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ORDINARY LEVEL FAMILY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES NOTES
RELIGION, FAMILY AND IDENTITY

This section deals with the changing culture with emphasis on how change in culture affects the
family setup.
FAMILY AND THE CHANGING CULTURE
Changing culture refers to any transformation that takes place in the sphere of culture. The
changes in the culture of the society are called cultural change. Any form of change which occurs
in the culture of humanity explains what cultural change is all about. Changing culture can also be
defined as the modification or discontinuance of existing, tried and tested procedures
transmitted to us from the culture of the past and introduction of new procedures. Culture is not
static but dynamic. A society which is stagnant in terms of culture is dead. Culture undergoes
change, for instance, new forms of music, art or dance and equality between men and women
represents change in culture. Culture is essential, given that people without a culture are people
without an identity.
AGENTS OF CULTURAL CHANGE
Agents associated with cultural change include the media, religion, education, influence by other
cultures, musicians or artists, modernity, parents, intermarriages, human rights organizations and
pressure groups.
THE MEDIA
Print and electronic media play a significant role in changing people’s culture. Newspapers
sometimes contain naked pictures of men and women. The television on the other hand has
channels with pornographic material. The more people or learners see such things, the more they
desire to indulge in sex or want to be what they see. What people see always shapes their
behavior. Cultural values get eroded as both the young and old try and identify with what they see
in the media. People should learn to select good channels to watch as a way of preserving
unhu/Ubuntu. Some movies that people watch can erode their culture. People are therefore
encouraged to be selective on what to watch and what not to watch. Everything not in line with
one’s culture should not be entertained since this may result in cultural erosion. Parents and
guardians play a big role in monitoring the content that children watch and this supervision is a
measure that can safeguard what children learn and come to value.
MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS
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Musicians also play an important role in changing the culture of the people. The way they sing, the
kind of dance they engage in and the words sung can bring about change in one’s behavior and
culture. When dancing on-stage, some musicians will be inappropriately dressed and some young
people will end up identifying with such musicians and hence dress like them even if it is against
their culture. A particular musician becomes an idol or role model especially for the young people
thus diluting the culture. Some people want to identify with celebrities in various fields of work,
thereby abandoning their good behavior and culture in order to accommodate the behavior and
culture of the celebrities.
RELIGION
Religion may also promote cultural change in the home and society at large. As an example,
Christianity has a lot of influence on most Zimbabweans. Some extremely devout Christians no
longer practice their culture like worshipping the ancestors, consulting diviners and traditional
healers and attending ceremonies like kurova guva, rainmaking and other rites and rituals
associated with birth, marriage and death. At birth, some people give their newborn babies
medicines to protect them from witchcraft attacks and diseases. In the Indigenous Religion, most
children have black powder applied on their fontanel to prevent them from dying; pregnant
women are given some concoction to drink to enable them to deliver safely without any
complications. Marriage practices like inheriting a relative’s wife, attending initiation schools for
women and death rituals have changed drastically. Some Christian denominations label
Indigenous practices as evil, demonic or satanic and therefore do not practice them anymore.
Some churches also discourage their followers from taking traditional medicine. They rather
prefer modern medicine and the administration of prayer when sick. The discontinuance of
cultural practices points to cultural change or dilution.
A lot of Pentecostal and some apostolic churches emphasize monogamy, shunning polygamy,
which is a well-accepted practice among many African men, especially Chiefs and those men
who can afford it.
EDUCATION
People get their education from schools, poly-technical colleges and universities. Once educated,
some people no longer want to associate with some of their cultural practices like ancestor
worship, visiting n’angas for treatment when they are sick and many others. They associate their
culture with being primitive and backward. Some educated people do not want to be seen
practicing their culture. They even shun indigenous medicine, arguing that it is not scientifically
proven and does not indicate the necessary quantities and dosages that one has to take in order
to heal. Therefore, the level of education may make one like or dislike his or her culture.
INFLUENCE BY OTHER CULTURES
Other cultures have a great influence on us as Zimbabweans. People visit various places in the
world for business, education and employment. When they go abroad, some people may change.
They then try to identify with the people in whose country they are in. for example, the Bulawayo
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to South Africa migration has greatly influenced the dressing, language and general lifestyle of
the people in Bulawayo. When they come back from abroad, those people no longer want to
associate themselves with cultural practices and ceremonies. The thinking behind all this is that
their culture is inferior to that of those abroad.
MODERNITY
Modernity fights with our culture. The culture of sharing food, for instance is fading away due to
modernity. In the past, a stranger was fed and given accommodation for the night without any
hassle.
Today, the situation is not like that anymore. People cannot even assist a neighbor’s daughter or
son.
Each family looks after its members only. Families no longer assist extend family who might be
struggling. Most families argue that they cannot give their food to others since it would have been
budgeted. This practice in itself portrays a change in culture due to change in times. The cultural
change is affecting the nature of families. Family unity is disintegrating as a result of change in
culture. The interdependence of families is also disappearing. People are mainly concerned with
their own nuclear family than the extended family
PARENTS
Parents and caregivers can be agents of cultural change. They have a lot of influence on their
children as they grow. There are some parents who look down on indigenous languages favoring
English when talking to their children. Parents are also the ones who buy clothing or allow their
children to wear clothing which might not be very modest or not in line with their culture.
Grandparents at times have trouble talking to their grandchildren who will be speaking English
only which maybe the elderly might not understand. Some do this because they view their mother
tongue as inferior to English. It has to be understood however that one’s language is a part of
their culture so there is need for us to be proud of our different languages. There is no need to
envy other people’s language or culture. Children can be taught and learn foreign languages but
should never forget their own languages as part of their identity. ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS
Many families are disintegrated as a result of economic hardships; some mothers and mothers
have had to migrate to neighboring countries in search of work. As a result, there is a missing
guiding role of a parent as some might leave behind child-headed families. Children grow without
the guidance and support of their parents. While one parent works abroad, the other might
remain behind to take care of the children. This change affects the nature of the family. In many
cultures, the married couple is encouraged to stay together. As a result of economic hardships,
families are disintegrating and thus leaving children to head the families.
INTERMARRIAGES
Intermarriage also influences change in an individual’s culture. One can dilute his/her cultural
identity as a result of intermarriage. A person between a black and a white person is a good recipe
for cultural change. For example, if a Zimbabwean woman marries a British white man, she would
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have to incorporate the new culture of her white in-laws into her life. Marriages between people
of different races, religion and ethnicity contribute a lot towards cultural change.
HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS AND PRESSURE GROUPS
While human rights organizations are good in general, there are some that advocate for issues
that disrupt the cultural values of other people. Children, for example have been given a lot of
rights, to an extent that they can report a parent to the police, say for having been asked to work
in the garden or field. Children can also report to the police if their parents or guardians discipline
them in countries like
USA and the UK. In South Africa, teachers are also not allowed to discipline children. Giving a child
chores and disciplining them in certain places is interpreted as child abuse. In as much as children
have rights, they have responsibilities as well. Some pressure groups advice women to leave
abusive marriages immediately without first making efforts to resolve the issues in a way that
does not instantly break up the marriage. Radical feminist groups are also influencing the nature
of the family. There are organizations pushing for extreme feminism that not only want men and
women to be treated equally but want to make sure that genetic difference between human
beings won’t matter culturally. This can ultimately lead to women having children but leading
single lives purely because they feel no need to be with men as partners. This arrangement results
in a lot of single-parent type of families that rob children of growing in a home with both a mother
and a father.
FAMILY, NATIONAL VALUES AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP
VALUES
• Respect
• Tolerance
• Hospitality
• Honesty
• Empathy
• Co-operation
• Integrity
• Hard work
• Compassion
The family teaches the young about these values. The family does that through family rules,
riddles, folktales and proverbs. Parents teach their young to respect other people regardless of
race, tribe, gender, age, religion and economic status. The family has an important role in ensuring
that these values are taught to the young. Fathers, mothers, grandparents and extended family
pass these on to the young through informal education. Not observing these values is a
punishable offense at home and in the society.
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Apart from the family, religion also plays an important role in promoting national values and good
citizenship. In religion, the young are taught to respect elders, to be honest, generous, and
tolerant of other people, empathetic and hard workers. Religion is important since it promotes
national values and good citizenship among people. In Christianity, the Ten Commandments are
meant to promote good values among people. The young are taught to respect their parents, not
to commit adultery, kill or steal. All this is meant to give integrity to humanity. In Indigenous
Religion, Judaism and Islam, the teaching is the same.
Besides promoting national values, religion plays a role in promoting good citizenship. A good
citizen is honest, respectful, compassionate, responsible, and courageous and fulfills his/her roles
as a citizen. People are taught to be non-violent and live peacefully in religion. There is however
some religions which claim to be peaceful and tolerant of other religions in word only but in
practice they are not peaceful and tolerant of other faiths at all.
National values are important for the development of any nation and national values can be
defined as convictions and standards by which particular actions are judged as good or desirable
for the nation. They give general guidelines to the behavior of Zimbabweans. Values help in giving
the nation the path on how to live and what we value as a nation. The basis of national values is
formed and propagated in family.
Role of the family in promoting national values
The family socializes children to be responsible citizens and it provides core values for every child
which is important in the development of national values. As such, the family has a significant role
in promoting national values and good citizenship as it shapes unhu. Family values define the
acceptable behavior, morals, beliefs, conduct, attitude and capacity to work as a united nation.
1. Promote unity
Family promotes national values by promoting unity among family members. Family
gatherings like marriage ceremonies where various family members are involved promote
unity among family members. Unity can also be fostered through rituals which are done in a
family. Family rituals unite all family members and it is obligatory for family members to be
involved in rituals such as libation and home bringing ceremonies. It is during rituals such as
libation and home bringing ceremonies that are done at family level that people are united for
one common goal which also leads to unity of the entire society.
For example, the 1987 unity accord between Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe of PF ZAPU
and ZANU PF is a unity pact which led Zimbabwe to move forward from tribal politics as it
united the indigenous people as Zimbabweans than tribal groups. Furthermore, the formation
of the Government of National Unity in 2007 is also an example of unity at national level which
made the country move forward. As such, unity is regarded as a national value and good
citizenship which comes from the family. This is the reason why Zimbabweans are regarded as
one family.
2. Instills morality into citizens
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Family plays an important role in defining the personhood by stressing that one is human.
Morality is derived from the family teaching as it teaches about permissive sexual relations,
honesty and sincerity. This value is put into young people through taboos which forbid incest
and bestiality among the Shona people and may result in social problems like drought and
hunger. It is because of this that morality is encouraged I indigenous society. In fact, it is a
criminal offense to do immoral acts like bestiality and incest in Zimbabwe. This shows that
morality is a national value which is important. This goes on to show how morality as a family
value has shaped national values because of its recognition in the laws of the country. For
example, the constitution of Zimbabwe chapter 9:21 the sexual offenses Act 8 of 2000 and
Act 22 of 2001 makes it an offence to have immoral sexual acts such as bestiality, incest and
prostitution.
3. Respect for others and property
Family teaches about the need to respect one another as well as other people’s property. This
value is imparted through the indigenous knowledge systems and taboos. For example, the
indigenous family inculcates the belief that married women and men should be respected
through a taboo. Indigenous proverbs are also used to teach young people about respecting
the elderly and people in authority. ‘Gudo guru peta muswe kuti vadiki vagokutya’ which
literally means an old baboon should respect young baboons to avoid embarrassment from
the young is a Shona adage which promotes respect for everyone.
Furthermore, failure to respect other family members will result in angering the ancestral
spirits. For example, failure to respect one’s mother angers the maternal ancestral spirits. It is
through respecting family members that the national value of respect is brought out. This
further promotes the national value of respect as people will value property that belongs to
others. For example, a person with respect for others and property can also value workmates
and the property of the company where he or she works.
4. It makes citizens resilient
Resilience refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or problems. As such, family
has a role in making members of the family resilient. It is un-African to easily succumb to
anything without recovering. This is the reason why totems are used to encourage people to
be resilient. For example, those of the lion totem will be able to be resilient when the nation
faces problems. Thus, totems are a way used to instill national values through imitating
attributes from the totemic animals which are important in cultivating national values.
Zimbabweans are known for resilience. For example, in 2008 the economic and political
hardships did not make Zimbabweans revolt against the government as they soldiered on
during the difficult times. The other Shona proverb, ‘kufa kwemurume kubuda ura’
encourages people to be resilient by encouraging hard work no matter how hard the situation
gets.
5. It promotes tolerance
Tolerance is defined as fair, objective and permissive attitude towards those with opinions,
beliefs, practices, ethnicity or race which differs from one’s own beliefs and opinions. Failure
to accept other people’s ideas and beliefs is also regarded as a sign of lacking unhu. Family
therefore encourages people to be tolerant. Tolerance is a vital national value and family
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teaches family members to be tolerant thereby leading to the acceptance of other people’s
beliefs, practices and views.
For example, family teaches about differences in totems and ancestors between families and
it encourages tolerance. Tolerance is also taught through indigenous knowledge systems used
in the family. Nationally, the existence of several religions and political parties is a sign of
tolerance in the ation as people respect each other’s beliefs and choices by not condemning
them. For example, the 2018 national elections had fewer cases of violence because of
tolerance which is cultivated within the family institution. To add on, the absence of inter-
religious conflict is another example of how tolerance is promoted in Zimbabwe by the family.
6. It inculcates a sense of hospitality into citizens
Through family, hospitality as a national value is inculcated. It is expected that an African
should call others when eating ‘uyai tidye’ (come and eat with us). This means that people
should share anything which they have. The Shona ethnic group also has the proverb ‘mweni
haapedzi dura’ which calls for everyone to accommodate strangers and give them food. This
value is instilled in children through the indigenous practices of inviting others when eating.
This value is seen nationally in the tourism sector where tourists are well treated. The
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for example has the concept of welcoming visitors by giving
them all the support they need to feel at home.
7. It instills patriotism
Patriotism means devoted love, support and defense of one’s own country which is expressed
through loyalty. Patriotism is a value that does not come on its own but is instilled in children at
family level. Loving one’s family cascades into loving his community and nation at large. As
such, family plays an important role in instilling patriotism in Zimbabwean citizens. For
example, nationally some Zimbabweans donate to the nation lie Walter Magaya during the
2018 cholera national disaster. The sense of helping the nation which has meager resources in
curbing national disasters is a sign of patriotism which starts from the family.
8. It improves caring for others
Caring for others is a national value that is imparted into the young through the spirit of unhu.
A good family with a sound Ubuntu is seen by caring for others like the sick, disabled, orphans
and widows. It is this caring for others which help make good citizenry. Caring for one another
includes helping each other in times of need and cheering each other when the chips are
down. It is a sign of lacking African values that one ignores the poor or people in need.
For example, caring for others is seen through donations which are made by all Zimbabweans
to help one another. This is supported by the donations made to victims of floods, hunger and
drought by Zimbabweans across the whole social spectrum. Orphanage homes like Sally
Mugabe Children’s home are examples of people in need in the society. The establishment of
such institutions is a clear indication that caring for one another is a national value which
comes from family which cares for the needy.
9. It promotes respect for the elderly
Taboos on respecting the elderly are another way used to impart national values at family
level. It is a taboo to insult an elderly person or a parent as it might lead to avenging spirits
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haunting the person who lacks the value of respecting the elderly. Family encourages people
to respect the elderly and failure to do so will result in curses as well as retrogressing in life.
Respect for the elderly is a national value which is promoted by family through the
establishment of centers which take care of the elderly in Zimbabwe like the Society for the
Destitute Aged in Harare. The existence of old people’s homes makes it clear that family
through the respect and honor which it accords to the old, it is a national value as many people
help the elderly at designated centers even if they are not their relatives.
INDIGENOUS RELIGION AND THE ZIMBABWEAN IDENTITY

IR plays an important role in shaping Zimbabwean identity. Numerous aspects of IR bring out
Zimbabwean identity. This is done through the philosophy of unhu/Ubuntu. The following aspects
of IR assist a lot in shaping Zimbabwean identity.
THE TOTEM SYSTEM

The totem system is very prevalent in Zimbabwe. Totems are associated with IR. A totem is an
object which could be in the form of an animal, bird or plant, serving as a family or clan emblem.
The object has a religious implication for the family or clan. For example, a lion is the totem
symbol for the Sibanda and Shumba clans. A bird is the totem symbol for the Nyoni and Hungwe
clans. People of the same totem behave in a certain way, for instance, the talkative, hard workers,
wife or husband bashers are associated with a particular totem. That one belongs to the lion,
zebra, elephant or hippo totem gives that person an identity as a Zimbabwean. These family
emblems are associated with certain behaviors to do with unhu/Ubuntu. Totems are also used for
praise purposes
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Cultural practices are linked to customs, ideas and social performance of an ethnic group or a
family. These beliefs, symbols, values, language, rites and rituals of the people give them a
Zimbabwean identity. Cultural practices like the bringing back ceremony, initiation rites for both
boys and girls and others are of value in IR. There are cultural values associated with grooming
and etiquette in IR for instance, the art of genuflection by females when greeting or serving food.
Genuflection is a sign of respect and demonstrates that one has unhu/Ubuntu. What people put
on during ceremonies and festivals gives the people an identity. Dressing, therefore, gives people
an identity. Some cultural practices which give people an identity include the following:
• Bringing back ceremony
• Rain making ceremony
• First pregnancy to be delivered at the wife’s home
• Men to pay lobola when marrying
• Corpse to lie in the bedroom at night before burial
• Circumcision for Xangani, Remba men and other indigenous groups Females to
genuflect when greeting or serving food
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RELIGION
Religion is associated with belief in a God or gods. The belief in God or ancestors gives
Zimbabweans an identity. A lot of rites and rituals in religion are associated with certain groups of
people for instance, circumcision is associated with Remba/Lemba men and the
Shangaan/Xangani/Xhosa people. These groups of people do circumcision for religious and
cultural reasons. It is a part of their culture and it gives them an identity. Religion through
unhu/Ubuntu shapes Zimbabwean identity. It is in religion that people are taught good morals.
This is meant to give people a positive identity. Religious teachings are given to followers in order
to behave well and to have the expected identity which is Zimbabwean. Zimbabweans are
identified as hard working and peace loving people.
LANGUAGE
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There are various indigenous languages that people speak that give them an identity as
Zimbabweans.
People in Zimbabwe can be identified as Shona, Venda, Xangani, Ndau, Kalanga and Ndebele
speakers. All these languages contained in the constitution identify with a particular ethnic group.
Issues to do with unhu/Ubuntu are embedded in the language of the people.
INDIGENOUS RELIGION AND THE AFRICAN IDENTITY
Indigenous religion fosters African identity through the following:
1. TOTEMS
All Africans have totems through which they are known. Totems help people to
understand their history and origin. People praise each other through totems. All this gives
the African people an identity and a sense of belonging.
2. LANGUAGE
The language that a particular group of people speaks gives them a unique identity. In
Zimbabwe, numerous languages such as Shona, Ndebele, Xangani, Venda, Nambya and
many others are spoken. The various languages spoken in the African continent are unique
and found in specific areas.
3. CULTURAL PRACTICES
Cultural practices like ancestral worship, ceremonies and festivals give the people of
Africa an identity. This is because of the rarity of these activities as they are practiced
specifically in Africa.
4. FOOD
A lot of food items are found in Africa. Most African countries offer sadza as part of their
meal. Small grains like sorghum or millet are grown for various reasons, for instance,
sorghum can be crushed into powder to make malt used to brew traditional beer. Food
does not only point to the diet of a community but also speaks volumes of their lifestyle.
5. DRESS
Some African countries like Nigeria have dressing which gives them an identity. During
ceremonies and festivals, Africans dress in correspondence to the event. The Ankara
clothing material has gained fame as a fabric that reflects African dressing and identity.
6. CONSULTING N’ANGAS AND SPIRIT MEDIUMS
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Whenever danger strikes, the African people consult the spirit world to know the root
cause of the problem. Indigenous Religion makes consultations on anything, be it death in
the family or an illness. There is no natural death in the African Indigenous Religion, every
death is associated with a cause like witchcraft hence the need to consult with traditional
healers and other practitioners to find out the cause of the death or misfortune. The issue
of consulting found in the Indigenous Religion gives Africans a unique way of dealing with
issues as they arise in the society.
7. WAY OF GREETING
It is un-African to meet a person and fail to greet that person. Greeting is done in the
morning when one wakes up, in the afternoon and in the evening. For example, in Vendain
the morning they say ndimatseroni which means good morning, in the afternoon they say
ndimasiari which means good afternoon and in the evening they say ndimadekwana which
means good evening. If one is meeting the person for the first time, in the Shona culture
they say makadii which means how are you and in Venda they say rhivhuwa while in
Shangani they say munjani and in Ndebele they say linjani which all mean how are you.
8. RESPECT
Africans are known for respecting each other depending on the relations who are there.
For example, if one is older than the younger brother of his own parents that person is
respected and referred to as the father.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RELIGION INPROMOTING NATIONAL VALUES AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP
Religion plays an important role in promoting good citizenship and national values. National values
are the morals and standards of what is good in a country. Morals and standards which citizens
are known for are formed and inculcated at family level. This is because the family is the first
agent of socialization. As such, family is integral in imparting national values like unhu, tolerance
and respect. These national values make a national identity. Religions help in the formulation of
the national identity of Zimbabweans through a number of religious beliefs and practices.
Rituals help in the formulation of national values. For example, in IR, unity is promoted when
people come together to offer libation to their ancestors. It is because of rituals like national biras
and reburial of dead liberation war heroes that the true Zimbabwean identity is brought out. This
unites people and helps in national building.
• Taboos in religion assist in promoting national values as social vices like stealing and
violence are discouraged. In Judaism and Christianity for example, the Ten
Commandments help in the promotion of national values like hard work, tolerance and
respect. This will lead to good citizenship. In IR, it is a taboo to beat up one’s own parents
as it leads to avenging spirits. As such, taboos promote respect of parents and the elderly
which is important in making people good citizens.
• Morals derived from religion play an important role in the formation of national values.
Religion is characterized by moral principles of fairness, justice and equality. For example,

it is unreligious in IR, Christianity, Islam and Judaism to oppress the poor because the poor
are also human beings created by God. In IR, the poor are catered for through the Zunde
Ramambo while in Judaism they should be protected through provision of goods as well
as defending the rights of
the poor. Deuteronomy 15:7. Furthermore, in Christianity the poor are regarded as
inheritors of the kingdom of God while in Islam they protect the poor through one of the
pillars of Islam called Zakat where each and every Muslim has a religious obligation of
contributing 2.5% to 10% of his or her wealth towards the welfare of the poor.
• Unhu is a component of the IR which forms national values such as non-violence and
tolerance.
This helps citizens to value peace and to manage conflicts in non-violent ways. The
principle of Ubuntu which promotes values includes recognition of others’ humanness.
The maintenance of harmony and the spirit of sharing cultivates these values of non-
violence and tolerance, which are both essential in unhu. One would view the next person
as a fellow human being and aspire to live in peace and harmony with them. As such,
Ubuntu encourages good citizenship that is supported by the Shona adage ‘kugara
hunzwanana’ which means that life is worth living when there is peace and harmony. In
this proverb, one is admonished to be a good citizen who loves to live with others in peace
and harmony.
• Religion regulates the behavior of people thereby leading to good citizenship. In IR, the
behavior of people is regulated by the spirit of unhu while in Judaism the Ten
Commandments are there to guide humanity to be well behaved. In Christianity, for
example, the Bible is there to regulate people’s behavior as it provides what is supposed to
be done and what is not supposed to be done in living a Christian life. In Islam, the Sharia
assists in the promotion of good citizenship by regulating the behavior of Muslims and
discouraging vices such as stealing, corruption, murder and covetousness.
WAYS OF PROMOTING AFRICAN IDENTITY

As such, IR promotes African identity through various means. These include rituals, family, totems,
symbols, taboos and dressing among others.
a. Rituals
An African is identified by making rituals to his or her ancestors. During birth ancestors are
thanked, during marriage ancestors are informed, at death ancestors are also involved
and during the time of drought rainmaking ceremonies are done. Africans are always
religious as they conduct rituals in every aspect of life. It is through these rituals that
attributes of African identity like unity and tolerance are promoted.
b. Family
IR is based on the role of family in ancestor veneration. Family plays an important role in
determining who we are as Africans. The surname or family name of a person assists in
the identity of Africans as Africans. Names given to Africans have a historical relevance to
the family and situations. Names such as Nyaradzai, Muroiwa and Marwei are Shona

nameswhile in Ndebele, names such as Thabani, Simangaliso and Sichengisiwe are given
to explain the African experiences.
Family helps in socialization which helps in instilling African identity by teaching the young
how to greet the elders and socialize with others. Food preference is taught by the family.
For example, family encourages the eating of indigenous foods which are vital for health
and wellbeing. Family also promotes tolerance and respect by socializing children about
Ubuntu as an African virtue.
c. Totems
An African is largely identified by their totem. Totes are important in African identity as
indigenous people are identified with totems. White people are regarded as totem-less
people while Africans are people with totems. As such, totems like elephant, lion and zebra
play an important role as a feature of IR in fostering the African identity as unity; empathy
and respect are promoted in African people.
d. Symbols
There are different symbols which are common in different Zimbabwean societies. These
symbols also help in the identity of Africans. For example, the natural world which includes
mountains, rivers and trees symbolically represents ancestors. The Save River, the
Nyangani Mountain, the muhacha tree and mutarara are all representative of the African
identity.
Furthermore, dreaming of green vegetation is a symbol of life while the hut is a symbol of
being African. As such, IR is based on symbols which help in African identity. There are also
artifacts which are dedicated to ancestors like calabashes, carved stones and walking sticks
among others. These are important symbols which have a clear message in the IR. e. Taboos
Taboos on marriage relations which prohibit incestuous relationships help in protecting
the African identity. Incestuous relationships are whereby blood relatives have a sexually
intimate relationship. Having an incestuous relationship hinders the blood lineage of the
clan thereby affecting the identity of the people. Proper marriage relations ensure that the
African identity is maintained. Furthermore, taboos associated with food like avoidance of
eating one’s own totem maintain the identity of Africans as well as environmental taboos
which prevent erosion of the African identity.
REVISION EXERCISE
1. Family is an important basic social unit in indigenous society.
a. Define family. (2)
b. List four agents of cultural change which have affected the family. (4)
c. Explain how family has been affected by cultural change. (6)
d. Describe the effects of cultural change on family relations. (8)
2. Family has been affected by globalization.
a. What is globalization? (2)
b. State four members of the family in Indigenous Religion. (4)
c. Explain how the role of the aunt promotes family values. (6)

d. Describe how religion has been affected by globalization. (8)
3. Values are at the center of Indigenous Religion.
a. Define values. (2)
b. Outline any four values derived from family. (4)
c. Describe how family promotes national values. (6)
d. Explain values that come from family. (8)
4. Religion promotes national values.
a. Define national values. (2)
b. Outline four national values of Zimbabwe. (4)
c. Describe the national values of Zimbabwe. (6)
d. Explain the role of religion in the promotion of national values. (8)
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Describe how the family has been influenced by cultural change. (25)
2. Using examples, discuss the role of the family in promoting national values. (25)
3. Describe the role of religion in promoting national values. (25)
4. Show how Indigenous Religion promotes good citizenship. (25)
5. Examine how Indigenous Religion helps in promoting the African identity. (25)
6. Discuss ways in which Indigenous Religion contributes towards Zimbabwean identity. (25)
7. Research on the Zimbabwean values of unhu/Ubuntu and show how they promote
identity.(25)

RELIGION AND EDUCATION
Religion has played an important role in the development of education. Educational institutions
were first introduced by religion and later adopted by the secular world. There are many types of
education. There is formal and informal education. Both these types of education are affected by
several religious factors.
RELIGION IN THE FORMAL EDUCATION
Formal education refers to a systematic, organized education model which is structured and
administered according to a given set of laws and norms, presenting a rather rigid curriculum with
clear stipulated objectives, content and methodology. Education refers to the acquisition of
knowledge and learning of the skills. Education helps to shape beliefs and moral values. It can be
the influence that is exercised by adults deliberately upon the young.
Education can lead to advancement in human skills, improvement in productivity and social
forward mobility to a considerable extent. It can also be defined as the process of teaching
somebody, especially in a school, college or university. In other words, it is the knowledge, skills
and understanding that one gets from attending a school or college. As such, it is an investment
which ensures that the nation has knowledgeable and skilled manpower. Educated citizens of a
country bring fame, wealth and prosperity to the country which helps in development of the
country. This leads to national building.
Nation building is defined as constructing a national identity with which it is known by the world
like having a flag, national anthem, values and ethos. Nation building is important for unity, peace
and development.
ROLE OF RELIGION IN NATIONAL BUILDING
Religion is a binding force in any society in which beliefs, actions and principles are important in
nation building. Religious values have high ethical and moral demands which are critical in nation
building
Education can change through time. There are many types of education such as those stated
above. Religion is a binding force in any society in which beliefs, actions and principles are

important in national building. Religious values have high ethical and moral demands which are
critical in nation building. Zimbabwe is home to various religions which are important in nation
building. Christianity is the religion with the largest number of followers, followed by Indigenous
Religion while Islam is steadily growing in Zimbabwe. Judaism has an insignificant number of
followers. The adherents of these religions enjoy freedom of worship in establishing and
practicing their religions. Of interest is that all these religions in Zimbabwe have common values
which are all beneficial to the nation. They all believe in one Supreme Being, the Creator of the
nation as well as the Sustainer of the nation. These religions have norms like hard work, morality,
peace, justice and equity which are common and have a positive bearing on nation building. The
reward and punishment in these religions in Zimbabwe is meant to encourage responsible
behavior which is important in nation building. Thus, religion has many roles to play in nation
building.
1. Religion reduces conflict by promoting peace.
Peace is a term derived from the Latin word pax which means freedom from civil disorder.
It is within this context that religion plays an important role in cultivating peace which
makes people live in peace and harmony. It reduces conflict in the society. For example,
Christianity played an important role in the 2017 political crisis in Zimbabwe by
encouraging dialogue between the former president Robert Mugabe and the former army
general Constantino Chiwenga. This is because in Christianity they believe in national
healing. Christianity uses the teachings of Jesus and the Ten Commandments to instill the
value of cherishing peace. Judaism has the Ten Commandments while Islam uses the
Koran and the Hadith to encourage peace.
2. Religion promotes justice in society.
Justice is a concept based on ethics, law and equity. Justice is a virtue for all national
institutions. Religion encourages fairness and truthfulness in dealing with each other. For
example, the land issue in Zimbabwe shows the role of religion in nation building by
encouraging fairness in the distribution of resources. Indigenous Religion through its view
of land as a sacred inheritance helped in the empowerment of the black indigenous
people through the support of the land reform program. Religions in Zimbabwe conform
to the notion of justice for example Indigenous Religion has traditional courts, Judaism
and Christianity use the bible to condemn injustice and Muslims have sharia courts. All
these courts are there to ensure justice in the society. The religious concept of justice is
connected to the concept of reward and punishment. Those who are fair and just in their
dealings contribute to nation building. The Catholic Church has the Catholic Commission
for Justice and Peace which fosters peace and justice in the country.
3. Promotion of love and tolerance.
Love is a strong affection towards something while tolerance is willingness to recognize
and respect beliefs or practices of others. Tolerance ensures that one accepts diversity in
thinking and practices. The two concepts are related and have a connection to nation
building as they ensure the existence of a stable society. Key attributes which lead to
nation building like coexistence, forgiveness and peace are also derived from tolerance.

