TOPIC 1

RELIGIOUS ETHICS
Religious ethics are principles (rules, laws, regulations) that guide followers of religions as to
what is the right or proper conduct, and good ways of living.
When people act in ways which are in line with what is considered right, good, accepted, proper,
fair and just that is described as acting ethically. But when people act in ways which are against
what is considered right, good, proper, fair, and just, that is described as acting unethically. For
example a priest who gives and takes care of the poor is acting ethically whereas a religious
follower who steals is acting unethically.

IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL TEACHINGS IN RELIGIONS

Ethical teachings are important in religion because they:
1. Help followers know what to do and what not to do, for example Muslims knows that they
have to eat Halaal and Jews eat kosher food
2. Guide followers to make choices and decisions that are morally right, for example followers
are taught that they have to abstain from sex before marriage
3. Encourage followers to treat other people with kindness, compassion, respect and dignity.
These help create good relationships among people and promotes peace and harmony in society.
4. Encourage followers to make choices that are good for their health, for example most religions
are against smoking and drinking
5. Encourage people to take care of their environment for example Hinduism teaches its
followers against violence (ahimsa) not causing or killing human beings and animals.

ETHICAL CODES IN RELIGIONS

Christianity
The ethical codes in Christianity are summarised in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3 -17),
the greatest commandment (Mark 12:31), the beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-12) and the Golden Rule
(Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31).

1.THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

THE FIRST FOUR COMMANDMENTS ARE TOWARDS GOD

1. Do not worship idols.

2. Worship no other God but me.
3. Do not use the name of God wrongly.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

COMMANDMENT 5 TO 10 ARE ABOUT HOW PEOPLE SHOULD RELATE WITH EACH

OTHER.
5. Honour your father and mother.
6. Do not kill.
7. Do not commit adultery.
8. Do not take anything that does not belong to you
9. Do not testify falsely against others.
10. Do not desire other people’s things.

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2. THE GREATEST COMMANDEMENT
You should love your neighbour as you love yourself (Mark 12:31)

3. The Golden Rule

1. Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you (Matthew 7:12)
2. Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them (Luke 6:31)

4. The Beatitudes
The nine sayings of Jesus Christ found in Matthew 5:3-12.
All the beatitudes commence with the words blessed are and they are as follows;
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
5 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
9. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of me for your reward is great in heaven.

ISLAM
Ethical codes in Islam are the Sharia law. Sharia means living a morally responsible life. The
Sharia law outlines what Muslims should do or not do, and also states punishment given to
offenders.

WHAT MUSLIMS SHOULD DO;

1. All Muslims must follow the five pillars of Islam which are;
ii). Declaration that there is no other God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is his last Prophet.
(Shahadah).
ii). Praying five times a day (Salat)
iii). Giving donations to the poor (Zakat) (Almsgiving)
iv). Fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawn)
v). Visiting Mecca at least once in one’s life time (Hajj).
2. Women should dress modestly cover the whole body except face and hands.
3. Muslim men may marry up to four wives and must treat them all equally.
4. Muslim must respect all forms of life
5. Muslims should eat Halaal food
6. Muslim should respect the elderly and take good care of all family members.

WHAT MUSLIMS SHOULD NOT DO

1. Lie, steal and cheat.
2. Gamble
3. Have sex before marriage.

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4. Say bad things about Islam
5. Serve any other God but Allah and acknowledge that Muhammad is Allah’s last prophet.
6. Eat pork
7. Drink alcohol, or be in a place where alcohol is sold. They should not sell grapes to a winer

Examples of punishment for certain crimes in Islam

Crime Punishment
Adultery or fornication Stoning to death
Murder Death penalty
Speaking badly about Islam Death penalty
Theft Cutting off the hands
.
BUDDHISM
Codes of ethics in Buddhism are summarised in the five precepts and the Noble Eightfold Path
The five precepts – these govern the lives of all Buddhists
They are as follows:
1. Do not kill human or animals.
2. Do not steal.
3. Do not get involved in sexual misconduct.
4. Do not tell lies.
5. Do not drink beer or take drugs.

