Respect for human life

senior One, you learnt about worship, the form and importance of worship, You also leant about Rituals, celebrations, belief and values promoted by different This means that you can
now help people of different religions in your community to live harmoniously« in this chapter, you be introduced to human dignity and the ways how religions promote respect for human
life by promoting the values of tolerance, respect, fairness harmony and peaceful co-existence This chapter will help you to five with others respectfully and peacefully without hostility or unfriendliness.

HUMAN DIGNITY AND RESPECT

In life, there are people who are treated well because that is what they deserve. There are also people who are not treated the way they should as human beings. In this sub-chapter, we are going to learn about dignity and how it should be given and received. You will also discover how and why life should be
respected. But before you go into details, find out the meaning Of human dignity. You will work through Activity 1.1 to achieve this,

read

Reading the story and answering the questions
that follow

Proud of my siblings, Memo and Bobo My name is Gemo, I am a learner at Katigondo Secondary School. When I was still young, my mother gave me lessons on how to respect myself and others. She would say “Gemo, you are a human being, you are created in the image of God.

Carry yourself with dignity. You have value and so is every human being regardless of their colour, status, age, tribe or even background”. My mother’s words stuck within me even when she died. I taught the same lessons to my young brother and sister, Memo and Bobo. Memo and Bobo stay with our elder sister Buke and she is happy with the way they behave.

They respect her and everyone in her family and community. They greet her humbly when they come back from school as a way of respect. One day, Madam Buke went to school to check on Memo and Bobo’s school work. The teacher told her: ‘You have wonderful children madam Buke. They respect everyone here; the teachers, the cooks, the cleaners, the gatemen, the o/d and the young. They are solite, calm, gentle, respectful, clean, hygienic. truthful hardworking and Godfearing’. My sister Buke was happy about the teacher’s comments. After the school visitation, Buke went home with Memo and Bobo. On
their way home, they helped an old man to carry his jerrycan of water up to his home. They also put his grains in the granary as it was threatening to rain. They promised to clean his house and the homestead the following day. This is how they do it even at home. I am proud of my siblings, Memo and Bobo.
he picture in Figure 1.1 describes more of how much respect emo and Bobo give to others especially those who are older han them.

Figure 1.1
From the story you have just read, give the meaning of human dignity and respect for human dignity.
Describe the elements of human dignity in the story.
In groups,
1: Summaries how respect of life and human dignity is maintained by Gemo and his siblings.
2 : Identify examples of respect for human dignity at home, school and community.
3 : Share how you will respect people at home, school, and community.
4 : Present your findings to your class and teacher.
From the activity you have just done, you discovered elements of human dignity.
You will read the text below for deeper understanding.

Human dignity is respect for human beings. Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake, and to be treated decently. Dignity indicates that each person is worthy of honor and respect for who they are, not just for what they are or can do. If someone has dignity, it means they are worthy of respect. Every human being has the right to be respected or honored regardless of their race, character, age, or physical appearance. Human dignity is a right and also God given.
Cases of violation of human dignity
Wherever humans live and interact for example; in homes, schools, and community, respect for human dignity is necessary. Many times human dignity has been violated. In this section, we are going to look at cases in the society where people’s dignity has not been respected. You will work through Activity 1.2 to understand well.
Studying the pictures and attempting the tasks
ty 1.2
that follow

Work in groups to do the tasks below:
1 Study the pictures in Figure 1.2 and discuss the ways in which people in the pictures have not been respected.
2 Give examples how different people’s dignity is violated at school, homes and in the community.
3 Give reasons why all people should be respected.
4 Write or prepare a word document explaining why every human being deserves respect and honor.
In the activity you have successfully completed, you have discovered that in the community, some people have not been respected on grounds of gender, level of education, financial
status, age, position at school and physical appearance, among others. This also affects learners, teachers, and other staff members. Learners sometimes treat fellow learners unfairly. Teachers may
also treat learners without respect, learners may do the same as well. Other staff members treat each other without respect.

Being human You have discovered the meaning of human dignity. You have also learnt that every human deserves to be treated with dignity. But have you ever heard of a statement like “be human”? What does it mean to be human? You will now discover the meaning of being human by working through the activity that Follows.
Read the story entitled “A rebuke from an invigilator and discover what being human is.

Activity 1.3
Reading the story and answering the questions that follow A rebuke from an invigilator
My name is Jengo. I love to share stories with school children, One day, I was rebuked for not helping a classmate. Nelly’s pen stopped writing in the middle of an examination paper. The invigilator got concerned and asked if there was any one with an extra pen. I had an extra pen but I did not want to give it to Nelly. She was always the best in class work. This time I wanted to win her. As I tried to hide my extra

pen, the invigilator saw me. He smiled and whispered to me: Be human! Help your sister out’. I gave the pen to Nelly. She smiled at me and thanked me. I felt happy because I acted human. Nelly and I became friends since then. When our exam results came, Nelly was the best. I was happy that I helped her when she needed. Today, Nelly happens to be a great person in the world, she has helped many people

including me. Working in groups, copy and complete the tasks below:
1: According to the story, explain what being human means.
2: From the story above, how was Jengo human? Give other
examples of being human.
3 Discuss the lessons you have learnt from the story.
4 Share with one another when you responded in a human way to someone.
5: How would the world be if all people behaved in a human
way?

