians reacted in non-violent way.
The Incident when the apostles were opposed by Simon the [Samaritan] sorcerer
(Acts 8: 9 – 24).
- Simon was a magician who had done miraculous things by magic.
- Because of this, all people in the city paid attention to what he was doing.
- But when they heard Philips’ message about the good news of God.
- Both men and women were baptized
- Simon also believed and was baptized
- But failed to repent which is the most important part of the gospel
- Simon became the closest friend to Philip and was amazed about the great wonders and
miracles that were being performed.
- Peter and John also prayed for the people and made them to receive the Holy Spirit.
- When Simon saw what the apostles were doing.
- He tried to buy the power from Peter and John so that he could give the Holy Spirit to
people.

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 - But answered him: Mary you and your money go to hell for thinking that you can buy
God’s gift with money!
- Repent and pray to the Lord to forgive you for thinking in a wrong way.
- Simon told Peter and John to pray for him so that whatever he spoke could not happen to
him.
Reactions Of The Apostles To Each Of The Oppositions.
- They publicly told Simon that the powers of the Holy Spirit could not be bought by
money.
- Simon was also publicly advised to repentant of his sins.
- They prayed for Simon and other non-Christians.
Opposition From A Jewish Magician. (Acts 13:4 – 11)
- Barnabas and Paul went to Seleucia
- From there they sailed to the island of Cyprus.
- All these journeys were undertaken after they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
- They preached the gospel in the synagogues.
- Helped to do the work by John Mark.
- They went to Paphos where they met a Jewish magician named Bar-Jesus.
- He claimed to be a prophet and was a friend to Sergius, Paulus, the island governor
- The governor called Paul and Barnabas so that he could hear the word of God.
- By Elymas opposed them blocking them.
- So that the governor could not turn away from Christian faith.
- Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit so he looked straight at the magician and said,
- ‘You son of the devil, you are the enemy of everything that is good
- You will be blind and will not see the light of the day for a time.”
- At once Elymas felt a dark mist cover his eyes
- He walked about trying to find someone to lead him by the hand.
- When the governor saw what had happened, he believed
- For he was greatly amazed at the teaching about the Lord.
Reasons Why Elymas Opposed Paul And Barnabas
- Because he was used by Satan to block the prevailing of the good news.
- Wanted to protect his job or losing his position if proconsul believed the Christian faith.

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 Paul’s Reaction
- He publicly rebuked him and exposed him for what he really was.
- He exposed him as a deceiver, an enemy of everything that was good.
Christian Reaction To Persecution Today
- Ignore the persecutors
- Pray for persecutors
- Pray for guidance and strength from God.
- They rejoice when opposed
- Calmly explain the situation.
REACTIONS TO PERSECUTION IN OTHER RELIGION.
CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS
- Similarities
- Both are prepared to suffer persecution for their faith.
- Both accept persecution.
Differences
- Christians – Does not revenge
- Muslims – Condones revenge
- Christians – They forgive their persecutors
- Muslims – Forgiveness is regarded as a weakness.
CHRISTIANS AND HINDUS
Similarities
- Both show love to their persecutors.
- Both forgive their persecutors.
- Differences
- Christians – Win their opponents by praying for them and convert them.
- Hindus – Absorb opponents and convert their persecutors.
- Christians – Pray over the situation for God to change it.
- Hindus – Encourage violence to be done to oneself so that they can change the situation.
- Christians – Do not do that.

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 UNIT 3:LIFE IN THE EARLY CHURCH
Causes Of Conflicts Among People
Conflict Can Be Defined As: Absence Of Peace And Order In Any Society
Conflicts are Caused By:
- Misunderstanding through lack of communication
- Unwillingness to see another person’s point of view.
- Failure to discuss situations from all angels
- Violation of strict principles on moral issues.
- Jealousies and pride.
Some Solutions To Arguments Or Conflicts In A Family Or Community Might Be:
- To be open and willing to discuss the situation thoroughly
- To see another person’s point of view
- To realize there may be more than one answer to the problem
- To avoid being dogmatic, except where moral issues are at stake.
Characteristics of community life in the early church– (ACTS 2:43-47, 4:32-37)
- New converts were willing to learn the teachings of Christ through the apostles.
- They spent much of their time together and their fellowship was warm without discord or
strife.
- They continued to remember the death of the Lord Jesus Christ by the breaking of Bread
in their homes as they met regularly.
- They prayed to God on behalf of those who suffer persecution.
- They respected God through the miracles performed in Jesus’ name
- They generally shared their possessions to show love for each other.
- They continually worshiped God in the temple with praise and thanks giving for his
might works.
THE PROBLEM OF CORRUPTION WITHIN THE CHURCH
PROBLEMS IN THE EARLY CHURCH
Relate the incident of Ananias and Sapphires (Acts 5:1 – 11)
- Ananias and Sapphira sold their property.
- They agreed to keep part of the money for themselves
- And handed the rest over to the apostles

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 - “Ananias, why did you let Satan take control of you and make you lie to the Holy Spirit
by keeping part of the money to the apostles?”
- As soon as Ananias heard this, he fell down and died
- He was buried by the young men.
- Three hours later his wife came in
- “Tell me was this full amount you and your husband received from sale of your
property?” Peter asked. “Yes.” She answered the full amount.
- Peter asked, “Why you and your husband tried to put the Holy Spirit to test?”
- At once she fell down at his feet and died.
- They carried her and buried her besides her besides her husband.
- The whole church and others who heard about this were terrified.
The sins Ananias and Sapphires committed
- They lied to God and the Holy Spirit.
- They also lied to the people (Church)
Some of the problems [apart from Ananias and Sapphira’s] of the early church and
how they were solved.
- Problems
- Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Solution
- Peter rebuked Simon the sorcerer and challenged him to repent.
- Problem
- Administration
- Solution
- The apostles handled the problem wisely by asking the church to choose seven men
of good reputation full of the Holy Spirit to handle the situation.
- Problem
- Barnabas and Paul
- Solution
- Barnabas introduced Paul to the church as a genuine convert.
INCLUSION OF GENTILES
- The Council of Jerusalem ( Acts 11:1 – 30)

