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CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS ISSUES

An African community consisted of the living, dead and the unborn.
Each community had common characteristics such as common ancestors, unique language, a particular geographical area, a culture and distinct social, economic and political structure.
Today, the understanding of community has changed due to such factors as; education, urbanization, migration, natural consciousness and religion.
Urbanization has brought together people of different background.
Formal education has promoted new loyalties based on new social status and academic and professional qualifications.
New political systems and forms of Government have changed the traditional African community.

Old age and the aged

In A.T.C, old people were well taken care of and highly respected.
They did light duties e.g. looking after young children while others worked.
They were members of the council of elders who settled disputes and were consulted for advice.
The elders were custodians of community values, customs and religious beliefs.
Today due to urbanization, many elderly people are left alone in the rural areas with no- one to take care of them.
Sometimes they end up in homes for the aged or begging on the streets.
- Old people are important because they have wealth of knowledge to share. We should take care of them.

CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS ISSUES

Land

Was special and highly valued.
It was a source of food for the people and their animals and herbs for medicine.
Land was believed to be God given.
Land was communal.
There were land allocations to each family for farming. The men were the guardians of the land.
Land was not sold and there were no landless people.
Today land is only communally owned in nomadic communities since most of it is individually owned.
An individual can buy land and settle anywhere and is not bound to the ancestral land.
Land ownership is evidenced by a little deed or land allotment letter issued by the Government.
Today, some land is set apart by the government for public use like establishment of game parks, roads, schools, cattle dips and market places.

Property

Is anything owned or possessed by a person.
In A.T.S., property could be individual or communal.
Women and children contributed to the accumulations of wealth by working on farms and grazing cattle.
Women and children were not allowed to own property.
Today, property can be owned by a man/ woman/ child.
There are various ways of acquiring wealth other than agriculture and keeping animals.
African economies have been influenced greatly by the western money-based economies where money is seen to satisfy or fulfill all needs.

Widows and orphans

A widow is a woman whose husband is dead.
An orphan is a child whose both parents are dead.
In A.T.S., a widow was inherited either by her husband’s brother or cousin to ensure that the late brother’s family would not suffer.
A woman not only belonged to her husband but also to his kin.
Any of his brothers takes over the household in his absence.
The children born after his death were still referred to as his children.
A man who inherits the wife takes over all the duties of the dead man e.g. protecting and providing for the family.
Today the spread of HIV/AIDS has raised a lot of debate over the practice of widow inheritance.
Due to individualism and lose family ties, it has become hard to care for members of the extended family.
A child who lost one or both of parents in T.A.C. was easily adopted into the family.
Orphans didn’t find it hard surviving because of the strong kinship system.
-Widowhood or being orphaned is very painful experiences for the people today.
Many widows have found themselves and their children going without food especially if the husband was the only provider.
Some children have dropped out of school to take care of their siblings.
Many orphans have ended up in the streets for lack of a caretaker.
A number of organizations have started to build children homes or orphanages to cater for the orphans especially with HIV/AIDS.

Dress

In TAC clothes were made from animal skin, bark, feathers, reeds/and sisal.
Every community had a way of dressing, depending on the climate in their region and their way of life.
Age, gender, status would always determine the type of clothing one wore.
Ornaments i.e. bangles, necklaces, anklets and ear plugs/ rings were part of the traditional dress.
The Maasai, Turkana and Giriama have to raid for livestock to maintain their traditional dress.
Today dress undergoes a lot of change because fashion changes with peoples tastes.
Today we have a national costume whose design is base on traditional costumes.

Dowry or bride price

This is a gift of property that a groom gives to the bride’s family.
Bride price was given in terms of cattle, goats, sheep, and honey and food stuff.
Today, the concept of bride price has been commercialized.
Sometimes conflicts arise between parents and those intending to marry.
Dowry should be used appropriately to cement relationship.

Medicine

Medicine was provided by medicine people who diagnosed and treated sicknesses.
Their medicine was in the form of herbs, minerals, powder and seeds and also spiritual.
Today, people take the sick to hospitals for proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified medical doctors.
Christians also offer prayers for the quick recovery of the sick.

Leisure

This is free time for one to enjoy/ spend.
In T.A.C. leisure was integrated in the daily life of the community.
People would work and have leisure at the same time e.g. singing while digging.
They had leisure in form of festivals and rites which involved singing, eating, drinking and dancing.
Some leisure activities were free of charge and mostly communal.
Some leisure activities were specific to certain gender age group.
Today leisure is separated from work.
People engage in various activities e.g. listening to the radio, watching television, reading magazines or visiting friends.
Some leisure acts today are very expensive.
Some people misuse their leisure time abusing drugs or engaging in sexual immorality.
Some people help the needy visit the sick, do voluntary community and church work during their leisure time.

identify-five-occasions-when-oaths-were-administered-in-traditional-african-communities.html

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Factors that have negatively influenced the role of the religious specialist

17/10/2016

Factors that have negatively influenced the role of the religious specialist

The influence of Christianity; it associates the practices of these leaders with magic and witchcraft. Christian leaders are also given prominence over the traditional leaders.
The new government structures and political systems have taken over the roles of traditional leaders.
Formal education is used as a tool in choosing leaders as opposed to age, wisdom and experience used in traditional African communities.
Through migration, people from different cultures mix up and may not recognize local leaders.
Science and technology provides solutions to problems related to weather conditions and medical treatments. This disregards the work of rainmakers and herbalists.
Increased poverty makes some people engage in work of specialists without the necessary skills in their effort to earn a living.