Therefore, tolerance and love are critical components in nation building as they cultivate
peace and harmony among citizens.
4. Religion encourages obedience to the law.
Religion plays an important role in nation building as it encourages obedience to the law. In
the Indigenous Religion, failure to obey laws of the land will result in one being given
punishment by the traditional court. In Judaism, obedience to the law is part of the
covenantal obligation. In Christianity, they also believe that obedience is better than
sacrifice and in Islam the sharia requires total adherence to it. Failure to obey the law in all
religions results in judgment and punishment. As such, religion plays a role in nation
building by creating a society that is law abiding than a lawless society.
5. Respect for human life.
Nation building is realized when human life is valued. It is because of religion which
condemns murder or killing each other which makes society a better place for all. In
Indigenous Religion killing another person results in avenging spirits which affects the
murderer and it is because of the existence of avenging spirits that nation building is
encouraged. Judaism also condemns murder or trivializing murder as the Decalogue
stipulate that killing is a religious offence. In Christianity, human life is also valued as they
also use the Decalogue and the purpose of Jesus’ life in ensuring eternal life as the basis
of understanding respect for human life. In Islam, killing another human is punishable by
death according to the Sharia. As such, valuing human life as encouraged by religions
necessitates nation building through prevention of unwarranted loss of human life.
6. Religion encourages forgiveness.
Forgiveness is an act of pardoning an offender or a voluntary process by which the victim
changes positively, attitude or feeling towards the offender. Religion plays a key role in
ensuring forgiveness of others. For example, after the liberation struggle the national
reconciliation and truth was established to ensure that the society moves on from the past
hindering the progress of the society. It is an attribute taught in all religions which helps in
promoting unity.
7. Religion encourages social responsibility.
Social responsibility is doing something for the benefit of the community in which one
lives. Religion encourages social responsibility as it encourages its followers to help the
family, community and nation in which one lives. In Indigenous Religion, helping the needy
is a social responsibility which pleases the ancestors. This is supported by the Zunde
Ramambo initiative which is a facility used by chiefs to support poor families under the
chief’s jurisdiction. It is even supported by the government by distributing agricultural
inputs and equipment to chiefs in Zimbabwe.
8. Religion promotes good governance.
Religion provides a role model for good governance and by so doing plays a role in nation
building. Governance is a concept which means the performance or conduct of the
government. It deals with how leaders govern people. All leaders recognize a system of
electing a leader, rule of law and order, unbiased unaccountability and a system of public
welfare which are all features of governance. In Indigenous Religion, the concept of

traditional leadership provides a role model in which the modern society can emulate in
nation building by ensuring respect for leaders and having interest in the welfare of the
people.
In Christianity, paying tax is a religious mandate and tax is important in nation building.
According to Romans 13 vs. 1,”Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
For there is no authority except from God…” To add on, Romans 13 vs. 7 says “pay all of
them their dues, taxes to who taxes are due, revenue to who revenue is due….” These two
verses show the role of Christianity in nation building as it encourages citizens to respect
those in authority and to pay tax. In Islam, the political system is controlled by religion and
as such governance is a religious issue.
RELIGION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam have managed to establish educational institutions
which have helped in nation building and capacity building. Indigenous Religion has no formal
educational institutions because its educational system is more of informal than formal. Hus,
other religions in Zimbabwe have education institutions which are critical in the development of
the country. These educational institutions range from primary schools, secondary schools,
vocational training centers, colleges and universities.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN JUDAISM

Judaism, because of its fewer followers has not managed to establish many educational
institutions in
Zimbabwe. The establishment of educational institutions shows the acceptance of responsibility
of Judaism in giving education to the nation. Judaism has two established educational institutions
in Zimbabwe.
1. Sharon Primary School
This school was established in 1961 in Harare. At first, students learned in a building meant for
congregation. It is a school which enrolls all students regardless of gender, race, religion or
ethnicity. The school offers a robust Jewish religious, historical and national education. At this
school, a Jewish Youth Centre is housed where youth empowerment activities are done to
assist school leaving age and communal leaders.
2. Camel Primary School
This is a school of Jewish orientation found in Bulawayo. It was established in 1958. Students
study Hebrew and the Old Testament alongside other curriculum subjects in the national
curriculum. It now offers education to diverse students of all religious affiliations. At this
school, students celebrate the Sabbath, observe Jewish festivals and holidays and study the
Old Testament.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN CHRISTIANITY

The Zimbabwean educational sector is awash with educational institutions of Christian
orientation. Some of these schools were established during colonialism by missionaries who
belonged to various denominations like the Roman Catholic Church, Reformed Church in

Zimbabwe, Anglican Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Baptist Church and the United
Methodist Church. Establishing a school in the country was a requirement of registering a church
during the colonial area. This led to the establishment of many missionary centers and schools.
Other educational institutions were established by indigenous black people who formed their own
churches and these include the Zion Christian Church, African Apostolic Sabbath Church and
ZAOGA.
SCHOOLS OF CHRISTIAN ORIENTATION
a) Catholic schools
• St. Dominics High School in Chishawasha
• Dominican Convent in Harare
• Gokomere High School in Masvingo Colleges and Universities
• Bondolfi Teachers’ College
• Catholic University
b) Adventist Educational Institutions
• Anderson Adventist High School
• Francis Aphiri Primary School in Mucheke Masvingo
• Mashapa Adventist Secondary School in Nyajena Masvingo
Colleges and Universities
• Solusi University
c) Methodist
• Sandringham High School in Harare
• Kwenda Mission in Hwedza
• Waddilove High School in Marondera
Colleges and Universities
• Africa University
d) Church of Christ
• Dewure High School in Gutu Masvingo
• Mashoko Christian High School
• Masvingo Christian College
• Chiredzi Christian College
e) Anglican Schools
• Peterhouse in Marondera
• St. James Mission in Nyamandlovu
f) Lutheran Evangelical Fellowship Zimbabwe
• Chegato Hugh School in Mberengwa
• Masase High School in Mberengwa
g) Apostolic Sabbath Church
• St. Noah Secondary School in Buhera

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN ISLAM
Islam has established educational institutions which provide education to Zimbabweans. These
include:
a) Daarul Islamic Educational Centre in Waterfalls, Harare. It has a boys’ training center and
an academy for secondary education, girls training center and a children’s home.
b) Mubeena Ibrahim Primary School in Belvedere which teaches the curriculum offered by
the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
RELIGION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND CAPACITY

BUILDING
Educational institutions are area where learning can take place for example in family, schools,
colleges and universities. Capacity building is a process by which individuals and organizations
get, improve and retain skills, knowledge and resources needed to do their jobs competently. In
simple terms, capacity building is the development and cementing of human and institutional
resources.
There are many educational institutions which are religious oriented. They help in the
development and strengthening of human and organizational resources. These institutions help so
much in capacity building as well as providing the country with competent human resources.
1. Indigenous Religion
Family is a component of the Indigenous Religion which helps in imparting informal
education. As such, Indigenous Religion is important in instilling unhu in Zimbabwe which is
important for capacity building. Unhu has been key in fostering a human resource whose
values are grounded on unhu. Furthermore, Indigenous Religion has helped in educating
the citizens of Zimbabwe on the values of family, a feature that has ensured that there is
social cohesion in Zimbabwe. It is through the ways of education which are based on
practicality and the concept of unhu which helps in capacity building as the human
resource produced are anchored on unhu.
WAYS IN WHICH CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED IN THE INDIGENOUS

RELIGION i. Rituals
Attending rituals enables children to learn about the history of the religion as well as the
practices of the people. For example, children may learn about the origins of human
beings through a ritual. They might also learn about the source of rain through a
rainmaking ceremony ritual. Children will learn that the giver of rain is the Supreme Being.
During puberty rites, children learn about life skills. Boys learn skills like hunting, thatching,
blacksmithing and carpentry while girls learn about motherhood roles like cooking,
washing and nurturing children. Both boys and girls learn about sex and reproduction

where they learn about how to please each other in marriage. This will help in establishing
stable marriages.
ii. Taboos
There are several taboos which enable children to learn about unhu, avoidance of danger
and health. There are taboos which help in the prevention of diseases like one should not
pollute the path used by people as he or she may develop some lumps. This prevents
pollution of the environment which might cause diseases like cholera.
iii. Oral tradition
Oral tradition is the passing of information from one generation to the other by word of
mouth. This is done through myths and folktales. Myths enable children to learn about the
beliefs and practices of their people. For example, children learn from the Mwedzi myth
the belief in ancestors among the indigenous people as well as how polygamy started.
From the same myth, children learn the dangers of breaking taboos like practicing incest.
Children also learn a lot from folktales. They learn about virtues of life like non-retaliation,
kindness and patience. It is through folktales that children learn the purpose of life.
iv. Socialization
It is a process of learning how to behave in a manner that is acceptable to the society.
Indigenous Religion has various ways of assigning acceptable behavior to young people at
an early age. The family is the institution in which socialization happens as children are
taught about health and nutrition, African values and social responsibility. Taboos are a
form of socialization strategy in Indigenous Religion which is utilized to instill acceptable
behavior in the society. As such, taboos on sexual relations, unhu, health and avoidance of
danger all help the young to be responsible citizens.
ROLE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION IN CAPACITY BUILDING
a) Instilling values like honesty, hard work, and self-reliance through folk tales, myths and taboos.
b) Imparting skills for example thatching and basketry skills which can be used in industry. This is
done at home as well as during initiation.
c) Teaching acceptable standards and beliefs. This is enhanced by taboos and myths in
Indigenous Religion
2. JUDAISM
Judaism is another religion which has been involved in nation building. In Zimbabwe, it is
involved in the provision of education by having schools. These schools have the mandate to
provide education which is critical for Zimbabwe’s development. Judaism therefore has led to
human development through the training of Zimbabwean citizens which has empowered
people into being self-reliant.
WAYS CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED IN JUDAISM

The Jewish culture bases their teachings on the Old Testament in teaching the young to be
ethical and self-reliant. Judaism as a religion transmits its beliefs and practices as well as life
skills from one generation to another through various institutions.
a. Family
Family is a mode of education at home in Judaism. When a child begins to speak, the father is
responsible for teaching him verses of the Torah so that the child grows up knowing the
Jewish beliefs and practices. The child should learn to appreciate and respect the Torah from
a young age and this is important in Judaism as a way of educating the young. If the child is a
boy, he is trained to wear tzitzit while a girl is trained to light Sabbath and holiday candles.
Morning recitation of the prayer is also taught to the child as well as prayer for meals and
retiring to bed. As such, the family is central to teaching and indoctrination in Judaism. Girls
are mostly educated by their mothers at home.
b. Religious ceremonies
Religious ceremonies are a way of learning for the children regarding the values and norms of
Judaism which are important for human survival. Festivals like Pentecost s well as the Day of
Atonement have related laws and customs which educate the Jews about their history and
practices.
c. Synagogues
A synagogue is also an institution of learning in Judaism. While the synagogue is a place of
prayer in Judaism, it is also the place where they study the Torah as well as reciting where men
and young boys gather for study. Priests are responsible for teaching young Jews at local
synagogues with the help of the rabbis also known as teachers. Rabbis are the teachers of the
Jewish faith and law. d. Study houses
A study house or bet Midrash is the primary rabbinic institution of higher learning. In these
study houses Jewish laws and theology are studied. The main focus of the study is on values,
ethics, morality and behavior expected to be known and practiced by Jews. The skills of
reading and analyzing the Torah are secondary as the issue of ethics and morality is central to
Jewish teaching and practice.
ROLE OF JUDAISM IN CAPACITY BUILDING
o Imparting of knowledge and skills. Carmel School in Bulawayo is an educational institution

which imparts knowledge and skills in Zimbabwe.
o Constructing schools is another role of Judaism in capacity building as it has constructed
Carmel Primary School in Bulawayo and Sharon Primary School in Harare.
o Instilling values for example the Habakkuk Trust.
3. CHRISTIANITY
There are several Christian institutions in Zimbabwe that have contributed to capacity
building. The Roman Catholic Church has schools providing primary as well as secondary
education. There are also colleges and universities of the catholic orientation like Bondolfi

Teachers’ College and the Catholic University. The same can be said for several other
Christian denominations.
All these educational institutions have been critical in Zimbabwe’s nation building through
education. These institutions do not only benefit people o that religion but the nation as a
whole. There are also nursing training institutions run by churches. The church has also been
instrumental in educating those who are disabled for instance Capota School for the blind
being run by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe.
ROLE OF CHRISTIANITY IN CAPACITY BUILDING
• Imparting of knowledge and skills through schools

• Training of human resources through colleges and universities
• Construction of educational institutions
• Instilling values through their teachings which produce good citizens
• Managing conflicts at national level
• Teaching forgiveness thus bringing people together by removing racism and tribalism
4. ISLAM
Islam has a duty to contribute towards the development of the nation by building
infrastructure like schools, universities and hospitals. It is a religion that has some educational
institutions where learning takes place. There are Islamic schools and vocational training
centers where individuals and organizations get, improve and retain skills and knowledge to
do their jobs competently
WAYS CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED IN ISLAM
Islam is a way of life in which children as they grow learn a lot of things which make them full
Muslims. In Islam there are various ways used to give awareness to the child as well as
knowledge, life skills and development of virtuous personality. a. Family
Family teaches children to grow up in a way which pleases Allah. It is at home in the family
that a child knows about love, respect, care and empathy which are crucial in Islamic
expressions of faith. Family guides the child by providing teachings on beliefs, actions of
religions, good morals as well as moral and social values. The child is also taught healthy
ways of living, good social relations and giving to others.
b. Mosque
Muslims and Muslimah acquire education by means of studying the Koran as well as the Hadith,
Islamic theology and history. This education is provided at the mosque by the Imams as
well as Islamic scholars. The focus of Islamic education is to ensure that one grows
knowing the Islamic beliefs and practices.
c. Socialization

Socialization is internalizing norms and values of the society. It is very difficult to isolate
religion from what happens in Islamic society. Islam socializes Muslim on acceptable
behavior for the young at an early age. The family is the primary institution where children
are taught about Islamic beliefs, health issues, life skills, good ethics and social
responsibility. The Sharia is used as a way of instilling norms and values of Islam into the
young so that they are accepted in the Islamic society. Matters of sexual relations, morals
and ethics in the Sharia all help the young to be responsible citizens. Modesty is a
component that is socialized by family in Islam as women are taught how to live a Muslim
life.
ROLE OF ISLAM IN CAPACITY BUILDING

• Imparting of knowledge and skills. Ridgeview Primary School also known as Mubeena Ibrahim
Primary School is located in Belvedere. It offers primary school education from grade 0 to
grade 7.
• Training of human resources. Muslim Youth Organization has the mandate of helping the
weakest groups in the society. In a country that has a high rate of unemployment, the
organization has helped youths by donating funds so that the youths can start income-
generating projects which create employment for themselves as well as others.
• Construction of education institutions for example the Iqraa (read) center in Harare has been
established by Muslim scholars and its main focus is to promote Islamic activities in Zimbabwe
by spreading Islam, organizing educational programs and correcting false information about
Islam. This has helped the promotion of tolerance in the society. The Iqraa center is comprised
of a school and teachers who are trained to facilitate Islamic studies.
• Instilling values. Islam, through its non-governmental organizations like the Zakat foundation
have taught values like compassion as it encourages believers to help the poor, orphans and
widows. This is the reason why Zakat (almsgiving) is a religious mandate for all Muslims. It is
because of this that
Islam imparts the values of care, compassion and kindness in people. These values are
important in promoting social responsibility in society as well as development of the society.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON EDUCATION
Religion gives hope to the people as it explains the purpose of life and binds the fabric of society.
Despite the importance of religion in society, it has heavily impacted on education. This impact
can be explained in terms of positive and negative. In this case, only the negative impacts will be
examined.
1. It creates conflict
Religion provides fertile ground for conflict formulation where people end up disagreeing on
issues. Students from a Christian institution might end up fighting Muslim students from
another institution due to differences in beliefs and practices. Conflicts may also arise

between members of different Christian denominations because of sharp differences in
beliefs.
2. It creates stigma and discrimination
Stigma is the shame or disgrace attached to something regarded as socially unacceptable.
Discrimination refers to an unjust treatment of different people on the grounds of race, age,
sex and beliefs. Religion may end up leading to discrimination as learners from a religious
institution may discriminate those who are not part of the religion. For example, if a learner is
from a Christian institution and happens to meet another learner from the Indigenous
Religion, the learner might feel uncomfortable to mix with those believers and in turn may
have certain prejudices against believers of Indigenous Religion. Labels will be given to others
who are not followers of that religion. This creates classes in the society.
3. It leads to religious indoctrination
Indoctrination is the teaching of a person or a group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. As
such, religion can lead to indoctrination as learners are educated to accept beliefs without
reasoning. The religious education institution will lead to indoctrination of students. This may
lead to religious conflict as indoctrination is not good for promoting tolerance and
inclusiveness.
4. It leads to prejudice
Religion can cause people to have preconceived ideas not based on actual experience.
Favoritism is a prejudice that is an effect of religion on education as people may end up having
bias against people who are not believers of their religion. Christians have some prejudice
against members of the Indigenous Religion. There is prejudice in the learning environment
which emanates from religion.
5. It leads to cultural change
Religion can lead to cultural change because of education. A learner may change his/her
culture after enrolling at an educational institution inclined to a particular religion. One might
change their indigenous language to Arabic after enrolling at an Islamic educational
institution. One might even deny their name in favor of a new name in relation to the new
religion which they now believe in after enrolling at a religious institution. This also leads to
change in culture as the learner may shift from his/her culture to the culture that is advanced
through religion that is dominant at the educational institution.
6. It promotes lack of tolerance
Learning at an institution where one religion dominates leads to lack of tolerance as the
student may fail to accommodate other religious views from other people. If a student is
learning at a Roman Catholic institution and meets one from a Pentecostal institution, he
might fail to tolerate the value of speaking in tongues.
7. It leads to demonization of other religions
Regarding other religions as evil or bad is another impact of religion on education. For
example, if one is learning at a Christian institution they might end up demonizing the
Indigenous Religion’s belief in ancestral spirits. There is a general treatment of other religions
as the ‘other’ and it is through such labels that some religions will be regarded as bad for
people to follow.

8. It leads to conflicts or wars
Conflicts or wars are some of the impacts of religion on education. In Islam, there is a holy war
and in Judaism there are just wars which are teachings that can breed conflict if taught in
educational institutions. Conflicts are carried out throughout history in the name of God and
religion.
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON FORMAL EDUCATION
• Many schools and universities have been built by different religions thus bringing
education to the people. There are many missionary schools in Zimbabwe like Mukaro
Mission which is a Roman Catholic School.
• Familiarization of world religions has been witnessed in the country. The new curriculum of
Zimbabwean schools now teaches Islam, Christianity, Indigenous Religion and Judaism.
• This has led to tolerance and acceptance of people with different religions.
• Religion generally provides counseling and this has helped learners with stress
management and depression management skills.
• Religiously unacceptable behavior is viewed as sinful and thus learners avoid such
behavior thereby creating a crimeless society.
• This has also reduced religiously motivated hate crimes. It has been noted that parents
whose children attend worshipping at least weekly are less likely to be contacted by their
children’s school about behavior problems than parents whose children worship less
frequently. Religious practice is a positive force for staying on track in school.
• Religion also promotes social responsibility for example Islam through almsgiving (Zakat).
• The greater the parents’ religious involvement, the more likely the increase in educational
expectations for the children and communication with the children with regard to their
education.
• Youth participation in religious activities promotes friendships that aid and encourage
academic achievement and engagement.
• Structured and well organized after school activities, including religious activities are also
associated with better educational outcomes. Extra-curricular church activities help
youths reduce problematic behaviors that might otherwise put their academic attainment
at risk.
• Well behaved religious learners are most likely to be employed.
• Religious practice is significantly and directly related to academic achievement.
• Religiously involved students spend most of their time on homework, work harder in
school and achieve more in school as a result research done has proved that those who
attended religious services did much better in their studies.

• Religiously affiliated learners are more likely to receive a higher education than those
unaffiliated.
• Frequent religious attendance correlates with lower dropout rates and greater school
attachment.
NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION AND FORMAL EDUCATION
• Causes cultural changes among learners, for example, children may end up changing their
culture of respecting family members by adopting religious parents like in Christianity
where a spiritual father can be found.
• Some religions are labeled as evil for example Christians label Indigenous Religion as
demon worshipping. Christian educational institutions like schools demonize other
religions and regard them as satanic. This is a negative impact of religion on formal
education.
• Labeling believers is noted as some believers as some believers are labeled as sinners if
they commit sins. This is common in Christianity where there is a lot of stigma on people
who are non-believers.
• Some schools are single religion schools and learners end up not having a chance to
interact with others from other religions and they end up being monomaniacs or
fundamentalists.
• Some students are judged for being different.
• When a student’s religion is not shared by the majority of the people at the school, the
school might violate some religious rights of such students.
ROLE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION IN INFORMAL EDUCATION

Education in indigenous societies of Africa serves many purposes. It is holistic and preparatory for
the future. Indigenous education is life-centered. Character development is considered to be the
supreme task of education in the indigenous system. In addition to this, the indigenous education
system has a specific purpose for each and every one of its tasks. Tasks prepare the learner for
active living and service to the society.
Purposes of Indigenous Education:
a) Physical growth and development b) Mental and intellectual development c) Spiritual

development
d) Social development e) Cultural development f) Character development g) Education for
health and safety h) Language education i) Sexual development j) Skills development k) Moral
development
Physical growth and development

Physical growth is increase in size, meaning that there must be an increase in weight and height.
Development, on the other hand refers to a progressive series of changes in proportions, physical

features and behavior. In Indigenous Religion, the child is guided on physical growth processes
from the time of birth. Several rituals and rights are done to aid the physical growth of the child.
However, while the child grows in stature, Indigenous Religion stresses the fact that the child must
also mature in mind. In order to accomplish this goal, the indigenous education system has various
physical exercises in which the child participates. These include jumping rope, racing, climbing,
balancing, swimming and many other activities to ensure the child grows physically. In other
societies, children have initiation rites in which their physical development is tested. Activities
such as hunting, fetching firewood, mountain climbing and construction of temporary shelters
ensure that the child is physically strong in his or her development.
At the earliest stage of infancy, the mother takes responsibility in breastfeeding the child. When
time for weaning is due, some children refrain from breastfeeding alone while others require
external inducement. In other cases, some training measures are taken in order to quickly wean
the child. Then, the child is trained to walk. He/she is encouraged to sit, crawl and finally walk.
Every step taken naturally by the child is praised and encouraged. If the child takes longer to crawl
or walk, special training is employed to speed up the process.
Mental and intellectual development

In the Indigenous Religion, value and respect are placed on people of high intellectual attainment.
These people are regarded as wise. Wisdom assists in everyday problem solving for the
community hence a wise child is considered to be a blessing to the society. The greatest
education for intellectual development calls for respect of the elders. Grey hair was and still is a
sign of wisdom. Subsequently, most riddles of life are solved by the elders. For this reason, child
education is meant to introduce the love of wisdom to the young and teach them to respect the
wise. African stories of ‘Tsuro and Gudo’ are good examples of how wisdom is valued in
indigenous societies. The hare is often depicted as being wise and thus able to come up with
solutions to its problems. In the end, children are encouraged to seek wisdom first.
Education for spiritual development

A famous Portuguese saying says that ‘Man is a religious being, coming from God and traveling
back to God.’ Indigenous Africans value education for spiritual and religious development. People
analyzing religious issues are referred to as scholars of religions, regarded as very religious
people. Children are introduced to the fundamental principles of religious life and religious
practices from a tender age. Children learn that God exists and He is the creator and sustainer of
life and the universe. The young are trained in reverence for supernatural beings, not only God in
Heaven but also the Spirits. They are taught about the existence of the spirits and other types of
spirits such as ancestral spirits. Children are taught about sacred places and how to behave in
these sacred places. They know which rivers, mountains and forests and to avoid them and hold
their tongues in order to avoid angering the spirits of the area. They are educated on the

consequences of disrespecting the ancestors and desecrating sacred places. Through the use of
taboos, myths and legends, children learn a lot about religious conduct and behavior.
Education for social development

Africans value life so much. The society is the mother to all children. Education in the indigenous
society is meant to prepare the learner for living in the society. It is meant for the development of
the society. Communal life is very important for Africans. The child’s education starts at home and
is extended to the clan and then the whole ethnic group or society. Child education at the earliest
stages is the primary duty of parents and members of the extended family. Secondarily, it is the
duty of the entire community. The whole clan where the child is born and residing can intervene
whenever there are signs of negligence in training by the parents.
Every child is expected to know and understand the norms and values of the society. Everything
that the child learns is meant to fit them for active living and service in the society. Education for
social development is an integral part of the indigenous system of learning.
Education for cultural development

The Indigenous Religion system seeks to introduce the child to the communal or ethnic culture.
Culture can be defined as the sum total of societal beliefs, norms, customs, arts, skills and values.
The whole process of socialization is aimed at the transmission of culture so as to fit the learner
for active and useful living in the society. This kind of education is also a vocational or professional
training. Children learn the norms and values to pursue and vices to detest through interaction,
observation and participation.
Education for character development

This occupies a central place in the indigenous education system. Children are expected to
behave in certain ways. Uncultured children are a disgrace not only to their parents but to the
entire clan or society. The character of a person is formed within the family circle and then within
the local family group and finally within the whole tribe through the process of initiation
ceremonies and rites. It is at the initiation ceremony that the young men prove their worth in the
society and their readiness to begin leading active and useful lives in the community. Hard work
is a value that is expected together with respect for elders among others. Young people are
trained to be brave men and women capable of performing their duties as wives and mothers.
Education for health and safety

Principles of health and safety are to be known and put into practice by parents and guardians.
The child is to be prevented from all forms of accidents. They are also to be protected against all
dangerous substances and areas. It is expected that parents prohibit young children from
handling delicate vessels such as clay pots or calabashes. Herbs and other health rituals for the
children are done by the elders, aunts or parents. The concept of ‘nhova’, a soft part on the head
of the baby was dealt with by the elders. This soft part causes the outer part on the head to ‘play’
as the child breathes. If not handled with care, it will lead to serious illness and dangerous
consequences.