From the story you have read, you have • to Know that human is to perform acts that are proper for humans. You have also learnt that being human is unconditional. It does not undermine anyone. It is not conditional to one’s status, level of education, wealth and religion, color, ago. background, to mention,
human means the kind of care and concern which promotes a Have you person’s self-respect regardless of any differences. seen a situation where being human tends to be conditional?
Can you give examples of such Situations? you can share more about it in Activity 1.4 below:

Debating on being human
1 As a class, organize a debate on the motion, “Being human should not consider one’s status or level of education, or religion.”
2 After the debate, prepare a PowerPoint or document presentation for the proposition and opposition points. Make a judgement that is final and fair.

The debate you have just held must have help you understand what it is to be human. Being human is not limited to any given condition such as one’s status, level of education, wealth and religion. As long as one is human, he deserves respect, regardless of status, level of education, wealth or religion. This is because
being a human being comes first than any qualifications. These qualifications are earned by someone who is already living. One must first live to get other honors. Life is more important than anything. Both the rich and the poor ought to enjoy their human rights on the basis of being human. The idea of quality of all persons before the law is not determined by one’s status. Both men and women are meant to be equal. All human beings require equal opportunities in all aspects of life in political, economic, social,
and religious effects. All humans were created in the image of God and are meant to live in harmony. One is human by virtue of his or her existence. Education only improves one’s knowledge, skills and values as
one gets civilized. Religion on the other hand improves one’s spiritual life and relationship with God. Wealth improves on one’s economic well being rather than making him or her human.

respect for human dignity or being human should cover a humans. When it comes to life, all humans are equal and they require equal treatment. From the discussions you have so far done, you can tell that
someone is human or inhuman by their behaviors or actions.

Christian teaching about human dignity and respect for human life Human beings created in the image of God You have learnt that all humans deserve fair treatment. This is because they have life. Do you know that all humans are created in the image of God? Why do you think in all the creations, humans were created in the image of God? To answer these and other related questions, you will study and
analyze the pictures that follow and answer the questions about them.

Studying pictures and performing the tasks that follows

Figure 1.3
In groups,
Study the images in Figure 1.3, interpret their meanings and write short notes about them.
The pictures you have just studied clearly show that human beings are unique from other creatures. This is because they are made in the image of God. You have now known that human beings are unique from other creatures. Reading the Bible in the first chapters of Genesis will help you learn more.

activity 1.7
Reading Bible verses about human dignity and
explaining their meaning
1 Use an online Bible or hard copy and read Genesis 1 :26— 28, 5:1-2, and 9:6.
2 Give reasons for God creating humans in His own image.
3 How should humans be treated since they are created in
God’s image?

4 What advice can you give to those who murder others or abort babies?
5 Mention ways in which humans — created in the image of God should live responsibly.
6 Write texts about Genesis 1:26—28, 5:1—2, and 9:6 on Manila papers and hang them within your school for people to read and understand the responsibility of humans.
7 Show your work to your teacher for guidance or correction.

God created human beings in his image and likeness, both male and female. It is only humans that were created in God’s image.
By creating human beings in His image means that they are unique from all other creatures. All humans are equal because they all resemble God. Humans being created in God’s image means that God’s divine
qualities have been placed in them. This is so, to help them serve one another, love one another, and take responsibility of each other.

The sanctity of life You have discovered that life is a gift from God. Have you ever received a gift? How did you feel? How did you keep the gift? God created human beings in His image, life is therefore a gift.
We should treat it with respect. Since it is God given, it is also Holy. Sanctity also means holiness. Do you know that it is even a command from God that life should be preserved? In this section, you will learn about the sanctity of life. The story about Kole will teach you more about the sanctity of life. Read it.

Reading the story and answering the questions that follows
Kole survives the mob One early morning, on my way to school with my parents ‘ I bumped in a rioting mob. They were rushing to kill a young man called Kole. They wanted to beat him and stone him to death. Others were looking for old tyres to burn him up. The young man was a shopkeeper. He had lost his employer’s money. The employer had commanded people to hit him to death if he did not give him the money. Before the mob could kill the boy, my parents asked for how much money was needed from the young man. They paid it off and the mob was stopped. That is how the young man was saved from death. My mother told Kole’s
never destroy a life. Life is holy and sacred employer “and it belongs to God”. In groups, attempt the tasks below

1 In reference to the story, construct the meaning of sanctity
of life.
2 How is the sanctity of life preserved in the above story?
3 Suggest other ways the sanctity of life can be preserved.
4 Apart from mob justice, brainstorm other ways in which
the sanctity of life is abused today.
5 Write a passage explaining how the sanctity of life should be preserved. Show it to the teacher and class.