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Factors that have undermined the status of elders in African Communities today

17/10/2016

Factors that have undermined the status of elders in African Communities today

New government structures where administrative officials have taken over the roles of elders in law maintenance.
Most of the judicial duties have been taken over by the law courts.
Education has brought new values/ ideas and the authority of the elders is no longer regarded with high esteem or is even questioned.
People have migrated to new areas where they do not respect local leaders.
The influence from other religions ( Christianity and Islam) with their leadership structures; with their adherents respecting their religious leaders more than the community leaders.
Urbanization has undermined the role of of the elders as it becomes difficult for elders to operate as the people come from different backgrounds.
Stern norms/ values which promote individualism.
Schooling where children spend most of their time with teachers depriving them the time to be with elders
Permissiveness in the society has eroded the respect of elders.
Economic factors where the worth of a person is judged by the wealth/ property one possesses.
Political power/ decision making has shifted from the elders to politicians/ political leaders to whom people look upon for leadership.

factors-that-have-undermined-the-status-of-elders-in-african-communities-today.html

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DEATH and its causes in african traditional societies

16/10/2016

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the role of religious specialists in African communities and their relevance today

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DEATH in many african communities

traditional African communities believed that death is the last rite of passage.

causes of death in traditional african communities

in many African communities, it is said to be caused by:

Witchcraft
Sorcery

Curses
Evil magic
Diseases
Evil spirits
Old age
Breaking of taboos/binding oaths

DEATH RITES IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY (A.T.S)

Death is feared and resented.
The dead continue to be part of the family and they are remembered through naming of children after them.
The importance of the funeral rite is determined by the status, sex and the age of the person being buried e.g.
- Young children and unmarried people are simple and attended by few people
- For leaders, the rich and heroes in the community it will be elaborate and attended by many people.

Normal duties are disrupted on the burial day so as to allow many people to attend such funerals.

DEATH RITES IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY (A.T.S)

In some communities, the corpse is washed using water and herbal medicine in order to preserve and send it clean to the spirit world.
In some communities, the dead are buried with their belonging e.g. food, animals, bows, arrows. They believe that the dead will need those things in the spirit world.
Pregnant women and children are not allowed to touch or come in close contact with the corpse so that misfortunes do not befall them.
The dead are buried in a carefully selected place in the ancestral land so that the spirits continue to be close to the family.
The body is carefully placed in the grave facing an appropriate direction according to the customs of the people.
In some communities the bodies are properly dressed before disposal while others e.g. among the Abagusii the dead are buried naked in the belief that they will be reborn in the spirit world.
The grave is respected by being protected and made a family shrine particularly in cases where the dead were the head of the family. People avoid walking over the grave.
Before and during burial, the members of the family and all relatives enter a period of mourning. Normal activities are temporarily halted in some communities this period is marked by people smearing their bodies with white clay; others stop washing their bodies, stop eating or refrain from sexual intercourse.
During this period there is singing and dancing of mourning songs as a way of expressing sorrow and sending off the departed to the next world.
In some communities there is feasting and beer drinking.
After burial, close relatives shave their hair as a sign that one of their members has been separated from them and for cleansing impurities. The new hair grown shows that life continues after death.
Sacrifices are offered to introduce the deceased to the spirit world.
Most communities pour libation to their dead ancestors.
In some communities a symbolic fire is lit near the grave and the graveyard is guarded by the mourners.
A widow’s inheritance is divided by the husband’s kinsman.

ROLE OF DEATH IN CREATING MORAL VALUES

Creates co-operation since the whole community is involved.
All mourners are given food supplied by the family of the deceased or outsiders also help in providing and promoting hospitality and sharing.
Africans are careful to follow all the funeral rites so as to promote obedience.
In some communities, the affected are not supposed to indulge in sexual intercourse encouraging chastity and self control.
Members of the deceased mourn and have to come to terms with their grief promoting perseverance.
By following all the wishes of the dead person, death encourages respect.
The dead body is carefully disposed of to avoid any haunting and the grave is respected promoting respect.
When the society takes care of the widows and orphans, they show love.
Children, pregnant women and witches are not allowed near the corpse and this shows responsibility.