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 - Some Christians (Jews) went to the church at Antioch.
- Told Christians that unless they were circumcised they could not be saved from their sins.
- Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to discuss this question.
- Some believers who belonged to the Pharisees insisted that Gentiles must be circumcised
and obey the Law of Moses.
- Peter addressed the council and reminded them that he had been sent to take the gospel to
the Gentiles.
- God showed that he accepted the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he had
to the Jews.
- God therefore had no difference between Jews and Gentiles when they become
Christians.
- The Jews had found the law to be hard to bear
- Why should they put a burden on the Gentiles when it was not necessary?
- Salvation was through faith in Christ for all who believe
- Paul and Barnabas of all the wonderful things God had done through them amongst the
Gentiles.
- James then spoke and agreed that God taken some people from Gentiles for himself.
- He said that prophets had also agreed this and they spoke of the Gentiles who will bear
God’s name.
- James said, they should not make it difficult for Gentiles to turn to God.
- They should ask Gentiles believers to abstain from four things:- From good offered to
idols, sexual immorality.
- Not to eat strangled animals.
- Not to eat or drink blood.
- Jews were especially against such Gentiles violations of laws believed to be given by
God even before Moses’ laws.
- If these things were observed, the Gentiles would better Christians and therefore would
be a better relationship between them and the Jews.
- A letter was written to the church of Antioch and other places.
The four warnings related to aspects of Gentile life-style.
- They were not to have anything to do with idol worship

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 - They were to keep away from fornication and other immoral sexual practices.
- They were not to have enabled meat.
- They were to abstain from shedding or drinking blood.
THE SIGNIFICANT POINTS WHY THE DECISION OF THE COUNCIL WAS
IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANS.
- The council feared that if they had followed the decision of the legalistic Jews,
Christianity was going to be for few sect of Jewish faith.
- They also feared Christianity won’t spread worldwide and would not have multi-racial
church.
RESOLVING PROBLEMS AMONG CHRISTIANS
Some of the causes of problems in the Christian churches are:
- Doctrinal differences between members of the same church.
- Competition for leadership [position in the church.
- Mismanagement of the church funds by those in leadership.
- Rumour-mongering among believers.
- Partiality in disciplining wrong doers in the church.
- Personality clashes between leaders.
- Churches splitting and sheep stealing.
- Not recognizing the labours of other leaders in the church.
RESOLVING PROBLEMS
Ways through which Christians resolve problems.
- Through understanding of the problem
- Mutual discussions of the problem
- Committing it to God in prayer.
- Referring to scripture of the teaching concerning the situation.
- Openly rebuke the culprits, i.e. [discipline]
- Giving brotherly and Godly counsel to the people in conflict.
How Zambian tradition and Christianity solve problems
In this religion, conflicts are resolved by:
- Having discussions on the issue in order to arrive at a lasting solution.

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 - Disagreements are solved by officials at different levels section ward constituency,
national.
- Committees or councils discuss ways and means of solving the problems, according to
the situation and also according to any rules, laws acts of parliament, as the situation
demand.
- Onions solve any labour disagreements
- In case of death, divination was done and revenge was sought.
HOW ZAMBIAN TRADITION RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY SOLVE
PROBLEMS
Similarities
- Both look for a solution to resolve the problem
- Both understand the problem.
Differences
- Z.T.R – Resolve the problems through wisdom and past experiences of the Elders.
- Christians – Solve the problem through Biblical scriptures.
- Z.T.R – Resolve problems through prayers to ancestral spirits
- Christians – Resolve problems through prayers in Jesus Name.
- UNIT 4:CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO WORK
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO WORK
REASONS WHY PEOPLE WORK IN ZAMBIA TODAY.
- To feed themselves and their families.
- To earn money to purchase homes, food and other necessities.
- To earn money to accumulate possessions for a more comfortable life.
- To earn money for education medical treatment, leisure activities, etc.
Different attitudes people have towards work
- Some people work to pastime and be occupied
- Other to work to meet people and get together with others
- Some people work to give prestige
- Bad attitudes to work lead to dishonesty, dissatisfaction strikes absenteeism idleness,
poor punctuality.

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 BIBLE REASONS OR PURPOSES FOR WORK.
- Work was planned by God for man.(Gen. 1:26-28)
- At creation man was instructed to subdue the earth to have dominion over it, it cultivates
and keeps it (Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:9).
- People should work to help others. (Proverbs 27:25-27)
- Work is encouraged to earn a living and buy food. (Proverbs. 16:26)
- Work to have an opportunity to contribute to the life and welfare of the community.
God instructing man to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15).
- After create, God saw that what he made was beautiful.
- He then said, “And now we will make human beings
- They will be like us and resemble us.”
- They will have powers over fish, the birds and all animals.
- So God created human beings.
- Making them to be like himself
- He created them male and female
- Blessed them and said
- Have many children so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it
under control
- I am putting you in charge of the animals and fish.
- Then God placed man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and guard it.
- How God had appointed that work be done in six days and sanctified the seventh.
(Genesis 2:1 – 3; Exodus 20:9)
- After finishing all what God was doing on the sixth day
- God ended his work on the seventh day.
- He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day
- and sanctified it
- Because by that day he had completed his creation and stopped working.
- The bible commend that:
- man should work for food
- He should also work to build a home and sustain it,
- Man should work to support the human race.

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 ALL WORKERS SHOULD BE RESPECTED
- They are certain types of workers who need to be respected, such as: -
- Unskilled workers
- House servants
- Charcoal burners
Teachings of Christians on respect for workers.
- Manual work should not be despised because the Bible commands us to work using our
hands.
- The bible teaches that all workers deserve respect because they contribute to the welfare
of society.
- People should work to please God by using their talents
- Christians should work to earn respect
- Christian should work to gain respect from others and to be promoted.
Ways through which workers are exploited by employers
- By paying them low wages.
- Making them work long hours.
Bible teaching on exploitation of workers
- Exploitation of workers is forbidden
- With holding wages from a worker is a serious sin. Deut. 24:14 – 15.
- Having agreed to a wage, the employee should not afterwards argue with his employers.
- The employee should be obedient and give the best service he or she can offer.
- The employer should be fair and not use their position to threaten anyone. Eph. 6:5 – 9.
The parable of the workers in the Vineyard (Matthews 20:1 – 16).
- -He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day, the usual daily wage.
- At 09:00hrs he saw others waiting in the market place.
- He told them also to go and work in his vineyard and promised them to be paid a fair
wage.
- At noon and at 17:00hrs he did the same.
- At 17:00hrs he found others standing around.
- ‘Why are you standing around all day doing nothing?’ he asked.