Language education
Indigenous education incorporates language development. The idea of learning how to speak well
means a great deal in indigenous societies. Other forms of education depend on this special
exercise. Language education is the gate to all fields of learning. How children begin to
communicate in language varies from one family to another.
Infants begin by making meaningless sounds, which are however very significant to the parents.
As the child advances in age, it begins to make meaningful sounds which are words. The child is
expected to begin calling ‘baba’ and then ‘mama’. However, this is not across all indigenous
societies. The mother assumes the responsibility of imparting the right style of speech. She
introduces the child to all the names of important members of the family, past and present. Such
instructions are given through songs composed purposely to entertain and teach the child.
Sexual development
As children progress with their growth, they are educated in sexual development and roles. They
are taught courtship and gender roles. This is done by the aunt or the grandmother to the girl child
and the uncle or grandfather to the boy child. The culmination of sexual health is during initiation
where girls are taught how to be good wives and responsible mothers and boys are taught how to
be good husbands and responsible fathers. Girls are taught how to fulfill the duties of a wife to
the husband and to be productive in terms of child-bearing. They are also taught how to behave in
front of their in-laws. Boys, on the other hand are taught the necessary skills needed to fend for a
family. They are introduced to the art of hunting, craftwork, farming, gardening and many other
duties expected of the father figure. In Indigenous Religion, the ceremonies of Chinamwari were
responsible for the right sexual training for girls.
REVISION
1. Education plays an important role in nation building.

a. Define nation building. (2)
b. Outline 4 roles of education in nation building. (4)
c. Give reasons why education is important. (6)
d. Describe the role of Christianity in nation building. (8)
2. Indigenous religion is based on informal education.

a. What is informal education? (2)
b. Outline ways in which people are taught in indigenous religion. (4)
c. Describe ways in the Indigenous Religion in which people are taught. (6)
d. Explain the role played by Indigenous Religion in the promotion of life skills. (8)
3. Religion is fundamental in nation building.

a. Define religion. (2)

b. State any four activities done by religion in nation building. (4)
c. Describe the role of religion in nation building. (6)
d. Assess the role of religion in nation building. (8)
4. The church plays an important role in the promotion of education in Zimbabwe.

a. Define education. (2)
b. Outline any four church related educational constitutions. (4)
c. Describe the role of the church in the promotion of education in Zimbabwe. (6)
d. Assess the contribution of the church on the education system in Zimbabwe. (8)
5. Religion gives hope to the people as it explains the purpose of life and binds the fabric of
the society.
a. What is society? (2)
b. Outline four religions which are dominant in Zimbabwe. (4)
c. Describe the positive impacts of religion on education. (6)
d. Explain the negative impacts of religion on education. (8)
Essay questions
1. Describe the role of religion on education. (25)

2. Explain the role of religion on nation building. (25)
3. Using examples of education institutions, describe the role of religion in capacity building.
(25)
4. Analyze the negative impact of religion on education. (25)
5. Describe the role of religion in human resource development. (25)
RELIGION AND GENDER ROLES

The issue of gender roles and expectations pervades all religions. This chapter focuses on religion
and gender because religion shapes societal attitude towards women.
GENDER IN VARIOUS RELIGIONS

Gender is the distinction between a male and a female in terms of their social and cultural roles
and behavior. As such, gender is culturally constructed and this differs with sex which is
biologically constructed. It is within this context that males and females are identified in terms of
masculinity and femininity. Therefore, there are certain duties that are expected to be done by
men and women respectively.
Gender roles refer to learned behaviors by a person as appropriate to their gender, determined by
prevailing cultural norms. Gender roles are cultural and personal. They determine how females
and males should think, speak, dress and interact within the context of the society.
RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON GENDER
Religion encompasses beliefs and practices associated with the supernatural. It is because of
these beliefs and practices which have been shaped by the masculine perspective that determine
religious views on gender in many societies. Various religions have various views concerning
gender since gender is culturally constructed. Culture encompasses religion and it is because of
that there are various perceptions of gender in religion.
1. INDIGENOUS RELIGION (IR)

African concepts of gender are integral to the people’s religious experience and by
implication their social life as well. As such, the issues of gender in IR are viewed within the
context of it being a way of life. Gender is viewed within the context of the culture of the
indigenous people. The basis of gender perceptions in IR is clear in myths which explain the
identity and roles of men and women. From IR, ideologies such as myths, stories and proverbs
women are identified with different gender roles. Women play an important role in society,
economy and politics of the indigenous people. Women in IR have a more complementary role
as they help their male counterparts.
SOCIAL ROLE OF WOMEN IN

IR a. Motherhood role
A woman is defined by her role as the mother. A mother is supposed to take care of the
family. The Shona adage ‘musha mukadzi’ which literally means a best home has a woman
proverb shows the motherhood role of a woman. This encourages Shona women to work hard
to ensure that the family is in the correct posture for development. In Ndebele, a woman is
umama (mother) who does not sleep until sunrise but gets up early in the morning and makes
a Ndebele home good. This is supported by the proverb, ‘undodana wathatha inyoka yomfazi
elala ilanga lize lingene emloyeni’ which means a woman who is mother should not be lazy but
should work for the family.
The Shangani people believe that a woman should love her family as well as provide for the
family. This is the reason behind khomba ceremony where a woman is taught how to become
a mother. A mother in Shangani has the role of providing love and warmth to the family.
b. Respecting the husband

Women should respect their husbands because it is their duty. When addressing her husband,
a woman should say Lord and kneel down when talking with her husband as well as serving the
food. A woman who does not respect her husband is regarded as a disgrace and an untutored
wife. In Venda, a woman should avoid at all costs to stand when greeting her husband, the elders
and the chief. In fact, the woman is expected to bow down or kneel down when greeting men. It is
a sign of lacking respect for one to stand when talking to her husband. As a sign of respecting
authority, women in Venda are also expected to kneel when cooking than standing or sitting on a
chair. c. Child-bearing role
A woman is more celebrated when she conceives and bears children. Women are extremely
important in IR not because of bearing children alone but also by the way they nurse, cherish,
give warmth and care to children. If a woman is barren in IR she is given pejorative names like
ngomwa. This is because in IR a woman’s main role is to bear children. Failure to bear children
is regarded as a non-fulfillment of a woman’s role. A woman who does not bear children has
no role in society and being childless is an attribute which denies one of her roles of
womanhood.
In Shangani, child-bearing is still valued and the purpose of marriage is to produce children.
Bearing children is the major role of women and shows the true value of a woman as a mother.
Among the Shona, if a woman of the age of marriage dies without bearing a child, she is buried
with a maize cob. The maize cob represents the child she should have given birth to in her
lifetime. This shows the essential part of child bearing among women in various indigenous
groups in Zimbabwe. d. Performing household duties
Women have a role of fulfilling household chores like cooking, washing and fetching water.
This is the reason why young girls grow up being taught how to do cooking, washing clothes
and fetching water. In Ndebele, women are expected to sweep around the homestead, clean
kitchenware, bring water from the well, and make fire to keep the family warm as well as cook.
This is similar to female gender roles in Shangani and Venda where all household chores
belong to women. If a woman keeps her household unclean, it reflects that she did not have
enough lessons about her obligations as a woman.
e. Advisory role
Women as aunts have a special role in the family as they give advice to girls of marriageable
age on marriage matters as well as motherhood roles. The aunt also advises boys and girls in
the family and she is valued because of that. She is regarded as babakadzi meaning maternal
father because of her role in the family. Thus, women are counselors, judges and advisors in
IR. In Venda, the aunt is known as makhadzi and she has a role in advising the family during
disputes within the family like marital conflicts. In Ndebele, the aunt is known as ubabakhadzi
who advices the family especially on marriage issues and in Tonga the aunt is regarded as
baandi. In Venda, women especially aunts (makhadzi) have a role to maintain cohesion within
the family by approving and disapproving wives coming into the family as well as maintaining
the unity of the family.
If a woman misbehaves when she is married, the blame is put on the aunts who are supposed
to advice the daughter of the brother. As such, women are seen to have a crucial role in
advising family matters.

f. Socialization role
Socialization is defined as a process of learning how to behave in a way that is acceptable to
the society. It involves the acquiring of values, norms and attitude from childhood to
adulthood. Women in IR play an important role in the socialization of children as they are the
first teachers. They teach children how to behave and have values. Examples include
respecting the elders, hard work and dressing.
SOCIAL ROLE OF MEN IN IR

1. Advice children especially boys.
Men in IR have a social role of advising children. The men mainly advice boys as they grow up.
It is the duty of the grandfather and the uncle to socialize the boy child on what is expected of
him as a man in the society. The boys get advice on sexual and reproductive matters. In
Tonga, the elderly man and the father have a role in advising boys about issues of growing up
so that the boys will grow up to become responsible citizens.
2. Fatherhood role
Parenting is a role played by the father in IR. As a father, a man is supposed to fend for the
family needs be it physical or psychological needs. A man is regarded as the head of the
family because of his role as the father. In Ndebele, the father has a role to defend the family
as well as to provide for the family. In Shangani, the father provides everything for the family
like food, clothing, protection and many other provisions.
3. Teaching boys self-reliant jobs
In IR, boys are supposed to grow up knowing how to survive by doing self-reliant jobs like
thatching, building construction, blacksmithing, carpentry and drum-making. All these jobs
are there to make men survive in the society. It is the role of the father to ensure that male
children grow in a way that they are able to survive in the broader society. In the Ndebele
society, men and boys are supposed to fence the fields, dig wells and trenches as well as
construct structures required at home. In Shangani, men have to be industrious by doing what
they have been taught during their initiation ceremony to be self-reliant.
4. Looking after the flock
Indigenous people value animals like goats, cattle and sheep. These domestic animals are a
source of wealth and power. Men look after the flocks among the indigenous people. In the
Ndebelele culture, cattle are taken to the pastures early in the morning by men known as
ukuyachakisa whereas in Shona they call it kufudza.
RELIGIOUS ROLES OF WOMEN IN

IR i. Healing
Women also act as diviners and healers in IR. They heal through herbal medicine, exorcism
and use of razor incisions to heal problems of infertility, miscarriages, headaches,
stomachache and other diseases. They use natural properties of plant species like
nhundurwa (shrub) and gavakava (aloe vera) for overcoming navel inflammation while
jekacheka (sharp bladed grass) is used to overcome menstrual pain. As such, women in IR

give herbal medicines to the people. Mbuya Ganga who resides in Mufakose is a healer
and a diviner who assists people with various problems.
ii. Women act as midwives
Pregnant women are assisted by midwives in giving birth. The midwives ensure safe
delivery of the baby as well as the safety of the mother. If there are any complications in the
process, the midwife asks the ancestors for assistance or intervention. Midwives also massage
the mother during delivery, maintain hygiene in the place of delivery and cut the umbilical cord
after the child is born. They also ensure that the child is protected from the cold after giving
birth. iii. Women are involved in prayer or ancestor veneration
Women partake in ritual services in IR. The African society is full of rituals and women
have a role to play as religious personalities like healers and mediums as well as helping with
the brewing of beer during rituals like rain-making ceremonies, libation and home-bringing
ceremonies. In Shangani during the birth of a daughter, a ritual cleansing is led by the
grandmother (kokwana) which emphasizes the role of women in the Shangani rituals. iv.
Women act as mediums and diviners
The spiritual world makes their wishes known to the human world through mediums and
diviners. Mbuya Nehanda and Mbuya Tangwena are some of the mediums used by the
spirit world to convey their messages. In Venda, makhadzi facilitate communication with
the ancestors. This implies that women have a religious role not only of acting as mediums
but also to facilitate communication between the living and the ancestors. This implies
that mediums in Venda work with the makhadzi.
v. Women partake in rites of passage
Women play important roles in rites of passage of human beings by performing rituals. At
birth, they ensure that the baby is safe by performing rituals so that the baby grows well.
At puberty, they teach young girls about the mysteries of womanhood. During the
initiation of young girls in Shangani, it is the role of elderly women to teach young girls
about female sexuality as well as other things relating to the life of a girl and a woman.
vi. Musical role
There are several religious ceremonies which require music in IR. Libation, home bringing
ceremony and rain making ceremony are rituals which require song and dance. Women
have a musical role to play at various religious functions in IR ceremonies. Music inspires
mediums and diviners to link with the spirit world.
RELIGIOUS ROLE OF MEN IN IR

1. Representatives of ancestors as mediums and diviners
Men are mediums, diviners, rain-making messengers and heaven herds. Some of the
prominent men who performed the role of being mediums include Sekuru Kaguvi and
Chaminuka. There are various male spirit mediums in the different Zimbabwean communities.
2. Officiating during ritual action
Some of the rituals led and officiated by men include libation, home-bringing ceremony and
ritual cleansing. In all these rituals, men are the leaders and officials because in IR men are
required to lead since they know the generations of ancestors and in most cases, women

would have been married leaving men to ensure that family spirits are venerated through
various rituals. Because of their sexuality, women are not supposed to lead rituals in IR unless
they have reached menopause. In Shangani, during the birth of a child, a ritual is done in which
the eldest man of the family acts as a priest when sacrifices are made to the ancestors and
when illness is caused by spirits from the mother’s lineage, a child’s mother’s brother acts as a
priest.
3. Healers
There are several male herbalists who heal people from various diseases. Sekuru Banda is a
male herbalist who is popular in Harare. It is therefore clear that men have a religious role to
play as healers in IR. In Gutu, Ndawi area there is an herbalist known as Sekuru Chigaga who
helps people who are bitten by snakes and mamhepo. In Nyajena , Guwa area there is a well-
known herbalist known as Tangai. In Chipinge there was Sekuru Ndunge who helped in
mitigating all the pain caused by witches as well as natural diseases.
POLITICAL ROLES OF WOMEN IN INDIGENOUS RELIGION
a) LEADERSHIP ROLE
Women also acted as leaders in IR. Mbuya Nehanda was the leader in the First
Chimurenga. She led the black uprising against white rulers. In Venda, makhadzi can act as
a leader of the clan after the death of a chief. The Venda traditional leadership is tripartite
as it involves the chief, the makhadzi (chief’s paternal aunt) and the ndumi (chief’s
paternal uncle). The makhadzi is more powerful in Venda because she rules with the chief
and can also assume the throne as a leader. A chief cannot rule on his own without
makhadzi. She can also act as a regent as well as ensuring smooth succession of the
chieftaincy issue.
b) DECISION-MAKING ROLE
The women also made political decisions. Mbuya Charwe, popularly known as Mbuya
Nehanda decided that the black people should defend their heritage from white settlers
during the First Chimurenga. In Venda political systems, the makhadzi is the one who
commands a lot of respect by virtue of her ageand position. Makhadzi plays an important
role in the decision-making process of the chief.
c) ADVISORY ROLE
Women had a political role of advising. They first acted as political advisors during the
liberation struggle. Mbuya Tangwena, a spirit medium advised freedom fighters to fight
against white settlers during the Second Chimurenga. In traditional political organizations,
women had the role of advising chiefs. The chief’s aunt and his wife, for example, played a
political advisory role in the traditional system of governance.
d) Women acted as freedom fighters
The coming of white settlers to Zimbabwe led to the displacement of the indigenous
people from their land and there was a lot of oppression of the black people. In response
to this colonial injustice, indigenous men and women fought against the white colonial
rulers. The liberation struggle was not only fought by men alone as women were also at

the battle front together with their male counterparts. During the Second Chimurenga,
women like Joyce Teurairopa Mujuru and Oppah Muchinguri were accomplished freedom
fighters.
POLITICAL ROLES OF MEN IN INDIGENOUS RELIGION

1. Leading role
The political organization of the indigenous people is male headed and it is because of this
reason that chiefs are male although in some rare cases there are female chiefs in the
contemporary world. In the traditional society, chiefs are males and they defend the territory
as well as ensure that the rules of the ancestors are adhered to. Chiefs in IR include Chief
Mapondera, Chief Charumbira and Chief Svosve. In Shangani, a chief (hosi) is always a man
and his role is to lead the people. If the person who is appointed to be the chief is a young boy,
a regent is appointed to lead the people.
2. Advisory role
In the political system of the indigenous people, the chief has advisors and these advisors help
him in making decisions that are beneficial to the whole society. The chief’s aides also help in
solving social disputes. In Shona, these men are known as machinda amambo. It is a taboo in
indigenous society for a chief to have a female aide in his court. In Shangani, a chief relies on
personal advice mostly from senior male relatives who advise him on administrative issues,
tribal land, maintaining law and order as well as settling disputes.
3. Men as fighters/soldiers
In indigenous societies men are the ones who are largely incorporated in the army of a
particular state. They are the ones who stand to fight against enemies who invade their states.
The kings of the various states choose men who are to be in the army as well as the army
leaders.
ECONOMIC ROLES OF WOMEN IN THE INDIGENOUS

RELIGION a) Making clay pots and baskets for sale
Women sell handmade clay pots and baskets which contribute to the income of the family.
In Ndebele culture, women make utensils, baskets, mats and so on for family use and
economic purposes while in Shangani women make pottery, grass mats and sleeping mats
which they might sell. The selling of such wares brings revenue to the family which can be
used to buy other things needed in the household.
b) Women as paid diviners and healers
Enterprise in IR includes healing. Healing is a form of business conducted by women and it
contributes economically to the family as it is not done for free.
Diviners and healers are paid for their services. Herbs used to heal various ailments are
paid for as well as diagnosing problems affecting people through divination. It is through
payment for such services that women contribute economically to the household. Thus,
women have a role in the economic life of the indigenous people as the income is used to
support the family of the diviner.
c) Selling of agricultural products

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economic system of the indigenous people. Women
produce so many of the agricultural products which they can sell. Women own a field
known as tseu where they grow groundnuts, roundnuts and other farm produce for the
family to get income. Women are also responsible for clearing the fields before the rainy
season in preparation for ploughing. In modern days, women can also be seen in the
agricultural sector as farmers as well as sellers of the agricultural produce at different
market places.
ECONOMIC ROLE OF MEN IN IR

a) Working for family income
The economic stability of the family is dependent upon the men’s role in the economic life.
The role of men is to be economically active through working hard so that the family has
income for buying cattle, goats, clothes and other essential things needed in the family.
For a family to have a sound income, men have to perform their role economically by
ensuring that the family is well catered for.
b) Trading
Another economic role of men in the indigenous society is to be involved in trade. Men are
involved in barter trade as well as monetary trade. Men make baskets, hoes, axes, stools
and other things for trading purposes that benefit the family. In Shangani, men put into
practice what they have been taught during initiation by making wooden bowls,
calabashes, baskets, musical instruments, mortars and pestles. A man should show
expertise in making tools that are required by the society.
JUDAISM
Judaism has gone under a lot of transformation in terms of gender issues. It is important to note
that there is a close connection between gender and religion in Judaism. Judaism believes and
maintains that men and women have distinct and differentiated roles. These unique but
differentiated roles are derived from the Torah. From the Torah, religious roles ascribed to men
and women are sharply defined, separated into public male and private female spheres. Roles in
Judaism are obligations and not rights. A male Jew has a role in the service of God. Men are
required to pray daily in a minyan (quorum or group of ten men) with tallit (prayer shawl). Prayer is
done three times while women are required to stay at home nurturing children. Women do not
have the obligation to be a t prayer like men in Judaism.
SOCIAL ROLES OF WOMEN

Women play an important role in the Jewish society. Although women are perceived as very weak
physically and emotionally, they have a very influential role in the Israelite society because of the
following roles.
1. Motherhood role
Motherhood is a social role associated with female sexuality. A woman is supposed to bear
and nurture children. Bringing up children is a gender role of women in Judaism. Children are

a blessing from God and it is the duty of the mother that the children are brought up in a
manner pleasing to God.
2. Sexual role
Intimacy is the goal of marriage in Judaism. The purpose of marriage is to be pleasurable
through romance. Therefore, women are supposed to please men sexually in Judaism. This is
because women are viewed as sexual beings that are there to please men’s sexual desires in
marriage.
3. Teachers of faith (socialization)
Women play an important role in Judaism as they socialize children. They teach children about
the religion of the Israelites in Judaism as well as how to behave in a manner that is Jewish.
Education about life and religion is taught at home in Judaism by women. It is the role of the
woman to teach children about their culture and religion at home. The law is the basis of
Jewish education which is taught by the women. Children are taught about the law by women
at home.
4. Respecting the husband
Family is the pillar of Jewish religion and as such women have a role to play by ensuring that
the family is stable. According to the Torah, a woman is commanded to honor her husband
exceedingly and to respect him. She should carry out all the instructions from her husband
whilst considering the husband as king or Lord. This is done with mutual respect given to the
husband.
5. Loving the husband
Romance is the role of the woman in Judaism. Women are expected to love their husbands in
marital relations. In marriage, a woman should not deny her husband intimacy to cause him
anguish so that he should increase love for her. A woman who does not give love to her
husband is called a rebel.
6. Role modeling
Role modeling is a powerful teaching tool for imparting knowledge, skills and behavior through
emulation. Women in Judaism have a role to play as role models in their family as they inspire
children to live a meaningful life characterized by good behavior. Women are supposed to
lead by example. A woman should be a role model for others by displaying humility, patience
and an ethical life. For example, Hannah is the woman who lived a life worth emulating.
Motherhood in Judaism involves role modeling.
7. Performing household chores
There are daily household duties which are done at home and women in Judaism are expected
to perform duties like cooking, washing and cleaning. This is the reason why home is the
private place for women in Judaism. All the decorations are made by the woman.
SOCIAL ROLES OF MEN

a) Menial jobs
Men, due to their physical abilities are created in a way which suits jobs that require hard labor.
Jewish men therefore perform roles which require masculinity. For example, Jacob worked for 14

years to get Leah and Rachel as his wives (Genesis 29). Working for years demonstrates the
masculinity of men in Judaism which shapes their role in doing things which require hard labor.
b) Shepherding the flocks
Animal husbandry is valued in Judaism and shepherding the flock is a role played by men in
Judaism. Men keep watch over the flock, for example David was anointed to become king while
he was a shepherd of the flock. The annunciation of Jesus’ birth was done to men who were
keeping watch over the flock at night. Therefore, being a keeper of flocks of domestic animals is a
male role in Judaism.
c) Parental role
Parents offer support and help their children in Judaism. Parenting is a social role of the men as
well as the women. It is the duty of the husband to teach his children to be kind, responsible and
honorable people. Parents are expected to feed, clothe and educate their children and encourage
them to be selfreliant. Thus, the parental role also falls to men in Judaism.
d) Matchmaking
A man has a role to play in matchmaking in Judaism. He suggests possible marriage mates and
coaches them through the dating process. A male match maker is called a Shadchan.
Matchmaking is important in Judaism as it ensures that the marriage institution is valued.
RELIGIOUS ROLES OF WOMEN

Religion is the pillar of the Jewish people and is punctuated with several ritual actions in which the
roles of men and women are clearly spelled out. Although women have a limited role in religious
activities in
Judaism, it is important to note that they have a somewhat role to play nevertheless. This is
because Judaism is a religion which permeates all aspects of life including at home where women
have the greater role to play. Some of the religious roles include:
1. Exclusion from religious activities because of menstruation
Women in Israel are limited to their role in religion because of sin. Sin is linked with female
sexuality and they are regarded as the source of evil. As such, they are excluded from some of the
religious activities when they are during the time of menstruation.
2. Praying as a role of women
Women have a duty to pray in Judaism. They are supposed to give a silent prayer in the
synagogue just like men but are not obligated to full prayer services like men. They are allowed to
participate in private prayers at home while public prayers at the temple are mainly for men.
3. Act as prophetesses
Women in Judaism also have the religious role of acting as God’s messengers. For example,
Miriam and the wife of Isaiah were messengers of God just like men.
4. Home designing
Making a home more Jewish is the role of women in religion. A Jewish home should make sure
that the presence of God is felt. The woman of the home should pray that the food or meal
prepared at home is graced by God.
5. Nurturing the children

To ensure that children born are holy and pure. The religious duty of the mother is to make sure
that the child grows knowing how to resist temptation and evil.
6. Musical role at religious functions
Women play music in the sanctuary. According to Psalms 68:25, this shows that women are not
excluded from ritual activity. They sing and dance with men during religious processions
according to 2 Samuel 6:19-22.
RELIGIOUS ROLE OF MEN

a) Praying at the synagogue
Men are required to pray in the synagogue. It is a religious duty of every male Jew to pray. This
prayer is a full prayer where women are not allowed to participate.
b) Reading the Torah
Reading as well as studying the Torah is a male role in Judaism. The Torah is very important for
the Jews and every male has to read and study the Torah as the guiding principle of the Jewish life.
c) Holding a religious office
Men can hold all religious offices like priesthood, kingship and prophet hood.
POLITICAL ROLES OF WOMEN

Women in Judaism are not only limited to private roles but they are also involved in politics
because: a) Leadership role
There are Jewish women leaders like Miriam (Exodus 15:20-21). Women played leadership roles
when the Israelites were coming out of Egypt from bondage. It was not only the duty of men like
Moses and Joshua to lead the people but also the duty of women to guide and lead the Israelites
as they were going to Canaan.
b) Settling disputes
They are also judges who solve political disputes. For example, Deborah in Judges 4:4 acted as a
judge. Judging is a political duty and this shows that women have a role in politics.
POLITICAL ROLE OF MEN

Men have various political roles in Judaism which are important in the development of a Jewish
nation from the time of the patriarchs up till present day. Some of the political roles include; i.
Leading role
Men in Israel act as kings who lead the people. There are no female kings in Judaism because
of patriarchy. In 1 Samuel 10, Saul is anointed to be king over Israel by Samuel. After Saul, the
kings who came after him were all males and these include David, Solomon, Ahab and
Rehoboam among others. It is therefore prudent to say that kingship is a role that is preserved
for men.
ii. Judicial role
In Israel, the role of men is to act as judges. During the tribal confederacy, a period where they
did not have a king after their settlement in Canaan there were judges like Gideon, Samson
and Samuel who went around settling disputes among the people. Thus, men have the
legislative role.
Furthermore, Moses was instrumental in the formulation of the laws that were later used to
govern the Jews known as the Decalogue. All the judges, kings and prophets base their
political decisions on the laws of Moses.
iii. Warriors
Men in Israel have a role to play in the army by acting as soldiers. For example, David was a
warrior, Joab was a warrior and even King Ahab died in a war fighting. This shows that men in
Israel have a political role of defending their country as soldiers.
ECONOMIC ROLES OF MEN

Men have a role in the economic life of the Israelites. In fact, man is created in the image of God
and God man an incomplete world which is supposed to be perfected by man through domination
of resources, work and innovation. Thus, men have an important role in the economic life of the
Jews. i. Merchants
Merchant is an economic role that was dominant in ancient Israel. There was a caravan trading
in
Judaism and people could exchange goods. Goods in Israel were transported by means of
ships 1 Kings 9:27. There were travelling merchants who came from other places exchanging
goods in Israel. During the time of Joseph, people went to Egypt for exchange of grain and
this shows that merchants were a form of economic role in Judaism for men.
ii. Protection of private property
This is an economic role of men in Judaism. As such there is prohibition of stealing and
coveting of other people’s property. Deception and unethical business practices are
prohibited. Thus, men have a role in ensuring that there is respect of private property and
ethical economic activities.
ISLAM
The issue of gender roles in Islam is a unique one. Islam confirms that men and women are equal
before Allah. However, the religion does not view men and women as identical. Men and women
are created with unique physical and psychological attributes which determine their roles. It is
also important to note that like Judaism, the public space is for men and the private space is for
women.
RELIGIOUS ROLES OF WOMEN
1. Ritual purity in marriage

It is the duty of women in Islam to maintain chastity in marriage. Women are supposed to display
loyalty, chastity and complete dedication to their husbands for them to stay in marriage. Marriage
is a religious institution thus maintaining chastity in marriage is a religious role.
2. Women as teachers of faith and doctrine
Women in Islam teach about Islamic doctrines through the recitation of the Koran. Teaching
children how to recite the Koran is thus a religious duty of every Muslim mother. It is an offense
for one to ignore the importance of telling children about their Islamic faith.
3. Praying
Praying is another religious role of women in Islam. Women should go to the mosque to pray.
According to Koran 33:35, ‘the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing
women, the worshipping men and worshipping women, the fasting men and the fasting women….
Allah has prepared forgiveness and great rewards for all’.
This verse from the Koran shows that women have a religious obligation to perform all religious
duties like praying, fasting and almsgiving. Thus women have a religious role in Islam.
RELIGIOUS ROLE OF MEN IN ISLAM
Islam is a religion dominated by men. All the activities in society are determined by males and
women are receptive to the gender roles ascribed to them by the males. As a religion, Islam has a
prophet Muhammad as the founder and it is because of the historical background of Islam of
being a religion which was founded by a man that makes gender roles for men more muscular and
uplift the status of men in the society.
a. Imams
Men have a duty to lead prayer as Imams. An imam is a religious leader at a mosque and the leader
is always a male. Women can only become imams if the congregation is female dominated
without males. It is therefore the religious role of males to lead in prayer. The role of the imam
during prayer is to lead the congregation in sync.
b. Ritual action
There are a lot of rituals which men are expected to perform. These rituals include prayer,
recitation of the creed and pilgrimage. It is a religious role of Muslim men to partake in every ritual
provided their health condition is permitting.
SOCIAL ROLE OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
Women have different roles in society which make them receive respect and devotion for these
roles. These social roles include:
1. Motherhood role
The Islamic religion pays great respect to women for their role as mothers. All Muslims should
respect their mother as they believe that women play an important role in the upbringing of children
and that the future of any society lies in the hands of the mothers. No Muslim is allowed to
discriminate between the father and the mother. 2. The woman as a wife
Being a wife is a social role of women in Islam. Islam is the only religion which grants the rights of a
wife. Women as wives are supposed to love their husbands and respect them. Women are
supposed to be obedient and serve their husbands.
3. Sexual role
Women are generally viewed as sexual beings and it is because of this reason that women should
please their husbands in bed. It is the responsibility of the wife to ensure that the husband has
sexual pleasure in Islam.
4. Teaching role

Informal education in Islam happens at home where a girl child is supposed to be taught through
observing and imitating these gender roles. Furthermore, the woman also has the duty of the
mother to educate children about the dictates of Allah.
5. Domestic duties
Women are supposed to perform several domestic duties in order to make the home an
acceptable Muslim home. As such, household chores like cooking, washing and cleaning are
gender roles of women in Islam. These domestic duties are there to ensure that a healthy
environment is preserved in a Muslim home.
6. Supporting the family
Family is treasured in Islam and for a family to be successful, the Islamic woman is supposed to
perform her role by assisting in supporting the family. Women support the family by engaging is
self-reliant jobs done at home to increase the family’s income. Furthermore, women support the
family with words and deeds in appreciation of the role done by the husband. This is because in
Islam, women and men have equal rights and obligations over the family.
SOCIAL ROLES OF MEN
1. Providing for the family