From the story you have just read, you have learnt that life is holy and sacred because it belongs to God. You will read the poem that follow for more understanding.

Reading the poem and answering the questions
Activity 1.9 that follow
In groups, read the poem and answer the questions that
follow:
Life, ooh life the holiness of life
Life, ooh life the purity of life
So sacred and holy
So precious, a gift from God
Life, the apple of God’s eye!
When / got to know of its sanctity,
When my eyes opened to its sacredness,
I treasure it like I have no other.
/ guard it jealously lest / stain its purity.
How I feed it so thoughtfully to protect and preserve it.
How I cloth it so decently lest it loses its worth.
Human life!! Use it for purpose.
Glorify the image of God.
Tasks

1 What title can you give the poem?
2 How does the poet describe human life?
3 Write a prayer thanking God for the gift of life.
4 Present your work to your teacher and the entire class.

The tasks you have attempted about sanctity of life have helped you to discover that sanctity is a state of being holy or sacred .Sanctity of life, therefore, means that life is very important and deserves to be respected and preserved. It also means that life is holy, precious, pure; and Godly. In this section, you will read some scriptures to understand what the Bible teaches on the sanctity of life. The Bible teaches about the sanctity of life. Read the texts provided and make summary notes in regard to the sanctity of life.

read exodus 20to 13
1 Discuss and write the meaning of the message in Exodus
20:13.
2 What advice would you give to people who sacrifice human
beings?
3 Write short notes on how murder cases can be reduced in
Uganda.
5 Share your work with the class and teacher.

The commandment of God in Exodus 20:13 teaches that life should not be destroyed. It should be preserved, protected and respected. Killing a human being is violating or abusing the sacredness or sanctity of life. Any act that takes human life tampers with God’s precious gift and should therefore be avoided. Murder is wrong because it ends life. It involves shedding one’s blood and remember, life is in the blood.
Jesus’ attitude towards human dignity
You have discussed about the sanctity of life. You have understood that life is sacred and holy. But do you agree with people who say that some sins deserve death? What do you think is the attitude of Jesus on life? In this section, you will discover Jesus’ attitude towards human dignity. You will work through Activity 1.11.

Reading the Bible and writing a summary of John
8:1-11
In your groups,
1: Read and dramatize the story in John 8:1—11.
2: How was the sanctity of human dignity presented in John
8:1-11?
3:Talk about Jesus’ attitude towards human dignity in
reference to John 8:1—11.
4: How would you have saved the situation if you were Jesus
that day?
5: Write a summary of the teachings about the sanctity of life
in John 8:1—11.

Jesus saved a woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death. Jesus’ attitude about human dignity is fair treatment for everyone including sinners. His reaction to the woman was
different from that of her accusers. According to Jesus, no sin should take human life. This also shows that men and women are equal before the law. Jesus did not victimize women as the teachers of the law did. Jesus proved that all human beings can make mistakes. And, sinners deserve an opportunity to change from their mistakes. Christians should treasure every life and give every sinner the opportunity to change.
Some people may just need advice or kind treatment to change from their evil ways other than victimizing them. Christians should follow Jesus’ example when handling human life. Jesus told the woman to stop sinning. This is because sin stains the sanctity of life. The sacredness of life comes from the fact that humans are created in God’s image.

Appreciating life as a special gift from God

In the previous subchapter, you learnt about human dignity. You also learnt that human beings are created in the image of God, you also discovered that life is holy and sacred. In this subchapter,
you will discover life as a special gift from God and how best it can be preserved and protected. You will also learn how Biblical teaching promotes human dignity.

How do we respect and protect life Have you ever received something precious from your friend or
parent? How do you handle it? You always keep it well and even look at it each day. You keep it clean and safe from anything that can destroy it. Life in the same way is a gift that God has given us. We need to respect the gift and also protect it. The activity below is about respecting and protecting life. Study it and answer the questions that follow.

Studying the picture, discussing and answering
Activity 1, 12
follow

n groups,
1 Describe what you think is happening in the picture.
2 How do they promote, respect and protect plant life?

You have discovered how plant life is respected and protected. If other creatures are respected and protected, how much more should humans who are created in the image of God. Work through Activity 1.13 to learn more about how human life should be respected and protected.

Activity 1.13 Studying pictures, discussing and answering the Questions that follow

Figure 1.4 (b)
In groups, study the pictures in Figure 1.4 (b) and do the tasks that follow:
1 Brainstorm the ways human life can be respected and protected using Pictures a — d.
2 Share opinions why human life should be respected and protected.
3 Use manila papers and placards to make posters of the ways of protecting human life. Hang the posters in your classroom and other school display points.