Reasons why death is feared in Traditional African Communities

It disrupts the rhythm of humanactivity / life.
It is irrevocable/ inescabable.
It brings impurity to the family.
It deprives the community of members.
It involves too many rituals.
It comes unannounced.
Seperates one from the loved ones/ end of life on earth.
Nobody knows about the after liofe.
It may cause misunderstanding in the community.
Death rites reveal people’s characteristics.
It may bring poverty to the family.

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Give reasons why Traditional African Communities feared death (kcse 2016 cre paper 1 q.6c)

Expected responses;

It disrupts the rhythm of human life/ activity
It is irrevocable/inescapable
It brings impurity to the family
It deprives the community of the individuals
It involves too many rituals
It comes unannounced
It separates one from the loved ones! marks the end of life on earth
Nobody knows about the knife after death
It may cause misunderstanding in the community
Death rites reveal people’s characteristics
It brings poverty to the family involved

Practices in T.A.C that show their belief in life after death

Naming children after the dead.
Invoking the names of the dead during problems./ inviting them to important occasions.
Burying the dead with some property.
Offering sacrifices to the dead.
Pouring libation to the living-dead.
Taking care of their graveyards.
Fulfilling the wishes / will of the dead/ carrying out the demands of the dead.
Talking of the dead as having gone for a walk.
Washing the dead body/ oiling/ giving a descent burial to the dead.
Holding commemoration ceremonies.
Burying the dead in a particular position/ direction/ in ancestral land.

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Ways in which initiation rites have changed today

16/10/2016

Ways in which initiation rites have changed today

Some initiation rites have been abandoned, e.g. removal of teeth and
The rites are less elaborate.
Some communities have adopted initiation rites from others.
The times for intiation have been shipted due to formal education.
Many prefer to go for circumcision in hospitals.
The age of initiation has shifted from adolescent to young children.
It is carried out at family level and not communal level in most cases.
Female genital mutilation (F.G.M) has been outlawed.

initiation.html

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ROLE OF INITIATION IN INCULCATING MORAL VALUES

16/10/2016

ROLE OF INITIATION IN INCULCATING MORAL VALUES

(i) Respect.

The initiates gain respect and they are also expected to show respect to the community members.

(ii) Loyalty.

Developed through the initiates keeping the community secrets.
Through the initiates becoming clan warriors.

(iii) Endurance and courage.

Developed during pain bearing, tolerance and perseverance.

(iv) Sharing.

Through sharing ideas, food and resources during seclusion.

(v) Chastity.

Through the sex education they get.
Female cut to reduce sexual desire in women.

(vi) Self control.

Through being taught against unhealthy sexual relations.
Through pain bearing, endurance, tolerance and perseverance.

(vii) Solidarity/unity.

The community come together to sing and dance.
They come together to prepare the celebration.
They come together to welcome back the initiates to the community.

CRE NOTES AND SYLLABUS

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RITUALS AND SIGNIFICANCE DURING INITIATION IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN COMMUNITIES

8/10/2016

INITIATION

It mainly marks the transition from childhood – adulthood.
It prepares someone to face adulthood and gain skills.
The different forms of initiation are:
- Circumcision.
- Removal of teeth.
- Tattooing.
- Piercing the chin and ears.
- Clitoridectomy.

COMMON RITUALS PERFORMED DURING INITIATION

Offering sacrifices to ancestors to appease them and bless the initiates.
Blood was left to drain on the ground as a connection between the initiates and ancestors.

Seclusion is done during initiation for several reasons that include;

To receive education on;
Human sexuality.
The community’s secrets.
Skills and knowledge.
For healing.
To give time for bonding together.
To be well fed.
Give time to allow preparation for celebrations to welcome them back to the society.

Singing and dancing is done during initiation for the following purposes:

Celebrate the occasion.
Encourage them.
As an act of worship.
Express solidarity.
Praise the heroes.
Mock the cowards.

Gifts and presents were given as a sign of appreciation and congratulation.
Washing and shaving was done so as to:

Shed off the former status.
Cleanse the initiates.

Giving names and wearing new clothes.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INITIATION RITES

To make them full members of a community.
Introduce individuals to the community secrets and traditions.
For them to acquire new life status i.e. adults.
To give them an opportunity to access high responsibilities in life e.g.
Become clan warriors.
Be allowed to marry.
Allowed to own property.
Assume some leadership posts.
Train the initiates to acquire important virtues of courage and endurance.
To be linked with the ancestors through shedding of blood.
For the unity of community members.
Prayers and sacrifices offered are acts of worship.
It is a gate-way to marriage.
Creates a bond of unity and friendship between age mates which is lifelong.

The three stages they undergo are:

Separation
Seclusion
Incorporation

role-of-initiation-in-inculcating-moral-values.html

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Methods used to solve the problem of childlessness in T.A.C [Traditional African Communities]

8/10/2016

METHODS USED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF CHILDLESSNESS IN T.A.C [TRADITIONAL AFRICAN COMMUNITIES]

Offering sacrifices to ancestors to appease them.
Seeking the services of a diviner to find out the causes and offer solutions.
Marrying another wife.
Praying for God to reverse the situation.
Allowing the woman to get children with a relative of the husband if the problem is with him.
The couple may adopt children.
Children may be given as a gift to a childless couple by relatives.