The men are viewed as providers for women in exchange for support. Women in radical Islam
are not allowed to go to work but with feminism challenging this idea women in some Islamic
countries are now allowed to work.
2. Protecting women
Protecting women is the duty of men in Islam. This is because women are seen as weak and
easily overpowered by men. They therefore need protection against the strong desires of
men.
3. Performing tasks which require much energy
Males are perceived as strong and independent. Thus, men perform duties which require
much energy like working in industries, plantations and mines.
4. Disciplining the wife
Islam is a religion that is male dominated. Because of this reason, men have a role in
disciplining a wife as a role of men in Islam. According to the Shariah, it is the duty of the
husband to discipline the wife.
POLITICAL ROLE OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
The political role of women in Islam is minimal. This is because the sayings and deeds of
Muhammad proclaim that there is no society which succeeds with a woman as a political leader.
Be that as it may, contemporary Muslim women are now leaders basing on the story of the queen
of Sheba. According to this story, women are democratic leaders and political roles of women are
not offensive to God. Thus, Islam does not restrict women from political office or role. Some of
the women of Muslim orientation who are leaders are Ciller, who was the prime minister of Turkey
and Khaleda Zia who was the prime minister of Bangladesh.
CHRISTIANITY
Gender is viewed in a better way in Christianity where women have been included in the new
community. Their roles in church are more affirming and liberating than in other religions.
Christians who hold traditional views believe that men and women are created equal in the sight
of God. They believe that whilst being equally important, they are also created to be different with
different roles in society and the Christian church.
SOCIAL ROLES OF WOMEN IN CHRISTIANITY
1. Nurturing the children

A Christian woman is supposed to fulfill the role of nurturing children in a way that pleases Christ.
As a child grows, the mother is there to guide the child to be a good person.
2. Run a Christian home
Women also play a role in seeing that what is being eaten in Christian homes and the practices
being done there are in line with the Christian doctrine.
3. Submitting to the husband
Humility or submissiveness is a gender role of women in Christianity. This ensures that there is no
discord in marriage. However, husbands are also instructed to love their wives. (Ephesians 5:22-
24, 33).
SOCIAL ROLES OF MEN IN CHRISTIANITY
i. Providing care to the family

In Christianity, men are expected to perform a social role of providing care to the family
through material support, psychological support and spiritual support. Caring for the family is
a fundamental role of men in Christianity.
ii. Parenting role
Men are fathers in Christianity and are thus called to love and serve their children by leasing
them in love, discipline and the instruction of Jesus Christ so that the children do not feel
unloved. Fathers are supposed to be parents who act as role models by living a Christ-like life
as well as a religious life that directs children towards Christ. (Ephesians 6:1-4 and Colossians
3:20-21).
RELIGIOUS ROLE OF WOMEN IN CHRISTIANITY
1. Passive in church
Take no part in church leadership: leadership of the church is under men. A woman is not allowed
to take up the role of being the leader of the church. This is because Jesus did not have a female
disciple. This applies mostly in African Independent Churches. However, in contemporary
Christianity there are now ordained female pastors who are leaders in the church. The woman
must be silent in church. (1 Timothy 2:11-14).
2. Singing
Women in Zimbabwean Christian sects have an important role of singing in the church. Women
are visible in church choirs as well as praise and worship teams. Women dominate in the soprano
and alto sections of the church choirs which are very important music parts. Women also sing at
different crusades which are performed by different churches to win souls. This is clear evidence
that women are empowered.
3. Preaching
Women also have a significant part in preaching. There are a number of women who are
preachers in the Christian sects. There are prominent women preachers in Christianity such as
Amai Chaza of the Guta raJehovha, Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa and Evangelist Eunah Guti of
ZAOGA. This shows that women play an important role in Christianity.
RELIGIOUS ROLE OF MEN IN CHRISTIANITY
1. Leadership role
The role of men in the church is to lead. According to 1 Corinthians 11:3, ‘But I want you to
understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband and the
head of Christ is God.’ This version explains that the leadership role belongs to men in the church.
The early church was under the leadership of Peter and James, the brother of the Lord as well as
Paul, an apostle to the gentiles. It is from this context that even contemporary church leaders are
mostly men. For example, the United Family International Church is led by Emmanuel Makandiwa,
the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries is led by Prophet Walter Magaya, ZAOGA FIF is
led by Ezekiel Guti and the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church is led by Noah Taguta. Men lead
the church as elders and deacons.
2. Preaching role
Spreading the word of God through preaching is the role of men in Christianity. This is in line with
the great commission which says, ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…’ Matthew
28:19. Peter, john and Paul are examples of men who were preachers in the early church. In the
contemporary church, there are several male evangelists like Pastor Chiweshe, Apostle
Chiwenga, Prophet T. Fred, Prophet E. Makandiwa and Ezekiel Guti.
3. Interceding
Praying on behalf of the nation, people and congregants is a role played by males in Christianity.
For example, in the early church intercession prayers were done by Paul. In the contemporary
world, Prophet T. Fred has a prayer line where he intercedes for people.
ECONOMIC ROLES OF WOMEN IN CHRISTIANITY
Women in Christianity are allowed to perform some economic roles. When the woman is forced to
become the breadwinner, she is permitted to engage in small trade. Women can also have some
economic lessons to empower them. They can engage in economic activities such as coking,

baking and sewing among others. In the early church there is Lydia in Acts 16:14who had a
business of selling purple cloth. Priscilla and her husband Aquilla were tent makers (Acts 18:3).
ECONOMIC ROLES OF MEN IN CHRISTIANITY
Men are allowed to perform economic activities which are not against Christian ethos. Some of
the acceptable economic activities which were prominent during the early church include fishing,
which was a trade of Peter and John. Paul’s profession was tent making and Joseph of Arimathea
sold graves. It is within this context that contemporary Christians are also encouraged to go into
economic activities which ensure that Christian values are followed. It is therefore an economic
role of a man to work for the betterment of the family.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Gender based violence has been defined in various ways by international human rights activists
and laws. The general definition is any violence which is directed against men and women which
results in the social, physical, mental and economic suffering of both men and women. Such
violence is perpetuated by harmful social and cultural expectations about gender roles typically
associated with being a woman or being a man, a girl or a boy. This violence reinforces
mechanism for enforcing and sustaining gender inequality. Women and girls are viewed as of little
value and owe the control of their bodies to men.
FORMS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

There are dynamic in terms of gender based violence. There are different forms of gender
based violence which are vivid in the world and Zimbabwean communities in particular. a)
Physical violence
This is violence which is perpetrated on the physical body of the victim. This may result in body
pain, injury, disability or even death of the victim. This form of violence includes clapping,
punching, biting, choking, burning, twisting of the body parts, denying women to seek medical
attention as well as use of hard objects to hit or beat women.
b) Sexual violence
This is the sexual act or any attempt to have sex with a woman, unwanted sexual comments,
forcing to have sex with a woman and advances to a woman whether in a relationship or not.
Sexual violence thus includes:
• Forced exposure to pornography
• Rape
• Trafficking for the purpose of having sex
• Forced marriage/child marriage
• Forced pregnancy
• Forced abortion
• Forced sterilization
• Female genital mutilation
c) Psychological violence

This involves actions or sets of actions that may affect the psychological integrity of a woman.
These include:
• Threats of violence
• Humiliation in front of people
• Harassment
• Insults
• Restrictions on communication for example taking the cellphone of the wife
• Isolation, for example locking the wife inside the house
d) Economic violence
These are acts which involve denial and control of the woman’s access to resources including
time, money, food and clothing. Some of the examples of economic violence include:
• Prohibiting the woman from seeking employment. Women are supposed to be allowed to
work for their own betterment and the betterment of the family. If the husband denies the
woman a chance to be employment, it is considered as economic violence.
• Excluding the woman from financial budgeting within the family.
• Withholding money or financial details, for example a husband who does not tell his wife how
much he earns.
• Refusal to pay bills and maintenance for the children. Destroying and selling household
property.
CAUSES OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
❖ Low level of education

❖ Young age/early marriages
❖ Low economic status/income has been noted as a risk factor for both experiencing and
perpetrating intimate partner violence
❖ Past experience of violence also plays a role; exposure to sexual abuse and intra-parental violence
during childhood as well as a history (for women) for experiencing or perpetrating (for men)
violence in previous intimate relationships increases the likelihood of violence in future
relationships
❖ There is a strong association between harmful use of alcohol and the perpetration of intimate
partner violence as well as sexual violence. There is weak evidence for a truly causal relationship
between the use of alcohol and the perpetration of violence.
❖ Attitudes also play an important role. There is a strong correlation between women and men
perceiving violence as acceptable behavior and their exposure to intimate partner and sexual
violence.
❖ Cultural and social norms that shape gender roles and the unequal distribution of power between
men and women.
❖ Intimate partner violence occurs more often in societies where men have economic and
decisionmaking powers in the household and women do not have easy access to divorce and
adults routinely resort to violence to solve their conflicts.

❖ Men have multiple partners and are more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence or sexual
violence.
❖ Low marital satisfaction and continuous disagreements as well as disparities in education status
between the partners.
❖ Family responses to sexual violence that blame women and concentrate on restoring ‘lost’ family
honor, rather than punishing men, create an environment in which rape can occur with impunity.
EFFECTS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
➢ It can result in the death of the victim. Fatal outcomes may be the immediate result of a woman
being killed by the perpetrator, or in the long term, as a consequence of other adverse health
outcomes.
➢ It results in the deterioration of women’s health. For example, it results in mental health problems
resulting from the trauma. These might result in suicide or conditions such as alcohol abuse or
cardiovascular diseases that can in turn result in death.
➢ It can lead to unwanted pregnancies when women are coerced by their male counterparts to
have sex against their will.
➢ It limits women’s choices in life as their decisions are made by men. If a woman was supposed to
go to work, she may be forced to withdraw thereby limiting women’s job choices.
➢ It has a harmful effect on the reproductive health of victims through sexually transmitted
diseases.
➢ It creates conflict between the couple which in turn affects the wider society as a whole
emotionally and psychologically.
➢ It affects productivity if the woman is employed thereby affecting the national economy as the
woman spends most of her time coping with the gender based violence.
➢ It can also lead to social rejection and isolation when people do not want to associate with a
woman with an abusive partner fearing being victimized also.
➢ It can lead to suicidal attempts by the victim of gender based violence.
SOLUTINS TO GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
✓ Promoting respectful relationships and gender equality

✓ Educating boys and girls about the need to co-exist harmoniously
✓ Debunking of some cultural myths
✓ Increasing awareness of the scope of the problem and its impact
✓ Improve services for the survivors of violence
✓ Strengthen prevention efforts
✓ Legislation and stiff penalties for the perpetrators

RELIGIOUS WAYS OF SOLVING GENDER IMBALANCE
There are several ways of solving gender imbalance from a religious perspective. These include
▪ Women’s participation in religious activities for example women should participate in church
instead of being idle.
▪ Women should take religious leadership roles for example in Christianity they are supposed to be
pastors while in IR they should also be mediums.
▪ Debunking myths associated with female sexuality
▪ Find liberated teachings and practices in their religions
▪ Accorded space to organize religious events on their own
▪ Religious teachings should include issues relating to the immoral nature of gender based violence
REVISION EXERCISE
1. Indigenous Religion is gender oppressive.

a. Define gender. (2)
b. Identify any four gender roles of women in IR. (4)
c. Describe the gender roles of women in IR. (6)
d. How does religion affect the status of women? (8)
2. Islam is gender sensitive.

a. What is meant by gender sensitive? (2)
b. List any four gender roles in Islam. (4)
c. Describe gender roles in Islam. (6)
d. Explain how gender roles in Islam are different to those of Judaism. (8)
3. Christianity upholds gender parity.

a. What is gender parity? (2)
b. List any four roles of women in Christianity. (4)
c. Describe any three roles that both men and women do in Christianity. (6)
d. How does Christianity promote the role of women in the church? (8)
4. Gender based violence is caused by religious influence.

a. What is gender based violence? (2)
b. List any four forms of gender based violence. (4)
c. Describe sexual violence. (6)

d. Explain the causes of gender based violence. (8)
5. The only solution to gender based violence is religion.

a. What is violence? (2)
b. From a religious perspective, what are the causes of gender based violence? (4)
c. Describe ways that gender based violence is being addressed by the government of
Zimbabwe. (6)
d. Explain the religious ways of solving gender based violence. (8)
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. With reference to Islam, describe the gender roles of women. (25)

2. Explain gender roles in the Indigenous Religion. (25)
3. How does religion shape gender roles? Answer this with special reference to Judaism and
Christianity.
(25)
4. Explain the various forms of gender based violence. (25)
5. Describe the religious methods of solving gender based violence. (25)
RELIGION, ETHICS, HEALTH AND SEXUALITY
RELIGION AND ETHICS (UBUNTU)

Zimbabwean culture’s uniqueness is because of its moral values which gives identity to its people.
Such values are imparted from childhood by family members so as to bring out an individual with
unhu/Ubuntu. A cultured person is needed in every community so as to maintain peace and unity.
Since no man lives as an island, what one does in turn affects the next person and thus the
community as a well. The Zimbabwean culture shapes the behavior of a person.
INDIGENOUS RELIGION AS A SOURCE OF MORALS AND VALUES IN SHAPING

ZIMBABWEAN IDENTITY
Morality/morals is used to define a set of social rules, principles or norms that are intended to
guide the conduct of people in a society and as beliefs about right and wrong conduct as well as
good or bad character. Values are defined as important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the

members of a culture about what is good or bad. The have major influence on a person’s behavior
and attitude and serve as broad guidelines in all situations.
Moral values are the ideals that are central to our sense of being a good person. They are the
worthy ideals or principles that one follows to distinguish right from wrong and are considered
worthy in building up the character of an individual. It is important for a child to have a sound base
of strong moral values. Family is a key social engine as it transfers the values of a community to
the next generation. Moral values refer to the good virtues such as honesty, integrity, truthfulness,
compassion, helpfulness and love. Morality entails the norms and values of any of any given
society.
Values permeate every aspect of human life. They explain what is right and acceptable in the
society.
Zimbabwean moral values hold people together and guarantee their continual existence.
In Zimbabwe, Indigenous Religion is the source and foundation of morality. It helps integration
between people. Moral values are entwined with culture which is greatly closed with spiritual
beliefs. Indigenous Religion teaches how to behave and act. It provides a framework within which
people can learn the difference between right and wrong. Indigenous Religion provides different
ways of dealing with moral dilemmas. For example, on the murder of a person, the guilty family
has to pay a compensating fine to avoid avenging spirits.
SOURCES OF UNHU AND THEIR IMPACT ON ZIMBABWEAN IDENTITY

In Indigenous Religion institutions have risen as sources of morals and values as well as
safeguarding the life of an individual and the community in which he/she lives.
These are:
a) Marriage
Marriage is considered as the most sacred institution in any society. It is a pillar on which every
society resides. Certain values need to be adhered to and practiced in order to have a
successful relationship. Sharing such moral values is the framework for a healthy marriage
which is acceptable in a society. Marriage teaches men and women in marriage to be
responsible by providing for the family. As such, most women work during the rainy season in
agricultural while their male counterparts work in towns and abroad to fend for the family.
b) Family
The first social relationships are formed in a family. Traditional values of hospitality and social
cohesion are manifested in the collective efforts of the family. Children are taught values,
ethics and trained on what is right and wrong as well as interacting with others. Children are
formed ethically by examples of their elders. Family shapes Zimbabwean identity through
morals and values instilled into Zimbabwean citizens. Young people with the true Zimbabwean
identity respect elders and every elder is treated as a parent. This comes from the fact that
families socialize and children are taught that all elders are parents and deserve respect.
c) Community
The community is the guardian of every individual. Indigenous Religion stresses on community
life and communalism as a living principle of which the fundamental ideology is community
identity. Good behavior reflects that the individual comes from a good society. Zimbabwean

identity is marked by communalism; a person belongs to the community. People are treated
as one, at family, community and national level. This is the reason why when one commits a
crime they are regarded as dangerous to the entire community. Because of communalism,
Zimbabweans help each other in times of both distress and happiness. Social gatherings like
weddings, funerals and family rituals show the identity of Zimbabweans as one. People unite
for one common purpose which makes tasks in the community to be accomplished easily.
d) School
Teachers come from homes where the traditional religious beliefs and moral values have been
affirmed. Teachers play a role in character development of a child. They help children to
understand character traits and values. They are also directly involved in teaching behaviors
that are right and correct those that are wrong to students in schools. School rules and
regulations are framed in a way that they provide opportunities that support and reinforce the
adoption of positive values within the school, family and the nation at large.
e) Chieftainship
Chieftaincy is at the core of our being as an African society. This is so because chiefs play an
important role in defining and keeping the people together. They are stewards of the morals
and values in Indigenous Religion. They give an identity to the society that they are
representing. Chiefs are vanguards of cultural values. They have a duty to protect and uphold
the country’s cultural values. When moral values are not upheld, chiefs intervene to redress
the situation either through punishment or paying a fine. Their duty is to curb moral
decadence. Chiefs are religious practitioners in the Indigenous Religion and they are
reservoirs of morals and values that shape Zimbabwean identity. For example, Zimbabweans
are regarded as people of good sexual conduct. Chiefs punish people who commit sexual
offenses such as bestiality, incest and adultery which are all regarded as taboos in Zimbabwe.
f) Unhu/Ubuntu in Indigenous Religion
Unhu is a way of life closely linked to religion. It embodies all virtues that maintain harmony
and the spirit of sharing among members of the society. Indigenous Religion beliefs show that
an individual’s actions today are a reflection of the past and will have far reaching
consequences in the future. One only qualifies to be an ancestor if they lived a respectable life
on earth. Only those who die having upheld the concept of Ubuntu will join the ancestral
world. What an individual does affects the whole family. If one commits murder, the spirit of
the murdered victim will return and haunt the clan of the murderer as an avenging spirit. In
order to safeguard future generations from these avenging spirits, a person should always
keep others in mind before acting. Those who uphold Ubuntu throughout their lives will in
death achieve unity with the living.
Some of the aspects of Unhu emphasized in Indigenous Religion are:
1. Universal human brotherhood (or unity)
The African man is first and foremost a member of his family, the extended family, the
community and his society in that order before being an individual. He has a social and
communal nature which is based on unity. The African nature can complement the
western culture by integrating individualism with the communal nature of life.
2. Hospitality

At all times there is always unprompted welcome and accommodation to unfamiliar
persons and visitors. Africans effortlessly incorporate strangers and offer them a place to
sleep as well as giving them food.
3. Compassion
An African is supposed to exhibit compassion to a fellow African. This is the reason why
there is either an extended family system or individualism.
4. Generosity
Unhu entails that one expresses sheer generosity of the needy in the society. It is because
of the attribute of unhu that helps in inculcating the belief that we are all human.
5. Fairness
It is a negation of unhu to take sides when dealing with others. Fairness involves impartial
and just treatment of others. Unhu entails that there should be just and equal treatment of
others. Every member of the society is important and favoritism should be avoided.
6. Justice
Unhu means that one has to be just, righteous and equitable in executing judgments. Every
person with unhu upholds the spirit of justice. Oppression of others and social injustice are
against the spirit of Ubuntu.
7. Truth
Lying is against the spirit of Ubuntu. Truth helps in maintaining the progress of the family,
society and nation at large. It is an important attribute of unhu necessary for peace and
stability of the society.
8. Respect
Unhu/Ubuntu is exhibited by regarding others with high esteem. Respect involves honoring
someone by showing care, concern and consideration of their feelings and needs. It is
because of this reason that elders should be respected at all times. For example, the young
should show respect by not insulting elders and making them feel comfortable especially
when they are travelling in a bus. The young should make way for the elders to sit first.
9. Integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. A person is said to
have unhu/Ubuntu when he/she is honest and has good moral principles and values. It is an
attribute of unhu which reduces promiscuity, corruption and greediness in a society.
FACTORS THREATENING UNHU/UBUNTU

Socialization in the modern world has moved from family to other socialization agents which have
threatened unhu in the contemporary society. The major negative influencing factors which have
threatened unhu include:
1. Urbanization
This refers to the movement of people from rural to urban areas. This has affected the family
bond and the role of the extended family, which were both important components in the
internalization of unhu. Moral fabric society has thus been greatly impacted by urbanization.
2. Information Communication and Technology (ICT)

This refers to the technologies that provide information through telecommunications. These
technologies include cellphones, computers, televisions, radios and newspapers. ICT has
exposed people to platforms for prostitution, drug sourcing, indecent dressing, obscene and
offensive language, violence, pornography and disrespecting relatives and the elderly. All
these aspects are pointing to the lack of unhu.
3. Globalization
Globalization refers to the process by which national and regional economies, societies and
cultures have become integrated into a small world where people share cultures and religions
as well as other things. The world has become a global village because of social media like
WhatsApp, Facebook, twitter and other platforms. This has led to the erosion of unhu as
people now seek for guidance and advice hence displacing the role of the aunt in instilling
values which are in line with the African traditional unhu. Aspects like homosexuality,
egocentrism and Satanism are a negation of unhu which all come through globalization.
4. Corruption
Corruption refers to the dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power as well as those
who are not in power in order to gain illicit benefit. This makes people view each other
unequally. Corruption is the root cause of egocentrism, dissatisfaction with what one has and
bad behavior in the society.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF IR TO UNHU/UBUNTU
Indigenous Religion contributes greatly to unhu/Ubuntu through a number of indigenous beliefs
and practices.
1. Belief in the existence of avenging spirits
Avenging spirits are spirits of people who have been killed or died with a complaint. And want
to redress from the one who would have caused the murder or discomfort. Killing or murder is
prohibited because respect for human life is observed in the Indigenous Religion. Murder also
leads to the ravaging of the living by the avenging spirit. Avenging spirits can also be as a
result of one insulting or physically abusing their mother. In line with unhu, this causes one to
respect their parents and be tolerant of them. Avenging spirits can also be as a result of one
failing to welcome a stranger and the stranger dies on the way. This encourages people to be
hospitable. Therefore, the existence of avenging spirits leads to respect of parents, tolerance
and valuing of human life. It also is a source of unhu as it discourages murder, disrespect of
parents as well as egocentrism.
2. Family
The role of the family in Indigenous Religion is also used to contribute towards unhu. Family is
the basic platform of socialization n Indigenous Religion. The family, through the aunt and
elders ensure that the children have Ubuntu. Lack of unhu is a reflection of the family from
which one comes. For example, if one is stingy and rude it is a sign that the family from which
they come from is stingy and rude. Family propagates unhu which in turn is reflected by the
wider society.
3. Punishment for immoral acts

Indigenous Religion has punishment for immoral acts which inculcates unhu among
indigenous people. These punishments encourage people to have unhu as the offenders face
painful consequences. For example, punishments like runyoka and rukwa are sources of unhu
because they discourage people from having intimate relationships while being married and
avoid stealing respectively. Runyoka or rukawo also encourage married couples to be faithful.
Rukwa discourages stealing.
4. Indigenous knowledge systems
It is the knowledge developed by the community as opposed to scientific knowledge. In
Indigenous Religion, indigenous knowledge systems contribute towards unhu. Some of these
systems include proverbs and idioms that are sources of unhu. For example, the Shona idiom
‘Mweni haapedzi dura’ encourages people to be hospitable.
5. Use of taboos
A taboo is an avoidance rule. There are several taboos in Indigenous Religion which contribute
towards unhu. These taboos regulate people’s behavior thus contributing to unhu. For
example, beating one’s mother is a taboo which contributes to respect for one’s parents. It
leads to a form of avenging spirit known as kutanda botso.
If one peeps into a naked female who is bathing it leads to half blindness (shohwera). This
taboo encourages respect of females as well as valuing them. A married woman should be
respected.
‘Mukadzi weumwe ndiambuya.’ It is also prohibited to eat without inviting others.
RELIGION AND HEALTH

Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. It is not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity. The issue of physical and mental wellbeing is highly cherished
among the indigenous people. Sickness is understood from a religious context.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ABOUT HEALTH
a) INDIGENOUS RELIGION AND HEALTH

Good health is understood within the context of one having a good relationship with the
ancestors.
For an individual to remain healthy, the ancestors should be venerated. Furthermore, good
health is attributed to good morals and ethical conduct. One who lives by the moral standards
of the society is guaranteed of good health.
In contrast to Western tradition that sickness is caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi, parasites, accidents and toxic materials, in Indigenous Religion, illness emanates from
beliefs in sorcery, witchcraft and superhuman forces. It is strongly believed that any illness or
sickness has a cause and causer. It is because of such beliefs that the Shona have to consult
diviners to find the cause of the illness. A person does not get sick without external forces like
varoyi or kutsamwa kwevadzimu.

CAUSES OF ILLNESS IN INDIGENOUS RELIGION
Religion is a belief in a higher power and spirituality. It suffices to say that religion is used to
explain all illnesses in indigenous communities. Major influences of illnesses are:
• A supreme being (God/Mwari)
• The ancestors(spirits of the dead/vadzimu)
• Witches (varoyi)
(i) DISEASES CAUSED BY GOD

The disease of God can happen naturally in the society with no spiritual or social
cause. In the Shona culture, some diseases of God were marked as curses against the
people (mhezi) by the Supreme Being (Musikavanhu).
(ii) DISEASES CAUSED BY WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY

Illness is caused by bad relationships between people in societies. These bad
relationships result in the use of witchcraft to inflict sickness upon others. In such
scenarios, the illness is inflicted through the use of magic (mashiripiti), sorcery
(miposo) or witchcraft (huroyi). Conflicts on issues such as land (minda), boundaries
(mihanhu) and leadership (husabhuku) result in antagonism which could lead to
bewitchment of children by illnesses. In the indigenous society, mhiko from parents
can also cause illness.
EXAMPLES OF DISEASES CAUSED BY WITCHCRAFT AND SORCERY

• Nhova (Fontanelle)
• Epilepsy
• Headache
• Madness
• Unstopping menstruation
• Chitsinga/muposo
• Kufuuwirwa
• Ungomwa
• Mamhepo
• Runyoka/rukawo
• Mudumbu/diarrhea
(iii) DISEASES CAUSED BY THE SPIRITS

There are diseases caused by the spirits such as nature, alien and ancestral spirits.
Spirits are in two categories namely good and evil spirits. Evil spirits are always
capricious, causing misfortunes and diseases following the breaching of societal
norms. Diseases caused by the spirits can be healed after performing appropriate
rituals and consultation of diviners (n’anga).