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 - ‘No one has hired us’, they replied.
- So he told them also to go and work in the vineyard.
- At the end of the day he told the foreman to call all the workers and pay them their
wages.
- He was to begin to pay those he hired last, and go on to those he hired first.
- They all received the same wages, one denarius.
- Those who had worked longer complained.
- They said it was not fair for those who had worked one hour to be paid the same as those
who had worked all through the heat of the day.
- The landowner reminded them that they had received what they had agreed on.
- ‘Do I not have the right to do what I want with my money?’ he asked.
- ‘Are you envious because I have been generous?’
- Jesus concluded, ‘so the last shall be the first, and the first shall be the last.
Examples of exploitation of workers from secular work.
- Exploitation of workers who are not trained or being trained.
- Exploitation of workers in acting position by not paying them the full wage for the actual
position.
Disputes between employer and employees.
- Paying low wages to unskilled workers.
- ATTITUDES TOWARDS WORK IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER RELIGIONS
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
- Similarities
- Both have respect for manual work
- Both have their holy books which command them to work.
- Differences
- Christian – They work according to the Bible.
- Muslim – They work according to the Quran
- Christian – Work is supposed to be done with integrity and honest
- Muslim – Work might be difficult when they come across people with different faith.
CHRISTIANITY AND HINDUISM
- Similarities

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 - Both expect everyone to work
- Both are expected to work and receive reward from God.
- Differences
- Christian – Work is done to the Glory of God.
- Hindu – Work is done to maintain the body
- Christian – Does work with strength coming from God.
- Hindu – works through one’s own determination and strength.
UNIT 5: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO LEISURE
- Leisure
- Leisure refers to time one spend and activities one undertake for relaxation, when he or
she is not doing normal duties.
- Leisure activities can be classified as simple relaxation physical recreation entertainment
or spiritual.
- In Zambia, opportunities for leisure occur after work and during the weekend in both
rural and urban life.
People spend their Leisure times in the following ways: -
- Visiting families and friends
- Beer drinking
- Fishing
- Watching sports and television
- Going to church for singing
Bible teaching on leisure
- Leisure is God’s purpose for man, from the beginning to have one day to rest in seven
days (Exodus 20:8 – 11).
- Leisure gives an opportunity for man to worship God.
The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26 – 32).
- The annual ritual was to be performed to take away the people’s sins on the tenth day of
the seventh month.
- On the day no eating was allowed.
- People came together for worship and presented food offering to the Lord.
- No one on that day was allowed to do any kind of work.

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 - And anyone who was found eating was considered not to be one of God’s people.
- If anyone was to be found working the Lord had to put him or her to death.
- The regulation was to be applied to all the descendants of Israel.
- For sunset on the ninth day of the month to sunset on the tenth day.
- The day was considered special of rest and nothing was to be eaten.
The fourth commandment (The story of the Sabbath day)
- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
- Six days shall labour and do all your work.
- But the seventh day is the Sabbath to your Lord.
- On it you shall not do any work
- Neither you nor your son nor daughter, not your animals, nor alien within your gates.
- For in six days the Lord made everything in on earth.
- But he rested on the seventh day and blessed it making it holy.
Leisure in the Bible was used as:
An opportunity for:
- Resting, recreation and refreshment.
- For praising and worshiping God.
- For meeting friends and relaxing with family
- For doing well.
The story of Job and his sons spending leisure time (Job 1:1 – 5).
- Job lived in the land of Uzi
- This man was blameless and up right before God.
- He feared God and shunned evil.
- Had seven sons and three daughters.
- He had seven thousand sheep
- Three thousand camel
- Five hundred donkeys.
- And hard a large number of servants.
- He was a greatest man among all the people of the east.
- His sons used to hold feasts in their homes.
- And they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

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 - When the period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified.
- Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burned offering for each of them.
- Thinking his children had sinned against God in their hearts.
- This was Job’s regular custom.
The story of Jesus Meeting a Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:6 – 34).
- It was about noon, hen Jesus sat down at Jacobs well.
- This was after he got tired and wanted water for drinking.
- While sitting there, a Samaritan woman came to draw water.
- And his disciples went to buy food in the nearby village.
- Jesus asked the woman. “Give me a drink of water”.
- The woman answered. “You are a Jew and am a Samaritan, how can you ask me for a
drink?”
- Jesus answered if you had known the person you are talking to you would have given him
water.
- And he would have given you life giving water.
- The woman said sir you have no bucket and the well is deep.
- Where would you get that life giving water?
- Jesus answered all those that drink Jacobs’s water will become thirsty but the water that I
give is aspiring in someone’s life and it gives eternal life.
- The woman said, “Sir Give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come here to draw”.
- Jesus told her to go and call her husband.
- She answered that she had no husband.
- Jesus said she had answered well.
- Jesus told her that she had five husbands.
- And even the one she was staying with was not her husband.
- And the woman said to him “Sir I perceive that you are a prophet.
How we can use leisure time according to the Bible.
- God’s original plan for man to rest.
- Gives an opportunity for man to worship God.
- Our bodies and minds need leisure time to rest.
- Leisure gives an opportunity for recreation and refreshment.

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 - Also to have time to meet friends and relax with the family.
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR IN LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES
- Christians must avoid things which are not good for them because they abuse the body
e.g. beer drinking and sexual immorality.
- Christians must avoid certain things which may lead a weaker brother or sister to sin e.g.
activities which are obviously of the world and the flesh. (Gal.5:19-21)
- Christians must live wisely and find out what God wants them to do by following
Biblical principles about what is right for a Christian. (Eph 5:15-20)
- They must be controlled by God’s will and not human desire (1 Peter 4:2-5) Christians
must spend their leisure time in health practical and enjoyable activities which will
honour God. (Gal 5:22-24)
PROPOSED PLAN FOR A CHRISTIAN’S LEISURE
- Resting, talking with friends, involvement in Christian activities such as church services
and young people’s work.
- Enjoying a hobby like gardening, reading, needlework and cooking
- Counselling and helping the needy, e.g. sick people and old people. (Isaiah 58:13-14)
- Christians must remember that all the time is given by God.
- Christians are accountable to God on how they use their time, including leisure time.
LEISURE TIME IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS
- The boarding school regulations state that, study time must be done on a Saturday or
Sunday.
- Should a Christian refuse to attend prep because this rule goes against the fourth
commandment?
- School fees in school include an entertainment fee.
- Should a Christian attend disco?
- Examination time is approaching
- Should a Christian miss scripture union?
- LEISURE IN OTHER RELIGIONS
CHRISTIANITY AND Z.T.R
- Similarities
- Both religions spend their leisure time by visiting relatives and friends.