Role of birth in naming and inculcating moral values (virtues)

Respect: The mother is respected. The traditions are respected through performing rituals.
Love: Through the acceptance of the baby. The parents respect each other.
Care and mutual responsibility: The mother and the baby are cared for. The parents have a responsibility to taking care of the newborn.
Obedience: To the community’s traditions.
Harmony: Is restored between community members i.e. joining the living and the non-living through naming.
Unity: The people come together to celebrate the birth of a new child.
Patriotism: The people name their children after community heroes.

circumstances-that-may-lead-to-separation-and-divorce-in-tac-traditional-african-communities.html

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NAMING in T.A.S [Traditional African Society]

7/10/2016

NAMING IN T.A.S [TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY]

The significance of naming includes:

Gives the new born baby an identity.
Indicates that the child is an accepted society member.
Through naming, they show gratitude to God.
Reflects part of the personality of the child.
Naming children after the departed relatives appeases the spirits.
The name can reflect a remembrance of a certain event that was memorable at the time of birth.
Naming customs differ from one community to another. Some names are chosen before birth others are given immediately they are born, others are named after a few days.
Sometimes children are given more names as they grow.

How names are given to children in T.A.S [Traditional African Society]

explain-the-significance-of-rituals-conducted-during-the-naming-ceremonies-in-traditional-african-communities.html

Children are named after relatives, e.g.
- Grandparents
- Uncles
- Aunties
According to the time of day, season, and place.
Named after great leaders and heroes.
After important historical events.
Animal names.
Names that reveal physical features.
Religious names i.e. names of God.
Reflect the difficult time the mother experienced in labor.
Names that reveal internal qualities of a child.
Gender of the child.
Parent’s choice.
Twins had special names.
1st born child of the family could have a special.

CHANGING ATTITUDE TO BIRTH AND NAMING

state-seven-similarities-in-the-annunciation-of-the-birth-of-john-the-baptist-and-jesus-christ-7-marks.html

It is no longer a communal affair.
The sex of the child is no-longer announced by ululations.
The role of a midwife is no-longer important.
The pregnant mother is no-longer secluded.
Some rituals are no-longer performed e.g. purifying rituals.
Shaving rituals are no longer practiced.
Wearing protective charms is no longer a common practice.
Some naming patters/models are no longer adhered to.
The attitude towards the sex of the child is no longer the same/discriminative.

the-african-understanding-of-the-hierarchy-of-beings.html

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BIRTH

7/10/2016

Introduction

It is the 1st stage of life; the whole community is involved including the ancestors.
Having children is considered so important that a barren woman is despised and made an outcast.
From the time of pregnancy, there is rejoicing in the community. The expectant mother is accorded a lot of respect and is given special treatment including;
1. Eating special food and avoiding some i.e. eggs and fatty meat which may make the baby too big hence creating complications during delivery.
2. Refraining from heavy tasks e.g. splitting firewood, carrying heavy loads.
3. Refraining from sexual intercourse because pregnancy is believed to make the woman ritually unclean.
4. Avoiding handling iron tools in the house for fear that such tools may cause injury.
5. Not speaking to her husband directly but can only do so through an intermediary.
6. Returning to her home to give birth there and coming back after weaning her baby.
7. The mother carries protective charms to protect her from people with evil eyes and bad omen such as sorcerers.
8. The midwives assist the woman in delivery and the sex of the baby is announced i.e. 4 ululations for a boy and 3 for a girl.

Rituals observed after childbirth

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RITES OF PASSAGE

6/10/2016

knec kcse past papers, marking schemes and reports

RITES OF PASSAGE

Are important events in a person’s life beginning from conception until after death. They are marked by celebrations.

Most of the ceremonies are religious and have the following common characteristics;

All of them involved separation/ seclusion. In death one is forever separated from the community.
Transitions. An individual undergoes some physical, social and emotional changes.
Incorporation. One is brought back to the community after seclusion and is given full rights in his/her new status. An individual becomes an active participant in the community. In death he/she is incorporated in the spirit world.

Rites of passage are:

Birth and naming
Initiation
Marriage
Death

CRE NOTES AND SYLLABUS

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THE MEANING OF LIFE AND ITS WHOLENESS IN THE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY

4/10/2016

3 Comments

(i) The meaning of life and its wholeness in the traditional African society

In TAS, God is the source of life.
Life is a rhythm which recycles itself.
There are several dimensions of life i.e.

Physical dimensions.
Social dimension.
Spiritual dimension.
Environmental dimension.