EXAMPLES OF DISEASES CAUSED BY THE SPIRITS
• Ungomwa
• Mamhepo
• Epilepsy
• Headache
• Madness
In light of the above stated causes of illnesses, Indigenous Religion stresses on the need to take
care of the sick. It is a sign of lack of unhu to ignore the plight of those who are sick. Health is the
primary focus of Indigenous Religion. If one deliberately ignores a sick person, their spirit will
come back to haunt that person.as such, Africans strive to ensure that they give maximum care to
those who are ill. Some immune boosting foods like Moringa are given as well as consultation of
indigenous healers is some of the services offered to those who are ill. Taking care of an ill person
is a true mark of unhu. The Shona have a proverb, ‘Pane chariuraya zizi harifi nemhepo’ implying
that every sickness has a cause which might be spiritual or unseen. Good health is a sign of good
protection from the ancestors.
b) JUDAISM AND HEALTH

Human health is one of the core values of Judaism. Curses and demons in Judaism are also
causes of illness. It is for this reason that one needs to maintain good relations with God such
that divine protection is guaranteed. God is regarded as the healer who cures all illnesses.
Judaism’s concept of health is based on the belief that our bodies belong to God. As such,
one needs to take good care of the loaned body. Taking care of the body is a religious duty.
Just as in the Indigenous Religion, the Jewish tradition asserts that we are responsible for one
another and called to fulfill the mandate to make healthcare accessible to everyone, including
those who are poor. Jews are obligated, together as a community to take care and be
responsible for each other in numerous ways. One way is providing and paying for healthcare.
A second way is visiting the sick. Provision of healthcare is one of the primary ethical duties of
all Jews. Visiting the sick is also considered an essential component of the obligation to heal.
Those who lack resources to pay for healthcare are mandated to accept public help for their
health and wellbeing because to refuse needed care would be endangering their lives, which
is, for Jewish law, tantamount to committing suicide.
c) CHRISTIANITY AND HEALTH

Christianity as a religion has some teachings which are important in taking care of those who
are sick. It encourages a pattern of life and relationships which help and guide people on
healthcare.
Christians are expected to have values such as love, compassion and care which are critical
for healthcare.
All people are valued because they were created by God. Humanity should be able to:
• Look after one’s own health

• Visit others who are sick
• Provide for the community
• Pray for those who are sick
• Encourage those who are sick to have hope
HOW RELIGIOUS BELIEFS INFLUENCE PEOPLE WITH ILL HEALTH
Religious beliefs have both positive and negative impacts on people’s health conditions. This, in
turn, influences their healing or an increase in pain.
POSITIVE INFLUENCES
1. It gives hope to the sick person

The role of religion is to give hope in hopeless situations thereby making the sufferer heal
faster than anticipated. In Indigenous Religion, it is a taboo to tell a person who is sick that
he/she is deteriorating. If one visits a sick person, they are supposed to give them hope.
Christianity is another religion which gives hope for the sick as church leaders are
encouraged to visit the sick. According to James 5:14, ‘Is any sick among you? Let him call
for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name
of the Lord for prayer of faith will save the sick man and the Lord will raise him up.’ The
implication here is that a sick person when visited by church leaders will have hope of
being made well by the prayers offered by other believers.
2. It improves the health of the sick person
When religion gives hope to the ill person, it improves the way one lives by accepting the
condition one is living with. For example, a person with HIV/AIDS is influenced by religion
to improve his/her conduct by believing that there is hope which comes in the afterlife.
Christianity gives hope by emphasizing the need for one to focus on the life to come than
the present life. Jesus is the role model of embracing the sick in the society as he
interacted with the sick that were discriminated by the society like lepers. In Islam, it is a
religious duty for one to take care of the sick and it is because of this that one’s health
living improves. In Judaism, there are some health advices which improve a sick person’s
health. Numbers 6:3-4 commends a Nazarene who abstains from alcohol because of its
negative effects on human health. Thus, Judaism contributes positively towards
encouraging healthy living.
3. Religion makes the sick feel loved
Religion makes the sick feel loved due to material support given to the sick. In Indigenous
Religion, when one visits a sick person they should bring them some goodies. In
Christianity, while visiting the sick one is expected to bring them nutritious food. God
allows sick people in Christian communities as an opportunity to demonstrate love by
caring for the sufferer and making them feel loved (Matthew 25:36). This improves the
way a sick person perceives himself and they will feel as a human being worthy of living
through the love demonstrated by fellow religious followers. In Islam, they are motivated
by Muhammad’s actions when he had a sick neighbor and he went to visit him. This

demonstrates how the sick need to be loved in Islam. In Islam, visiting the sick is an act
rewarded by Allah. Visiting the sick is also integral in Judaism (Job 2:11).
4. Spiritual comfort
When someone is sick, he/she becomes spiritually unstable. It is the role of religion to
influence the sick to have spiritual comfort. For example, in Indigenous Religion they
believe that the ancestors will not abandon the sick. “Vadzimu havakurase.” As such,
believers of Indigenous Religion give spiritual comfort by partaking in the healing rituals
that may be required by the diviner. In Judaism, prayer for the sick is done to provide
spiritual comfort to the sufferer. In Christianity, spiritual care is given through the word of
God. It is the duty of church leaders to pray and provide spiritual comfort to the sufferer.
In Islam, they believe that illness is not a punishment from Allah but rather a test of faith
and a purification of one’s sins. Thus, spiritual support is a positive influence of religion as
it gives spiritual comfort to the sufferer despite poor health.
5. It removes fear
Religion removes fear of the unknown. The sick will always be in fear of losing their life as
well as leaving friends and relatives behind through death. In Christianity for example,
courage is given to the sick by emphasizing that Christ cares for the sick. In Islam it is
taught that illness causes fear and this fear is removed through personal prayer for the
sick known as Du’a. The prayer reads, “Oh Allah! The sustainer of mankind! Remove the
illness, cure the disease. You are the one who cures. There is no cure except your cure.
Grant us cure that leaves the illness.” It is recommended to touch with the right hand on
the area of pain and recite the prayer.
6. It accelerates the healing process
Religions are based on beliefs and it is through these beliefs that a person may be
positively affected by religion to speed up the recovery. In Indigenous Religion, they use
medication or herbs to accelerate the healing process based on faith. In Judaism, prayer
and miracle healing also speed up the healing process. In Christianity, the healing process
is sped up through miracles as well as healing water, stones and other spiritual things
given to the sick. In Islam, the multiple visits to the sick person, the length of visiting time,
the gift given to the sick person and prayers done towards the sick all speed up the
healing process as pain is reduced. Religion has a positive psychological effect on the
sufferer which makes the sick person feel better and healed. Judaism is another religion
which contributes to the recuperation of the sick as they believe that medical treatment is
a religious mandate. This is supported by Exodus 21:19. It is important to note that in
Judaism, there are physicians who help in the healing of a sick person by not only offering
medical support but also spiritual support since religion is a way of life for the Jews.
NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON HEALTH CONDITIONS
a) It increases the pain of an ill person

Religion can either destroy or heal within the context of good or bad health conditions. For
example, if one has HIV/AIDS his/her health condition may deteriorate because of religious

influence. In Indigenous Religion, they believe that the disease is rampaging as they call it
chakapedza mbudzi meaning something that has ravaged the goats, or they call it
shuramatongo meaning a bad omen leading to ruins. It is because of such names given in
Indigenous Religion that the pain of the disease increases. In Judaism and Christianity such
diseases are regarded as a curse from God. This may increase the suffering of the ill person as
he/she believes that the curses from God and the ancestors cannot be overcome.
b) It reduces self-esteem of the sick person
Those with disabilities may also be influenced by religion to look down on themselves because
in some religions, bad health conditions are a sign of abandonment by God. In Indigenous
Religion, illness is regarded as neglect by the ancestors “Vadzimu vatifuratira”. In Judaism,
illness is a curse from God. In Christianity, some believe that it is payback for past sins.
c) It causes a sick person to live a reckless life
Those who are sick might end up living reckless lives as they believe that they are not cared
for either by the ancestors or by God in the Indigenous Religion and Christianity respectively.
This causes one to neglect their health and not make an effort to recover. Religion might also
cause patients to stop taking their medication, for example the teachings of faith in
Christianity.
d) It increases stigma and discrimination in the society
Religion might cause sick people to be discriminated in the society because bad health
conditions are associated with sin. In Indigenous Religion they believe that a person with
HIV/AIDS is reckless and does not deserve sympathy as they say ’wakarumwa nechokuchera’
meaning one is being affected by the consequences of their own sins. HIV/AIDS patients
might in turn be discriminated by those who do not have the disease in the pretext that they
are evil. In Christianity, diseases such as HIV/AIDS have led some believers to discriminate
people with the disease as ungodly and not worthy to be called God’s children.
RELIGION AND SEXUALITY
DEFINITION OF SEXUALITY
Sexuality is defined as the way that an individual perceives him/herself as a sexual being as
expressed through sexual attitudes and desires. It includes gender identity that is the core sense
that one is male or female and comes with its roles on how one should behave. Sexuality is a key
aspect of being human and a core component of gender relations and individual identity that is
experienced in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles
and relationships. It also includes sexual orientation that is heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.
It deals with the way people have sexual feelings and how people are attracted to each other.
Sexuality means more than sex and body parts. It includes gender identity and orientation. It is
generally expressed in the way people speak, smile, walk, sitting posture, dress code and
emotional expression. Sexuality deals with attraction of people either of the same or opposite sex.

This is a religious matter because sex and the way people express themselves are expressed by
religious beliefs and practices.
Issues of sex occur in an environment where religion is the basis of understanding sexual relations.
Religion shapes one’s beliefs about sexuality.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND SEXUALITY
Beliefs and attitudes about sexuality are not in-born but are acquired as a person grows and
matures. Sexuality involves the way a person views him/herself as a sexual being through sexual
preferences and actions. Religion plays a large role in shaping attitudes about sexuality as some
religions prescribe acceptable sexual behavior. Traditionally, female sexuality has been narrowly
defined either in only biological terms or in response to male sexuality.
Indigenous Religion values unhu and as such some form of sexuality acceptable in the Western
world is not acceptable here. It is an anathema for one to engage in lesbianism, homosexuality and
bisexuality. As such, it is a taboo to be identified with the kind of sexuality that is not African. On
the contrary, heterosexuality is the only form of acceptable sexuality. Indigenous Religion believes
that homosexuality and bisexuality are against the spirit of unhu/Ubuntu and it results in anger of
the ancestors which results in calamities such as drought, pestilence and famine. Christianity and
Judaism connect female sexuality with sin. This is because in the biblical teachings, sin is traced to
have begun with a woman and in turn resulted in the death penalty from God. Genesis 3 blamed
Eve and gave her full responsibility for the introduction of sin into the world. This has affected the
way female sexuality is viewed in Judaism and Christianity. It is clear that sexuality has been
profoundly affected by religion, particularly female sexuality.
Bisexuality, asexuality and homosexuality are all condemned by the Indigenous Religion,
Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Religion condemns these forms of sexuality because they are
against procreation and continuity of the human race. Sex is a sacred duty and is for marriage.
Procreation is the sole purpose of sex. A young woman is t maintain her virginity for marriage. This
is the reason why virginity tests are practiced to maintain social norms regarding premarital sex.
Sex only occurs in marriage. A young woman’s virginity is a politically, economically and socially
valuable asset. It is accompanied by a token in form of a cow known as mombe yechimanda. If a
woman is found not to be a virgin, it brings shame to the family. The husband’s family may even
negotiate for a decrease in the bride price because she would have proven not to be a chaste
wife. The girl will lose respect. Therefore, Indigenous Religion plays a special role of reducing non-
marital sexual behaviors.

RELIGION AND DISABILITY
Cases of disability are a common feature among communities the world over. It is within this
context that religion shapes society’s attitude towards people living with disabilities
Disability is an umbrella term covering various forms of impairments or activity limitations and
some restrictions in participating in some activities. Disability is an impairment that can be
cognitive; it can be intellectual, physical, mental, visual, sensory or a combination of impairments.
Impairment that occurs in a person’s body structure making it malfunction or dysfunctional,
leaves the affected person disabled. FORMS OF DISABILITY
1. Visual changes
Visual disability involves malfunction of the eyes, potentially leading to blindness. This can be
complete or partial loss of vision but still affecting the person in many ways. Vision impairment
may be mild or severe, depending on whether there is a vision decline in one or both eyes.
Usually, it is very difficult to restore sight once vision is completely lost. Causes of blindness
range from injuries, eye diseases, age related causes or having been bewitched in some
religions, some believing that blindness is a curse from the ancestors.
2. Hearing impairment
This refers to partial or complete inability to hear sounds. Usually, persons affected by hearing
challenges suffer from speech defects. Loss of hearing can occur in one or both ears. The
affected person cannot hear and understand speech from other persons, neither can the deaf
hear and interpret sounds. Hearing and speech defects can be mild to moderate or severe.
Causes of hearing impairments include aging, regular exposure to very loud sounds, ear
infection, earwax build-up or a ruptured eardrum. Some religions attribute being deaf and
dumb to being the effects of demons on a person.
3. Physical disability
The physically challenged have a limitation in movement or might be affected in terms of their
stamina. This might be due to an amputation, muscular dystrophy, spinal injury, arthritis or
other causes such as accidents, meningitis or any prolonged illness that can cause paralysis.
The affected person may have challenges in walking (the lame), sitting or sleeping. A crippled
person may find it hard to use their hands, legs or some other body parts.
4. Mental disorder
This is a form of disability in which the affected person loses his/her mental faculties. The
person suffers sudden and dramatic shift in mood and loses the ability to think clearly. There is
a sudden and unusual change in behavior. This condition may be mild, moderate to severe in
some individuals. The most common causes of the condition range from dementia, anxiety,
head injuries or trauma.
RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE DISABLED

In many societies, people with disabilities are viewed as sub-human, supernatural, evil, meriting
pity, indigent, depressed, dependent, sexually hyperactive, damaged, less socially acceptable and

socially deviant. These perceptions have led people with disabilities to be regarded as scapegoats
of the societal ills, burdens and liabilities to the society. It is within this context that religion has a
key role in unlocking the perception and attitudes towards disability. In simple terms, religion plays
a critical role in determining how disability is understood and how people with disability are
treated. This is because disability is a condition which is explained from a religious perspective
rather than a scientific perspective. Religion creates beliefs about disability and this has an impact
on attitudes towards it.
INDIGENOUS RELIGION
IR depicts people with disability in both good and bad ways. Affliction is the cause of physical and
psychological disability. Put differently, disabilities are a manifestation of witchcraft, a gift from
God, punishment from the ancestors, a curse or a bad omen or a predetermined occurrence in
Indigenous Religion.
There are two main beliefs regarding witchcraft and disability in IR. Firstly, disability is caused by
bewitchment. Secondly, it is caused by the trial to practice witchcraft to get rich but failed to do
as instructed by the diviner. For example, mental illness is attributed to witchcraft. Thus, there is a
close link between witchcraft and disability. Disability is the root cause of isolation, rejection and
discrimination of individuals in Indigenous Religion.
Furthermore, disability in IR is considered as a condition caused by God. There are some forms of
disability which cannot be controlled by human beings. It is this belief that leads to greater care of
people with disability because of fear of being cursed for neglecting the disabled. It is believed
that some people are naturally born disabled as part of God’s plan.
The sins committed by one can also lead to disability in IR. For example, sins like abortion can
cause the bearing of a child with deformities later in life. It shows that disability is a punishment
for the sins committed in the past. As such, social and religious sins cause disability in Indigenous
Religion. Lastly, curses or bad omen are another cause of disability in IR which also shapes
people’s perception on disability.
The general observation is that many people believe that persons with disabilities are not only
inferior to those without disabilities but can also be used for social and economic benefits. That is,
they lack characteristics that make them full humans and can thus be used in sacrifices in order to
bring wealth, good luck or cure diseases.
NEGATIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISABILITY

a) Rejection of people with disability by society
In IR people react to disability with rejection. For example, people with albinism are rejected in
indigenous society because they believe that a person with that kind of ‘disability’ will bring
misfortunes to the family and the society as a whole. As such, they were killed. The practice is
no longer in place in modern society because of stiff penalties by the government and also
due to the coming of Christianity which has helped in the perception of people with
disabilities as people who also belong to God.
b) There is discrimination of people with disabilities

Disability discrimination is where one is treated less or disadvantaged on the grounds of their
disability. Therefore, disability discrimination is a negative attitude displayed by IR. For
example, people who are physically handicapped are not involved in social or religious
activities. In some cases, the disabled person will live his whole life being hidden. They believe
that disabled persons bring embarrassment to the family. There is also an indirect
discrimination of people with disability when they are exempted from participating in ritual
activities.
c) Stigmatization of people with disability
Stigmatization is another negative attitude revealed in the IR. For example, people with mental
illness are stigmatized as victims of bad spirits which come as a result of social deviance.
Stigma is a barrier which contributes to negative perception of people with disability. It is
usually caused by wrong beliefs about disability and it arises from labeling which causes
people with disability to receive some negative responses such as pity, anxiety, avoidance,
hostility, disgust and even hatred. At individual level, stigma results in internalized depression
and feelings of shame of the person with the disability.
d) Mockery of people with disability
Mocking is also done to people with disability. For example, in indigenous communities people
with albinism are regarded as murungudunhu meaning a wild white person. This name is
derogatory and discriminatory. This practice has stopped because of inclusivity that has been
adopted by society as well as laws which deter discrimination of other people due to race,
gender or religion. Mocking of people with disability makes them feel like they are not human
beings. Religion contributes to the mocking of people with disability as it associates disability
with transgression.
e) Ritual murder of people with disability
During the primitive stages of the indigenous people, ritual killing was also done on people
with disabilities. The practice involved the use of abuse, mutilation and killing of people with
disabilities to obtain body parts for use in rituals, portions or amulets with the promise to help
individuals become wealthy, gain social prominence, succeed in love as well as defeat
enemies. This stems from the belief that killing a disabled person for ritual purposes enhances
magical powers. People living with albinism have been affected by the issue of ritual killings.
f) Sexual abuse
Social negative attitude and understanding of disability and sexuality influence people to
sexually abuse girls with disabilities like mental problems, visual impairments and hearing
impairments as a result of assumptions that they cannot reason, see and talk respectively. It is this
negative social attitude which leads to sexual abuse on girls with disability to enhance business in
IR. g) Ostracism
Disability is associated with ostracism. Ostracism is total rejection of people with disability by
the whole family. Due to fear of bringing a curse into a family, people with disabilities are met
with strong social disapproval. This is what causes people to be hidden at home or sent away
to institutions where they are accommodated. In indigenous societies, people with disabilities
and their families are sometimes shunned and isolated from their communities because of the
link of disability with the religious beliefs that it brings curses to the community.

POSITIVE RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISABILITY
Notably, some religious and social beliefs in IR are quite positive. There are so many proverbs and
ethical teachings in IR which call for respect and better treatment of people with disabilities.
1. Humane treatment of people with disability
People with disability are seen as human beings because of the unhu/Ubuntu concept. Unhu is
an IR concept which calls for the better treatment of the less fortunate in society. IR calls for
love, respect and inclusivity of people with disability through the concept of unhu. It is against
the spirit of unhu to discriminate a person based on their disability. The ethical and moral
principle of unhu stresses that people with disabilities are not inferior but equal human beings.
“Munhu munhu.” Unlike the western belief that a disabled person is inferior and thus is kept at
designated points like Jairos Jiri and Kapota , the indigenous people believe in the inclusivity
of all people as they believe that if one discriminates (seka urema wafa) one will be punished
with misfortunes like disability is a clear indication that IR is premised on unhu in its treatment
of people with disability.
2. Punishment by ancestors
Belief in punishment by ancestors is a positive attitude that is tapped from IR. It is believed in
IR that if a person laughs at or mocks a person with disability he will in future be blessed with
an offspring who is also disabled. It is because of this that IR has a positive attitude for people
with disability as it calls for empathy and respect for people with disability. The Shona proverb
“seka urema wafa” calls for everyone to accept those with disabilities and not laugh at them.
3. Accommodating people with disabilities
There are some Shona folk tales which are done to encourage accommodating people with
disabilities. For example, there is a Shona folktale of Pimbirimano, a young man who was born
through the knee and he was handicapped. He had magical powers which were in the horn
which he was born holding. One day his community was attacked by enemies and the king
consulted
Pimbirimano to help by using his magical powers. The enemies were attacked by stones from
Pimbirimano’s magic. Pimbirimano was made the deputy of the king and it is through this
folktale that the indigenous people have a positive attitude of accommodating people with
disabilities.
4. Acceptance of the contribution of people living with disability in the society
From folktales and taboos there are injunctions of positive attitude towards people living with
disabilities. People with disabilities are considered as people who can contribute meaningfully
to the welfare of the community. The Shona saying ‘benzi rakareva hondo’ means that a mad
person warned people about the coming war and those who heeded the warning survived and
those who did not perished. It is because of this saying that the role of people with disabilities
is greatly appreciated in the society. From folk tales, taboos and proverbs people with
disability are viewed as people who can do even better than the able bodied.
5. Discouragement of despising people with disability

The indigenous people largely discourage members of the society from making negative
comments about people with disabilities and also imitating them. Passing negative comments
about the disability of others is a sign that one is not properly morally educated in IR. Thus, it is
clear that despising people with disabilities is not allowed and it shows that the indigenous
people have a positive attitude towards disability.
6. Healing of people with disabilities
Traditional healers play an important role in reducing the pain associated with disabilities. They
reduce pain induced through sorcery (muposo) by extracting the component put in the
human body by witches. This is a physical support given by IR.
JUDAISM
There are several causes of disability in Judaism which range from illness, genetics, poverty, and
improper use of medicine, injury, exposure to dangerous chemicals and poor access to health
care. As such, there are several categories of disability in Judaism which include:
➢ Charaysh (deaf-mute)
➢ The shoteh (mentslly ill) who are not qualified to be witnesses in court
➢ The blind who are obligated by the Jewish commandment but cannot be witnesses in
court Paralyzed
Disability in Judaism is perceived as punishment from God. According to the Talmud there is a
story about Nahum Ish Gam Zu who had no hands, feet and was blind in both eyes. These
disabilities are not attributed to birth but a punishment from God.
On the Jewish attitude towards disability, they rely on strict biblical references against the
participation of the physically handicapped in bringing sacrifice: “none of your descendants who
have a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may come
near: no man who is blindd or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand,
or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running
sores or damaged testicles” (Leviticus 21:17-20). A person who is blind cannot act as a witness in
the Jewish court of law.
There are also some positive attitudes toward disability that can be inferred from Matriarchs in
Judaism. These matriarchs who include Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel who are barren are not
ridiculed in Judaism while Isaac who was blind in his later life is also valued. It is a Jewish obligation
for individuals, family and society to help people with disability in Judaism so that they lead a
maximum and productive life. From Genesis 1:27, every human being is created in the image of
God. This means that the disabled are also part of the creation of God in his own image.
Moreover, Moses had speech problems. This means that he was not able to talk properly. His role
as the model of other prophets who liberated the chosen nation from Egyptian bondage shows
that God loves the disabled in Judaism. As such, the example of Moses offers positive reflection
of the Jewish perception of disability.
RELIGIOUS INTERVENTION ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

➢ Full participation of Jews with disability in every aspect of life.
➢ Judaism as a religion teaches an obligation to ensure equal access for all people and help in
facilitating the full participation of people with disabilities in religious spheres as well as public
spheres. As a religion, Judaism is guided by the belief in the importance and value of
community life. According to Leviticus 19:14, “you shall not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling
block before the blind”. From this verse, it is clear that Judaism calls for physical and
emotional support and help of people with disabilities.
➢ Praying for people with disabilities.
➢ The religious intervention of Judaism is through praying for people with disabilities as well as
supporting them with their physical needs. They have also established social services and
caring centers for people with disabilities. Thus, people with disabilities are given spiritual
support.
➢ Fees are paid for the disabled.
➢ They are looked after at designated places where they receive special attention.
➢ They are given emotional support.
CHRISTIANITY
• The bible also views disability as a disease and most of the forms of disability which are
regarded as diseases include blindness, dumbness and paralysis. Visual impairment is the
most common disability in the bible as Isaac, Jacob, Eli and Ahijah of Shiloh became visually
impaired as they grew old. This explains the natural cause of disability from a Christian
perspective.
• Christian attitudes towards the disabled not only receive scriptural justification from the
verses quoted from the Hebrew bible above but also from Matthew 9:2, 7 (also in Mark and
Luke), where Jesus heals a paralyzed man by forgiving his sins: “Some men brought to him a
paralyzed man, lying on a mat”. The healing of people who were lame, blind, paralyzed and
dumb by Jesus shows that disability is viewed in a positive light.
• Jesus explains that people are not born with disabilities because of sin but instead they are
born with disabilities in order to provide opportunities for God to demonstrate his power.
Disability in Christianity occurs so that God’s power over disability can be demonstrated.
According to John 9:1-3 Jesus replied to the general belief that blindness is caused by the sins
of the parents by saying, “it was not that this man sinned or his parents sinned but that the
works of God might be made manifest in him”. This explains that Christians believe that
disability is caused intentionally by God so that he can demonstrate that he is a God who
cares for the disabled.
• Furthermore, disability is also perceived as a punishment from God for wrongdoing. This is the
perception which shapes people’s attitude towards disability through the creation of stigma
and discrimination of people with disability. Punishment through disability is a way which God
demonstrated His sovereign power over human lives. Therefore, disability is as a result of
disbelief and ignorance about God in which God punishes people for disbelief and ignorance.

• Demonic possession is also another cause of disability. For example, the mental illness of
Legion is attributed to demonic possession. This is the reason why Jesus had to exorcise the
demons so that the sufferer could be made well.
• Disability is also perceived as a curse. According to Leviticus 26:14-16 one of the punishments
used by God to punish people’s disobedience is through blindness as a curse. Samson sinned
against God and was cursed by becoming blind. Furthermore, paralysis is also caused by
curses for example Jeroboam the king of Israel became paralyzed because of a curse from
God (1 Kings 13:4).
• Christians also link disability with sin. According to John 9:1-3, disability is a punishment of sin
committed by the person or by his parents. In John 5:14 Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “See,
you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befalls you”. This clearly shows that Jesus’
perception on disability is that it is connected to sin. This has even shaped contemporary
Christians perceptions on disability that it is a result of one’s sins or the generation’s sins.
• Hearing impairment from a Christian viewpoint symbolizes stubbornness or willful refusal to
listen to the word of God. According to Jeremiah 5:21, Ezekiel 12:2 and Isaiah 42:18-20, sin can
deafen one’s ears. Visual impairment is a symbol of ignorance, sin and unbelief while blindness
is associated with punishment of sin. All these symbolic representations of different
disabilities have shaped Christian attitude towards disability.
RELIGIOUS ATTITUDE AND INTERVENTION ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
Christianity as a religion has certain attitudes towards disability. It has therefore intervened in
different ways depending with the different types of disabilities.
a. Keeping people living with disabilities at designated centers
There are different Christian sects which help people with disabilities. They help them in
different ways which include creating centers for the disabled people. ZAOGA FIF established
Ezekiel Guti Disabled Village. At these centers, people living with disabilities are cared for and
their needs are provided for. They are provided with an education for them to survive and
they are also given supporting things to help them manage the disabilities better.
b. Provision of material support
Christianity has several programs which cater for the disabled. For example, the Catholic
Relief Fund also looks after the disabled. Furthermore, people with disabilities are helped
through donations. The ZAOGA FIF has established an organization known as Disabled
Helping Hand Association to help people with disabilities with funds to start income-
generating projects. Other material support given to people with disabilities include food,
clutches for those who cannot walk, wheelchairs for the lame, walking sticks for the blind,
chemicals for albinos and hearing aids for those who are partially deaf.
c. Inclusivity of people living with disabilities in church activities
Christianity through the use of the parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 24 shows the
inclusive nature of the kingdom of God. According to this parable the crippled, the blind and
the lame have a place in the kingdom of God. It is because of this parable that Christians have
a positive attitude towards the disabled by embracing them in society as well as giving them a
sense of belonging and identity as the people of God also. The kingdom of God is incomplete
without people with disabilities. After the triumphal entry (Matthew 21:12-14) the blind and the
lame who came to Jesus were healed. This shows the inclusivity of Christianity which has
helped in assisting contemporary Christians to accept people with disability as believers also.
Some churches have employed disabled people as pastors to show inclusivity. For example,
Pastor Musasa in Mutare is a crippled pastor of AFM while Pastor Mangwiro is blind. This
implies that Christians have accommodated people with disabilities into church ministry and
this has improved the people’s attitude towards disability. The late Pastor Ezekiel Guti Junior
was also crippled.
d. Healing of people with disabilities
Healing is also done in Christianity to assist people with disabilities. Christians derive their
motivation from Jesus who helped the disabled by healing them. Concern for people with
disabilities is at the center of Jesus’ ministry and his healing miracles have helped in removing
societal barriers in order to create accessible and accepting communities that disability is not
inability. In the contemporary world, Prophet Makandiwa, T. Fred and Prophet Magaya
emphasize the restoration of people with disability’s health. This removes all stigma and
discrimination associated with disability as they are viewed as part and parcel of the
community of Jesus. Thus, religion plays an important role on people with disabilities through
miracles meant to restore sight to the blind as well as the functioning of body parts.
e. Empowerment of the disabled
Empowerment of people with disabilities is also done in Christianity to help people living with
disabilities. For example, the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe through the Kapota School for
the blind is there to assist the disabled to become self-reliant through training in education
and music, carpentry, entrepreneurship, basketry and other forms of self-reliant jobs.
Munyaradzi
Munodawafa is a musician who has been empowered by the church. Provision of free
education and training in life skills is the other way in which the disabled have been assisted in
Christianity. It is through the provision of education and finances to start income-generating
projects that empowers the disabled to make meaningful contributions to society without
burdening the family and community where they come from.
ISLAM
Islam is the most inclusive religion in terms of people with disabilities. There are some verses from
the Koran which dismiss the perception that the disabled are impure, evil and must be
discriminated. According to Koran 24:61 and 80:1-9, a disabled person is as religiously pure as the
abled person. People who are disabled are very special before Allah. In Islamic belief, weaker
people have an extra special position in the eyes of God. They have the right to strong support
“Allah does not love the proud”, says the Koran. This is equivalent to “nobody should be vain to be
in better health or wealth. One should rather thankfully use their wealth to support those who
have less”. This leads to social balance that allows everyone to take part in social life. Dishonoring
or excluding people with disabilities from the civil society or religious life is disrespecting and
disregarding the will of Allah.
Disability in Islam is natural and a normal occurrence. There is a close link between illness and
disability as blindness, deafness, epilepsy, muteness and leprosy are all results of health problems.
As such, disability is a natural condition in Islam. According to the Hadith, judgment is done to all
human beings regardless of one’s ability or disability. The spiritual dimension is considered in Islam
than the physical and mental dimension of one’s ability.
DISABILITY PERCEPTION IN ISLAM

To Muslims, disability is a test for a person affected by it and also for the entire society. Muslims
are expected to treat people with disabilities with respect as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
by Allah. The belief is that the physically disabled are spiritually abled. It is therefore the duty of
every Muslim to take good care of the disabled. Caring for the disabled in Islam is considered a
real blessing. However, according to Koran 47:23, Allah can punish individual Muslims for sin,
resulting in disability. To that end, the disabled can be viewed as victims of sin in Islam and a curse
from Allah.
POSITIVE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT DISABILITY IN ISLAM

▪ In Islam it is a communal obligation to assist the disabled (Koran 2:177). It is the duty of every
member of the community to assist towards the welfare of the disabled. The welfare of the
disabled is not only limited to close relatives of the disabled person but the entire community.
▪ Even if no material assistance is offered, just giving attention to the disabled is an Islamic
expectation. This helps in making the disabled person feel loved and part of the ummar
(Islamic community).
▪ Muslims are expected to view the disabled as equal members of the society who must be
given equal treatment and equal opportunities such as access to education and health. It is
considered a sin to discriminate and stigmatize disabled persons to the extent of limiting them
equal treatment like other abled people. Allah is against inequality because paradise belongs
to all people, the abled and the disabled.
▪ Paying attention to the needs of the disabled in Islam is viewed as a form of righteousness.
Helping people living with disabilities helps in erasing sins in Islam. This shows that Islam is a
practical religion based on good works than faith alone.
▪ Muslims consider that being disabled does not mean that a person is less valuable before
Allah. A disabled person maintains his/her personal value as a creation of Allah despite having
some constraints physically and psychologically.
▪ Mosques are designed in such a way that they cater for the needs of people living with
disabilities. Disabled people are exempted from making some movements which may be
difficult to do when performing rituals like performing a wudu as well as prostrating.
NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT DISABILITY IN ISLAM

▪ Some modern Muslims ignore the welfare and needs of the handicapped as more attention
now focuses on sustaining themselves and their families.