You now know ways in which life should be protected. These may include; provision of basic needs like food, shelter, clothes education, medical care and security is the chief way of preserving life. Also, immunizing or vaccinating people against diseases, doing physical exercises, eating healthy foods,

practicing hygiene and cleanliness, promote life. Freedom of worship, speech and expression shows respect for life. Passing laws to protect the vulnerable people, equal treatment for all regardless of gender, status, background and education is a way to respect human life. Promoting human dignity through self-esteem and assertiveness You have discussed the ways of preserving and respecting
human life. In this section, you will discover how self-esteem
promotes human dignity
When you look at yourself in a mirror, do you appreciate who you are? Do you see value in yourself? The way you value yourself shows your self-esteem. Do you know that people can take advantage of you because of how you take yourself or how you respond to things? Working through Activity 1.14 will help you to understand the meaning of assertiveness and self-esteem.

Reading the story and performing the tasks that
follow
In groups, read the story and perform the tasks that follow: When Nakuya my elder sister was in a secondary school, their male teacher sexually abused most of her classmates. They could not resist the teacher’s advances. He mainly took advantage of those who were academically challenged. This
is because they did not believe in themselves. The teacher threatened to punish them heavily if they told

anybody about it. One day, the teacher told Nakuya to take books for marking to his house. Nakuya said “am sorry teacher but I feel it is not right for me to go to a male teacher’s house. I can take
the books to the staff room”. The teacher threatened her but Nakuya stood on her ground and said “No”. After sometime, the teacher fell sick. When he went to the hospital, he tested positive of HIV.

The teacher did not recover. Unfortunately, he had infected many of his students. Nakuya escaped such tragedy because he was assertive and her self-esteem was high. She put value in herself and her responses. Tasks

1 According to the story, give the meaning of assertiveness.
2 How was Nakuya assertive in the story?
3 How did assertiveness promote Nakuya’s dignity?
4 Give other examples of assertiveness and discuss how they promote human dignity
5 Discuss how one can be assertive at home, school and in community.
6 Give the meaning of self-esteem.
7 With examples, discuss how self-esteem promotes human dignity.
8 Use examples to explain how lack of self-esteem and assertiveness destroys human dignity.

You have now understood that being assertive is being to stand up for your own rights in a calm and positive way. You express yourself well and stand up for your point of view. You should note that being assertive is not being aggressive. You should also know that having self-esteem is not being proud.

Discussing and completing the table about self activity 1.15 esteem
Work in groups to:
1 Tell a story when you escaped danger because you were assertive.
2 Discuss how being assertive can help one to escape or avoid danger.
3 Use Table 1.2 to categories the given statements as: assertive, not assertive, low self-esteem or high self- esteem.

You have now proved that self-esteem has a lot to do with the way people think or feel about themselves. High esteemed people realize how good and worthwhile they are. They are confident about their abilities. Such quality promotes human dignity because they can defend themselves and can say Nto undesirable acts. Young people need to be assertive so as to earn respect. That is why people do not take advantage of them. It can protect them from danger.
Acts that deprive respect for human life
You learnt that life is sacred. You also discovered ways human life should be respected. You now know that being assertive and having a high self-esteem can help to promote human dignity. Bu do you know that some people do not give human life the respect it deserves? In this section, you will find out acts that deprive respect for human life.Working through Activity 1.16 will aid you to learn more.

Reading the story and performing the tasks thatActivity 1.16 follow In groups, read the story and perform the tasks that follow:
Wrong advice from Hezo
Kunle was Hezo’s classmate in Senior Two in 1990. Kunle’s parents were not rich so she used to go to school bare-footed. Kunle was clever and God fearing. One day, Kunle got wrong advice from Hezo that she can get a businessman who could provide her with whatever the parents could not afford. She also
accepted but later got into trouble. Kunle became pregnant. The businessman gave her some money to use for abortion. Hezo told Kunle that abortion is easy and not painful. Hezo told Kunle that she had aborted several times and it had been easy. Kunle refused to abort. She said “l cannot do it because
I can’t destroy life, a special gift from God’. Kunle carried on with the pregnancy and delivered a baby boy Kon. Shortly, Kunle’s parents became financially betten They took care of Kon and took Kunle back to school. Kunle completed her studies successfully. Both Kunle and Kon are very successful citizens in Uganda today.

Tasks
1 According to the story, describe how Kunle respected human life.
2 Identify the acts Hezo did which deprive human life of its dignity.
3 What would be the consequences of Hezo’s actions?
4 In your opinion, how would you advise young girls who are troubled with teenage pregnancy?
5 Write your findings and present them to your class using PowerPoint or a document.

Apart from abortion, there are other actions that deprive respect for human life.
Working through Activity 1.17 will aid you to discover more of such actions.

Activity 1.17 In pairs,
Studying pictures and performing the tasks that follow 1 Study the Pictures A—I in Figure 1.5 and describe what you think is happening.