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 - Both religions encourage or have their leisure time after work or during weekends.
- Differences
- Christians’ – There are specific days for resting e.g. Saturday and Sunday
- ZTR – there are no specific days for resting.
- Christians – Spend leisure time to please God.
- ZTR – Spend leisure time to please people/Ancestral spirit.
CHRISTIANITY AND HINDUISM
- Similarities
- Both relax with family and friends.
- Both have set a day of rest and relaxation.
Differences
- Christians – A day for resting and relation has a relaxation has a religious meaning for
them.
- Hindu – A day for resting and relation has no meaning
- Hindu – Sunday’s set aside for resting and relation has no religious meaning
- Christians – The days set aside for resting and relaxation are for pleasing God.
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
- Similarities
- Both relax with family and friends
- Both have leisure time outside working days/hours.
Differences
- Islam – Please God according to the Quran.
- Christians – Please God according to the Bible
- Christians – Spend their leisure time to honour God.
- Islam – Spend their leisure time only for relaxation.
UNIT 6: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO MONEY AND POSSESSIONS
- People have different attitudes to money and possessions.
- They save their money for a “rainy day”
- They use it wisely by investing it
- Use it on family’s basic needs.
- Waste it on their own pleasures and selfish desires

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 - Gamble it, risking their money on the chance of increasing it.
- Spend all their earnings within a few days of earning it.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS POSSESSION
- Means of prestige
- Means of showing off
- Personal development
- Promoting God’s work
BIBLICAL TEACHING ON ATTITUDES TO MONEY AND POSSESSION.
(AMOS 8:4-7)
The Bible is against the following: -
- Exploitation of the poor and the needy
- Luck of respect for God.
- Buying people as slaves
- Dishonest use of scales and weight.
Jesus also points out the following wrong attitudes:
- Greed and covetousness
- Laziness and taking life easy
- Enjoying selfish pleasure e.g. Beer drinking and eating too much (Luke 12:13-34).
- You cannot save God and money. (Mtt. 5:24)
- Love of money is the beginning of many evils in a person’s life
- It causes people to forsake their faith and brings many sorrows. (1Timothy 6:10).
The Story of the Rich Fool. Luke 12:13 – 21
- A man in the crowd said to Jesus, Teacher tells my brother to divide the property our
Father left us.
- Jesus answered: who gave you the right to judge or to divide between you two?
- Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.
- “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possession.”
- And he told them this parable. A rich man had a land which bore good crops.
- He realized he did not have enough room to store all his harvest.
- He decided to pull down his barns and build bigger ones.
- He would then have room for all his produce. Then he would be able to say to himself,

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 - “You are lucky you have everything you need for many years.”
- Take life easy, eat drink and enjoy yourself.
- He did not want to share with anyone.
- But God told him he was a fool.
- That night he would have to give up his life.
- Then who would get all the things he had stored for himself?
BIBLICAL TEACHING ON THE USE OF WEALTH
- Riches come from God and should be considered as belonging to Him and should be used
in God’s service. (1 Chron. 29:1-12)
- Wealth should be used to help the poor (Mark. 10:21-27)
- Wealth must be used to do well and be shared with others. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
God’s Judgment on Rich People.
- God will cause their riches and possessions to disappear. James 5:2 – 3
- God will bring ruin and destruction. 1Timothy 6:9.
- God will require him to give up his life. Luke 12:20
- God will not forget their evil deeds. Amos 8:7
Christian Behaviour in Situations Concerning Money
- It is alright for a Christian to have money and possessions if he uses them for God’s
glory. Christians that are wealthy are expected to:
- Have earned their wealth – money and possessions in an honest way.
- Give towards God’s service.
- Share with others.
- Use it to help others.
- By doing all these, a Christian stores up treasure in heaven.
Why it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:17 – 31)
- Riches may make a person into:
- Forgetting God.
- Pride (Hosea 12:8)
- Forgetting God (Deut. 8:13-14)
- Denying God and bringing disgrace on Him (Proverbs. 30:8-9)
- Rejecting Christ (Mk. 10:22, Luke 16:19-26)

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 The parable of Rich Young man (Mark 10:17 – 31)
- A man came to Jesus and knelt before him
- Asked Jesus, teacher, “What must I do to enter eternal life?
- For no one is good except God.
- Jesus reminded the man about the commandments.
- The man said he had kept all the commandments Jesus quoted.
- Jesus told him, he still had to obey one more thing
- Jesus told him to go and sell all what he had and give the money to the poor.
- He would then have riches in heaven.
- When the man heard this, gloom spread over his face and went away as a sad person
because he was very rich.
- Jesus looked at his disciples and said to them;
- “How hard it will be for rich people to enter the kingdom of God.”
The parable of the Rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19 – 31)
- Richman dressed in fine clothes
- Lived in Luxury
- Lazarus was a beggar.
- Sat every day at the rich man’s gate;
- Only wanted to have crumbs from the rich man’s table.
- Dogs came and licked his sores.
- Lazarus died
- The rich man died too but went to hell begged Abraham to send Lazarus with some water
- Abraham reminded him that in life he had the good things.
- Now Lazarus was having good things
- Also there was a great gulf/charm between them
- No one could pass it from one place to the other
- Asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers
- But told him that they had prophets and Moses to hear.
- What riches may do
- The love of riches may choke the message of God’s word in our hearts. (Mtt.13:22)
- The love of riches may be the beginning of evil in a person’s life (1 Timothy 6:10)

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 - What riches cannot do
- Cannot do you any good when you face death. (Job 1:21).
- He had no thought for God during his life (Luke 16:19-26)
- We cannot pay God the price for our lives. (Psa. 49:6-9)
- Examples of rich people
- Abraham (Genesis 13:12)
- Isaac (Genesis 26:13-14)
- Boaz (Ruth 2:1)
- Job (Job 1:3)
- Joseph of Arimathea (Matt. 27:57)
- ATTITUDES TO AND USE OF WEALTH IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER
RELIGIONS
- CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- Both consider wealth to be acquired honestly
- Both consider sharing their wealth with the poor and needy.
- Differences
- Muslim – Lending money is permitted but taking interest is forbidden
- Christian – The teaching on the same matter is not clearly indicated in their scriptures.
- CHRISTIAN AND ZTR
- Similarities
- Both believe that wealth should be acquired through hard work
- Both believe that wealth should be share.
- Differences
- ZTR – Wealth means prestige
- Christians – Wealth comes from God
- ZTR – Wealth comes from magic
- Christian – Being poor can be the will of God.
- CHRISTIAN AND HINDU
- Similarities
- Both acquire wealth honestly