There are other additional precepts that Buddhists monks are expected to obey. They are as
follows:

1. Do not eat after midday, eat only before noon.

2. Do not be involved in dancing and performing on stages.
3. Do not use ornaments and perfumes.
4. Do not use high or broad beds.
5. Do not accept gold or silver.

The Noble Eightfold Path

These consist of things which Buddhists should follow which are:

The Noble Eightfold Path Their Explanations

Right understanding Have a right way of looking at and understanding things.
Right thought Do not think or act cruelly, violently or aggressively, but rather be
compassionate.
Right speech Always be careful of what you say. Avoid harmful language, lying
or using harsh or unkind words.
Right action Live a morally upright life. Do not kill, steal, take intoxicants or do
any form of sexual misconduct.
Right livelihood Earn a living in a good and righteous way and gain wealth legally
and peacefully.
Avoid employment where their actions can cause harm to others
directly or indirectly.

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Right effort Work hard to remove bad thought and replace them with positive
and pleasant thought.
Right mindfulness Be able to observe the way one thinks.

Right concentration Think through one’s actions by meditating in everyday situations.

HINDUISM
Religious ethics for Hindus are contained or found in the Laws of Manu. The spell out how the
followers of Hinduism are to relate with their gods and fellow human beings. They are grouped
in to two classes: namely Yama and Niyama

Yama (Don’ts/ not allowed/ prohibited/ not accepted)

Followers of Hinduism should not;
1. Not be jealous
2. Not tell lies
3. Not steal
4. Not to kill
5. Not indulge in substance abuse
6. Not accumulate wealth through cheating or illicit ways
7. Not have sex before marriage

Niyama (accepted/ Do’s/ Condoned/ Allowed)

1. To give generously and give offerings
2. To meditate most of the time
3. Show compassion to the disadvantaged
4. Keep their souls and bodies clean and pure.
5. Be satisfied with whatever they have
6. Practice self-discipline, tolerance, patience and calmness.

SIKHISM
Sikh’s are guided by the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Devi ji which are found on the Adi Granth.

What Sikh’s are condoned/ allowed/ accepted to do

1. Not to have the caste system
2. Not commit adultery
3. Not to worship any ancestors
4. Not gamble
5. No premarital sex
6. Not eat meat of a ritually killed animal.
7. Not take alcohol or substance
8. Uphold the 5 K’s
9. Work hard and live honest lives.
10. Not hurt or kill any living thing.
11. Not to believe in superstitions e.g. black magic, omens
12. Treat all people equally
13. Not to worship idols but only one Waheguru.

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BAHAI FAITH
Mirza Husayn Ali i Nuri better known by his title Baha u llah which means the glory of God
gave his followers the rules of living their lives. They should:

1. All receive basic education particularly women

2. Avoid gambling.
3. Always red daily prayers
4. Show humility to all people.
5. No pre-marital sex
6. Not Abuse Substance
7. Show equality to all people
8. No back biting or gossip about other people
9. Not take part in politics but respect and obey the government of the day.

ETHICS THAT GUIDE FOLLOWERS OF ATR IN BOTSWANA

Adherents of African Traditional Religion in Botswana are guided by proverbs, norms, and
taboos.

PROVERBS
What are proverbs?
They are sayings that can be likened to a manual of life because they guide the followers on how
to behave and relate with fellow humans. Proverbs are categorised in three namely: those that
help followers acknowledge the greatness of Modimo and those on people’s behaviour and
relationships

Proverbs that help people acknowledge the greatness of the Modimo

1. Molelo wa Modimo ga o tingwe meaning that No person can change what Modimo does
2. Modimo ga o je nkabo meaning that Modimo never abandon his people.
3. Mogoa Modimo o a bo a mo ikgoela meaning if a person wishes for something bad to happen
to somebody it may happen to the person.
.
Proverbs about people’s behaviour and relationships
1. Maitseo namane ya moroba meaning that respecting other people is very important.
2. Moremogolo go betlwa wa taola wa motho o a ipetla meaning that individuals should mould
their behaviour.
3. Bontsi bo bolaya noga meaning that people should cooperate or work together
4. Bana ba motho ba kgaogana tlhogo ya ntsi meaning that people should share with others
5. Susu ilela suswana gore Suswana a tle a go ilele meaning that elderly people should respect
the young ones can respect them also
6. Moroto wa e esi ga o ele meaning that one person cannot do much work alone
7. Matlo go sa mabapi meaning that people should help each other.
8. Motho ke motho ka ba bangwe meaning that no man is an Island we need to help one another
and ask for help from other people
9. O se tshege yo o oleng mareledi a sale pele meaning that people should help those in need,
instead of mocking them

