Causes of Sin Biblically and African Traditional Society

Consequences of breaking oaths in Traditional African Society (TAS)

Consequences of breaking oaths in African Traditional Society

Deaths
In TAS it was believed that breaking oaths could lead to death.
Seen as traitor and alienated by other members of the community
The person/community that broke the oath were seen as traitors and in some cases, expelled from the community
Separation from God.
Oath breakers were seen as evil thus enemies of God
Pain and sufferings/ hardships
Sometimes oath breakers were punished with severe punishments
Broken relationship among human beings
Breaking oaths caused relationships to breakup. This was because of mistrust.
Shame and Embarrassment
Oath breakers were guilty thus they could be ashamed of their actions and feel embarrassed by it.
Mistrust/ enmity among people
Breaking oaths usually led to mistrust and enmity among people and communities. This lead to tensions and frustrations that eventually materialized to war.
Irresponsibility
Oath breakers were seen as irresponsible.
Punishment from God
It was believed that oath breakers could be punished by God in many ways such as being struck by lightening.
Led to being cursed
In most cases oath breakers were cursed and the curses were believed to be real.

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Causes of Sin Biblically and African Traditional Society

11/6/2020

Causes of Sin Biblically and African Traditional Society

CAUSES OF SIN

Caused by Satan
Man’s desire to be like God
Ambition and anxiety by man to be like God
Eating the forbidden fruit by Eve
Lack of faith in God
Man's ambition to know what is good and evil

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The reasons for singing and dancing during initiation ceremonies in Traditional African Communities

23/8/2019

AFRICAN MORAL VALUES

10/6/2019

previously << factors that have negatively influenced the role of the religious specialists

African communities were regulated by a strict code of laws and moral values. In this lesson we shall study moral values, which regulated individual members of society as well as the community itself.

What is a cultural value?

These are community practices and beliefs. Each community has cultural values that it accepts and upholds. These cultural values are laws, customs, and forms of behavior, regulations, rules, observances and taboos.
The cultural values form a moral code, which regulates the community. For example, if the culture, values private property, it will have laws that forbid theft of property. These laws are cultural values. Cultural values influence the social order and peace. God gives peace and harmony. God is seen as the giver and guardian of the law. Disobedience was and still is regarded as evil, wrong and was and still is punishable by law.

What are Moral Values?

Moral values are acts/deeds that are acceptable or good in the society.

Moral values are standards of behavior towards others. They are based on what is valued by the community. Moral values are also positive attitudes. Each community decided what is important to it and what is desirable for its members to practice and uphold.

Examples of moral values

Hospitality

This refers to generosity and kindness to guests and strangers in homes.
Africans welcomed visitors at any time. They were treated to plenty of food, drink and entertainment.
Today there is a tendency towards individualism especially in the case of those living in urban centers.

Honesty

Means being truthful.
It was taught to children as they grow up to ensure they become dependable people who always tell the truth.

Courtesy

Refers to politeness and good manners.
In A.T.S there were rules that guided the behavior of individuals towards others based on age, gender and status of a person.

Tolerance and perseverance

Tolerance means to endure somebody/something without complaining.
Perseverance is a steady effort to achieve a goal without giving up.
People in A.T.S valued these qualities as they aided one to go through hardships courageously.
These values were reinforced during initiation.

Loyalty

Being true and faithful in supporting somebody or a particular cause.
Children are taught values of the community which they are expected to keep and protect.
They are taught not to betray the family and friends and always stick together.

Chastity

This is having good sexual morals.
Unmarried people were expected to keep their chastity or virginity until marriage while adultery was forbidden for the married.

Respect

Polite behavior to oneself and others where one recognizes other’s rights and status.
Children are taught to recognize the status of their parents, elders and leaders.

Responsibility

Caring attitude towards others that leads one to help them.
Africans helped one another.

Love

A strong feeling of affection towards somebody or something which was expressed in actions in A.T.S.
Love is equated with protection, loyalty, co-operation, generosity and hospitality which were important in T.A.S.

Co-operation

This is working together for a common purpose.
In T.A.S people worked together in all circumstances which made work and life easier for them.
In T.A.S, people co-operated to accomplish tasks for the good of all.

Integrity

It is the quality of having strong moral values.
People of integrity do not give up on their beliefs and values even in the face of intense pressure.
People of integrity are respected and will often be given positions of leadership.

Unity solidarity

This is to join together.
Africans united in all aspects

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Questions that you will most likely meet in examinations

Give five reasons why virginity is encouraged in both traditional African communities and Christianity. (5 mks)

It ensures purity/ chastity before marriage
Uphold moral values of the community
Protect gift of sex from misuse
Protect youth from unwanted pregnancies/ diseases
Uphold dignity/ respect/ reputation of individuals
It is a source of joy/ prestige to the couple.