1 Talk about the effects of such actions on the life of a human being.
2 Apart from those in the pictures, identify other acts that deprive respect for human life; at home, school, and in the community.
3 Suggest ways in which such actions can be completely stopped from communities.
4 Present your findings to your teacher and the rest of the class.

Human life is sacred. However, from the discussions we have had, people have done grave acts to destroy it. There is need to sensitize people about the need to protect life because it is the gift from God. Life should be well kept and preserved so that it is not weakened or diseased or even lost. Human life should not be subjected to torture or even ridicule but love, care and fair treatment. Biblical teaching about respect for human life You have discovered and discussed acts that disrespect human life. Do you think they can be put to an end? You now know the value of promoting human dignity. Do you know that God created for a purpose? Do you know that all people according to God should be treated well regardless of their differences?

Human life is sacred. However, from the discussions we have had, people have done grave acts to destroy it. There is need to sensitise people about the need to protect life because it is the gift from God. Life should be well kept and preserved so that it is not weakened or diseased or even lost. Human life should not be subjected to torture or even ridicule but love, care and fair treatment. Biblical teaching about respect for human life You have discovered and discussed acts that disrespect human life. Do you think they can be put to an end? You now know the value of promoting human dignity. Do you know that God created humans for a purpose? Do you know that all people according to God should be treated well regardless of their differences?

Human life is sacred. However, from the discussions we have had, people have done grave acts to destroy it. There is need to sensitize people about the need to protect life because it is the gift from God. Life should be well kept and preserved so that it is not weakened or diseased or even lost. Human life should not be subjected to torture or even ridicule but love, care and fair
treatment.
Biblical teaching about respect for human life You have discovered and discussed acts that disrespect human life. Do you think they can be put to an end? You now know the value of promoting human dignity. Do you know that God created humans for a purpose? Do you know that all people according to
God should be treated well regardless of their differences?

In this section, you will study and discover what the Bible teaches on respect for human life. You will read the Bible and hold discussions with your classmates. Bible had different people. Do you know that people owned slaves in the Bible times? Slaves existed and God cared for their welfare. God accorded them a certain kind of respect. You Will understand more on this as you perform the activity that follow

Reading the Bible and discussing respect for Activity t. 18 human life In groups,
1 Read Leviticus 19:12—18 and Numbers
2 (a) What does Leviticus 19:12—18 teach on respect for human dignity?
(b) According to Numbers 35:9—12, show how slaves, housemaids, sinners, the poor, criminal suspects and people with disabilities should be treated.
3 Imagine you were a community leader in your area, suggest ways you would want the above people to be treated and give reasons for that.
4 Record and present your findings in a word document or written notes to your teacher and class.

From the Bible verses you just read, you have found out that all individuals are entitled to fair treatment. This is regardless of who they are. The Bible calls for behavior that promotes human respect and dignity to all people. All people deserve respect and honor by the fact that they are humans. Even slaves
are supposed to be given care and respect by their masters. Housemaids, shamba boys, security guards and other domestic workers need to be treated equally as others. They need not to be overlooked or mistreated. Honest dealing is emphasized in all social relations. Those who make promises are called upon to fulfill them. Workers and slaves should be paid promptly. The rich and the poor, the physically and the mentally challenged should be treated equally. The Bible also teaches honest judgements in courts of law, giving to the needy, forgiveness, fair treatment for suspects, and sinners. The love for neighbors as one loves him/ herself is key to promoting human respect and dignity.

You have learnt and understood how Bible verses in the Old Testament promote dignity of all kinds of people. You will now read in the New Testament to discover that even sinners have dignity

Reading the Bible and discussing dignity In groups,
1 Read Matthew 9:9—13 and Luke 19:1—10.
2 Discuss the ways Jesus promoted the dignity of sinners outcasts).
3 In your view, do sinners deserve to be treated with dignity? Give reasons.
4 Are sinners in your community given the treatment they deserve? If not, how should they be treated?
5 Write your findings or prepare a word document and present it to your class and teacher.

After interacting with the activity, read the text that follow for more understanding. In Uganda today, there are people who are termed as sinners. They are despised because of their mistakes. Such kind of treatment cannot make them better people. It can only make them worse. In the Bible, Matthew and Zacchaeus were tax collectors. Because of the nature of their job, they were not only despised but were
also hated. No one wanted to associate with them because they were sinners. Jesus had a meal with both of them and other tax collectors. He forgave their sins. They changed their ways. Jesus promoted their dignity. That is what Christians should do. They should learn from Jesus’ example. The text has provided you with a deeper understanding of how treated the less privileged during His time. You can now
work through Activity 1.20 to understand more on promotion of dignity.

Reading the Bible and discussing human dignity
In groups,
Read Exodus 20:12-17.
Identify ways in which human dignity should be promoted according to Exodus 20:12—17. Share ideas on how the dignity of parents should be promoted. Use examples to explain how the dignity of the marrieds
can be promoted. Note down your findings and show them to your class and teacher.