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10. Ngwana yo o sa utlweng molao wa batsadi o utlwa wa manong meaning that it is important
to respect parents other people.

NORMS

What are Norms? (DO’S and DON’TS)

Norms are behaviours that are considered to be normal and acceptable and are used to guide
(manual) followers’ behaviour and their conduct.

1. Children should not sit on chairs while adults are standing.

2. Women should wear head scarves during funerals and prayers.
3. Only man can make fire at the Kgotla
4. No wearing of trousers by females at Kgotla meetings.
5. An adult should not be called by their first names

TABOOS

What is a Taboo/
Refers to actions that are not allowed/prohibited/forbidden in a community
They are taboos which deal with eating, drinking, animals, plants and people’s movements.
Usually indicate what will happen if they are ignored or not followed.

Dietary taboos
1. People should not eat meat from an animal which has died naturally, because they may
became ill or die from such meat
2. A woman who is not married should not eat while standing because she will not get married.

3. People should not drink water while standing because it will cause lightening to strike.
4. Women in confinement should not eat with their bare hands because it would be like eating
their own dirt and they will become thin.
5. Expectant mothers are not allowed to eat eggs because eggs will block birth passage during
delivery and cause difficulties during delivery.

RELEVANCE OF ETHICAL CODES IN MODERN SOCIETY

Ethical codes are relevant in the modern society because they:
1. Discourage violent conduct such as murder, suicide, infanticide, abortion etc. and as such
peace and harmony is promoted.
2. Encourage fairness and justice in the society especially vulnerable members in the society.
3. Discourage immoral behaviour such as adultery, abuse of drugs as such behaviour can impact
negatively on the society, economic, social or political lives.
4. Encourage people to behave in ways that are condoned/allowed/accepted as morally right such
as being kind, being generous especially to the downtrodden.

HOW RELIGIOUS ETHICS CAN HELP BOTSWANA TO BE A CRIME FREE SOCIETY

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Crime refers to actions/activities that are prohibited by law; they include amongst others murder,
Rape, Fraud, Money Laundering, corruption tec.
Religious ethics can help Botswana to be a crime free society as they:
1. They encourage families to socialise and urge their children to behave ethically.
2. Encourage individuals to make ethical choices and decisions and discourage behaving in
unethical ways.
3. Guide people to behaviours in appropriate ways
4. Encourage leaders and policy makers to address the root cause of crime such as
unemployment, poverty and slave wages.

MORALITY IN ONE RELIGION MAY NOT BE MORALITY IN ANOTHER.

The above statement simply says what is condoned/ allowed/ accepted or seen as ethical in a
particular religion does not mean that it would also be seen as ethical in another religion e.g. it is
condoned to stone people who have committed certain crimes such as adultery in Islam whereas
in Christianity it is seen as unethical to stone those caught in adultery.

EXAMPLES ARE EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENCES IN RELIGIONS.

1. Polygamy
Some religions such as Islam, African Traditional Religion in Botswana condone polygamy and
see it as morally right and acceptable whereas religions such as Christianity, Baha’i Faith, and
Sikhism etc. prohibit Polygamy and see it as morally wrong for a man to be married to more than
one wife.
2. Sacrifices
Religions such as African Traditional Religion in Botswana and Islam condone the killing of
animals for sacrifices whereas Hindus do not allow killing of any living thing include animals for
sacrifices meant to appease the ultimate or gods.
3. In some religions like Islam (Halaal food), Judaism (kosher food) it is morally good to eat
meat from ritually killed animals whereas in Sikhism it morally unethical to eat meat from
animals killed ritually.
4. In religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, African Traditional Religion in Botswana A
dead person is buried whereas in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism etc. see cremation as a moral
way of disposing a human corpse.
5. In Islam it is morally unethical for a woman to wear tight clothes or clothes that exposes parts
of her body except the face and hands whereas in African Traditional women are allowed to
expose their legs, arms and head.