Physical dimension of life refers to the material state of human beings.
Social dimensions comprises of relation of living with others in a community.
Spiritual dimensions link human beings with spiritual power e.g. God, spirits andAncestors.
Environmental dimension of life is the relation between the physical environment and humans.
Life is enhanced through observance of rituals, taboos and regulations.
Life is promoted through transitional stages e.g. birth, initiation, marriage and death.
It is perpetuated through marriage for the continuation of the community.
Death transforms an individual from physical life to the spiritual one.

THE MEANING OF LIFE AND ITS WHOLENESS IN THE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY

(ii). The African concept of community and kinship system

(a) Meaning of a community

A community is a group of people occupying one geographical location and guided by common values.
An African community consists of the living, living-dead and the yet to be born.
Each community is governed by specific rules, regulations and traditions.
Survival of the community depends on God and other spiritual powers.
A community believes that it is God who created the first human being.
God gave them a place to settle in and responsibilities to fulfill.
Leadership is provided by heads of families, elders and religious specialists.
Social structure of the community comprises family units which form a clan, and several clans make a community.
Members are expected to show concern for one another and foster the common good.
The community promotes a sense of belonging and identity for its members thus making individuals feel secure.

(b) African concept of Kinship

Kinship refers to relationship between people through blood, marriage or adoption.
Kinship ties are strong bonds that exist among community members.
Those related by blood have common ancestors. They feel a strong bond towards each other because they are tied by kinship relationships to one another.

Importance of kinship ties to TAS

They determine how members relate to one another.
They bond together the entire life of a community i.e. the living, the living dead, the unborn.
They assist the people to live together in peace and harmony.
They provide a sense of security to all members at all times.
They regulate marital customs, rules and regulations.
They give an individual a deep sense of belonging identity.
They enable people to face hardship together.
They safeguard the communities’ traditions and customs.
They enhance unity among community members.
They determine punishment for the offenders.

KCSE Topical Question

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QUESTIONS

KCSE Past Papers

KCPE past Papers

KCPE PAST PAPERS AND ANSWERS

Questions to expect in examinations

State four similarities between prophets in the old testament and traditional African communities
1. Both foretold the future
2. Both received revelations
3. Both mediated between God and people
4. Both spoke with authority
5. In both their prophecies were fulfilled
6. Both played religious and political roles
7. In both they were expected to be of high moral standing
8. In both they were consulted on various issues in the society
State similarities between the Biblical and Traditional African stories of creation.
1. In both, God is the sole creator/master of the universe.
2. In both human beings were provided with the necessities of life for survival/God is the provider .
3. In both human beings were created to live forever in harmony with God/were to be very close to God.
4. In both human beings were given laws of nature/regulations/restrictions to live by.
5. In both human beings play a central role in the created world/are the highest of God’s creation.
6. In both man was given a wife to keep him/ company/be a helper.
How does kinship system promotes harmony and mutual responsibility in Traditional African Communities?
1. It defines how members relate to one another/controls behavior
2. It provides security to members in times of need/assistance is given to those in need
3. It regulates relationships in marriage to avoid conflicts
4. It creates a deep sense of belonging whereby an individual actively participates in community activities for fear of being regarded an outcast
5. It assures members of proper inheritance and settlements
6. It defines the rights and duties of every member of the community
7. It helps to establish new relationships especially through marriage hence promoting peace and harmony.
8. It helps in settling of disputes hence promoting peace.
9. It shares out and defines duties /responsibilities hence enhancing harmony.
Outline the importance of naming in Traditional African Communities.
1. It gives the child a unique identity
2. It enables the child to be incorporated into the family/clan
3. It helps to retain a link between the living and the dead
4. It helps to preserve and promote the history of family/community
5. To reflect the religious feelings of the parents/family
6. It is a way of giving thanks to God
7. To identify the child with a departed relative/ancestor.
8. To describe the child’s character/circumstances surrounding the birth of a child.
Describe changes that have taken place in Traditional African practice of leisure.
1. Leisure activities are no longer organized according to age and gender
2. Leisure activities that are shared are promoting negative peer pressure/improper behavior instead of enhancing proper conduct and moral values.
3. There are limited leisure activities especially amongst the poor/in rural areas.
4. Leisure activities that were meant for mental and physical relaxation have been turned into sources of income hence no relaxation/aim at earning a lot of money.
5. Involvement of youths in leisure activities is rarely monitored/ supervised by adults today.
6. Leisure today is expensive/people must make payments in order to participate in activities.
7. People have turned away from communal leisure activities by engaging in own individual ones.
How did the Traditional African Community use the environment to demonstrate their belief in God. (7 marks)
1. Using the land and its resources responsibly.
2. Setting aside sacred places for worship (forests)
3. Setting aside totem recorded as sacred (animals, birds, reptiles)
4. Praying while facing the sun, moon or mountains which are believed to be symbols of God’s presence.
5. Using oil during oathing/cursing ceremonies and while blessing or making covenants.
6. Protecting the land because it was given to them by God.
7. Sharing the resources from God.
8. Offering to God the resources from the land e.g. animals as a way of thanking God.
9. Making libation and pouring to the ground of blood during initiation and during making of covenants.
10. Burning of sacrifices to God so that the smoke ascends in heaven.
Give five ways through which murder cases were handed in Traditional African Community. (5 marks)
1. Culprits were stoned to death
2. Offenders were ex-communicated from the community.
3. Offenders had to pay a fine.
4. In some communities houses were burnt.
5. Families could decide to remain enemies permanently.
6. Sacrifices could be done to cleanse the offender in the process of reconciliation with the offended if the murder was accidental
7. Other communities opted for revenge mission
8. Corporal punishments were also possibilities
State six reasons why sacrifices were offered in African Tradition Societies. (6 marks)
1. To thank God for various reasons e.g a good harvest and success in war.
2. To avert evil or misfortune e.g drought.
3. To atone for an offence committed either by an individual or the community so as to restore the broken relationship with the living ancestors and God.
4. In recognition of God’s absolute ownership of life and prophesy.
5. It was a way of worshipping God i.e. to express fellowship and communion.
6. To venerate or show respect to the ancestors who acted as intermediaries between the living God.
Outline aspects of Traditional African Religion that have been incorporate in Christians worship. (6 marks)
1. Prayers at individual family and community levels.
2. Communal worship by Christians.
3. Construction of places of worship, churches, sanctuaries.
4. Giving of offering.
5. Singing and dancing.
6. Invocations.
7. African instruments – kayambas, drums.
8. Church decorations /designs.
Explain seven traditional African attitudes towards work. (7 mks)
1. Members of the traditional African work for the livelihood of the individual and the entire society.
2. The type of work done depends on the geographical environment and the resources available.
3. Work is a duty everybody must work.
4. Work is organized according to gender, age and status.
5. Manual work is highly valued, encouraged.
6. Idleness and laziness is condemned.
7. Work is done to fulfill social, economic, religious and political needs.
8. It’s a communal activity and this creates a strong social bond between the members.
9. Work and leisure are integrated / intertwined.
10. Work is ordained by God.
Give seven negative effects of the introduction of money economy on traditional African communities. (7mks)
1. Break of family as people migrate from rural areas to urban areas in search for employment.
2. Production of subsistence food crops declined and replaced by cash crops.
3. Introduction of wage labour.
4. Creation of the gap between the rich and the poor.
5. Emergency of vices e.g. bribery and corruption.
6. Individual ownership of land.
7. Destruction of natural resources to create room to set up projects.
8. Cost of living increased because everything has to be brought by money.
9. Deterioration of African moral values.
10. Loss of African dignity.