The Bible promotes human respect by putting across commandments. Among the commandments is; to respect parents and to give them the honor they deserve. To protect and preserve the precious gift of life, God commands humans not to kill. He goes on to condemn the acts of stealing, adultery, accusing others falsely and coveting. All the above bring out good values of family, honesty, sincerity and faithfulness which promote good human relations and dignity.

Promoting the human dignity of the underprivileged You have read and discussed some commandments God put to protect and respect human life. But do you know that there are people in the society who are not treated well because of their conditions or circumstances? Such people were there even in the days of Jesus. In this section, you will find out how Jesus treated the unprivileged in society. You will work out Activity 1.21 to discover more.

Reading the Bible, discussing and completing the Activity 1.21 table about promotion of human dignity
In groups,
1 Brainstorm the meaning of the word unprivileged
2 Do a dramatical reading ot the following scriptures:
3 Exodus 21 :1—3, 2 Samuel 9:1—8, James 5:1—6, Colossians 3:22 and Mark
4 Discuss how the dignity of the underprivileged is promoted in each of the verses in question 2. Use your findings to complete Table 1.3.

Table 1.3
5 Identify the kinds of unprivileged people in your society.
6 In your opinion, show ways in which they should be treated.
7 Present your work to your teacher and the rest of the class, write down the main ideas in your notebooks.

Jesus showed mercy to the lepers, the sick, the outcasts, and others. He responded to their needs. He showed equal treatment to all people regardless of their privileges or limitations. He uplifted the status of lepers and other people who were despised in society. Masters are advised to treat their staves fairly and
justly and to pay their wages in time. Christians are encouraged by Jesus’ example to promote the rights of the vulnerable and the unprivileged in the society.

Promoting the dignity of children and women in the Oible You have now read that Jesus promoted the dignity of the unprivileged. Do you know that in the Jewish culture women and children were not given the same respect as men? This might be happening even in your community In this section, you will find out that, apart from the unprivileged, Jesus promoted the dignity of children and women. You will work
hrou h Activitive1.22 to learn more.

Reading the Bible and performing the tasks that
Activity 1.22
follow
In groups,
1 Share situations where women and children are not treated in the same way as men in your community.
2 Explain the ways in which Jesus promoted the dignity of children in Mark 10:13—16.
3 Share opinions on how Jesus promoted the dignity of women in John 4:1—9 and Luke 7:36—39.
4 Identify and explain other scriptures in the Bible when the dignity of children and women is promoted.
5 Record your findings and present them to your teacher and class for discussion.

The scriptures read in Activity 1.22 show that Jesus never discriminated women and children. This is because they also carry God’s precious gift of life. They were also created in the image of God.
Jesus blessed the children. He made it clear to the disciples that the kingdom of God belongs to those that behave like little children towards God. Jesus also uplifted the status of women. He interacted with a
Samaritan woman who was a sinner. He also defended a woman who was victimized for adultery. Jesus forgave women who were sinners in the same way as He forgave men who were sinners. Christians therefore, should not victimize women or children because of who they are. They should take up Jesus’ example.

Women and children’s dignity today
You have studied how Jesus promoted the dignity of the unprivileged. You have also learnt that he treated children and women with dignity. In this section, you will find out situations in your community where children and women are respected. The best way to respect one’s dignity is to recognise their rights and freedoms. In Uganda today, children and women have rights and freedoms and to some extent, they are recognized. They are stated in the Ugandan constitution. You will work out Activity
1.23 to discover more.

Researching and discussing children and women
•activities
In groups,
Research on the internet or library textbooks to come up with the following The meaning of rights and freedoms. Women’s rights as stipulated in the Ugandan constitution. Children’s rights as stipulated in the Ugandan constitution. Freedoms enjoyed by women and children in
Uganda.

Read and write Articles 34 and 24 of the constitution. With examples, share ideas how the above rights have been exercised, at home, at school and in the community. Share your findings with your teacher and classmates.

Through research, you have discovered the rights and freedoms enjoyed by women and children in Uganda today. Do you know that in some cases their dignity has been grossly violated? I You will find this out as you carry on with Activity 1.24 and the proceeding activities.

Reading the story and performing the tasks that
Activity 1.24
follow
In groups, read the story and perform the tasks that follow:
Kwen’s Sad Story My friend Kwen told me about his young primary school days. Kwen lived with his father Taudol, his step mother Kaibi and his other step siblings. Taudol was a very harsh man. He would beat Kaibi his wife almost all the time. One day, he stripped her naked, poured food on her and beat her in public. Due to the constant torture of the husband, Kaibi would revenge on Kwen. She called him “bastard” and all sorts of names. She forced him to do all the house chores when other children were watching television eating and sleeping. Kwen would fetch water, firewood, cook clean while other children were jeering him. The stepmother warned Kwen that if he ever tells his father, she will burn him to death. One day, Kwen fell sick. He was taken to stay with his grandmother. He was treated well at his grandmother’s place. He never came back home until

1 Discuss how Kwen was unprivileged.
2 How was Kwen’s dignity violated at his home?
3 Apart from what is indicated in the story, how else are children and women’s dignity violated in your community?
4 Write a proposal on possible ways of stopping children and women mistreatment. Present it to your teacher and class.