Identify the moral values acquired during initiation (6 mks)

Courage
Tolerance/Perseverance
Honesty
Loyalty
Chastity
Respect
Responsibility
Love
Co-operation
Integrity
Hospitality

Identify eight moral values acquired during marriage in traditional African communities. (8 mks)

Love
Respect/courtesy
Obedience/Loyalty/Faithfulness
Responsibility
Tolerance/endurance/patience/perseverance
Co-operation/unity
Courage
Humility
Honesty
Integrity
Hospitality/kindness

next >>continuity and change in the african understanding of various issues

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JEWISH VERSUS AFRICAN PRACTICE OF CIRCUMCISION (similarities and differences)

6/6/2019

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previously >> IMPORTANCE OF CIRCUMCISION TO ABRAHAM AND HIS DESCENDANTS

Similarities

In both cases, it promotes one into full membership of the community.
In both cases, it is a mark of identification of a person to a particular community.
In both, it is carried out on male children.
In both cases, circumcision has a religious significance.
In both cases, special people/ religious leaders/heads of the community carry out the operations.
In both cases, it unites the members with the ancestors.
In both cases, members receive new names.
In both cases, the rite is carried on from generation to generation/ is compulsory/ whoever fails to observe it is considered an outcast.
In both cases, the ritual is a communal affair.
In both cases, it involves the cutting of the foreskin.

Differences

In some African communities, they circumcised both boys and girls while the Jewish community circumcised boys only.
The African communities circumcised mainly teenagers while the Jews circumcised infants at 8 days.
Jewish circumcision is a religious requirement while the African circumcision is a cultural requirement/ rite of passage.
In the African communities the initiate would later be entrusted with new roles/responsibilities e.g. marriage, inheritance of property etc which was not the case for the Jewish community.
Among the Jews it was commanded by God while in African communities it originated from ancestors.

What are the differences between the Jewish and Traditional African practices of circumcision? - KCSE 2016 CRE PAPER 1

In the Jewish community circumcision is for the male children only whereas in African practices, it is for both male and female.
Among the Jews, circumcision is performed on babies of 8 days old: whereas in traditional African communities, it is done during adolescence stage.
In African communities, it is a test of courage, whereas in Jewish community, it is a sign of covenant with God/sign of faith,
Circumcision in African communities is a communal practice whereas among the Jews, only members of the immediate family participate.
In Traditional African communities, initiates takes up responsibilities while among the Jews, the initiates are too young to shoulder any responsibility.
In traditional African communities circumcision is carried out during specific seasons while among the Jews, it is continuous.

next >> SUMMARY OF THE WAYS IN WHICH GOD TOOK CARE OF THE ISRAELITES DURING THE EXODUS

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Traditional African Practices And Biblical Teaching on Law, Order and Justice, that Promote Law, Order, Justice

6/5/2019

PREVIOUSLY: APPROACHES TO LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE - CRE FORM 4 NOTES

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICES THAT PROMOTE LAW, ORDER, JUSTICE

Some of the practices that promote law, order and justice are-

a) Punishment of offenders

People who committed offences such as stealing, murder, witchcraft were punished through death, curses, paying heavy fines etc. this promoted law, order, justice

b) Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders

They were installed to maintain law, order and to execute justice in their areas of jurisdiction

c) Administration of oaths

-Administered by specialists and are used as a method of establishing and maintaining law and order

d) Making of covenants

-Covenants were made if there was a conflict between two communities. They would promise to live in peace and harmony

e) Observing of taboos and customary law

-Taboos were prohibitions. Those who went against taboos were severely punished

f) The kinship system

-defined how people related one to another

g) Rites of passage

-ensured customs, laws were adhered to

h) Religious practices

-such as praying, singing, sacrificing and giving of offerings had the effect of maintaining order

Biblical Teaching on Law, Order and Justice

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICES THAT PROMOTE LAW, ORDER, JUSTICE

Luo council of elders in a function to choose their leader

How God initiated Law, order, and justice

God’s creation is orderly. God desires order
Man was created with a conscience to know right from wrong sin has consequences or punishment. God does punish disobedience i.e. justice
God instituted the laws as part of his plan for salvation e.g. law of circumcision, Torah (10 commandments), circumcision of the heart, laws on what to eat etc
God’s law governed kingship in Israel. National prosperity depended on a king’s ruler ship. Kings were to ensure law and order
In the New Testament John the Baptist urged people to observe the law (social justice)
Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is based on law, order and justice. There should be fair treatment for all people
Jesus said that the law of Moses was given to guide people
Christians should obey the law of the land and respect those in authority
The apostolic teachings stress the need for law, order, justice (1 Cor 14: 33)
Christians should be orderly
The birth of Jesus was orderly. His ministry was also orderly hence should Christians.

NEXT >> CAUSES OF SOCIAL DISORDERS AND THEIR REMEDIES

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FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HARMONY AND MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY

8/4/2019

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previous: THE EFFECTS OF IDOLATRY IN ISRAEL ...

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HARMONY AND MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY

(i) Political ties.

Power and authority is exercised and shared among clan leaders and elders.
This enhances a peaceful co-existence among community members.

(ii) Communal ownership of property.

Land and other resources are owned by community.

(iii) Division of labour.

Done according to age, gender and social status.
Ensures that all members participate in the activities of the community.

(iv) Communal worship.

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Traditional African Attitude towards Work

8/11/2016

CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS ISSUES

17/10/2016

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 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

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

previously << marriage

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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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

knec kcse past papers, marking schemes and reports

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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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 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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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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Differences between the traditional African myths of origin and the Biblical creation stories/African myths

11/9/2016