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TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WAYS OF WORSHIPING GOD

2/10/2016

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TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WAYS OF WORSHIPING GOD

Worship is the means through which human beings communicate with God.
Worship may be public or private, formal or informal, communal or individual and direct or indirect.

traditional-african-practices-that-promote-law-order-justice.html

Places where worship is conducted in African traditional society

Under sacred trees e.g. Mugumo tree.
On hilltops and rocks.
In caves.
At riverbanks and on the shores.
In the sacred forests.
In graveyards
At crossroads.
In the homes of some religious specialists.

traditional-african-attitude-towards-work.html

God is worshipped through the following ways;

Through sacrifices
Through offerings
Through singing and dancing
Through prayers.

1. Sacrifices

An animal is slaughtered in honour of God.
It involves the shedding of blood of human beings, animals or birds.
Sacrifices are carefully selected, since they are offered to the creator of the universe.
Animals offered have to be of one color e.g.
- Black.
- White.
- Brown.
They are given back to God as a sign of appreciation of what God has provided for them.

Why sacrifices are made to God, spirits and ancestors

To appreciate God as the source of life.
To thank God for the blessings to the people.
To appease God for the wrongs done.
To petition God for help during difficult times.
To invite God to participate in family and community functions.
To maintain a good relationship
To avert evil e.g. drought, famine, floods or epidemics.

Occasions when sacrifices where offered

During rites of passage i.e.
Birth and naming.
Initiation.
Marriage.
Death.
During disasters.
After a good harvest.
During installation of leaders.
During cleansing ceremonies.
During reconciliation ceremonies.
Before going to war.

Note

Sacrifices are offered by heads of families, priests, medicine persons.
Prayers accompany sacrifices.
They are acts of humility before their creator.

2. Offerings

It is another way of worshipping God.
It involves the taking of foodstuffs e.g. milk, water or honey and giving them to God.
Offerings are carefully selected.

3. Singing and dancing in worship

Songs and dances are performed during communal worship.
They are used in praising and thanking God.
Songs and dances make the worshipers emotionally connected with God.
Songs and dances are accompanied by clapping of hands, drumming and playing musical instruments.
They also promote solidarity among the worshippers.