TOPIC 2

THE GOLDEN RULE

The golden rule can be defined as a Christian dogma, teaching, or principle that advocate for
people to treat other people the way they would like to be treated. The golden rule should be
followed by all Christians as it teaches people to love, tolerate, respect, show mercy and kindness
to one another.

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The golden rule in Christianity is found in the gospel according to Matthew 7:12 and it is stated
as “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you”, and also in Luke 6:31 which is stated
as “Just as you want others to do for you do the same for them”

PURPOSE OF THE GOLDEN RULE

1. Guide people on how they should treat other, as it advocate for people to treat other people the
way they would like to be treated.
2. Encourage people to respect each other. If one wants respect, he would have to respect other
people.
3. Help people to develop empathy and sympathy to those who find themselves in unfavourable
situations as you would want to be helped if in dire needs.
4. Encourage people not to be selfish and recognise that all people are entitled to be treated the
same.
5. Help people to always think about consequences of their decisions and behaviours and how
they affect other people.

VERSIONS OF THE GOLDEN RULE IN OTHER RELIGIONS.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA

Susu ilela suswana gore suswana a tle a go ilele

ISLAM
None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. (Sunnah)

BAHA’I FATH
He should not wish for others that which he does not wish for himself (Bahaullah)

SIKHISM
As thou deemest thyself so deem others (Adi Granth)

BUDDHISM
Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful

HINDUISM
This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others what you would not have them do unto you
(Mahabharata 5,1517)

WAYS IN WHICH THE GOLDEN RULE CAN BE USED WHEN DEALING WITH ISSUES
OF RELATIONSHIPS

In relationships there are always issue that will happen between individuals or among groups of
people and the golden rule can be applied to help in keeping relationships peaceful and
harmonies with no breakups and conflicts in relationships.

ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT WHEN DEALING WITH RELATIONSHIPS INCLUDE

AMONGST OTHERS

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1. Communication
2. Attitude and behaviour
3. Respect
4. Cooperation
5. Discrimination
The table below shows how the golden rule can be used in relationships

communication 1. Always say what you want to say politely. Do not be rude to other people as
you do not want people to be rude to you.
2. Pay attention and listen when others are talking if you expect people to
listen and pay attention when you talk.
Attitude and 1. if an individual want people to be friendly and accommodating to him/her
behaviour he/she should show friendliness towards people
2. Always interact with others with the good attitude and behaviour and you
likely to get the same good attitude and behaviour
Respect Always respect others and they are more likely to show respect in return.

Cooperation 1. Work well with other people and give a helping hand when needed.
Participate in activities in the family or community.
Discrimination 1. Treat all people as equals without discriminating them even if they maybe
different from others either by age, colour, race, gender, party affiliation,
nationality, sexuality etc.

WAYS IN WHICH THE GOLDEN RULE CAU BE PUT INTO PRACTICE WHEN DEALING
WITH ISSUES OF HIV AND AIDS

ISSUES THAT ARE OF IMPORTANCE WHEN DEALING WITH ISSUES OF HIV/AIDS

1. Discrimination
2. Stigma
3. Confidentiality
4. Sexually active people who are HIV positive

Below are ways in which the golden rule can be applied when dealing with HIV/AIDS issues.

Discrimination
1. People who are infected with the disease should not be discriminated against because of their
positive HIV/AIDS status such as being fired from work, refused employment etc.

Stigma
1. being friendly to people who are HIV/AIDS positive
2. Acquire knowledge on how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, and how to protect one from getting
infected.
3. Treating HIV/AIDS people with kindness, compassion and love including the affected family.

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Confidentiality
1. People infected with HIV/AIDS have the right to keep their HIV/AIDS status confidential and
no individual should reveal their status without their consent.