From the discussions, it is evident that there is need to ensure that the law protects the rights of children, the vulnerable and the voiceless in the society. It is an obligation for Christians to spread the message of love for one another as well as the society.
Reasons why life should be protected
From the beginning of this chapter, you have read and discussed the ways of protecting human life. You are now required to find out why it is strongly emphasized that life should be preserved. Have
you ever heard of a saying: “life is more precious than gold”? What do you understand by such a statement? As you read the passage below, you will appreciate that life is worth protecting.

Read the following passage to prove the worthiness of life
Karabito, one of the richest men in the old times was attacked by robbers at night. The robbers asked him for either of the two things “life or wealth”. The rich man replied “much as I love my wealth and have spent sleepless nights accumulating it, take it that I may again see the sun rays of the next
morning’. The robbers took all the wealth the rich man had accumulated. They undressed him and even took the clothes he was putting on. The next morning, Mr Karabito started from a sack. He
tore it and knitted a trouser out of it. He again worked hard and replaced his wealth. He became more wealthier and richer than he was before. One day, on a happy Sunday morning, he a statement “the robbers left me very wealthier yet they thought they made me poor. They left me with life the mother of wealth” and that is what matters. Others come second”.

Tasks
1 From the story, how is life precious than gold?
2 Write a summary of lessons you learn from the passage. In the passage you have just read, life is described as ‘the mother wealth”, and that is what matters, the rest come second. You can now work in groups or as individuals to accomplish the activity that follows.

Reading the poem and performing the tasks that
ctivity 1.26 follow
In groups, Read the poem below:
Life, the greatest possession,
Life, the utmost treasure,
Sweeter than the sweetest,
Life, so precious!
Money can buy phones, clothes, cars
Life, you cannot buy, it is priceless,
Life, it can only be given, Yes, God given.
Assets can be lost, Yes, they can be replaced,
Life, once lost is lost forever,
Ooh life, the most precious,
Life, the temple of God Life, so holy and sacred,
Life, flowing in blood, breathing in human,
Life, nurture it, protect it,
Life, give it, take it not away,
The owner wants it whole.
What is the tittle of the poem
From the above poem, what do you learn about human
life?
Discuss and come up with reasons why human life should be respected and protected. Write a prayer thanking God for the gift of life. The Bible has many more teachings about respect for human life.
You will, therefore, work through Activity 1.27 to learn more of them.

Researching on other Bible teachings about
Activity 1.27 respect for human life In groups,
Use the internet or an online Bible or library books to discover five or more verses about human dignity. Copy and explain them to your group. Share your findings with the rest of the class. Right from the beginning, God’s love is shown when he created humans in His image and likeness. Protecting life is protecting God’s image. By creating humans in His image, God’s concern was to perform and promote human dignity. It is obedience to God’s commandments to preserve and protect
life.
In Genesis 4:10—16, termination of human life aroused God’s anger and lead to punishment. Cain was punished for not preserving his brother’s life. In Exodus 3, God sent Moses to save the lives of Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Christians should learn from God to value and preserve human life. It is the basis for the Christian teaching of love for one another. Everyone has a responsibility of adding value to the life of the other. In John 15:13, Jesus laid his life for his friends. This was the highest form of promoting human life.

Revision Questions
1 Identify the ways how human dignity is promoted today.
2 Outline the ways human dignity is violated in the society today.
3 Identify the ways Jesus promoted the dignity of sinners and the unprivileged.
4 Give reasons why human life should be respected and promoted.
Give a summary of the Biblical teaching on human dignity

.

In the previous sub-chapters, you learnt about respect and promotion of human life and dignity. You also discussed on the sanctity of life as a special gift from God. In this sub-chapter, you will be introduced to the purpose of God designing and creating male and female beings the way they are. You will be guided to discover how one can promote human dignity and sexuality through valuing one’s body, personal hygiene, and protection from communicable diseases and abstinence from sex. You will study the ways in which Africans promoted human dignity. This will help you to value yourself and others regardless
of gender differences. Meaning of human development and sexuality According to the Bible, humans were created in the image of God. He created them male and female. This is according to Genesis
1 :26—28 and Genesis Why do you think you are created male or female? Do you appreciate yourself as male or female? Do you realize that your body has been changing and developing and it’s for a purpose? You will discover more as you perform the activities that follow.

Researching and discussing human development
Activity 1.28 and sexuality In groups,
Use the internet or dictionary, or library textbook or ask an elder to find out the meaning of human development and sexuality. Identify the body changes that show human development. Give opinions to explain why female and male bodies develop the way they do.