4. Prayers.

They are verbal communications with God.

Prayers are mostly short and to the point.
Prayers are offered during important religious occasions. They pray in different ways e.g.
- Kneeling.
- Standing.
- Prostrating.
- Bowing.
- Facing certain directions.
- Raising hands.

differences-between-the-traditional-african-myths-of-origin-and-the-biblical-creation-storiesafrican-myths.html

5. Invocations

Short formal prayers e.g. “Help me, O God!” or “O Great God”.

6. Blessings

Blessings by an elder constitute acts of prayer. It is believed that the person blessing is doing so on behalf of God.

7. Salutations

e.g. “Dear God”.

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RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LIVING TOWARDS GOD, SPIRITS AND ANCESTORS

2/10/2016

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LIVING TOWARDS GOD, SPIRITS AND ANCESTORS

Take care of God’s creation.
Obey God’s instructions.
Set aside specific places for worship of God.
Respect sacred places of worship.
Appreciate God’s blessing.
Make their request known to God.
Worship God.
Give their children names of God.
Had a duty to share God’s given resources with fellow human beings.

SPIRITS

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THE ROLES OF GOD, SPIRITS AND ANCESTORS

2/10/2016

THE ROLES OF GOD, SPIRITS AND ANCESTORS

a. Roles of God

Refers to the functions/ roles of God which He plays in the world and peoples’ lives. They include;

God cares for his creation and can be invoked in times of need.
He is the giver and sustainer of life, provides necessities of life e.g. food, air, water and fire.
He protects human beings from evil, e.g. protects the weak and hears the cry of those unjustly treated.
He comforts the sorrowful e.g. heals the sick.

venerating-and-communicating-with-spirits-and-ancestors.html

He is the guardian of moral and ethical order. He punishes those who do evil.
He controls the spirits that are more powerful than humans.
He gives order to the universe and controls it. His activity didn’t end with creation.
Gives power to the religious specialists e.g. medicine persons, kings, priests and prophets. He communicates with them through dreams, trances and visions.
He answers prayers.

venerating-and-communicating-with-spirits-and-ancestors.html

B. The role of Spirits

Although spirits are invisible, they are believed to play an important role in the lives of the living. Generally people fear spirits; they are viewed as total strangers to the living. When they appear to humans, people feel disturbed. The roles of spirits include;

Some may be manipulated by human beings and cause harm to others e.g. with sickness and death.
Spirits can posses religious specialists e.g. medium and diviners and give them important information on how to handle people’s problems.
Spirits relay God’s response to human beings. In return human beings act according to the wishes of God through the spirits.
Bad spirits sometimes posses people.
Spirits guard sacred places.
They intercede for people before God.

write-down-five-activities-of-the-church-in-Kenya-which-show-that-the-holy-spirit-is-working-among-christians.html

C. Roles of ancestors

They are believed to appear to the living in various forms e.g. visions/dreams to enquire about the family affairs and to find out what is going on as they’re still part of the family.

May cause illnesses or mental disturbances.
Give instructions to the family as to what should be done in certain areas affecting it.
Rebuke and warn the living of the impending punishment to those who have failed to honour their obligation to them.
Request for something like animals to be slaughtered for them.
Interact with the living.

Act as mediators between the living and God.
Inflict punishments on offenders in society.
Bless the living members of the family.
Avert consequences of curses.
Protect human beings against evil.
Provide names to new born.
Preside over all religious ceremonies in the community.
Custodians of African traditional, moral culture and religious values.

KCPE PAST PAPERS AND ANSWERS

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THE AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF THE HIERARCHY OF BEINGS

2/10/2016

A. Hierarchy of beings

The Africans understand the universe to consist of two parts.

The visible/ earth.
The invisible/ sky which is regarded as the home of God.

The universe has a specific order of created beings, with God the creator occupying the highest rank.
This ordering is what is referred to as the hierarchy of beings.

It can be divided into seven categories as follows;

GOD (Supreme being responsible for the existence and sustenance of human beings and all other beings).
DIVINITIES (Are spirits created by God).
SPIRITS (Belonging to people who died a long time ago).
LIVING DEAD/ ANCESTORS (Act as intermediaries between human beings who are alive and the spirit world).
HUMAN BEINGS (Include those who are physically alive and those yet to be born).
PLANTS & ANIMALS (They are used by human beings in their natural and religious life as food and sacrifice).
NON-LIVING THINGS (Natural and artificial beings e.g. rain, rivers, mountains, rocks and all other lifeless bodies).

Inter-relationship of all things, living and non-living

According to the African view of the universe, all created things depend on each other and God.
The universe is viewed in totality of existence.
It is also viewed in a religious context.

RESPONSIBILITIES GIVEN TO HUMAN BEINGS AT CREATION

(i) Human Beings and God

Many African myths of creation point to the fact that human beings are dependent on God e.g.