Sexually active people who are HIV/AIDS

1. Should always condomise when they engage in sex to protect themselves and their partners.

HOW THE GOLDEN RULE CAN BE APPLIED WHEN DEALING WITH CRIME ISSUES

ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT WHEN DEALING WITH CRIME

1. Punishment for criminals
2. Treatment of people accused of crime
3. Victims of crime
4. Respect for other people

Punishment for criminals

1. People found guilty of crimes should be punished fairly and justly and the punishment given
should fit the crime committed.

Treatment of people accused of crime

1. People accused of crimes should be treated as innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Innocent people should not be punished for crimes they did not commit.

Victims of crime
1. People who are victims of crimes should be helped when they are attacked, and the matter is to
be reported to the police.

Respect for other people

1. If we value our lives and property, we ought to value other people’s lives and possessions.

TOPIC 3

PERSONAL VIRTUES

A virtue is a habit, attitude, quality, trait that is good, admirable, and morally right about the
character and behavior of individuals or group of people.

Personal virtues are the good, admirable, and morally acceptable aspects of an individual’s
character and behavior.

EXAMPLES OF VIRTUES
Compassion, courage, diligence, fairness, honesty, hope, respect, wisdom, humility, integrity,
kindness, justice, patience, perseverance, purity,

RESPECT
Respect is a feeling, an attitude of honouring and valuing someone or something.
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DIFFERENT WAYS OF SHOWING RESPECT WHEN DEALING WITH OTHERS
We can show respect when dealing with others in many different ways. Below are some of the
ways

Ways of showing respect Examples of respectful actions

Being polite and treating Paying attention and listening when someone is taking to us.
others with courtesy and Acknowledging the arrival or presence of someone in a room or place by
dignity. greeting them or attending to them.
not speaking to people rudely.
Obeying rules or laws of Listening to parents and elders and following instructions at home, school
our family, school, and community.
religion, community and Taking proper care of furniture, books and other materials at school.
country. respecting life by not taking another human beings ‘life
Being considerate Taking your place in a queue no matter how long it is.
towards other people Not calling others names they are not comfortable with.
Not disturbing others when they are doing something.
Speaking kindly to other people.
Avoiding ridiculing and Not insulting others even when you are angry with them.
hurting other people’s Not gossiping and spreading false stories about others.
feelings deliberately. Not embarrassing others by shouting or calling them names.
Being tolerant of other Being understanding and respectful of other people’s beliefs and ideas.
people’s beliefs, ideas, Accepting other people believe as they are without trying to convince others
and customs that are that they are wrong and making mistakes in what they belief in or the ideas
different from our own. they have.
Making friends with people who are different from you. For example, people
who have different ideas from you and who belong to a different religion so
that you learn from them.
Caring for our Keeping the environment clean, for example, not throwing litter everywhere,
environment and picking up litter and putting it in dustbins.
everything in it, such as Using natural resources wisely .For example, saving water by taking shorter
animals and plants showers and fixing or reporting leaking pipes.
Not polluting the environment, For example, not burning rubbish where
people live.

COMPASSION

Compassion is the feeling of sympathy for the suffering or pain of others, the desire to help, and
the action we take to help them and to show we care.

WAYS OF SHOWING COMPASSION WHEN DEALIG WITH

Below are some ways of showing compassion when dealing with others.

Ways of showing compassion Examples of compassionate actions

Being kind Donating money to organizations that help the poor and
vulnerable members of our communities and societies.
Giving food, clothes and shelter to the societies.

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Using your time to help those in need
Showing sympathy
Spending your time visiting the sick .
Helping an old or sick person who lives on their own
with household chores such as sweeping the yard and
preparing meals.
Giving condolences to someone who is bereaved.
Acknowledging the feelings of someone who is hurt or in
need by expressing our sympathy verbally or in writing.
Kind words can help a person know you care.

HOPE

Hope is the feeling or wish that events will turn out for the best that our expectations will be
fulfilled, and that something desirable or good is possible.

People hope for different things, for example, happiness, success and good health.