▪ The disabled suffer mockery and social discrimination (Koran 49:11). Like in any other society,
people living with disabilities are a laughing stock. They are mocked because of their
conditions.
▪ Usually, the disabled are viewed as direct victims of sin and are ridiculed for their sinful
behavior.
▪ Many disabled people in Islam suffer from lack of attention to worship Allah as some Islamic
cultures have flawed understanding about disability. They do not worship Allah in the mosque
because they always need assistance to visit the mosque.
ISLAMIC INTERVENTION ON DISABILITY

a. Religious participation of people with disabilities
Participation in religious life and activities is required of all Muslims, with or without disabilities.
All the five pillars of the Islamic religion which include prayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage
are supposed to be performed by every Muslim regardless of their ability or disability. It is because
of this religious perception that Islam is regarded as a religion that is inclusive. b. Inclusivity
Accommodation is offered to people with disabilities to make their participation in religious
life possible to the greatest extent. This implies that if a religious ritual is proved to be difficult
to be performed by a person with disability then that person is exempted from that religious
duty or there are some religious accommodations done like provision of accessible facilities
which do not disadvantage one from performing their religious obligation. For example, a
Muslim is supposed to clean body parts like hands, arms, feet and face. However a person
with mental problems is exempted from this ritual. Those without fingers and hands are also
exempted because they cannot perform it on their own.
c. Exemption of people with disabilities from religious activities which discomfort them
People living with disabilities are also excused without excuses from religious requirements
that are simply beyond an individual’s ability. For example, Muslim prayer requires a lot of
physical movement like bowing, sitting and prostrating but those who cannot move or stand
during a prayer are exempted from making these movements. Fasting is also another religious
requirement in which a disabled person is exempted if he/she cannot manage. Hajj is another
religious requirement which the lame are exempted from because it requires a lot of
movement by foot. This shows that the disabled are cared for in Islam.
d. People with disabilities are allowed to participate in marriage
Disabled people are allowed to marry in Islam. As a religion, Islam is a way of life and those
who are living with disabilities are not barred from the right to marry. It is only those with terminal
disabilities who cannot partake in marriage. Marriage is not only a privilege but a right for people
with disabilities in Islam. One is not denied the chance of marrying because of disability but
marriage is a place where people with disabilities also experience the divine love of Allah. e.
Protection from the law
Islamic law is a part of Islamic religion and it shows the Muslim perception of disability. The
application of the law is based on will, intent and knowledge for one to be punished by the law.
Those with mental challenges are not liable to punishment because it is believed that they do
not have the will and knowledge to commit a crime. This shows that Islam’s attitude towards

the disabled is positive as the Sharia protects people with disability. Islam believes that
disability is a natural part of being a human. It is neither a blessing nor a punishment. Thus,
discrimination against people with disability is a religious offense because Allah created all
human beings as equal. The Sharia states that the rights of people with disabilities should be
respected (Koran 49:11). People with disabilities enjoy social justice such as food and clothes
(Koran 24:61), receive a portion of the Zakat and certain religious duties might be reduced
based on their conditions.
f. Condemnation of discrimination of people living with disabilities
People with disabilities are not supposed to be discriminated or denigrated on account of
their disabilities. This perception is derived from the Sunnah of the prophet (example of the
prophet) where a blind man interrupted Prophet Muhammad during his meeting with the
chiefs of Mecca and was given a warm reception by the prophet. It is this inspiration that Islam
calls for nondiscrimination of people with disabilities.
g. Material provision for people with disabilities
Islamic law calls for the material care for people with disabilities. These include construction of
homes, hospitals as well as provision of social service centers for people with disabilities.
Provision of financial aid is highly called for in Islam as a means of supporting materially to the
needs of people with disabilities. Supporting people with disabilities is the religious duty of
every Muslim and any neglect of such people results in utter condemnation from Allah.
h. Provision of education to people with disability
Education is used in Islam to educate Muslims about the religious obligation of taking care of
the disabled. Inclusive education of children with disabilities remains a route that leads to an
adult life as an active member of society. This improves their academic and physical growth to
the maximum potential and it improves their overall quality of life and social status. In Islam,
education should be provided to people with disabilities and they should not be discriminated
in the learning environment.
i. Almsgiving as a religious intervention for people with disabilities
Zakat (almsgiving) is a fund that is used to take care of the needy in society. The needy include
people with disabilities. This is physical support given by Islam. A disabled person does not
need to pay Zakat and is unable to generate income but needs help. Thus, those who pay
Zakat contribute to the welfare of the disabled and Zakat shows that Islam is a religion which
is characterized by inclusivity and fairness on people in need like those with disabilities. The
concept of Zakat is designed for the betterment of people with disabilities.
RELIGION AND THE MARGINALIZATION OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

There are so many perceptions and attitudes in various regions about disability and the disabled.
In some certain religions, disability is considered as a curse from a deity while in others, it is
believed to be a blessing. In many cases, religion is an accomplice in marginalizing people living
with disabilities. Marginalization is a term which refers to a process where a certain group of
people is made to feel isolated and unimportant in society or the community in which they live in.
it leads to the exclusion and being ignored by the society.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISABILITY
Treatment of persons with disability varies from one society to another. Severity of the disability
ranges from mild to more serious conditions. The degrees of severity of disability include
profound, moderate and severe cases of disability.
MODERATE CASES OF DISABILITY
These are cases of disability where persons living with disability have the capacity to carry out a
few activities. Some moderate cases of disability might later on result in persons affected being
able to fend for them through handicraft. They can receive some form of training in some
income-generating activities and become self-reliant. The disabled persons in this category do
not feel heavily marginalized as in severe cases of disability.
SEVERE CASES OF DISABILITY

Severe impairment is impairment or a combination of impairments that have a strong bearing on
one’s ability to perform basic activities. Examples of these severe cases of disability include
muscular dystrophy where the disabled has impaired limbs and hands and suffers incapacitation
in terms of mobility. Other severe cases of disability include special senses and speech disorders
which inhibit verbal communication on the part of the disabled. Mental disorders are another form
of severe disability where the disabled has challenges in memory loss and/or the reasoning
capacity is severely affected. The disabled, in this case do not pose problems for themselves only
but for the caregivers as well. Paralysis is a severe case of disability which renders the disabled
person a merely assisted person in almost every respect.
The persons with severe cases of disability require personal assistance, guidance and supervision,
twenty four hours a day. Such persons should not be marginalized solely on the basis of their
inability to fend for themselves. In severe disability, the person’s daily activities or participation in
various social activities is restricted. Persons with severe cases of disability suffer isolation and
feel marginalized because they rely on outright assistance and where this assistance is not
regularly provided, they feel subdued and neglected.
How religions marginalize people living with disabilities
Religions all over the world marginalize people living with disability because of labels attached to
disabilities. Disability is associated with curses and sins which lead to the pushing of people living
with disability to the periphery.
1 .Indigenous religion
People living with disability are marginalized in Indigenous religious as they are hidden at home.
Their movement in society is limited because most African beliefs tend to characterize disability
as affliction. For example, lepers are excluded from society as they live in seclude in places like at

Mutoko Center. People with albinism are regarded as a ‘wild white’ person and this shows their
marginalization. Many people do not want to share plates and cups let alone share food and drinks
with albinos. They are stigmatized. Mentally challenged people are also marginalized as they are
not allowed to take part in social activities like farming.
Furthermore, there is a proven correlation between disability and material deprivation,
marginalization and denial of the humanity of disabled persons. People living with disabilities are
frequently treated as evil and have to be ritually, morally and physically cleansed of their affliction
before they can be reintegrated into human society. In addition, people living with disabilities are
experiencing marginalization in IR as they are excluded from society by being treated as the
‘other’ and being ignored. In most cases, they are concealed from the general public. For example,
albinos, blind and lame children are hidden by their families from society because they are
regarded as a source of shame and embarrassment to the family. They cannot participate in
religious ceremonies like rainmaking and incwala.
In addition to that, the disabled cannot inherit a family name in IR as their condition is attached to
shame. Also, they cannot take up positions like being traditional healers, chiefs or village heads.
When they die, they cannot become ancestors even if they meet all the qualifications of
becoming an ancestor. They cannot become warriors or even the chief’s advisor or sit in the
king’s court. Lastly, some indigenous people do not want their daughter or son to marry a disabled
person.
JUDAISM
People living with disabilities have always been a part of Jewish religious communities. In keeping
with a deep ethical commitment to protect those who could easily become marginalized, the
Torah forbids insulting the deaf or placing a stumbling block before the blind (Leviticus 19:14).
Other texts on disability raise harder questions for some readers. Just two chapters later, the
Torah excludes a priest with certain kinds of physical conditions from serving at the altar
(Leviticus 21).
Marginalization of people with disabilities in Jewish religion is a form of exemption from rituals
and other religious obligations that are supposed to be done. It should be noted that the Jewish
culture mainly oral in terms of transmission emphasizes speaking and hearing as the primary
mode of teaching and learning the Torah, as well as other forms of communication. Because the
rabbis assumed that a person who could neither hear nor speak was unable to communicate, they
exempted the heresh from virtually all Jewish rituals and obligations. Inability to speak is
tantamount to inability to learn.
The Torah gives striking voice to the marginalization of people with disabilities. Leviticus 21
provides an extensive list of blemishes that disqualify a priest from offering sacrifices at the altar,
“The Lord spoke further to Moses: Speak to Aaron and say: No man of your offspring throughout
the ages who has a blemish (mum) shall be qualified to offer the food of his God. No one at all who
has a blemish shall be qualified: no man who is blind, or lame, or has a limb too short or too long,
no man who has a broken leg or a broken arm, or who is a hunchback, or a dwarf, or who has a
growth in his eye, or who has a boil-scar, or scurvy, or crushed testes”. This is the basis of
marginalization of people with disabilities in Judaism.

CHRISTIANITY
Christianity has also been found marginalizing people living with disabilities. Although the
Christian community has been healing people living with disability, they have failed to accept the
conditions of people with disabilities to a lesser extent. The church has failed to recognize
conditions of people with disabilities. They are viewed as ‘other’ human beings and not as proper
human beings created in the image of God. This marginalization is caused by the belief that
disability is a natural manifestation of evil.
Christians believe that disabilities are caused by sin in one’s individual life or by the sins
committed by their parents. It is because of these beliefs that people living with disabilities feel
alienated, marginalized, embarrassed and in some cases offended by the treatment which they
get from Christian environments. In some Christian denominations like the African Initiated
Churches and other protestant churches, a person with a history of disability cannot become a
religious leader or personnel in the form of a pastor or priest. These churches are shunned by
people living with disabilities because of the structural marginalization of people with disabilities.
ISLAM
Although Islam is a religion which is motivated by equality of all people regardless of race, creed,
gender and ability, just like the other religions, disability is a condition connected to spiritual
deficiency.
Disability is associated with one’s individual sin and it leads to spiritual anxiety in the private
sphere and alienation from religious association in the public sphere.
People with disabilities are isolated from the public sphere because of their physical and mental
challenges in Muslim communities. People living with disabilities are often implicated in religious
interpretations of sacred texts and contexts. This results in stigmatization and marginalization of
people living with disabilities in many Muslim communities.
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Judaism has a negative perception of disability.

a. Define disability. (2)
b. List any 4 examples of disability in Judaism. (4)
c. Explain any 3 causes of disability in Judaism. (6)
d. Describe 4 ways in which Judaism helps people with disabilities.(8)
2. Mental illness is caused by witches in Indigenous Religion.

a. Define mental illness. (2)
b. List any 4 causes of mental illness in Indigenous Religion. (4)
c. Describe the Indigenous Religion perception of mental illness. (6)
d. Describe the religious intervention measures used in Indigenous Religion to help
people with mental problems. (8)

3. Christian attitudes towards the disabled are shaped by the scriptures.
a. Define scripture. (2)
b. State any 4 causes of disability in Christianity. (4)
c. Describe how the disabled are assisted in Christianity. (6)
d. Using an example, analyze the Christian attitude towards disability. (8)
4. There is a lot of stigma associated with disability in the Indigenous Religion.

a. Define stigma. (2)
b. State any 4 ways the disabled are treated in Indigenous Religion. (4)
c. Describe the causes of stigma and discrimination of people with disability in
Indigenous
Religion. (6)
d. Analyze the role of Indigenous Religion in assisting the disabled. (8)
5. In Islam people with disabilities are part of our society and have their rights.
a. State any 2 causes of disability in Islam. (2)
b. Outline any 4 illnesses that can cause disability. (4)
c. Describe how Islam helps people with disabilities. (6)
d. Analyze the effects of religious beliefs on disability. (8)
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Describe the causes of disability in IR. (25)
2. Explain the positive and negative Jewish perceptions on disability. (25)
3. Assess the role of Christianity in helping people with disability in Zimbabwe. (25)
4. Examine the religious attitude towards disability. (25)
5. Describe various religious interventions on disability. (25)
RELIGION AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Religion refers to the air, water and land in which people, animals and plants live. Religion plays an
important role in understanding the natural environment by creating attitudes which help in the
protection of the natural environment.
The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally. The
environment encompasses the interaction of all living species, climate, weather and natural
resources that affect human survival and the economy. These include all vegetation, micro-
organisms, soil, rocks, atmosphere and natural events. The natural environment pays a great role
in the existence of life on earth and it helps human beings, animals and other living things to grow
and develop naturally.
Everyone must know how to protect our environment to keep it safe forever as well as ensure the
nature’s balance on this planet to continue the existence of life. The source of environmental
protection is found in the prohibition in the Biblical command that soldiers at war are not to cut

down fruit trees and use their wood in besieging an enemy (Deuteronomy 20:19-20). This verse is
the basis of understanding the attitude of Judaism towards the environment.
JUDAISM ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT
Having a positive attitude towards the environment is the most fundamental concept of Judaism
based on the belief that God is the creator of the universe. As such, only God has absolute power
and ownership over creation (Genesis 1-2, Psalms 24:1 and Chronicles 29:10-16). Judaism’s
understanding of the environment is theocentric not anthropocentric. Human beings have
restricted freedom in the utilization of the environment because it does not belong to them.
According to Genesis, God is the owner of all creation.
a) Non-wastage of resources
For Jews, the Torah states clearly that ‘in the beginning God created the heaven and the
earth’ thus the formation of the earth is a matter of divine concern. The Torah prohibits
the wasteful consumption of anything. Jewish sacred texts teach that mankind has an
obligation to improve the world for future generations. Therefore, families are
encouraged to reduce their waste and make smart choices, investing in companies that
do not pollute the environment and supporting behavior and policies that promote
environmental conservation.
b) Laws on the environment
Judaism has a legislative framework derived from the Torah. The Jewish law forbids
harming ourselves and the natural environment (Leviticus 19:28). Disposal of waste and
noxious products from industrial production must be kept far from human habitation
because it threatens the natural environment.
c) Caring for the environment
There is need to care for the environment in order to preserve that which God has
created. In the story of Noah, God brought a flood upon the earth but only after every
single species of animals was kept safe inside the ark. The story tells us of our divine duty
to protect all living creatures (biodiversity).
METHODS OF PRESERVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN JUDAISM

Judaism calls for the protection and generation of new resources for future generations. This
religious tradition values concepts such as planting trees so much that the rabbis teach that if a
man is planting a tree and the Messiah appears, he should finish planting the tree before going to
greet him. Even in times of wars, trees are not supposed to be cut down. The Jewish nation in
Israel feels an eternal bond to the Land of Israel and therefore a responsibility to protect their
environment.
These are some of the laws of the environment of the Torah
1. Use of greenbelts to protect the environment
A city must have a greenbelt surrounding it thus limiting urban sprawl. Urban sprawling
refers to the unrestricted overlapping of a town into non-residential areas like forests.

Judaism prevents this by having forests or plantations around towns and it is a crime to
encroach into the greenbelt or forest.
2. Protection of trees during wars
A fruit tree cannot be destroyed when setting a siege to a city. During wars, Judaism
prohibits the cutting down of fruit trees as a way of protecting the natural environment.
Any unwanted destruction of nature should be avoided. Soldiers try at all costs not to
destroy trees during wars.
3. Regulating grazing areas to limit environmental degradation
The Rabbis severely limited the grazing of goats and sheep in parts of Israel where they
caused environmental damage. Israel is located in a desert and grazing areas are of
special significance and are thus protected. Overgrazing of pastures which results in
environmental degradation is prohibited. Judaism protects the environment by preventing
overgrazing.
4. Appointment of a minister of the environment by Jewish kings
King Solomon appointed a minister to limit the harvesting of wood in the forests of Israel.
Cutting down of trees should be limited as wanton destruction of trees for fuel purposes
results in desertification. This shows that kings were concerned with the environment. The
appointment of an environment minister shows that Judaism is a green religion which
protects the natural environment.
5. Laws which prevent water pollution
The Mishnah deals with laws of water and air pollution, limiting the rights of rural and civic
residents. It is against Jewish law to smoke, dispose sewage into water bodies, litter in
public places and raise dust. The Jewish law is known as halvah which limits pollution.
According to the halvah furnaces are forbidden in Jerusalem because the smoke causes
air pollution within the city. Controlling pollution is one of the religious mandates of
Judaism.
6. Existence of environmental organizations which promote awareness
There are many Jewish organizations that are working to build awareness of the Torah’s
message concerning the Jews’ responsibility towards the environment.
7. Sabbath as a mechanism of protecting the environment
The Sabbath law is a way of living a sustainable life. People limit the use of resources as
they do not cook or shop on this day hence conserving the environment. The sabbatical
year helps to redress the power economic imbalances in human society and creation.
8. Prohibition of wasting natural resources
The Torah prohibits wasteful use of anything. When people waste resources they are
breaking the law of Deuteronomy 20:19-20 ‘Do not destroy’. This applies even to eating
and drinking or in the kind of clothes that one wears. There are a number of laws on
disposal of waste. Waste should be disposed of properly. For example, industrial waste
must be kept far from human habitation, Deuteronomy 23:13-15.
9. Protection of endangered species and other animals

The Torah prohibits the extinction of species and causing undue pain to non-human
creatures.
Judaism cares for other creatures as it calls for compassion towards animals. According
to Deuteronomy 22:6, one should send away the mother bird before taking eggs from the
nest and it is prohibited to kill a mother animal and its children on the same day. This
shows that Judaism protects endangered species and animals.
10. Jewish holidays on environment
The Jewish home is one in which a model is found for relating to the environment, in a less
coldly instrumental way and even the holidays and other observances are done with
respect to their environmental impact.
11. Clean water
Jews believe that water is an important natural resource for human survival. Water has a
special place in Jewish tradition. It plays a role in nearly every major story in the bible.
Isaac’s wife was chosen for him at a well, the baby Moses was saved after floating down a
river, the Israelites were freed when the Red Sea was parted and Miriam will forever be
remembered for her gift of water to the Jewish people in the desert. Clean, fresh water
supplies and mineral resources are natural resources which should be preserved. Jewish
tradition advocates for the prevention of water pollution.
ISLAM AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Environmental protection is an important aspect of Islam. Being stewards of the earth, it is the
responsibility of every Muslim to care for the environment in a positive way. Muslims are
encouraged to reflect on the relationship between living organisms and their environment and to
maintain the ecological balance created by Allah. Protection of the environment is essential to
Islamic beliefs and mankind has the responsibility to ensure safe custody of the environment.
ISLAMIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Moslems believe that Allah is the creator of the universe. Environmental protection is an important
aspect of Islam. All Muslims are encouraged to take care of the environment in a proactive
manner. They believe that there is a definite purpose behind the creation of different species, be
it animals or plants. Protection of the environment is of great importance. The humans have the
responsibility of taking care of the natural environment.
The Muslims prohibit over-exploitation of the natural environment. “O children of Adam!
…eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not wasters.” (Surah 7:31)
There is also a view that the devastation caused by deforestation in many countries causes
soil erosion and kills many of the biodiversity of the earth.
Another Islamic view on the natural resources was brilliantly put forward that one should
partake of it gladly as long as you are the benefactor, not a despoiler; a cultivator, not a
destroyer.
Disrupting the natural order and balance is not only discouraged in Islam but also sinful and
worthy of punishment.

According to Islamic thoughts, benefits from the environment should not be limited to
some people. Instead, it should be the source of life for all people at all times.
All human beings as well as animals and wildlife enjoy the right to share the earth’s
resources.
A major objective of Islamic teachings and prophetic traditions is to build and maintain a
healthy and clean environment which is devoid of any source of pollution or misuse.
Muhammad taught that one should not relieve himself in a source of water, on a path or in
a place of shade of a living creature. These values highlight Islam’s stress on avoiding
pollution of critical resources and the importance of cleanliness.
Islam, as a way of life expects human beings to conserve the environment for several
reasons which might be summarized as follows:
✓ The environment is Allah’s creation. The creation of this earth and all its natural
resources is a sigh of his wisdom, mercy, power and his other attributes and
therefore serves to develop human awareness and understanding of this creator.
✓ Muslims should seek to protect and preserve the environment because by so
doing they protect Allah’s creatures which pray to him and praise him.
✓ The environment contains Allah’s creatures which the Muslim scholars consider to
also deserve protection.
✓ Islam as a way of life is established on the concept of good hence the need to
protect and preserve the environment.
METHODS OF CONSERVING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN ISLAM
Environmental conservation is one of the basic tenets of Islam. Immediate steps are required to
protect natural resources. Conserving the natural environment is a religious duty of every Muslim.
Humans are seen as trustees of what Allah has created. All that he has given must be preserved
and delivered back to Allah in the best condition possible.
a. Conservation
Conservation is achieved by reducing, reusing and recycling waste. The Koran says, “but
waste not by excess: for Allah loves not wasters” Koran 6:141. The principle of conservation is
illustrated by the following rule which says that even when taking a bath for prayer we should
sparingly use water. b. Planting of trees
Planting trees is a classical Islamic tradition as an act of continuous charity, a good deed. The
prophet said that if one plants a tree whatever is eventually eaten from it whether by humans
or animals counts for the planter of the tree as an act of charity. Muslims are encouraged to
cultivate barren lands and for such a task, a good reward is prepared for them in the
hereafter. An example of the positive attitude towards the conservation of the environment
and nature is found in the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) declaration: “If any
believer plants a tree or sows a field, and a human, bird or animal eats from it; it shall be
reckoned as charity from him.” He also said: “If anyone plants a tree neither human being nor
any of God’s creatures will eat from it without its being reckoned as charity from him.”
c. Condemnation of deforestation

Islam is against the cutting or destruction of plants and trees unnecessarily as is evident in the
following Hadith: “He who cuts a lote-tree [without justification], Allah will send him to
hellfire.” The devastation caused by deforestation in many countries causes soil erosion and
kills many of the biodiversity of the earth.
d. Utilization of resources
In Islam the utilization of resources is the right and privilege of all people and species. Hence,
man should take every precaution to ensure the interests and rights of all the others since
they are equal partners on earth. Similarly, he should not regard such as restricted to one
generation above all the other generations.
e. Avoiding degradation
It is also obligatory, for, in Islamic law, whatever is indispensable to fulfill the imperative
obligation of preserving life is therefore itself obligatory. Any action that obstructs or impairs the
biological and social functions of this element, whether by destroying it or by polluting it with any
substance that would make it an unsuitable environment for living things or otherwise impair its
function as the basis of life; any such action necessarily leads to the impairment or ruin of life itself.
f. Avoiding pollution
Since the atmosphere performs all these biological and social functions, its conservation, pure
and unpolluted, is an essential aspect of the conservation of life itself which is one of the
fundamental objectives of Islamic law. Again, whatever is indispensable to fulfill this
imperative obligation is itself obligatory. Therefore, any activity which pollutes it and ruins or
impairs its function is an attempt to thwart and obstruct God’s wisdom towards his creation.
Islam urges its followers to keep the streets clean and free from any harm, and such work is
considered as a part of faith. The spoilers of streets, roads and parks will face a severe
punishment. The prophet said that cleanness is half of faith.
g. Establishment of environmentally protected areas
Cutting down of trees in these areas as well as killing of animals is prohibited. The Holy
Prophet is believed to have been the first one to establish these protected areas. He declared
an area outside Medina as a protected area. (Hadith No. 27920)
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Environmental protection is an important aspect in Islam.

a. What is the natural environment in Islam? (2)
b. List 4 components of the environment. (4)
c. Explain 3 ways of environmental preservation in Islam. (6)
d. Illustrate how the advice from Muhammad contributed to the protection of the natural
environment. (8)
2. Judaism values the environment.

a. Define the natural environment in Judaism. (2)
b. State any 4 features of the environment that are used by believers in Judaism. (4)
c. Describe 3 ways of environmental preservation in Judaism. (6)
d. Illustrate how the Torah contributed to the protection of the natural environment. (8)
3. The environment is of concern in Judaism.

a. What is the Jewish understanding of the natural environment? (2)
b. State any 4 ways natural resources are used in Judaism. (4)
c. Explain any 3 teachings about the environment in Judaism. (6)
d. Identify any 4 ways of preserving the environment in Judaism. (8)
4. The environment is respected in Islam.

a. What is the Islamic understanding of the natural environment? (2)
b. State any 4 ways natural resources are used in Islam. (4)
c. Explain any 3 teachings of preserving the environment in Islam. (6)
d. Identify any 4 ways of preserving the natural environment in Islam. (8)
5. The Supreme Being is the creator of the universe.

a. Define Supreme Being. (2)
b. List 4 components of the natural environment. (4)
c. How is water viewed in Judaism? (6)
d. Describe how Muslims view wildlife. (8)
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Explain the attitude of Judaism towards the natural environment. (25)

2. Describe and explain the methods used by the Muslims to conserve the natural
environment.
(25)
3. Discuss the attitude of Muslims towards the natural environment. (25)
4. Describe how religions you have studied tried to conserve the natural environment. (25)
5. Describe the different views of Judaism and Islam on the different components of the
natural environment. (25)

RELIGION, RIGHTS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The topic will focus on rights and responsibilities of the elderly and disabled.
Every human being has basic rights and freedom from birth till death. The elderly and disabled
have rights and social responsibilities too.
RIGHTS OF THE ELDERLY
The elderly in Zimbabwe is a person who is seventy years of age and above. Elderly people are
considered less valuable in the society. They face increasing barriers to their participation and
become more dependent on others and lose some or all of their personal autonomy. These
threats to their dignity make them more subjected to neglect, abuse and violation of their rights.
In Zimbabwe, the elderly people have the following rights:
• Freedom from discrimination

Each elderly person has the right to be free from discrimination, insults or maltreatment.
They should be treated equally.
• Freedom from abuse and exploitation.
The elderly people should be treated with dignity and not be abused or exploited, that is,
they should not be taken advantage of.
• Right to maintenance
They should receive care and assistance from their families, community and state. They
should be given adequate food, shelter and clothing, that is, basic life commodities.
• Right to healthcare
Elderly people should receive basic healthcare and medical assistance from the state.
Such services should be free of charge.
• Right to material assistance
The elderly people are supposed to receive financial support by way of social security and
welfare.
• Right to freedom of choice
To exercise the right to freedom of choice regarding their basic needs such as shelter,
food and clothing.
RELIGION AND THE ELDERLY
The phenomenon of an aging population is found in all religious communities. Nowadays, elderly
people are increasingly marginalized and treated as a burden to the society. Religion acts as a
panacea to the welfare of the elderly by caring and loving them. There is an interconnection
between religion and the elderly.
In Indigenous religion the elderly are valued because of their wisdom and are considered key
figures in matters of the religion. Elders are supposed to be respected, cared for as well as
protected. Indigenous religion teaches that abuse of the elderly leads to anger of the ancestors.
As such, Indigenous religion values the old. It is the duty and responsibility of everyone in the

Indigenous society to provide for the needs of the elderly people. Being elderly is one of the
qualifications of a person in order to become an ancestor. One cannot make the transition from
the present life to the next life of ancestor hood without being an elder. However, some elderly
people are stigmatized due to religious myths, for instance, elderliness is associated with
witchcraft. Religion should therefore provide comfort to those who are looked down upon in the
society.
In Judaism, caring for the elderly is a religious duty. It is part of the laws given by God to the
Hebrews. The elderly people are housed at their children or grandchildren’s homes so that there is
continuous interaction with them and possibly to help in their upkeep. The Torah instructs
believers to honor the elderly.
In Christianity similarly, the elderly should be honored, taken care of and respected. Christianity
stresses the importance of due respect to parents and elders. Christians have a responsibility to
take care of the elderly. Wealth that is accumulated and does not benefit the elderly leads to
punishment from God. The commandment “Honor your parents.” In short says it all. Honoring
one’s parents implies taking care of them materially.
Islam also emphasizes on the same teaching of taking care of the needs of the elderly. The elderly
in Islam are given special attention. One of the five pillars of Islam, almsgiving (Zakat) also caters
for the needs and the welfare of the elderly. Neglecting the elderly is a violation of Muslim
brotherhood and helping the widow enhances a close relationship with Allah. Muslim society is a
society of mutual compassion and coherence. An elderly has high status before Allah if he
adheres to the laws of Allah. Respecting an elderly is an example of a true Muslim. The elderly
people are exempted from fasting during Ramadan and even going for a pilgrimage (Hajj).
To conclude, religion advocates for the rights of the elderly. There is no religion which does not
value elderly people. Neglect of the elderly results in misfortunes in this life and thereafter.
Therefore, the elderly people are supported by religion as valuable people in a society.
RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

A disabled person is a person with a physical, mental or sensory disability. These include, but are
not limited to visual, hearing or speech functional disabilities. Disabilities lead to physical, cultural
or social barriers that inhibit the host individual from equal levels of participation with other
members of the society in activeness, undertakings or fields of employment that are open to
other members of the society.
The main causes of disability in Zimbabwe are diseases, war, conflicts, malnutrition, accidents,
birth deformities and hereditary characteristics among others. The Disabled Persons Act is the
primary law that addresses disability in Zimbabwe. This act provides for the welfare and
rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities have the following
rights:
a) To education
The disabled are to be provided with special facilities for their education. Schools are
supposed to provide appropriate reading materials for visually impaired learners and for
those with hearing impairments likewise. It is expected that basic facilities such as toilets

are constructed in such a way as to accommodate that even wheelchairs can be
accommodated. Learners are to have state-funded education and training.
b) To adequate healthcare
Disabled persons are to be given access to medical, psychological and functional
treatment.
c) To be protected from discrimination
At workplaces, the creation, classification or abolition of jobs and posts in a discriminatory
manner is prohibited. Remuneration for performance of the same work should be equal.
Fair consideration is to be given for all opportunities.
d) To be granted access to public premises, services and amenities
Disabled persons are to be granted access into any premises where members of the
public are ordinarily allowed. Also, they are not to be denied services that members of the
society are ordinarily provided. It is important that suitable amenities such as bathrooms,
access ramps, wider doorways and hallways for people who use wheelchairs be put into
consideration.
e) To enable them to become self-reliant
Disability does not mean inability. Disabled people should realize their full potential. They
should be empowered with rights to participate in political and social life to enhance their
individual development. The Danhiko Project offers educational and vocational training for
persons with disabilities.
f) To participate in social, creative and recreational activities
Persons with disabilities are to live with their families and participate in social, creative and
recreational activities.
g) To be protected from all forms of exploitation and abuse
The state has a duty to eliminate and prevent discriminatory actions against people with
disability and to ensure that policies and laws take the welfare of persons living with
disabilities into consideration. In Zimbabwe, there are organizations that represent and
advocate for disabled people. These are:
The National Council of Disabled People of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ)
▪ Promotes the full integration of disabled people into the society
▪ Promote active participation of disabled persons in the planning,
implementation and decision making processes that affect their own lives
▪ Develop and support grassroots disabled persons in both rural and urban
area to speak out of their interests and their concerns
Creates a society where all disabled people enjoy equal opportunities with
▪
the rest of the world
Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association (ZDSA)
▪ Enhances the livelihood of persons with down syndrome and their families
▪ Advocates and lobby for the rights of persons with down syndrome in the
rural areas where they are mostly abused, discriminated and stigmatized

Disability, H.I.V and AIDS Trust (DHAT)
▪ Promotes the rights and capacity building of persons with disabilities
having cervical cancer, TB, infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
▪ It aims at achieving inclusion and full participation of people with disabilities
▪Addresses issues of individuals living with disabilities concerning their
rights and livelihood
Zimbabwe Association of the Visually Handicapped (ZAVH)
▪ They cater for persons with visual impairment
Zimbabwe Women in Development (ZWIDE)
▪ Advocates for the rights of women with disabilities
Albino Association of Zimbabwe
Looks out for the welfare of persons with albinism and ensures that they
are economically empowered
ADVANTAGES OF FREEEDOM OF WORSHIP
1. Freedom of worship instills respect for others in believers.