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 - Both believe that acquiring wealth should not be the right priority in life.
- Difference
- Hindu – It is considered a blessing when wealth helps us to the realization of life.
- Christians – Only God can help us realize the truth.
UNIT 7: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO THE STATE IN A MULTI-PARTY
SYSTEM.
- GOVERNMENT IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
- A multi-party system is where the Laws of a particular Country allow the formation of
many political parties.
- To ‘govern’ means to rule
- Democracy means ‘rule by the people’
- So democratic government is a system of government that is based on the people’s
consent.
Characteristics of a Democratic Government
- There is respect for the rule of Law.
- The power to rule comes from people.
- Respect for Human Rights.
- Human rights are God-given and everyone is entitled to them.
- Define what a right is.
- A right is a lawful claim, which a citizen expects from society.
- FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS
- These are divided into two thus; Civil and Political rights; economic, social and cultural
rights.
Some of the fundamental human rights are:
- The right to life, no one should take away another person’s life.
- The right to a fair hearing, the court must conduct fair trails.
- The right to own property, everyone is free to own property.
- The right to marry and have a family.
- The right to nationality, everyone has the right to belong to a nation.
- The right to education, every person should have an opportunity to education.
- Husbands and Fathers should provide care and support for their wives and children.

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 - Equal pay for equal work and there should be no discrimination of sex or race and
religion.
- Protection against unemployment.
- Just and favourable working conditions.
ATTITUDES OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT
- Obedience to the authority.
- Working together with the Government
- Citizens should respect and promote other people’s right
- Citizens should resolve the conflicts peacefully.
- Citizens should tolerate each other’s’ views.
- A good citizen should contribute to the welfare of the Country.
FUNCTIONS OF A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT
- To promote Human rights
- Respect for the rule of Law by government and citizens.
- To have a provision of social services.
Functions of the government.
- To make, implement and enforce the laws of the land.
- To meet the political demands of the people.
- To meet the economic demands of the people.
- To meet the social demands of the people.
THE BIBLE TEACHINGS ON LEADERSHIP (GENESIS 17:1-8, EXODUS 6:7,
JEREMIAH 7:23)
- God had promised Israel to be their God and leader as long as they obeyed His
commandments (Deut. 6:1-3).
- God appointed Moses and Joshua as leaders of Israel to lead the Israelites out of Egypt
and into the land of Canaan.
- When these men died, the people disobeyed God’s Laws and were punished.
- They cried to God to deliver them.
- God raised up leaders called “Judges”.
- These judges were used by God to save the people from their enemies and help them
solve their problems. (Judges 2:1-2, 11-23)

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 - The children of Israel demanding for a king. 1 Samuel 8:4 -22 (2004)
- When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges.
- His first born was Joel, his second born was Abijah and both served at Beersheba.
- His sons did not go in his ways.
- They turned aside and accepted bribes and injustices.
- So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to
him;
- “You are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to lead us
such as all the other nations have.
- This displeased Samuel and so he prayed to God.
- The Lord told him, “Listen to all that the people are saying to you. It is not you they have
rejected but they have rejected me as their king.
- As you have done from the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me
and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.
- Listen to them, but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign
over them will do.
- Samuel told the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king.
- He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do:
- He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses and they will in
front of his chariots.
- He will assign some to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties and
others to plough his ground and reap his harvest.
- The general term that was used for leaders that God Raised for the Israelites
- JUDGES.
- Reasons why the people of Israel demanded for a king. (1samuel 8:4-9, 19-20, 9:2)
- The people wanted a human king who would be a warrior and lead them to victory
against their enemies.
- Political instability [wanted a king who would provide a royal family and continuity of
leadership.]
- People failed to trust God to provide the leadership they needed.
- They did not realize that their instability was caused by their disobedience to God.

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 THE STORY OF NABOTH’S VINEYARD (KINGS 21:1-29)
- God condemns the leaders of Israel for not doing their duty to the people of God.
- They were selfish and greedy.
- They did not look after the “sheep”
- They were cruel and ill-treated the “sleep”
- They did not heal the sick or care for those in need.
- Therefore the sheep wandered away and were scattered.
- They were attacked by wild animals while the shepherds looked after themselves.
(Ezekiel 34:1-10)
GOD’S EXAMPLES AS A RULER
- God denounced the rulers of Israel because of the following:
- They were greed.
- Were cruel.
- They were selfish.
- They exploited those in their care.
But God will show them the nature of the true, perfect shepherds or rulers.
- He will gather, feed and care for them
- They will know safety, security, prosperity and rest.
- The sick will be healed.
- The oppressed will no longer be ill-treated. (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 34:20-31).
QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER (LUKE 9:46-48, 22:24-30)
- A leader must be willing to serve others.
- Must be willing to listen and learn from others (his people).
- A true leader does not rule like a dictator.
- A true leader puts the interest of others first.
- Must not demand special treatment because of his position.
- A true leader must lead by example.
- Should try to show the same humility which Christ showed.
ARGUMENTS ABOUT GREATNESS

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 - Politics crept in amongst the disciples.
- They wanted position, power and influence.
- In the kingdom of God, the most important thing is submission to the authority and the
will of Jesus Christ.
- Thoughts of personal gain disappear when Christ is acknowledged as King.
- During the last supper, they argued about who would be the greatest?
- Who would be a leader, must first learn what it means to serve.
- The one who boasts of his own greatness and knowledge is not a leader, but a dictator.
- Peter, who liked to boast, learned this lesson through hard experience.
- Loyalty to the King, with humility, carriers the promise of a share in the fellowship of
God’s kingdom. (Luke 22:24-30, 1 Peter 5:1-6).
John and James’ request to seat on either side of Jesus in the kingdom.
Mark 10:35 – 45.
- John and James sons of Zebedee asked Jesus.
- “Teacher, when you sit on your throne in your glorious kingdom, we want you to let us
sit with you, one on your right and one at your left.”
- Jesus answered: “You don’t know what you are asking for.”
- Can you drink the cup of suffering that I must drink?
- Can you be baptized in the way I must be baptized?
- “We can.” They answered.
- Jesus told them: since you could manage to do all that I said, God is the one with the right
to choose who to sit at my right and left hands, not me.
- When other disciples heard about what was going on,
- They got angry
- Jesus called them and said,
- Those who are considered rulers of the heathen have power over them and leaders have
complete authority.
- If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest.
- And those who want to be first must be the slaves of all.
- The son of man did not come to be served; but to serve and give life to many people.