1. Some people may hope to be happily married

2. Parents may hope that their children will grow up to be responsible adults and have a good
life.
3. Young people may hope that when they finish schooling, they will get good jobs and be
successful.
4. We may hope that someone who is sick will get better and be healthy again.

HONESTY AND RIGHT SPEECH

Honesty is the act of telling the truth and being sincere, trustworthy, honourable, fair and
genuine. Right speech is speaking acceptable and pleasant words, it is speaking in a way that
promotes harmony between people by being sincere and choosing words carefully. A person who
uses right speech does not lie, gossip, use idle talk or harsh words when speaking.

The importance of honesty when dealing with others

It is important to be honest when dealing with others for the following reasons.

1. Honesty creates trust in the minds of other people. This helps people relate well and brings
about peace and harmony in society. Nobody wants to be lied to or to be deliberately misled. If
you are known as a liar and a cheat, other people will never trust what you say or do.
2. We cannot begin to solve problems that may arise when we deal with other people, unless we
are honest about what the problems are and their causes.
3. Honesty is an important part of behaving in an ethical way.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT SPEECH WHEN DEALING WITH OTHERS

It is important to know that sometimes being honest is not easy. We need courage to tell the truth
because honesty can have negative consequences. If we tell the truth, some people may become
angry with us. Telling the truth may also hurt the feelings of others and put them in trouble.

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However, this does not mean we should not be honest. One way of overcoming the challenges of
being honest, is to use the right speech when talking to people.

Using the right speech involves;

1. Using the right words at the right time,

2. Talking to people politely.
3. being non-judgmental

It is important to use the right speech when dealing with others because it;

1. Shows we have no desire to hurt others by what we are saying.

2. Is a sign that we are being sincere?
3. Shows respect for other people.
4. Builds good relations with other people.

PATIENCE
Patience is the ability or willingness to tolerate delay, provocation, and to deal with difficulties
or problems, calmly, without complaining or becoming annoyed and angry.

DILLGENCE
Diligence refers to a constant and hardworking effort in doing a task until it is complete.

Diligent people:
1. Paying attention to details in what they do.
2. Do things with excellence
3. Do things in time

PERSEVERERANCE

Perseverance means to remain steady and to continue doing a task, or believing in someone or
something, in spite of difficulties and disappointments one may experience.

People who have the virtue of perseverance;

1. Set goals for themselves and stick to them until they achieve them.
2. Never give up, no matter how long it takes and regardless of any problems, setbacks,
distractions and disappointments one may encounter, until the task is done or they have achieved
their goals.
1. Do not let anything or anyone stop them or distract them from what they want to achieve.
2. Do not count how many times they do something. They will try and try again until they
achieve their goal.
3. When they encounter problems, they do not give up but look for solutions to the problems.

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PURITY

Purity is a state of being free from harmful, evil and immoral thoughts and actions.

SEXUAL PURITY IN RELIGIONS

Different religions teach followers about the importance of purity, especially sexual purity and
how, it can be attained. Sexual purity means abstaining from all sexual activities, practices,
thoughts and desires considered immoral, improper or unlawful. Sexual purity is known as
chastity.

CHRISTIANITY;

Christians are taught that their bodies are dwelling places for the Holy Spirit that they should
keep them pure at all times. Christians are also encouraged to be sexually pure. They should
avoid evil desires and be righteous and faithful in words and actions (2 Timothy 2:22).

FOR CHRISTIANS, SEXUAL PURITY OR CHASTITY INVOLVES;

1. Not having sexual relationship or engaging in sexual intercourse or any other kinds of sexual
activities and practices before marriage. They should remain virgins. Abstaining from sex before
marriage is an important part of leading a Christian life. (1 Corinthians 7;8-8)
2. Married people only having sexual relations with their husband or wife. Being faithful to each
other and showing love and respect for each other by not committing adultery or even desiring to
have sex with someone else’s.
3. Keeping one’s thoughts pure and avoiding lustful thoughts and speaking words that can arouse
sexual emotions.
4. Staying away from pornography. They should not watch, read or listen to anything that can
arouse their sexual feelings.
5. Dressing modestly and avoiding dress that can sexually arouse other people’s feelings.
6. Not kissing passionately if they are not married. Nor should they touch each other’s private
parts with or without clothes as this can raise sexual feelings.
Sexual purity, before and after marriage, is believed to be God’s plan. It is not seen as a way of
discouraging Christians from experiencing sexual pleasure but encouraging them to experience it
in the right way, which is within a monogamous faithful marriage.