Freedom of worship allows people to acknowledge the existence of other religions thus
people will respect different religions in the country. This means that one will respect
other people’s beliefs and practices as the freedom of worship guarantees the existence
of those religions without any opposition. For example, if a Christian meets a Muslim they
would respect each other’s beliefs and practices. In cases where people of different
religions meet, people will respect the versatility which exists.
2. Establishment of institutions which help the community.
It helps in the establishment of various religious institutions like schools, hospitals and
universities which are important for capacity building. For example, the Ridgeview Primary
School in Harare is of Muslim orientation, Gutu Mission School and Hospital are Christian
orientated, being of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. Judaism has also established
schools like Sharon in Harare and Carmel in Bulawayo. Solusi University is a Seventh Day
Adventist Church and helps the community in Bulawayo. These institutions were
established due to freedom of worship found in Zimbabwe.
3. It promotes unity among citizens in a country.
Freedom of worship allows individuals to select what they want in terms of beliefs and
allows people of the same religious beliefs to be bound by their belief thus promoting
unity. For example, believers of the Islamic religion but being from different ethnic
backgrounds are united by their faith. Muslims of the Arab and African backgrounds are
united and bound by their faith.
4. Freedom of worship promotes tolerance.
People of different religious affiliations will be able o accept divergent religious views. For
example, at combined worshiping services of different churches, leaders share the pulpit
to share their religious teachings. This allows people of different religious beliefs to accept
each other in a comfortable way without fighting or conflicting. People can practice their

religion side by side with other religions without having conflicts. Freedom of worship
makes people believe that there are various religious beliefs without necessarily labeling
them as wrong beliefs. For example, at memorial services all churches are given a platform
to share the word of God thereby promoting tolerance among believers from different
churches.
5. Employment creation.
It helps in employment creation as people will be employed as cooks, grounds men,
teachers, lecturers, nurses and drivers at religious institutions. Many religions therefore
establish various enterprises like schools, butcheries, media houses and bookshops which
sell literature of religious orientation. For instance, Muslims have butcheries which sell
their halaal meat products and despite promoting their religions, this has also resulted in
job creation.
6. It guarantees the survival of various religions.
Freedom of worship ensures the survival of different religious practices. In Zimbabwe,
various religious affiliations like Judaism, Indigenous Religion, Christianity, and Islam are
co-existing. It gives room for all religions to exist without suffering from being
exterminated. As such, it allows people to choose the religion which they want to ensure
the survival of other religious beliefs and practices. In Zimbabwe, religions enjoy religious
spaces available as they embark on missionary activities without being hindered. Various
religions are even given the freedom to do their rituals so as to ensure continuity of their
practices.
7. It promotes democracy in religion.
Freedom of worship ensures that people will be able to choose what they want without
being limited to one religious view. In Zimbabwe, people are not forced to belong to one
particular religion but can choose from Judaism, Indigenous Religion, Islam and
Christianity.
8. Freedom of worship guarantees peace and stability.
There are major religious conflicts in countries where there is no freedom of worship. In
Nigeria, where there is no freedom of worship, there has been conflicts, whereas in
countries like Britain, Zimbabwe and the United States of America there is peace and
stability as all religious followers are guaranteed of practicing their religion.
9. It promotes religious identity.
Freedom of worship provides a sense of identity. Many believers have different religious
teachings which provide devotees with lessons on values, morals and principles that need
to be follower. As such, people of various religions are bound by common beliefs, which
make them have a sense of identity. People are easily identified due to their unique
religious nature. There will be no need to hide what one believes in. for examples, some
Christian sects can be easily identified by their religious garments or uniforms which they
wear. This freedom gives people the chance to be uniquely identified.

DISADVANTAGES OF FREEDOM OF WORSHIP
There are several challenges associated with freedom of worship. These include, but are not
limited to:
1. It leads to dilution of cultural identity
Freedom of worship can lead to dilution and loss of cultural identity. This is because
there are other cultures which may come with other religions despite going against
our indigenous culture. For example, the coming of Islam may lead to the loss of
language which is part of cultural identity as one is forced to adopt the Arabic
language. To add on, dressing of the indigenous people may be affected. For example,
the existence of Judaism may lead to indigenous people wearing skull caps and tallit
thereby leading to the dilution of cultural identity.
2. Freedom of worship leads to conflicts.
It leads to religious conflicts due to opposition in beliefs. Allowing people to choose
their religious preferences divides the society. At family level, family members with
various religious affiliations may have religious differences which lead to conflict. The
existence of several religions and denominations might make one to hate people with
opposing religious views. In Nigeria, there are inter religious conflicts between
Christians and Muslims. Similarly, conflicts may arise between denominations of the
same religion for example, the Magaya Vapositori conflict has caused a rift between
Pentecostal churches and Apostolic churches.
3. It leads to licentiousness or lawlessness.
Allowing people to worship the way they want and where they want results in people
doing what they want which may cause conflict with the government laws. Apostolic
churches in urban areas worship at places that they have not been designated and
when the local authorities want to use that land the apostolic church members may
think that it is their right to worship where they want. The Johanne Masowe apostolic
sect members led by Madzibaba Ishmael beat police officers in Budiriro in May 2014.
4. Freedom of worship leads to depletion and degradation of resources.
It can lead to the depletion of natural resources. In Harare, all the open spaces have
been taken by various religious organizations. According to the daily news of 26
September 2017, apostolic churches vowed to resist a law by the Chitungwiza Town
Council to ban open air worshipping. The ban was necessitated by the cutting down of
trees to create an open space for worshipping as well as shortage of land for
development.
5. It leads to religious segregation of small religions.
There is segregation of minority religious organizations. Most schools which do not
belong to a particular religious group do their assemblies with Christian bias. In most
schools, they recite the Lord’s Prayer from the Bible during school assembly. This leads
to the segregation of other religions like Islam and Indigenous Religion. Public
gatherings are officially opened with a Christian prayer thus segregating other

religions during these functions. People from different religions might perceive people
with different beliefs as being less important thus creating stigma and discrimination.
RELIGION AND THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE

ROLE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION ON THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE
White settlers came to Zimbabwe in 1890. Upon arrival, they embarked on a number of things for
their benefit yet at the expense of the black majority. Many indigenous people were forced to
work on white farms and industries. Black people were displaced from their lands, discriminated
against and heavily taxed. This was not only a political oppression but a religious one as well. This is
because in the Indigenous Religion, land is a sacred inheritance. It is within this context that many
Indigenous Religion leaders including mediums and chiefs coordinated war against the white
settlers.
Between 1896 and 1897, prominent mediums like Nehanda Charwe, popularly known as Mbuya
Nehanda, Kaguvi and Mkwati as well as Chief Mangwende led the first Chimurenga or Umvukela.
Mediums assured the people that Mwari and the ancestors were in support of the struggle. They
were told that the ancestors were going to protect them from the bullets by turning them into
water. The major motivating factor that led to the liberation struggle was to protect the religious
heritage of the indigenous people embedded in the land and the African identity. Mbuya Nehanda
and Kaguvi, among other Indigenous Religion practitioners were hanged. Mbuya Nehanda, before
her death promised the white people that her bones would rise again. Early 1960, her promise was
fulfilled as the Second Chimurenga began. It became even more pronounced in 1966 with the
battle at Chinhoyi. During the second Chimurenga, Indigenous Religion had mediums like
Manhova Mupawaenda, Gusa Muparavara who operated in Mount Darwin and Sekuru Beperere
who operated in Zvimba.
INDIGENOUS RELIGION PRACTITIONERS AND THEIR ROLES IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE
Their main role was to offer some spiritual as well as moral guidance during the struggle. Some of
the
Indigenous religious practitioners who were active in the struggle were chiefs, for example Chief
Rekayi Tangwena, Chief Mapondera, Chief Hwata and Chief Mangwende. Other active
practitioners were mediums. Popular spirit mediums included Mbuya Tangwena, Thobela, Mkwati,
Kaguvi, Nehanda, Chaminuka, Zhanda, Bonda and Mponga. Healers, midwives and elders also
played an important role in the struggle for independence.

a) Chiefs
A chief is a leader of the clan in charge of the clan territory. Chiefs influenced decision making
and crises management. Chief Kadungure Mapondera, Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe
and Chif Rekayi Tangwena played important roles which culminated into the independence of
Zimbawe. Their roles included:
Coordinating war with mediums.
This was done by organizing people to work together in the fight against white settlers.
Together with spirit mediums, Chief Mapondera and Chief Svosve helped in leading the
coordination of the liberation struggle.
Provision of material support
They gave material support like food and blankets to the freedom fighters. Chief Rekayi
Tangwena was particularly active in the provision of food and clothing to the fighters.
Gathering and providing the freedom fighters with information
Chiefs were information centers as they gave freedom fighters important information
about the places they were fighting in. it was the role of the chief to advise freedom
fighters on places found in the area where they could find refuge and launch their fight.
Leaders of the liberation struggle
Chief Kadungure Mapondera was a warrior who led black resistance army against white
people in Guruve and Mount Darwin. Chief Rekayi Tangwena led the Tangwena people in
resisting their forced relocation from Manicaland to Gokwe. In Mhondoro, Chief
Mashayamombe also led the fight against white settlers and it was in his own area that the
first Chimurenga started.
Guiding the guerillas
Chiefs told the guerillas does and other things that were forbidden in certain areas. This
made the guerillas respect the areas and thus avoid angering the ancestors by
misconduct. Chiefs also performed rituals for the guerillas and also went with them to
mediums in their areas.
b) Spirit mediums
A medium is a spokesperson of the spirit world to the human world. In Indigenous Religion,
they help leaders of the society to interpret and send messages from the spirit world to the
human world and vice versa. In this religion, the land belongs to the spirit world thus they
acted as vanguards of the spirit world because the land was the major reason for the struggle.
Resistance to white dominance
They assisted in resisting white imperialism during the Second Chimurenga. Resisting the
whites was particularly important to them as the whites continuously disfranchised blacks of
their religion and rights. Everything African was condemned and it was through spirit
mediums that the indigenous people resisted white dominance.
They gave religious approval for the war to begin
They approved the launch of the war against white settlers. In Indigenous Religion everything
has to be approved by the ancestors thus spirit mediums had to signal and convey the

approval of the Chimurenga. Mbuya Nehanda, Thobela and Chaminuka approved the war.
Chiodzamamera and Chidyamanyu are some of the mediums who operated in and around the
Mount Darwin area.
Coordinating the war
Mediums and Chiefs coordinated with the people to support the fight. Mediums and chiefs
had the greatest influence on the lives of indigenous people and fighting against white settlers
required coordination, planning and careful execution.
Giving courage, morale and confidence to freedom fighters
They provided people with the courage to fight against white people who had guns and
ammunition whilst the blacks used bows and arrows in the First Chimurenga. Black people
were convinced by mediums such as Mbuya Nehanda that freedom fighters would be
protected from bullets by the spirits and also promised that natural disasters would disappear
if the whites were driven out. At various military and refugee camps, there was a section of
mediums that provided morale and rituals for protection.
Directing the war
Mkwati was a nyusa, high priest and messenger based at Matopo Hills at a shrine known as
Matonjeni (Mabweadziva). The cultic center was well known for rain-making ceremonies. He
was also the mouthpiece of Mwari and was able to foretell that the Shonas would rise against
the whites, which was later fulfilled in 1896. Politically, Mkwati directed the war among the
Ndebele during the Ndebele uprising. He took a leading role in the rebellion against the white
rule in 1896.
The spirit mediums also taught the guerillas how to read the signs of the forest.
For instance, when they saw baboons fighting it was a sign of a fierce battle to come very
soon. Therefore, the guerillas would adequately prepare for the impending war. Seeing a fish
eagle bird entailed the presence of ancestors and the shrill chat of that bird entailed the
presence of enemies.
Uniting fighters of different ethnic background
They linked Matebeleland fighters with Mashonaland fighters. Mkwati left the Matonjeni Shrine
and went to Mhondoro to Chief Mashayamombe’s area where he assisted in coordinating
fighters from two regions.
Giving directions to freedom fighters
Edgar Tekere and Robert Mugabe were directed by Mbuya Tangwena as to how to cross the
Pungwe River to Mozambique. Mazviona Kawanzaruwa is a female spirit medium and was a
host to the spirit of Nehanda. The medium knew very much about the war and was consulted
by Urimbo and his guerillas. She assisted the freedom fighters with directions in a very
difficult forest. They were instructed on foods to eat, routes to take and which parts of the
forests were prohibited or not allowed to sleep or fight.
Advising freedom fighters
When freedom fighters were at crossroads and couldn’t decide on a way forward, mediums
advised them.

Inspiring the freedom fighters
Nehanda declared that her bones would rise again. This inspired black people during the
Second Chimurenga towards liberation. The inspiration of Nehanda was and still is at the
center of the Zimbabwean political discourse.
Predicting the future for the benefit of freedom fighters
Mediums foretold that blacks would win the war. Before her death, Mbuya Nehanda predicted
the independence of Zimbabwe. Chaminuka was well known during the time of Lobengula and
was widely viewed as a prophet because of his ability to foretell the future. He foretold the
coming of the whites and the colonization of Zimbabwe.
Giving spiritual guidance to the freedom fighters
Mbuya Matadzisei Tangwena is a spiritual medium who provided vital spiritual guidance.
Chatunga operated as a spirit medium in the Zvimba area. Nyabapa and Berepere operated in
Mavhuradonha area where they advised freedom fighters on certain prohibitions so as not to
anger the ancestors who in turn would protect them. They gave advice on when to attack and
how to do so. In Manicaland there was a male spirit called Muchatera. He operated from the
Dewedzo area and was a medium of the spirit of Chaminuka. With his help and guidance,
freedom fighters fought the war courageously.
Provision of material support
Freedom fighters required food and shelter. Mbuya Tangwena provided food for the people
going and returning from Mozambique. She took care of the children who sought refuge at
her farm after their parents had either been arrested or fled to Mozambique for the struggle.
She helped thousands of guerillas to cross into Mozambique and hid them from marauding
Rhodesian security forces who had made the area a playground.
c) Diviners/Healers
A diviner in the IR is consulted to reveal the wishes of the spirit world through divination. A
healer is endowed by the spirits to diagnose the cause of illness and give medication to the
sufferer. Diviners and healers were consulted by freedom fighters during the liberation
struggle. Their contribution includes:
Provision of medicinal herbs to freedom fighters
During the liberation struggle, some health issues were dealt with by indigenous healers.
Hence, freedom fighters were always healthy in the battlefield. Health services were provided
by the white people and were discriminatory. Healers had to use their herbs to treat the sick
freedom fighters.
Healers communicated with ancestors concerning the war
They communicated with the ancestors when freedom fighters didn’t know what to do during
the war. Diviners reveal the unknown from the spirit world to the human world. Sekuru
Muparadze in Nyajena Guwa communicated with the spirit world during the Second
Chimurenga. Freedom fighters were thus informed of the demands of the ancestors through
diviners.

THE ROLE OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE
The ethical principles of equality, justice and fairness derived from the Bible influenced many
Christians to support the liberation struggle. The support of the liberation struggle by both
Christianity and the Indigenous Religion shows that religion is a tool of liberation because it can be
used to condemn and fight injustice in the society. Several priests, church leaders and
missionaries therefore supported the war of liberation.
Political participation of Christian leaders in the liberation struggle was motivated by the fact that
Jesus was the liberator who came to free the oppressed.
1. Championing of social injustice

Samuel Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church and other Christian practitioners championed
social justice in line with the gospel of Jesus. They protested for the poor and disadvantaged.
Samuel Mutendi castigated the brutality and inhumane treatment of blacks by whites.
Johanne Masowe’s preaching was a direct reaction to white domination. Bishop Dodge of the
Methodist Church between 1955 and 1958 taught black people to think independently which
led to many of them realizing the colonial injustices and oppression.
2. Foretelling the future
Christian practitioners like Johanne Marange of Zimbabwe Apostolic Sabbath foretold that
white settlers were going to be defeated by blacks.in 1980, the whites relinquished power and
surrendered it to the black majority.Madzibaba Wimbo of the Vadzidzi VaJesu Apostolic
Church foretold that Zimbabwe was going to be ruled by a person with the name of an angel
in 1954. In 1980, Zimbabwe was ruled by Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
3. Denouncing white rule
Christian leaders were at the forefront of denouncing white rule. Bishop Abel Muzorewa
argued that participation in the liberation war was a Christian’s duty. Bishop Lamont from the
Manicaland Roman Catholic Church denounced the Unilateral Declaration of Independence
which accelerated black oppression. He was condemned by the Smith Regime for protecting
freedom fighters as an expression of Christian conscience. Sister Mary MacLeish of the
Roman Catholic Church also condemned white rule which was characterized by oppression
and discrimination against black people.
4. Provision of material support to freedom fighters
Freedom fighters were given clothes, medicines and food by Christians. Father Graber at
Serima Mission helped freedom fighters with clothes. Father Riberio provided Enos Nkala and
Robert Mugabe with food and accommodation on their way to Mozambique.
5. Provision of free medical services
Mission hospitals offered free medical services to freedom fighters. Father Wiess provided
health services at Holy Cross Mission in Chirumhanzu area.
6. Organizing war
Christian practitioners organized war. Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole recruited freedom
fighters and formed a political organization (ZANU) which assisted in planning and launching
the war. They also mobilized people to resist and fight white rule.

7. Mobilization of the masses to resist white domination
Archbishop Abel Muzorewa mobilized people to reject the offer terms of the Smith regime
during the peace settlement in the early 1970s. With the Catholic and Protestant church
leaders,
Archbishop Abel Muzorewa also rejected the proposals given by the white regime to cater for
white people. He also acted as the spokesperson of Veteran Black Nationalist Joshua Nkomo.
Together with Canaan Banana, they both formed the United African National Council in 1977
to lead in the fight against white rule. He denounced oppressive laws of the Smith regime.
Father Fidelis Mukonori blessed the mobilization of blacks to fight white rule.
8. Provision of education to black nationalists
Bishop Dodge enlightened black nationalists with education. He opened and managed
missionary schools. Robert Mugabe, Abel Muzorewa, Ndabaningi Sithole and Joshua Nkomo
are products of this education, which gave rise to nationalism. It was through Bishop Dodge
that many Africans went to colleges and universities. Bishop Dodge openly preached against
colonialism. He was labeled as an enemy by other white people for his quest for liberation of
the Zimbabwean and was deported by the Smith regime.
RELIGION AND TECHNOLOGY

Zimbabwe as a country encourages the use of technology as well as its being an enterprise.
Technology is a branch of knowledge which deals with the creation and use of technical means
and their interrelation with life, society and the environment. It can also be used to refer to
machinery and devices designed from scientific knowledge. It is within this context that religion
has been influenced by technology and the use of technology has also been influenced by religion.
The role of technology in society is to expand human capabilities, improve efficiency and make life
easier for humanity. Religion’s role in society has become more important during this age of
technological advancement by providing the moral and ethical guidelines of using technology.
FORMS OF TECHNOLOGY
1. Email
It is a technological based communication which allows one to take care of the customers and
stakeholders while maintaining a record of what exactly was communicated. Emails can be
sent via the internet to individuals or groups. They may also be used for communication within
a religion and/or among religions. For example, Roman Catholic Church Missionaries in Italy
can use email to communicate with Catholics in Zimbabwe.
2. Smartphones
These are devices which allow people to communicate very rapidly. They are used for
personal communication. They can also be used to communicate with clients in Indigenous
Religion while in Christianity and Islam religious leaders can text or call believers anytime.
3. Video-conferencing

It is used when various businesses are spread out in various locations. In such businesses, it is
used to conduct meetings online with the people communicating in different locations in real-
time. In religion, it can be used to hold meetings with local leaders in different places.
Applications such as Google, hangouts and Skype allow people to see one another while they
are holding a meeting.
4. Social networking
These are technological based applications or platforms used to market businesses. They
include Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. On these sites, announcements about new
products and special events can be made. From a religious perspective, important religious
festivals can be advertised on social networks as well as the coming of important religious
officials. Twitter is another social media network where information can be spread in brief
tweets. It’s an application which limits the number of words used.
5. Website blogs
Blogs or weblogs are company websites which provide important information about the
company. People can find helpful information on the blog. For example, believers in Islam may
find information about the Ramadan on a blog. In Christianity, they also have website blogs
like christianheadlines.com/blog and christianpost.com among other website blogs. In
Judaism, they also have several website blogs where useful information can be found. Some
of the websites in Judaism include myjewishlearning.com/blogs, jewishnews.timeofisrael.com
and jewishpress.com/blogs.
6. Internet
It is a global network connecting several computers worldwide.it is accessed through the use
of World Wide Web in order to get information. There are several sites which represent
various religions and faith like Beliefnet, Religious Tolerance and Patheos. These sites share
the beliefs and practices of various religions. The internet has also caused the interaction of
different religions. New religious movements are given exposure on the internet. The internet
can also be used to evangelize in Christianity, Judaism and Islam to areas which are
inaccessible and permeate all corners of the world.
RELIGION AND TECHNOLOGY

Technology has proved to be both a blessing and a curse for religion. It is regarded as a blessing
because it has enhanced religion. However, it is also regarded as a curse because it has eroded
the moral fabric of the society. Advancements in technology have been explained from a religious
perspective. For example, in Christianity they believe that advancement in technology is a sign of
the last days or the end of time.
It has resulted in religion being accessible. Religious organizations can reach so many people all
over the world through technology. For example, a Muslim can hear the digital call to prayer than
wait for a call from the Imam. This is because prayer time changes depending on the change in
location and season. To add on, there are now some online bible versions as well as hymn books in
Christianity. This has in turn made many believers to access the soft copies of these important
religious books. In Judaism they use Jewish tweets which give information about Judaism as well
as publish Jewish lessons. The twitter account is called Twebrew from @Jewish Tweets.

Technology has also improved solidarity among believers in different continents. For example,
Christians in Zimbabwe may be supported by Christians in America. Likewise, many Muslims in
Zimbabwe are linked with other Muslims in places like Saudi Arabia through technology.
Another aspect of human technologies that religion has shaped is communication. Religion can
pass information through use of technology. Many religious followers now plan religious activities
through use of technology. Technology has become the means of communication between
believers in one religion and the next or among the same religious believers.
Religion has had both positive and negative effects on technology use. Impacts of religion on
technology are listed below.
a) Technology has improved advertising strategies of various religions
Religion has led to the use of social media like Facebook and WhatsApp to advertise services
offered. Some traditional healers now have WhatsApp platforms. Some use fliers to market
their services for example Doctor Tshota in Masvingo. Indigenous Religion explains and
advertises matters of African spirituality, beliefs and practices on ZTV every weekday at 2100
where various Indigenous Religion practitioners are interviewed.
Christianity in Zimbabwe has also used technology in the form of televisions. Prophet T. Fred
uses the Zimbabwe Television Channel to advertise his evangelism itinerary. Walter Magaya’s
PHD Ministry owns Yadah Television Channel and ZAOGA of Ezekiel Guti have Ezekiel TV.
Islam has a television channel known as ITV which means Islam Television where they
advertise Islamic festivals, holidays and other things linked to Islam. Judaism has DirecTV
Channel 366 which operates in USA as well as Jewish Life Television in USA.
b) Healing is now done even from a distance
Technology has also helped in healing the sick from a distance. In Christianity, T. Fred has a
prayer line where he delivers the sick and prays for those who are far away from where he will
be evangelizing in Harare. Some religions like Christianity which use technology as a medium
of communication are now assisting people from a distance. It is because of the use of prayer
lines offered by church leaders that has shown the role of technology in religion.
c) It has empowered the indigenous people to be self-reliant
There are people who have been helped by religion to be self-reliant and they are no longer
employed but are now entrepreneurs. Prophet Walter Magaya is an entrepreneur who has
employed several people in his Yadah Ministries as to him being an employee. Through
religious teachings, some people have been motivated to start their own businesses through
the gospel of prosperity which is preached by Prophet Makandiwa, Prophet Magaya and
Uebert Angel. Thus, religion has led to the formation of business entities for individuals and
groups through technology where people watch and listen to sermons on prosperity.
d) It has led to an increase in counterfeit religious healers
Negatively, religion has impacted upon technology as there are now some counterfeit healers
or religious practitioners. Fake diviners and prophets use social media to dupe unsuspecting
people seeking spiritual guidance. Some counterfeit healers claim to possess spiritual powers
to heal infectious diseases by denouncing medical consultations. They use social media and
fliers to advertise their services to attract customers.
e) Technology has improved entertainment in religion

The use of keyboards, guitars and drums for entertaining people in churches proves that
technology has improved in the provision of entertainment to the people who can also edify
the church in Christianity. Crusades which are conducted are accompanied by technological
gadgets which also help in entertaining congregants. In Islam music is also used to spread the
message of Allah as well as for entertainment.
FORMS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN RELIGION AND TECHNOLOGY

Technology affects religions in many human societies and there has been an interesting and
complex relationship between religion and technology. Throughout history, religion and
technology have had various effects on each other hence affecting each other’s growth and
relationships in the human society. Currently, there are various ways of interaction between
religion and technology.
1. Exchange
Daily activities in religion require exchange. Whenever individuals, religious followers and
religious institutions interact in an effort to receive reward for their action it requires
technology. In this form of interaction, believers of religion are motivated by self-interest and
behavior that is good is repeated. As such, religion interacts in a way that is meant to promote
the interest of a particular religion. For example, it is through technology that religions like
Christianity, Islam and Judaism can promote their doctrines by establishing websites or
religious platforms where exchange can take place.
2. Competition
Competition is a form of interaction between religion and technology where two religions
compete using technological spaces available. It is of interest that competition is common
between religions and within a religion. The growth of a religion is seen by its competitiveness
in society. It is through such technological assets like social networks, media and website
blogs that religions are competing. From a sociological point of view, competition motivates
people to protect and advance their religion in the society. This can only be done through
technology hence there is a close interaction between religion and technology.
3. Conflict
Religions aim to outnumber other religions in terms of followers and this may result in conflict.
Conflict is a form of interaction which may be the result of interaction between religion and
technology. Religious rivals may engage in competition in occupying the religious space for
believers. This may result in inter-religious conflict. This is all caused by technology.
4. Cooperation
Cooperation occurs where two or more people work together or where two groups work
together to achieve one goal. As such, religion has used technology to ensure that people
within the same religious organization work together or different religions engage in inter-
religious faith dialogue. For example, the use of mobile phones, social networks and video
conferencing has led to the working together of people from different places. Thus,
technology has ensured cooperation of religious members thereby leading to the growth of
various religions and denominations.