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 THE PARABLE ABOUT HUMILITY – (LUKE 14:7-11 – THE WEDDING
FEAST)
- Jesus warned them that they would be fortunate to have the lowest place in the kingdom
of God.
- “it is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to
someone more important” (Proverbs. 25:7)
- The Pharisees demanded special treatment because of their position.
- They thought that God would treat them in the same way and give them special places in
the kingdom of God.
- They did not know that God does not discriminate.
- Teaching
- People should help those in need.
- Real generosity does not look for a reward. (Luke 14:12-14).
JESUS’ EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY (JOHN 13:3-15, LUKE 22:24-27)
- This took place during the last supper.
- The disciples had been arguing over who was the greatest.
- Jesus demonstrated the answer.
- The master knows who he is.
- Peter refused to have his feet washed.
- Jesus’ reply shows that if his followers are to be associated with Him, he must be
constantly cleansed from the things of the world.
- Peter then wanted to be washed all over.
- Jesus spoke of the cleaning brought by His life and death.
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE
- A good ruler will rule with righteousness and justice.
- He will judge the poor fairly
- He will help the needy and defeat their opponents.
- He will bring prosperity and righteousness to the Nation.
- He will rescue the poor, needy and neglected.
- He will show them pity and save their lives (Psa. 72:1-14).

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 CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO LEADERS
- All rulers’ even bad ones receive their authority from God.
- Christian’s duty is to obey civil authorities. (Romans 13:1-7)
- Leaders should be obeyed and respected.
- Christians should pray for their rulers. (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Acts 5:27-29)
- ATTITUDES TO RULES IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER RELIGIONS
- CHRISTIANITY AND Z.T.R
- Similarities
- Both pray for their Leaders.
- Both respect their Leaders.
- Differences
- Christians – Respect their Leaders through the Bible.
- Z.T.R – respect their leaders through their Ancestral spirits.
- Christians – A leader does not demand special treatment because of his position.
- Z.T.R – A Leader demands special treatment because if his position.
- CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
- Similarities
- Both pray for their Leaders
- Both respect their Leaders.
- Differences
- Christians – Leadership appointment depends on the Bible.
- Islam – Leadership appointment depends on the Quran.
- Christians – A Leader should fear God.
- Islam – A Leader should fear Allah (God).
- CHRISTIANITY AND HINDUISM
- Similarities
- Both respect their Leaders.
- Both pray for their Leaders.
- Differences
- Christians – Leadership depends on the humility of Christ.
- Hindus – Leadership depends on the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi.

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 - Christians – God guide the Leaders.
- Hindus – Gurus guide the Leaders.
UNIT 8: CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO SEX AND MARRIAGE
ATTITUDES TO MARRIAGE IN ZAMBIA
- To have children.
- For companionship
- For prestige
- For status in society
- Because of love for each other.
- ADVANTAGES OF LARGE FAMILY
- Work is easily done.
- Support for each other.
- More security for Parents in old age.
- Perpetuation of the clan.
- DISADVANTAGES OF A LARGE FAMILY
- Insufficient food.
- Inability to educate children
- Inadequate clothing and other basic needs.
- ADVANTAGES OF A SMALL FAMILY
- Adequate resources
- Good education affordable
- Quality standard of living.
- DISADVANTAGES OF A SMALL FAMILY
- Inadequate labour in the home.
- Limited care for the aged.
- MARRIAGE WAS INSTITUTED BY GOD – (GENESIS 1:27-28, 2:18-2).
- The story of God creating a woman...Genesis 1:27 – 28; 2:18 – 25.
- God instituted marriage for mankind in the Garden of Eden.
- He created human beings in his image, male and female.
- Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.
- I will make a suitable companion to help him.”

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 - Took some soil from the ground, formed all animals and birds.
- He brought them to a man for naming.
- The man named them all, but none of these was suitable companion to help him.
- The Lord God made the man to fall into deep sleep.
- He formed a woman and brought her to him
- The man said, at least, here is a bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
- “She shall be called a woman because she was taken out of man.”
- Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united with his wife and
the two shall become one flesh.
- And they were both naked and they were not ashamed.
- The meaning of a statement, “a man shall leave his parents and leave with his wife.”
- Man shall be financially independent of his parents.
- Man should be free from family member’s interference and both form a new family
unity.
- Biblical purposes for Marriage
- Mutual love and faithfulness. (Genesis 2:24).
- Mutual help and partnership based on a conscious need and desires. (Genesis 2:18)
- A permanent union between two people.
- Reproduction of life. (Genesis 1:28)
- Fulfilment of sexual desires (1 Cor. 7:1-6)
- To create a permanent union between two people. (Mark 10:9)
PURPOSE FOR MARRIAGE IN OTHER RELIGIONS
- CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- To strength relationships between families.
- To create a new family unit.
- Fulfilment of sexual desires
- To discourage the sin of immorality.
- Differences
- Muslim – Reproduction in marriage is mainly for the purpose of producing more
followers of Islam, to spread their religion.

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 - Christian – Reproduction is not the primary reason for marriage, and children are gift
from God.
- Muslim: Reproduction in their marriages is mainly for the purpose of producing more
followers of Islam
- Christian: Reproduction is not the primary reason for marriage and children are a gift
from God
- CHRISTIANS AND Z.T.R
- Similarities
- Both marriages are partly for the reproduction of life.
- Both believe that marriage is for strengthening of ties between the couple.
- Fulfilment of sexual desires
- Differences
- ZTR – To reproduce life through children is paramount in marriage.
- Christian – Reproduction is not the primary reason for marriage.
- ZTR – A marriage which produced marital problems or no children would be ended
because marriage was for the purpose of reproduction.
- Christian – Marriage should not come to an end whether children are there or not.
CHRISTIANS AND HINDU
- Similarities
- Both believe that marriage is for a creation of family unity.
- Both believe that marriage is for reproduction of life.