BUDDHISM
Buddhism value sexually purity. This is why those who choose to be monks and nuns take a vow
of celibacy, which means they do not marry and they abstain from sex for the rest of their lives.
Monks and nuns do this in order to lead sexually pure lives.

All Buddhists are expected to abstain from sexual misconduct.

1. Avoiding pre-marital sex.
2. Respecting and honouring one’s body. Married people should not commit adultery and
unmarried people should not have premarital sex (fornication).

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3. Not entertaining thoughts that can arouse sexual feelings because one may end up being
tempted to indulge in sexual activities and relations.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA

In African traditional religion in Botswana, sexual purity is very important. Sexual relationship is
regarded as sacred and should take place between a husband and wife. Sexual activities should
be done in private. Unmarried Women are expected to remain virgins until after marriage.

ISLAM
According to Islam, sex is sacred because it is a gift from Allah and it should only be used in the
manner that Allah commands. The gift of sex is only to those who are legally married.

For Muslims, sexual purity or chastity involves;

1. Avoiding sex before marriage. Those who are not married should refrain from touching,
fondling and hugging other people. Muslims are encouraged to keep their chastity until marriage.
Those who indulge in sex before marriage are punished.
1. A married man only having sex with his wife or wives. Remember in Islam a man is permitted
to marry up to four wives if he can take care of them and treat them equally.
2. A married woman only having sex with her husband.
3. Married people only having sex in private.
Muhammad understood that sometimes people could be tempted to indulge in sex before
marriage. He therefore recommended that people should fast as a way of fighting against sexual
desires and the temptation to engage in premarital sex or adultery.

WHAT IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

Substance abuse is the repeated overuse/ excessive or misuse of any chemical habit forming
drug.

What is a Drug?
A drug is any chemical or substance that alters how the body functions when taken into the body.

Drugs are classified into two groups which are legal and illicit (illegal).

Examples of drugs include alcohol, tobacco, glue, medicines, mandrax, heroin, cocaine,
marijuana or dagga. Some of the substances are legal while others are illegal. Substances that are
legal include tobacco, alcohol, ARV’s, Grandpa etc. Those which are illegal (illicit) are mandrax,
heroin, cocaine, marijuana or dagga.

Ways in which Drugs are taken into the body

1. Inhale
2. Injection
3. Chew
4. Drink
5. Smoke
6. Swallowing

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GUIDELINES ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN DIFFERENT RELIGIONS
Almost all religions are against substance abuse .Below are some guidelines on substance abuse
in Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and ATR in Botswana.

Christianity

Although there are many instances in the Bible where alcohol, usually in the form of wine is
used, Christian churches have different views on the use of alcohol. Some Christian churches are
not against the use of alcohol, as long as it is used in moderation. Others are against the use of
alcohol. Some of the churches that are against drinking alcohol encourage their followers not to
drink alcohol. Others prohibit the drinking of any form of alcohol at all.

Although Christian churches have different views on the use of alcohol, they all accept that the
Bible condemns the drinking of alcohol which results in drunkenness and improper conduct.
Below is what the Bible says about drunkenness;

Romans 13;13 ‘let us conduct ourselves properly ,as people who live in the light of day-no orgies
or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy.

Ephesians 5;18 ‘Do not get drunk with wine ,which will only ruin you instead, be filled with the
spirit.

Proverbs 20;1 ‘Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish, it is stupid to get drunk.

Proverbs 23;20’ Don’t associate yourself with people who drink too much
wine……..Drunkards…..will be reduced to poverty’.