5. Accommodation
Accommodation is a state of balance between cooperation and conflict. It is a form of
interaction which has various dimensions like compromise, mediation and arbitration. As such,
religion and technology interact in a way that leads to compromise, mediation and arbitration.
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Technology has proved to be both a blessing and a curse for religion.
a) Define technology. (2)
b) Outline any four technological items. (4)
c) Describe the technological items that are used in Christianity. (6)
d) Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of technology on religion. (8)
2. Religion has had both positive and negative impacts on technology use.
a) Define technology use. (2)
b) State any four advantages of using technology. (4)
c) Describe the role of the internet in Christianity. (6)
d) Explain the impact of religion on technological use. (8)
1. Describe the role of technology in the Indigenous Religion. (25)
2. Explain the negative impact of technology on religion. (25)
RELIGION AND ENTERPRISE

ENTERPRISE DEFINED
Enterprise can be defined as a business project that is set with the intention of getting money and
employment for one’s self and others. Religion has a close relationship with enterprise across
various religions as religion and enterprise enjoy an interdependent relationship. It is important to
note that religion affects believers’ entrepreneurial activities by influencing decision of starting a
business, business management and business networking.
TYPES OF ENTERPRISE
• Micro enterprise
• Small enterprise
• Medium enterprise
• Macro enterprise
FORMS OF ENTERPRISE
Public cooperation

In this form the shares are traded publicly and a large number holds the share. These are usually
owned by the government for example the Grain Marketing Board, the Air Zimbabwe and the
National Railways of Zimbabwe.
Sole trader
This involves a person taking up business on his own and single ownership. It does not involve any
legal formalities and little capital is required. It also requires limited managerial talent. All profits an
losses accrued are to the owner.
Partnership
It is a relationship between two partners who have agreed to share the profits of a business. They
share the capital property, ideas, profits and losses. They use one trade name.
Public limited company
It operates separately from its owners. It is run and owned by the shareholders. The directors form
a board that leads. The number of directors is determined by the size of the company.
Private limited company
It is a business that limits the owner’s liability to their shares and there is a limited number of
shareholders. The shares are not allowed to be publicly traded.
HOW VARIOUS RELIGIONS PROMOTE ENTERPRISE
Religion plays an important role in wealth creation and it is an enterprise on its own as people can
earn a living through selling religious artifacts. Various religions have now become enterprises or
businesses that ensure that one has a source of income. Some of the things which show that
religion is an enterprise are:
a. Selling of religious products

Selling of religious artifacts like drums, marimba, hosho and mbira in IR show that religion
is viewed as an enterprise. In Christianity, they sell literature for example the Seventh Day
Adventist Church sell literature in its bookshops thereby providing employment to its
followers. b. Religious tourism
There are several sacred places in IR that are tourist attraction centers. These provide
monetary incentives to the indigenous people. For example, the dance group at Great
Zimbabwe survives on performing traditional dances for tourists. Mutendi’s church, ZCC
has also been declared a religious tourist resort.
c. Selling of herbs
Selling of indigenous herbs like moringa is also an indication that IR is an enterprise. For
example, the Shona hut at Great Zimbabwe sells aphrodisiacs and other herbs. In

Christianity, there is the selling of anointing oils and bangles. This shows that religion is an
enterprise. d. Fees paid for consultation
Fees paid at the diviner’s place also show that religion is an enterprise. No service is
offered for free by healers and diviners in IR. Chasing away of avenging spirits requires a
fee that equals a beast or some beast.
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON ENTERPRISE

It creates employment opportunities for people. There are several people employed at Yadah
Marble factory, a business entity established by Prophet Walter Magaya. The television channel
Yadah is also a business entity where journalists, managers and other complementary staff are
employed. It has improved income-generating strategies. Religion has led to the
commercialization of religious activities like healing in IR. It is not done for free as payment is
done to the diviner.
In the Christian religion, there are some religious products like wrist bands, anointed pens and
clothes which are sold in the church for generating money. The Johanne Masowe in Gandanzara
was given two grinding mills as well as a peanut butter processing machine by Muduviri. This
shows that religion does have an impact on enterprise.
It brings in foreign currency. For example, there are people from other nations who come to
Zimbabwe to visit famous prophets for spiritual guidance thereby bringing in foreign currency.
While those in Saudi Arabia receive revenue and money other countries as Muslims from other
countries visit Mecca as a religious shrine in Saudi Arabia, in IR places like Great Zimbabwe,
Matopo Hills and Nyanyadzi Hot Springs bring in foreign currency.
It instills confidence in the business that is beginning. This is caused by the faith that one has that
the
Supreme Being will make his business entity a success. In IR guarantee of protection and blessings
from the ancestors instills confidence in an entrepreneur. In Christianity, Judaism and Islam,
setting up a business is a reflection of God’s blessings.
Setting up a business of religious orientation leads to the spread of religious beliefs. The setting up
of butcheries which are of Islamic orientation has led to the spread of belief in Halaal meats.
Selling of drums and mbira in IR can also lead to the spread of religious beliefs in ancestors. In
Christianity, the selling of crosses also leads to the spread of beliefs in Christ while in Judaism
setting up of a business which does not operate on Sabbath also leads to the spread of Judaism.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON ENTERLPRISE

• Some religious teachings discourage setting up of businesses. The Christian teaching that
wealth is an earthly thing with no heavenly connection discourages the setting up of a
business. In Matthew 6:19 it is said ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where
moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not
break in and steal….’. from this verse it is clear that this teaching from the Sermon on the
Mount discourages setting up of businesses. The gospel brings out the idea that Jesus
was against rich people.

• It has led to the rise of ritual murder. In IR people with albinism and children have been
murdered to boost business enterprise. This is a negative impact of religion on enterprise
as it leads to loss of human life as well as violating the victims of the right to live. This has
resulted in believers thinking that for a business to succeed there is need for a ritual to
take place.
• It is this belief that has also led Christians to seek divine guidance when setting up
businesses. This has a negative impact on businesses as profits accrued in the business
are not invested back into the business but are rather used as offerings so that one gets
blessings. This is exemplified by believers in IR who offer offerings of thanksgiving to the
ancestors. In
Christianity and Judaism 10% of the profit is given as tithe which affects the smooth
running of the business while in Islam 2.5% to 10% of one’s wealth should be offered as
almsgiving. This affects the smooth running of the business as some of the profits are
diverted towards a religious cause.
• Business time is lost due to religious obligations. For example, business is closed on Friday
in Islam, while in Christianity and Judaism business is closed on Sunday and the Sabbath
respectively. Moreover, if a holiday which makes business viable falls onto a day like
Saturday, it means that the business would have lost the profit which comes with that
holiday. For example, if Christmas falls on a Saturday, it means that a believer of the
Seventh Day Adventist loses time for doing business. Thus, this affects the business
operation as time is limited because of religion.
ROLE OF RELIGIOUS IN ENTERPRISE

a. Provision of work ethic
Religion motivates people to have a good work ethic which is vital for setting up an
enterprise. Enterprise requires work ethics for it to be a success. For example, Christianity
encourages people to have good work ethics by encouraging wisdom, moral conduct and
fair dealings which are all good work ethics. These are derived from God’s moral law and
the teachings of Christ. According to Christian work ethics, one should work hard in
business. Colossians 3:23-24 says ‘whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord
and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward…’
In Judaism they also encourage hard work and according to Ecclesiastes 9:10, ‘whatever
your hands find to do, do it with your strength…’ Furthermore, IR encourages people to
have a good work ethic as they believe in the principles of unhu like working hard,
discipline and cooperation. All these are important in the promotion of good work ethic.
This is supported by the Shona proverb which stresses working for one to succeed
without oppressing the other, “musadya zvavapfupi nekureba”. Islam is also another
religion which encourages believers to have a work ethic that is provided in the Koran. The
Koran encourages honesty and fairness when doing business and this is supported by the
saying, ‘o you who believe, be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice and let not
hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably, act equitably, that is nearer to piety…’

Koran 5:8. It is from this verse that Muslims believe that good work ethic is a virtue in
setting up a business. b. Influencing fiscal discipline
Fiscal Discipline refers to a state of an ideal balance between revenues and expenditure
of an enterprise in an economy. One should not spend more than he is earning. Religion
plays an important role in influencing fiscal discipline among believers. This means that
religion encourages people to be disciplined in the use of money or profits gained from
the business. Those setting up enterprises are influenced by religion to have some fiscal
discipline. Religion encourages believers to be disciplined in the way they use money or
spend money. In IR, they stress that they believe that fortune comes once and should be
used meaningfully for the benefit of others particularly family members so that the
ancestors will be happy and reward the person once again with a fortune. The Shona
proverb ‘chawawana batisisa mudzimu hapue kaviri’ means what one gets in life through
ancestral blessings should be used sustainably because one cannot be blessed twice by
the ancestors. Thus, sustainable use of resources acquired is of paramount importance in
IR to instill fiscal discipline among the indigenous people.
In Islam, use of resources should be done in a way that pleases Allah by setting up
businesses which help others to earn a living. According to Koran 6:141, ‘but waste not by
excess: for Allah loveth not wasters’. It is the duty of every Muslim to ensure that when
business is established there are no wastes but there is maximum utilization of resources.
Christians and followers of Judaism also believe that human beings are stewards and they
should use resources. They base on the creation story that Adam was made a steward of
the Garden of Eden. As such, it is from this context that the use of resources should be
done in a good way which will in turn affect positively on the fiscal discipline in the use of
resources in business.
RELIGIOUS TOURISM
Religious tourism refers to the travelling of an individual or group of people for pilgrimage,
missionary or leisure purposes to a place of religious importance. Other people call it faith
tourism. The main purpose of religious tourism is to experience the religious activities as well as
religious products.
In IR music at cultural and indigenous sacred sites helps in business and wealth creation as
members of the dance group earn a living through showcasing indigenous dances to tourists who
would in turn pay a fee. This helps many families of the traditional dancers as they earn a living
through indigenous dance. As such, this shows that IR can contribute to the fiscal space in
Zimbabwe. This will also help in bringing in foreign currency into the country. Some of the religious
tourism is at Great Zimbabwe which is an IR oriented religious tourism.
In Christianity, Christians visit Jerusalem in order to understand the historical origins of
Christianity. In recent times, some Christians from across the world have visited Zimbabwe to
seek prophetic guidance as well as healing deliverance from prominent prophets lie Walter
Magaya, Emmanuel Makandiwa and T. Fred. These people also bring foreign currency into the
country. Some of the places visited in Christianity include Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus and
Mount Olives where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot.

In Islam people visit Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This contributes to Saudi Arabia’s foreign currency
earning because of religious tourism. During the Hajj period, about 2 million people visit Mecca for
pilgrimage. Some of the places visited as religious tourist centers in Islam include Medina, Dome
of the rock in Palestine and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul Turkey.
ADVANTAGES OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM

• It is a means of practicing one’s religion. If Muslims visit Mecca, a Christian visits
Bethlehem and an indigenous believer visits Matopo Hills. These visits are a way of
showing belief in the religion.
• It leads to religious tolerance. If a Zimbabwean Muslim visits Mecca, he will appreciate the
food of the people in Arabia.
• It creates employment for the locals as hotels, shops and restaurants all need staff. For
example, there are people who are employed at Great Zimbabwe, an IR tourist attraction
center as tour guides. In Christianity, people are employed at Magaya’s hotel in Waterfalls
to cater for international religious tourists.
• It boosts revenue for the country. Prophet Makandiwa’s Judgment night saw 6 823 visitors
from other countries in 2012 and it boosted foreign currency.
• It leads to the development of the place of the religious tourism as roads, hotels, hospitals
and airports are constructed around the area. The road to Matopo Hills is well maintained
and hotels are located in that area.
• It raises the profile of the place. Religious tourism gives the locality a chance to show itself
off and raise its profile to the world. Mecca’s profile is very high in as much as Jerusalem is
a religious tourism center.
• It leads to interaction between different cultures. Thoughts, lifestyles, traditions and
knowledge are shared among people from different religions. By discovering new places
and lifestyles, the tourists will appreciate and respect other cultures. By so doing,
interaction of various cultures may lead to the uplifting of the standards of living of the
people.

DISADVANTAGES OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM
• Clash of cultures is a disadvantage of religious tourism: people from other countries

who visit a religious center can bring in their own foreign culture which leads to
cultural dilution and cultural change. For example, if Muslims from other countries visit
Great Zimbabwe it causes people to change their language as well as dressing as the
local people copy the culture of the visitors. There is loss of religion, rituals and
material culture due to religious tourism as a result of clash of cultures.
• Hostility and conflict creation is another disadvantage of religious tourism as religious
tourists bring in new beliefs and practices which can cause hatred and hostility. For
instance, if a Christian visits Mecca and brings in teachings on the Holy Trinity this may
cause conflicts between Muslims and Christians.
• Environmental degradation is a negative contribution of religious tourism. The
construction of supporting services to religious tourism like roads, hotels and other
structures requires the clearing of land which may have long lasting reparations on the
environment.
• It gives pressure on social services.
REVISION QUESTIONS
1. Christianity promotes enterprise.

a. Define enterprise. (2)
b. List any four items sold in Christianity. (4)
c. Describe any three ways which are not accepted as forms of enterprise. (6)
d. Assess the impact of Christianity on enterprise. (8)
2. Indigenous Religion supports entrepreneurship.
a. Define entrepreneurship. (2)
b. List any four characteristics of enterprise. (4)
c. Describe any two forms of enterprise associated with IR. (6)
d. Explain any values associated with wealth creation in IR. (8)
3. Using examples, demonstrate the role of religion in promoting enterprise. (25)
4. Discuss the negative impacts of religion on enterprise. (25)
5. Assess the impact of Christianity on enterprise. (25)

RELIGION AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Conflict is endemic in every society. The severity of conflict may differ from one society to
another. This chapter covers causes of conflict both at family and levels as well as explaining
religious efforts in managing and minimizing the impact of conflicts both in families and
communities.
CONFLICT DEFINED:
✓ It can be defined as a disagreement between two people over an important issue.

✓ An argument over a pertinent issue where people exhibit diametrically opposed views.
The friction or discord that arises in a conflict can be due to beliefs or actions that are resisted by
the opposing group of people. In a conflict agreements tend to be difficult to reach.
A community is a small or large social unit that has something in common in terms of norms,
values, religion or identity. The family level is a base of a community. Conflict might begin at
family level, which may in turn affect the wider community at large. A husband and wife might
disagree or parents may be opposed to the views of the children. People living in the same
community may differ in issues pertaining to politics, religion, economic differences, social
disputes or a combination of differences thus brewing conflicts.
Generally speaking, there are five levels of conflicts, namely:
1. Intrapersonal where an individual is stressed and struggles to solve sticky issues by

themselves. The person does not seek assistance from another person but tries to work
out solutions on their own. It is the first level of conflict.
2. Interpersonal conflict is a conflict between individuals. Two people may disagree over an
issue. Such conflicts are difficult to reconcile as both people tend to pull in their own
directions.
3. Intra-group conflicts where a group of persons with a defined structure argue and/or
disagree. Differences in opinion tend to emerge and might thus result in opposed
viewpoints. This is usually common in hierarchical group structures. Differences in status
can create divergence in views thus resulting in conflict.
4. Intergroup conflict whereby different groups usually pursuing the same goal might
disagree. Competition between such groups can cause conflicts particularly in situations
where one group appears to outclass another in terms of performance and level of
success. Groups tend to outdo one another and fail to share views and ideas.
5. Intra-organizational conflicts are whereby members of the same organization disagree on
particular issues that have to do with positions of members within the organization. Top

leaders tend to impose their will on subordinates, resulting in stiff resistance thereby
creating conflict.
CAUSES OF CONFLICT AT COMMUNITY LEVEL
a) Competition for scarce resources

People living in the same community usually have disagreements over distribution of
resources such as land, pastures and general utilization of other natural resources. Often,
community leadership fight battles with members over the control and use of these
resources. b) Differences in expectation
Communities are made up of different people, with varying ideologies, beliefs and
expectations. Such differences contribute greatly to misunderstandings and friction
among community members. The community leaders normally have their own
expectations which might face resistance from subjects thus causing conflicts.
c) Poor communication
Community leaders who do not convene regular meetings with their people often create
chasms between themselves and the people they lead. Meetings are necessary platforms for
communication and airing views and sentiments. If this is not the case, communities might
become divided over sticky issues thus resulting in conflict. If community members feel that
their leaders are failing to pay due attention to their grievances, friction may arise. d) Class
dominance
Societies are made up of classes. Social status of individuals and groups of people in a
community result in individual and group differences. The affluent always try to impose their
will on disadvantaged members of the community thus resulting in resistance and conflict.
e) Political differences
Communities are made up of people with varying political preferences. There is an
element of fanaticism in politics and affiliates usually do not agree in terms of political
persuasions thus creating conflict. In some cases, political differences may lead to violent
confrontations and divisions in the community.
f) Unemployment
The youth, who normally constitute the majority in any given community lack pre-
occupational tasks thus resulting in social unrest which might lead to conflicts. They
normally roam around the community venting their frustrations which emanate from
being unemployed on elders of the community and other innocent residents. Values and
norms of the community are disregarded by the unemployed youths who are often at
loggerheads with the elders of the community on ethics and other social expectations.
The variance creates conflicts as the youths get pre-occupied in drugs, alcohol and sexual
abuse.
g) Religious differences
People of diverging religious persuasions vary on beliefs and practices. Religious beliefs
cultivate fundamentalism which results in strong differences thereby creating conflict. In

some cases, these differences may lead to fighting, destruction of property, loss of life
and divisions within the community.
CAUSES OF RELIGIOUS CONFLICT
Religious conflicts start and escalate due to differences in beliefs and practices. Differences in
beliefs within a community create divergence on religious views. The operation of Judaism,
Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion has ushered in religious conflicts in the religious
landscape of various communities. Religious conflicts have hampered national development as
well as encouraged suspicion, reprisal attacks, disunity, acrimony and rancor among the
adherents of these religions. Each group of believers tends to defend their faith and disregard
others. Even in communities where one religion is dominant, the branching denominations may
differ in their liturgical systems thus resulting in conflict.
RELIGIOUS CAUSES OF CONFLICT AT COMMUNITY LEVEL
a) Differences in belief systems

Where religious groups in the same community differ in terms of key doctrines, there
tends to be conflicts. Believers do not want to compromise their beliefs thus prefer
‘fighting to the end’ in defense of their faith. Muslims fight ‘holy wars’ (Jihad) and
Christians embark on crusades. All this is done in defense of their faith. Some
believers go to the extent of sacrificing their lives and dying as martyrs, faithfully
expecting eternal life. Conflict in such cases is of a high magnitude as holy wars, by
their nature, are difficult to stop. The Jihad in West African Muslim States wage holy
wars that usually take long to stop. A good example is the September 11 2001 attack
by the Al-Qaeda. Muslims prefer to die as martyrs and such levels of conflict are of
high magnitude. Usually, countries at war attract sympathizers who quickly chip in to
rescue and assist their ally. This may in turn increase the magnitude of the conflict and
cause a world war.
b) Religious identity
Religions are known by their emblems, symbols and physical structures such as
temples, synagogues, mosques or shrines. Any form of infringement on identities by
another religion may create fierce resistance and violent protests. Religious groups
keep their boundaries and any attempt by another religious group to encroach into
such boundaries creates severe conflict as happened in 2014 where the police were
beaten by Madzibaba Ishmael and his followers for approaching their shrines with
shoes.
c) Infidels
Attempts by various religious groups to expand their territories and increase their
numbers through unscrupulous means may attract stiff resistance. Some religious

groups clash when there is a deliberate attempt to sway the beliefs of the other
religion to achieve religious capture. Trying to hoodwink infidels-people of divergent
faith may result in conflict.
d) Religious extremism
Some believers are die-hards. They tend to go to the extreme ends in terms of their
beliefs. Even in situations where they happen to follow blind and unreasoned religious
practices, they fight to the extreme end to defend what they believe in and are very
difficult to convince otherwise. In such scenarios, conflict is bound to exist.
e) Discrimination
Religious organizations enjoying huge following usually look down upon emerging
religious groups. Because of their status and popularity, they often clash with smaller
church groups, especially in situations where they want to impose their dominance on
religious minority groups.
f) Labeling
One religion or religious group labels the other as practicing unorthodox religious
systems.
The group may be attacked in terms of their shrines, regalia or as practicing Satanism.
Groups on the receiving end of such attacks resist in one way or another thus
resulting in conflict. An example is the religious conflict between Prophet Walter
Magaya and the
African Initiated Church in 2015 whereby Prophet Magaya attacked members of the
Johanne Masowe Apostolic sect for using marine spirits and the sect responded by
accusing the prophet of using powers from a snake. In multi-religious communities
there are differences in religious observances like the Sabbath, Ramadan, Easter and
others. Conflict may arise as different groups observe holy days differently. Some
religious groups may not find essence in some shrines or sanctuaries and other places
otherwise considered holy by other sects. When religious groups disregard the
holiness of others’ sacred places and trample upon them, conflict arises.
ROLE OF RELIGION IN COFLICT MANAGEMENT
Religion can do more to try and quell various forms of conflict. A lot can be done to lessen, if not
eradicate religious conflict.
a) Religious tolerance
It is mandatory for religious leaders to teach the message of tolerance towards
other religions with diverse religious views. Intolerance breeds hatred in
communities where there is religious pluralism. Mere recognition of the existence
of other religious groups is key in promoting acceptance and peace.

b) Accommodating others
It has already been alluded to that communities are made up of people with
diverse cultural, religious, tribal and racial backgrounds. It is therefore the duty of
religion to incorporate this divergence and accommodate people with diverse
backgrounds. It is this understanding of the individual differences among people in
communities that can foster the spirit of togetherness and living together in
harmony.
c) Respect for others

The history of religion is hitherto the history of mankind. Religion thus has to play
its role in fostering respect for other people with different religious observances
instead of adopting a confrontational approach to their beliefs and practices.
Communities should respect sacred places, shrines and other religious
observances and some holidays for different religions.
d) Compromise
A big brother attitude among religious groups can only further exacerbate the
situation of conflicts among religious sects. However popular a religious group, it
should learn to forgo its unheralded claim of supremacy and accept emerging and
upcoming religious groups to avoid conflict. There are church groups like the
Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries led by Walter Magaya that attract
huge gatherings. They cooperate with other emerging church groups and do not
interfere in their operations.
e) Communication
Various organizations and religious institutions should meet regularly and try to
iron out any differences they might have in a peaceful and harmonious way. Lack
of communication can lead to conflict. Religious groups can organize prayer
meetings where they embrace each other for the good of their communities.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES

These strategies seek to move conflicting parties away from zero-sum positions towards positive
outcomes, often with the help of external actors while conflict management approaches which
seek to merely manage and contain conflict. Conflict management is the acceptance that conflict
is inevitable and there is no effort that can resolve conflict. The only alternative is for the
concerned parties to regulate and manage the conflict to prevent it from further escalating. On
the contrary, conflict resolution involves variety of approaches aimed at stopping conflicts
through the constructive solving of problems, distinct from conflict management or conflict
transformation. Thus, conflict resolution is a set of principles geared towards encouraging
warring parties to seek peace.
a) Dialogue

It involves the talking together or a talk between people or groups with the
intention of exchanging ideas for better appreciation and understanding of each
other amidst diverse religious viewpoints. Dialogue is not a mere conversation;
it means an exchange of ideas, views or opinions between groups. The two
parties should be able to listen to one another and reach a common
understanding. b) Mediation
In situations where conflicts are rampant, communities can engage high profile
personalities to play the mediatory role so that people with almost
irreconcilable differences can try to find each other and work together.
Mediation fosters tolerance and acceptance. Father Fidelis Mukonori of the
Roman Catholic Church mediated the conflict between former president
Robert Mugabe and the army generals in November 2017.
c) Conformity
Religion encourages communities to conform to the laws of the land. In every
community there are some constitutional provisions that must be adhered to
and deviation from such constitutional requirement is met with the full wrath
of the law.
Mere observance of the law helps bring peace and avoidance of whatever
conflicting interests there may be. Apostolic church members once fought
with the national police, refusing to vacate their area of worship. Madzibaba
Wimbo, as a religious practitioner had to intervene to stop further clashes
between the police and the Vapositori as this was against the law.
d) Peace campaigns by churches
Churches conduct peace campaigns in which they advocate for peace. In June
2017, the Heal Zimbabwe, which is a group of Christians, composed of the
Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace, Prayer Network of Zimbabwe,
Zimbabwe Pastors
Fellowship, Christian Leaders Forum, Zimbabwe Christian Alliance and
Zimbabwe Divine Destiny conducted a peace campaign where they were
lobbying for a conflict and violence free 2018 election. The role of the church is
to encourage peace and cultivate the spirit of peace among citizens which is
important for national building.
OBSTACLES TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION
1. Syncretism
It means mixing one’s religious belief with the beliefs of other religions. Every religion holds its
belief and practices dearly and no religion would like to be syncretic. For fear of syncretism,
no religion wants to enter into dialogue with other religions so as to avoid any external
influence by other religions. This often leads to church divisions or sects.
2. Reluctance to compromise
Compromise is an agreement made between people or groups in which each side gives up
some of the things they want so that both sides finally reach a compromise. Because of
fundamental differences, it is difficult to compromise as religions do not want to give into
some beliefs and adopt them. To do this may lead to compromise of one’s faith which is
forbidden by the religions. In this case, conflict resolution will not thrive in an environment
where there is arrogance among the adherents of the conflicting religions.
3. Evangelism
Evangelism refers to an act of spreading the gospel to other people with the intention of
converting people into your religion. Many religions are missionary and thus seek to spread
their religions through evangelism. Evangelicals do not support inter-religious dialogue as a
conflict resolution strategy because of the world council of church’s stand that dialogue
forbids an attempt to persuade members of other religions to accept one’s religion. For that
reason, many religions are against dialogue because it is anti-Evangelism.
4. Retaliation
Religious conflicts leave an indelible mark and great suffering. Believers on whom wounds
would have been inflicted get agitated for retaliation by the aggrieved religious groups
against their opponents whom they regard as enemies of their faith. In this situation, dialogue
is misunderstood by the aggrieved parties as a means of depriving them an opportunity to
retaliate against their perceived enemies.
IMPACT OF CONFLICT
Since conflict is almost common in every society, its prevalence may have both positive and
negative impacts on the society. However, if left unresolved, conflict may have disastrous
consequences that are detrimental to community development.
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF CONFLICT
• People may not always agree on everything. Differences that emerge in a community
may be the engine that drives divergent views forward for the good of the community.
• Conflicts may be a drive towards ridding off cruel leaders who rule with an iron fist at
the expense of development.
• Those who succumb to defeat in a conflicting environment can facilitate a peaceful
state of affairs in a community.
• Sometimes freedom can be attained through revolutionary means. A community
under conflict may give room to people to try and redeem themselves and become
masters of their own destiny.
• Conflict is good in areas where there is demand for democracy instead of relying on a
dictatorial leadership which does not give room for divergent thinking.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CONFLICTS AT COMMUNITY LEVEL
• Conflict is normally associated with hate speech and violence which does not augur
well for development.
• People in a conflicting environment have no sense of commonality and lose focus on
community progress.
• A community of people with diametrically opposed viewpoints is characterized by
hardships and suffering of its members.
• Social cohesion is nonexistent. Relations among families and friends sour.
• Confrontations and violence leave people injured physically and emotionally. The
situation is made worse if expenses are incurred as the injured seek treatment as a
result of conflict.
• They may result in infrastructural destruction where houses, church buildings or
shrines are destroyed thus making reconstruction costly.
• Areas marred with conflicts are usually deserted, remain desolate and
underdeveloped. Community members are forced to disperse.
• Children, the disabled, the aged receive the full wrath of the effects of a conflict in a
conflictinfested community because they are the most vulnerable groups.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CONFLICTS AT FAMILY LEVEL

• Family members can get injured especially when conflicts turn violent.
• It can result in separation whereby family members end up living apart.
• Divorce cases arise in families where there is conflict, leaving children without parental
care or support.
• Members of the family tend to develop anti-social behavior patterns like heavy drinking of
alcohol or drug abuse.
• Families may live in fear of sudden attack from enemies, real and perceived.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CONFLICTS AT NATIONAL LEVEL
• It may result in widespread migration, with people seeking greener pastures in countries
that are politically and socially stable.
• The citizens face hardships and there is marked suffering which is detrimental to the
development of the country.
• People who flee the conflict-ridden country live in other countries as refugees at refugee
camps characterized by poor living conditions.
• Violent clashes leave infrastructure destroyed, making it expensive and difficult to rebuild.
• Service delivery is at its lowest ebb leaving citizens neglected.
• Conflicts scare away any potential local and foreign investors leading to further economic
challenges.

• Conflicts may lead to civil wars.

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ORDINARY LEVEL FAMILY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES NOTES

RELIGION, FAMILY AND IDENTITY

FAMILY AND THE CHANGING CULTURE

AGENTS OF CULTURAL CHANGE

MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS

INFLUENCE BY OTHER CULTURES

HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS AND PRESSURE GROUPS

FAMILY, NATIONAL VALUES AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP

Role of the family in promoting national values

2. Instills morality into citizens

INDIGENOUS RELIGION AND THE ZIMBABWEAN IDENTITY

THE TOTEM SYSTEM

INDIGENOUS RELIGION AND THE AFRICAN IDENTITY

Indigenous religion fosters African identity through the following:

6. CONSULTING N’ANGAS AND SPIRIT MEDIUMS

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THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RELIGION INPROMOTING NATIONAL VALUES AND GOOD CITIZENSHIP

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WAYS OF PROMOTING AFRICAN IDENTITY

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RELIGION IN THE FORMAL EDUCATION

ROLE OF RELIGION IN NATIONAL BUILDING

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RELIGION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN JUDAISM

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN CHRISTIANITY

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Colleges and Universities

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RELIGION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND CAPACITY

WAYS IN WHICH CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED IN THE INDIGENOUS

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ROLE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION IN CAPACITY BUILDING

WAYS CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED IN JUDAISM

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ROLE OF JUDAISM IN CAPACITY BUILDING

o Imparting of knowledge and skills. Carmel School in Bulawayo is an educational institution

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ROLE OF CHRISTIANITY IN CAPACITY BUILDING

• Imparting of knowledge and skills through schools

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ROLE OF ISLAM IN CAPACITY BUILDING

NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON EDUCATION

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POSITIVE IMPACTS OF RELIGION ON FORMAL EDUCATION

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NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION AND FORMAL EDUCATION

ROLE OF INDIGENOUS RELIGION IN INFORMAL EDUCATION

Purposes of Indigenous Education:

a) Physical growth and development b) Mental and intellectual development c) Spiritual

Physical growth and development

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Mental and intellectual development

Education for spiritual development

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Education for social development

Education for cultural development