- Differences
- Christian – Reproduction of life depends on the Bible.
- Hindu – Reproduction of life depends on the Vedas or songs of the Lord.
- CHOOSING MARRIAGE PARTNER AND PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE
- GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- CHRISTIAN WAY OF CHOOSING A MARRIAGE PARTNER.
- A man should not marry until he can leave the support of his parents and be able to
support himself and his wife. (Genesis 24:1-32)

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 - Christians are encouraged to marry fellow Christians to have real and deep fellowship
together. Also for the basis of agreement on religious and material matters. (2 Cor. 6:14-
18)
- One should choose a marriage partner in honour and love, but not because of lust.
(1 Thessalonians 4:4-5).
- Partners should be compatible: meaning they should have similar interests and opinions
on important matters such as money, bringing up of children.
- They must also be compatible.
- They must commit all the problems to God.
CHOOSING MARRIAGE PARTNERS IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER
RELIGIONS.
- CHRISTIAN AND ISLAM
- Similarities
- Both religions marry a person of same religion.
- Both religions encourage someone to choose a marriage partner.
- Differences
- Islam – A man is allowed to contract for a wife for a given period on payment of dowry
and then give the girl back to her father or guardian.
- Christian – There is no such practices as marriage is for life.
- Islam – Only women are forbidden to marry a non-Muslim.
- Christian – They do not forbid marrying someone who is not a Christian.
CHRISTIANS AND Z.T.R
- Similarities
- Both religions encourage parents to arrange for marriage and get consent.
- Differences
- Christian – Encourage one’s marriage partner to be a fellow Christian.
- ZTR – One’s affiliation does not matter as long as the families agree and are happy with
each other.
CHRISTIAN AND HINDU
- Similarities
- Both religions marriage may be arranged by parents.

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 - Differences
- Hindu – It is only the girl’s parents that may look for a suitable Husband for her.
- Christian – Either party could arrange marriage for their son or their daughter.WHY
SOME CHRISTIANS DO NOT MARRY (MATT. 19:10-12)
- They have been placed in circumstances where marriage is impossible.
- They take vows of celibacy, so that they can give themselves completely to God’s
service.
- Others believe that an unmarried person devote more to Christ’s work. (1 Cor.7:25-
40)VARIOUS ATTITUDES TO UNMARRIED ADULTS IN CHRISTIANITY
AND OTHER RELIGIONS.CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- Both accept that a person may remain unmarried for religious reasons.
- Both remain unmarried in order to devote themselves to God more.
- Differences
- Muslim – They regard the unmarried adult as abnormal.
- Christian – They do not regard them as abnormal.
- Muslim – Those of other religions, who are unmarried are appreciated and accepted.
- Christian – They do not accept or appreciate the unmarried adults of other religions just
because they are of different religions
- .CHRISTIAN AND ZTR
- Similarities
- Both accept remaining unmarried for religious reasons.
- Differences
- ZTR – It is abnormal not to marry.
- Christian – The teachings of Jesus and those of Paul are not against being unmarried.
- ZTR – Unmarried adults are thought to be deficient in the reproductive organs and are
despised.
- Christian – Unmarried adults are not despised because they understand reasons for not
marrying.

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 CHRISTIAN AND HINDU

Similarities

- Both religions allow unmarried people for certain reason.

Differences

- Hindu – Consider the unmarried to be abnormal.

- Christian – They do not consider so.
- Hindu – Unmarried adults of other races or religions are accepted.
- Christian – Acceptance of unmarried adults does not depend on one’s race or culture.
UNIT 9: HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIP.
- RESPONSIBILITIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGES
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GOOD HUSBAND
- To protect his wife and family
- To support his wife and teach children
- The husband must leave his parents and leave to his wife. He must make a new home for
himself and his wife.
- The husband must show love to his wife [Eph 5:22 – 33].
- The husband should understand, respect and protect his wife.
- He should not intimidate his wife, but treat her with loving consideration because:
- She is the weaker sex.
- She has equal right to life with the man.
- Prayers may be hindered.
- The husband must help to train his children
- QUALITIES OF A GOOD HUSBAND
- Must be understanding.
- Caring and loving.
- Respect his wife.
- RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GOOD WIFE
- Care for the family and home
- Fulfils her husband’s needs.

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 - Submission to her husband as a leader and head of a home.
- To bring and train children in a Christian way.
- She should be able to care for her family and home.
- QUALITIES OF A GOOD WIFE
- Loving and kind
- Cheerful
- Understanding
- Loyal to her husband.
HUSBAND AND WIFE RELATIONSHIPS IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER
RELIGIONS.
- CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- Both love their wives
- Both care and provide for their wives.
- Differences
- Muslims – In relationship follow the Quran.
- Christians – In relationship follow the Bible.
- Muslims – Teachings depends on Allah (God)
- Christians – Teachings depends on Christ and God.
CHRISTIAN AND ZTR
- Similarities
- Both protect their wives.
- Both love their wives.
- Differences
- ZTR – A wife is regarded as a property of the husband
- Christians – A wife is a friend and a help-mate.
- ZTR – A wife is not consulted on family matters.
- Christian – Family matters are discussed together by husband and wife.
CHRISTIAN AND HINDU

Similarities

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 - Both love their wives.
- Both care and provide for their wives.
Differences
- Hindu – They relate according to Hindu teachings.
- Christians – They relate according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Hindu – Use their own power to fulfil what is required in their relationship.
- Christians – Use the Holy Spirit to build their relationship.
THE BIBLICAL TEACHING ON ADULTERY AND FORNICATION.
Adultery
- This is a sexual affair between two people, where at least one of them is already married.
(Exodus 20:14, Malachi 2:14-15).
- The Old Testament, punishment of proven adultery was stoning to death. (John 8:1-11.
- Jesus taught that even looking on someone lustfully is adultery in God’s sight. (Matt.
5:27-28).
- Fornication
- This is a sexual affair between unmarried people. (1Cor. 6:18, Eph. 5:5).
- It is forbidden in the scriptures.
- In the New Testament it is sometimes referred to as unchastely or sexual immorality.
ADULTERY AND FORNICATION IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER
RELIGIONS
- CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- Both religions forbid adultery and fornication.
- Differences
- Muslim – Punishment for adultery is beating or stoning to death.
- Christians – Jesus discourages this type of punishment but encourages forgiveness.
- Muslim – Do not have a similar teaching so punishment is the best dire to lust.
- Christians – teach that looking at someone lustfully is sin in God’s sight. (Matt. 5:27)
CHRISTIAN AND ZTR
- Similarities
- Both discourage fornication.