They depend on God for the most essential requirements of life e.g. rain, air and sunshine.
Are less powerful than God.
Must obey God’s laws and commandments.
Failure to heed these regulations may lead to punishment. Those who obey prosper.
Must offer sacrifices to God to maintain a good relationship with him.
Natural calamities e.g. drought, famine, floods and earthquakes are believed to be controlled by God and are beyond people’s power.

NAMING IN T.A.S [TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY]

(ii) Human Beings and animals

Africans believe God gave human beings animals for their use and should handle them responsibly.
The following are the uses of animals to human beings;

Domestic animals like cattle, sheep and goats are used for food.
Payment of dowry and settlement of disputes.
Possession of animals is seen as a sign of prestige and wealth.
Skins are used as clothes.
Used to make music instruments e.g. drums.
Used as sacrifices to God.
Used as payment of a fine from an offender to God/ancestors or the offended.
Used to predict weather patterns. Some of them are used to communicate the social standards expected of people e.g.
Hyena - Used to discourage cowardice and greed.
Hare - Used to discourage trickery.
Tortoise - Illustrates the importance of being slow but wise.
Snake - Not killed by some communities, it is believed to be immortal and that the ancestors may visit the living from it.
Some animals and birds are treated as totems by communities. Plants and animals are used as a symbol of a family.

SELECTED ASPECTS IN AFRICAN RELIGIOUS HERITAGE - K.C.S.E C.R.E NOTES

(iii) Human beings and plants

THE AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF THE HIERARCHY OF BEINGS

Human beings depend on plants in various ways e.g.
Food.
Fuel.
Construction of buildings.
Medicinal purposes.
Totems.
Pasture.
Some trees are used as sacred places of worship.
Pasture for their animals.
Provision of shelter.

THE TEACHINGS ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS FROM THE BIBLICAL CREATION ACCOUNTS

(iv) Human beings and non-living things

Non-living things e.g. rain, rocks, mountains, hills, rivers, moon and sun are given religious significance e.g. rain is a great blessing from God while thunder is seen as God’s movement or voice.
Rocks and mountains are viewed as God’s manifestation to humankind and also as dwelling places for the living dead and spirits. Such places are used for the worship of God and are treated as sacred.
Heavenly bodies help human beings to determine times and seasons.
Human beings depend on the sun for sunlight during the day and on the moon and stars for light at night.

GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION OF MANKIND

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Qualities of Prophet Elijah that a Christian leader should posses

1/10/2016

Qualities of Prophet Elijah that a Christian leader should posses

The Late Cardinal Otunga [Catholic Arch-Bishop - 1973-1997]

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Truthfulness.
Courage.
Faithfulness/ trust.
Kindness.
Loving/ caring.
Honesty.
Responsible.
Loyalty/ obedience.
Respectful.
Prayerfulness

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THE RELEVANCE OF ELIJAH’S PROPHETIC MISSION TO CHRISTIANS TODAY

1/10/2016

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THE RELEVANCE OF ELIJAH’S PROPHETIC MISSION TO CHRISTIANS TODAY

Elijah was courageous and faced the king whenever he turned away from the covenant way of life. Likewise, church leaders today should remain courageous and firm in condemning any form of social injustice e.g. Desmond Tutu of South Africa struggled to end apartheid which was finally achieved in 1994.
Elijah was loyal to God and struggled to return Israel to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Modern Christian should remain faithful to God through word and deed even if this would cost them their lives.
Just as God helped Elijah, when he was in difficulties by providing him with food and drink, modern Christians should not despair in their missionary work but lean on God for encouragement and providence/pray to him for provision whenever they lack.
Elijah was a man of prayer and God always answered his prayers. Christians should pray to God in faith and God would surely answer them. They should not give up.
Christians should not compromise their faith in God for fear of threats, rejection, opposition or persecution/should be loyal to God.
Elijah lived a simple life and stood for the rights of common people in the same way Christians should advocate for the rights of the poor and speak against any form of oppression.
Christians should accept their call and accept any task God gives them.
Christians should not give false evidence against their neighbours like Jezebel in the case of Naboth.
Both political and church leaders should realize that all authority comes from God and they are accountable to him for their deeds.
Christians should be persistent like Elijah was in their struggle against injustice.
God communicated with Elijah in a “still small voice” indicating his intimacy with the prophet. God is able to establish an intimate relationship with his faithful.
Christians should show strong faith in God and avoid all forms of idolatry such as love for money, devil worship and drug abuse.
They should avoid sinful life so as to escape God’s punishment.
Christians should preach and win converts to God.
Christians should be ready to suffer and face opposition in their work.
Christians should worship one true God and put their trust in him. He is the one who has all the powers.
Christians should condemn all forms of social injustices such as corruption, murder of innocent people and exploitation of the weak.

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REASONS WHY ELIJAH FACED DANGER AND HOSTILITY AS A PROPHET OF GOD

1/10/2016

Ways of fighting against corruption in the country today

1/10/2016