All Christians accept that drug abuse is wrong and sinful. It makes people unable to think clearly,
weakens their self-control and leads them to commit other immortal acts such as stealing and
lying .In most countries, including Botswana, one would be breaking the law by using substances
such as mandrax, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

Romans 13:1-2 ‘Everyone must obey the state authorities, because no authority exists without
God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God .Whoever opposes the
existing authority opposes what God has ordered……’

ISLAM

Islam forbids Muslims from taking intoxications in any form and in any amount, because it turns
believers away from Allah. Intoxicants harm a person’s ability to think clearly and behave
correctly. They believe the soul and the body belongs to Allah and should not be harmed by any
intoxicants.

In the Quran the surah Baqarah state:

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‘They ask you regarding wine and gambling. Say in both of them is major sin and there is some
benefit for men, but the sin of them is far greater than benefit.

Sharia law provides the following guidelines about alcohol .Muslims must not;

1. Sell alcohol
2. Work in a place where alcohol is sold.
3. Go near or sit in a place where alcohol is sold.
4. Sell grapes to a winery
5. Utter the name of Allah where there is alcohol.
6. Receive or give alcohol to any person even a non-Muslim.

BUDDHISM

Buddhists believe that substance abuse leads to suffering. Buddhism has five basic precepts
which act as guidelines for correct and moral behaviour. The fifth precept states that a Buddhist
should not take any intoxicants such as alcohol and illegal drugs, even in moderation.

The individual who takes alcohol cannot control his or her mind.

1. Buddhists should always account for their actions. This is from one of the Noble Eightfold
Path.
2. Alcohol and illegal substances make people’s minds not to be clear and to lose control.
Buddhists should always have clear minds so that they can think clearly.

AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN BOTSWANA

In ATR in Botswana, the use of substances such as tobacco and alcohol is allowed. Tobacco is
smoked, chewed or inhaled. However, tobacco should be used in moderation. Tobacco is also
offered to the ancestors. Traditional beer is drunk during leisure time by adults. Just like tobacco.
It should only be drunk in moderation.

Excessive drinking leading to drunkenness is not approved. Traditional beer also plays an
important part during ceremonies and festivals such as the rain making ceremony and festival of
Dikgafela. It is also used to thank or appease the ancestors when people pray.

The religion does not allow the abuse of substance such as marijuana. Substance abuse is
considered wrong and morally unacceptable because of the harm it causes to a person’s health
and relationships with others. Followers are encouraged to behave in ways that are morally
acceptable in the community.

TOPIC 4

PUBLIC VIRTUES

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Public virtues are attitudes, actions and character traits of individuals that promote social
harmony and wellbeing of the whole society. Individuals who voluntarily sacrifice their personal
interests and desire for the benefit of the whole society are said to have public virtue.

What is Charity?

Charity refers to the act of showing compassion, love, kindness, empathy shown through giving
to those who are in need

Vulnerable people in society refers to individuals or groups of people who can be easily hurt,
injured or harmed by others because they are not able to protect and care for themselves.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTES TO PEOPLE BECOMING VULNERABLE

1. Age
2. Gender inequalities
3. Poverty
4. Illness

Examples of vulnerable people in the society

1. Children
2. Women
3. Orphans
4. Destitute
5. Abandoned children
6. People with disabilities
7. Old people
8. People living with HIV/AIDS

WHY THE ABOVE ARE CLASSIFIED AS VULNERABLE PEOPLE

1. Children are vulnerable because they cannot fend for themselves. They depend on their
parents or guardians for protection and provision of basic needs. Some adults end up abusing
them emotionally, physically, sexually etc.
2. Women
In most societies women are vulnerable to abuse and discrimination due to their gender. Most
victims of sexual and domestic violence are women. In most societies women are to submit to
their husbands as the men are head of families and this put women at high risk of being abused.
3. Orphans
Orphans are children whose parents are deceased. These children are sometimes left under the
care of family relatives/guardians or orphanage centers to be cared for and protected. The reality
is that the children are sometimes abused in those very places
4. Destitute People is an individual who is very poor and is not able to work and provide for
his/her basic needs, and they are easily cheated, abused or hurt
5. Abandoned Children

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