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 - Both forbid adultery
- Differences
- ZTR – Adultery is allowed on a certain occasions e.g. man with brothers’ widow to
ensure children is taken care of.
- Christians – Adultery is not allowed at all times.
- ZTR – A man may commit adultery before marriage to prove his manhood.
- Christian – Sex outside marriage is not accepted, it is a sin.
POLYGAMY AND DIVORCE IN THE BIBLE
- Polygamy
- This is the practice of having more than one wife.
- When God created mankind, He created one woman for Adam.
- God’s original plan for marriage was one man, one wife. (Matt. 19:5-6)
- Marrying more than one wife is not God’s plan and causes problems. (1 Kings 11:1-8)
e.g. Solomon.
- Divorce
- This is the dissolving or cancelling of a marriage.
- It is forbidden in the Bible, but it is permissible in case of proven adultery.
- A man marries his wife and they become “one fresh” this situation is for life. A divorced
person who remarries is committing adultery. Deut. 24:1 – 4; Matt. 5:31 – 32; 19:3 – 9.
- God hates divorce (Malachi 2:14 – 16)
- Moses only allowed divorce because of the ‘hardness of man’s heart.’
- POLYGAMY AND DIVORCE IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER RELIGIONS
- CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- Both allow divorce due to adultery.
- Differences
- Muslim – The Quran allows a man to divorce his wife at any time and remarry.
- Christians – A divorced person who remarries is committing adultery.
- Muslim – A man may divorce his wife if she barren or bears only daughters.
- Christians – Divorce is not allowed in such cases as children are considered as a gift from
God.

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 - CHRISTIAN AND ZTR
- Similarities
- Both find solution to divorce.
- Both reconcile before divorce.
- Differences
- ZTR – Barrenness is a sufficient reason for divorce.
- Christians – Childlessness does not make marriage invalid.
- ZTR – Divorce may be allowed if there is any form of incompatibility between the
couple.
- Christian – Divorce is not permitted on these grounds.
- CHRISTIAN AND HINDUISM
- Similarities
- Both forbid divorce.
- Differences
- Christians – Divorce depends on the teachings of the Bible.
- Hindu – Divorce depends on teachings of the Vedas

CHRISTIAN AND ZTR ON POLYGAMY

- Similarities
- Both believe that polygamy exists.
- Differences
- ZTR – Polygamy is accepted.
- Christians – Polygamy is not accepted.
- ZTR - Polygamy increase man’s status and work force
- Christians – Such belief is not there.
- CHRISTIAN AND HINDU
- Similarities
- Both religions do not permit polygamy.
- Differences
- Hindu – They do not practice polygamy according to Vedas.
- Christians – Do not practice polygamy according to the Bible.

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 - CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM
- Similarities
- Both believe that polygamy exists.
- Differences
- Christians – Do not accept polygamy according to the Bible.
- Muslim – polygamy is permitted according to the Quran.
- BIBLICAL STANDARDS OF SELF CONTROL AND SEXUAL MORALITY
- Marital Disputes
- Common causes of marital disputes are the inability to have children and pressure from
relatives.
- Incompatibility in a couple.
- Luck of communication by couples
- PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
- Love
- Forgiveness
- Communication
- CHRISTIAN STANDARDS FOR SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
- No sex before marriage. (2 Timothy 2:22)
- No unfaithfulness after marriage. (Heb.13:4)
- Self – control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 1 Peter 4:2-5)
- Immorality is sin. (Mark 7:20-23)
- Homosexuality is also sin. (1 Cor. 6:9)
- Christian should not read immoral books or watch films. (Eph. 5:3-5, 11:13. Prov. 26:20).
- MODERN ZAMBIA
- Modern standards of sexual behaviour contrast with Christian standards due to
“freedom”.
- Children disregard morals from parents.
- Not following Christian standards has contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS and S.T.Is.
UNIT 10: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILDREN.
- ATTITUDES TO FAMILY LIFE IN ZAMBIA.
- TRADITIONAL ZAMBIA

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 - Children are regarded as the glory of the family.
- Each family wants as many children as the wife can bear.
- Marriages are arranged by parents and the influence of parents must not be ignored.
- After a certain age, children are segregated according to sex.
- The children learnt by invitation.
- Children also learn different life skills.
- Children are taught to obey and serve all adults in the community.
- Extend family system is upheld.
- MODERN ZAMBIA
- Children generally respect and love their parents.
- They care for their parents.
- Characteristics of a Christian home
- Christian home starts with a Christian marriage of two people.
- In this home, the man, his wife and children are a family unit, bound together in Christian
love.
- Christ is the Head of such a home and all activities are controlled and guided by Christ.
- Prayer and bible reading should be a regular practice in this home.
- Christian home is open to strangers and visitors and provision is made for them.
- The home should reflect God’s purity and goodness.
- DUTIES OF PARENTS TO THEIR CHILDREN.
- Parents should recognize that children are a gift from God.
- Parents should share the God given responsibility to teach their children things of God.
- Parents should pray for their children.
- Parents should train and discipline their children.
- Children are the responsibility of their parents, rather than relatives.
- DUTIES OF CHILDREN TO THEIR PARENTS
- The first duty of children is to honour and obey their parents. (Exodus 20:12)
- To care for their parents in old age
- Children must respect elders. (1 Samuel 3:1-14)
- LOYALTY TO GOD COMES FIRST IN THE FAMILY
- JESUS: EXAMPLE OF LOYALTY (LUKE 2:40-52)

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 - When Jesus parents lost Him, and later found Him in the Temple.
- Mary rebuked Him for causing them anxiety.
- Jesus’ reply showed that loyalty to this Heavenly father came first.
- He was already aware of His divine mission.
- He showed love and respect for His earthly parents by His obedience.
- LOYALTY TO CHRIST WILL DIVIDE FAMILIES – (LUKE 12:51-53)
- Jesus said that faith in Him would divide families for and against Him and others.
- Jesus demands complete obedience to Him.
- THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP – (LUKE 9:9-62)
- Loyalty and obedience to God is of more importance than loyalties of one’s family.
- PARENTS/CHILD RELATIONSHIP IN OTHER RELIGIONS
- CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
- Similarities
- Both believe that children are a gift from God.
- Both parents discipline their children.
- Differences
- Muslim – Children have a particular responsibility for their Mothers’ wellbeing in their
old age.
- Christians – Children care for both parents in their old age.
- Muslim – Children are taught and guided according to the teachings of the Quran.
- Christians – Children are taught and guide according to the teachings of the Bible.
- CHRISTIANITY AND Z.T.R
- Similarities
- Both children are loved and cared for.
- Both children are disciplined.
- Differences
- Christians – Both boys and girls are brought up together in the family with their parents.
- ZTR – After a certain age boys and girls in a family are separated.
- Christians – The Father cares for both the son and the daughter.
- ZTR – Caring for the boys and girls is done separately.
- CHRISTIAN AND HINDU

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 - Similarities
- Both parents care for their children.
- Both parents love their children.
- Differences
- Hindu – Discipline their children through teachings of the Vedas.
- Christians – Discipline their children through the teachings of the Bible.
- Hindu – Love for the children depends on the teaching from Guru
- Christians – Love for the children depends on the teaching from Jesus Christ.

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