Study the pictures in Figure 1.6 to identify and note down their differences.

Figure 1.6
5 Why do you think God created man and woman with their biological differences?
6 Note down your findings and show them to your teacher for further discussion.

From the activity you have just done, you have discovered that male and female have biological differences for a purpose. God created human beings in such a way that they develop an grow This development and growth comes along with biological changes depending on whether one is male or

female. These changes are to fulfill God’s purpose for humans to play a specific role in life, Young people need to appreciate themselves as male or female. They need to know that they are unique and special the
way they are. They should respect and appreciate each other’s sexual differences. Therefore, Christians should have respect for their sexuality. No gender is inferior or superior to the other. Human sexuality according to the creation story in the Bible Have you ever imagined how the world would be if there were only men or only women? It would not be an interesting world to live in. The creation stories tell us that God created human beings, man and woman both in His image. In this section, you will read the two creation accounts in the book of Genesis. You will find out that sexuality is God’s perfect plan for
human beings. As you work out Activity 1.29, you will discover more on human sexuality and divine purpose. You will also use
Figure 1.7 to aid in your discussion.

Reading the Bible and discussing human sexuality activity 1.29
In groups,
Read the creation stories in Genesis 1 :26—28 and Genesis 2:5—18.
Give the differences between man and woman in relation to Genesis 2:5—18.
Discuss to come up with the meaning of the term complementarity.
According to Genesis what was Adam’s situation like before God made Eve.
Identify the ways in which men and women complement each other at; home, school and community.

1 Discuss and write situations that would be impossible if there were only men.
2 Discuss and write situations that would be impossible if there were only women.
3 Record your findings and present them to your teacher and class.

You have completed the task. Read through the text below for more understanding.
The creation stories tell that even in the presence of other creatures, the first man remained lonely until God made for him a woman. God made a woman as a helper and suitable companion to the man. This means that there are things men cannot accomplish without a woman and so is true to women. They complement each other through mutual love which is the source of joy and happiness. They also help each other in starting and raising families. a young Christian, you need to appreciate that God intended
to create you as a man or woman in order to fulfil His plan for your life. You would not achieve God’s plan for your life if you were not what you are. Hence, celebrate your sexuality and encourage
others.

The dignity of human sexuality
You have learnt that God created humans in both genders, male and female for a purpose. You have also understood that man and woman complement each other in many ways. In this section, you will be introduced to how to respect yourself or other people in terms of being female or male.

Discussing the dignity of human sexuality In groups,
1 Brainstorm on the meaning of dignity and human sexuality.
2 As a teenager, share how you treat yourself with dignity at home, at school, and in the community.
3 Observe the pictures in Figure 1.8. With reasons, identify the picture which depicts respect for human sexuality.

4 Generate a list of actions which show that one observes respect for human sexuality.
5 Present your findings to your teacher and class for further discussion.

You have identified the actions which show that an individual observes human dignity and sexuality.
As you read the text below, you will get more insights on human sexuality.
Dignity for human sexuality means respecting or carrying yourself with respect as a boy or girl. The most important value in observing dignity for human sexuality is knowing one’s self-
worth. Human sexuality is for a great purpose. It is for good use not for misuse. Once this truth is known especially among the teenagers and the youth, they will begin to value themselves and those of the opposite sex. They will become conscious of their
actions, thoughts, decisions, and behaviors. This causes moral uprightness and purposeful living and these are characteristics of
human sexuality. Dignity of human sexuality and hygiene From the previous discussions, you can tell that respect for human sexuality starts with knowing one’s self-worth. You have also understood that self-worth causes one to carry him or herself with dignity.

Reading the passage and performing the tasksActivity 1.31 that follow
Mr Mahote is a social worker in Bunda village. Every year, he organizes a team of health workers to teach teenagers in his community how to maintain their personal hygiene. He also guides them on how to cope with the responsibility that comes with changes on their bodies as they mature into adults. From
the hygiene lessons the teenagers are getting, they also organize hygiene awareness weeks for their agemates in other communities twice every year. They share tips on how to maintain personal hygiene. They also make local materials that help to maintain hygiene without spending a lot of money.
This has brought health and social benefits to the rest of the community. Due to his efforts, Mr Mahote has acquired financial assistance from the government to extend his services to other
communities.

In this section, you will discover that respect for human sexuality calls for hygiene. You will work out Activity 1.31 to know more about human sexuality and hygiene.

Reading the passage and performing the tasks
ctivity 1.31that follow
Mr Mahote is a social worker in Bunda village. Every year, he organizes a team of health workers to teach teenagers in his community how to maintain their personal hygiene. He also guides them on how to cope with the responsibility that comes with changes on their bodies as they mature into adults. From
the hygiene lessons the teenagers are getting, they also organize hygiene awareness weeks for their agemates in other communities twice every year. They share tips on how to maintain personal hygiene. They also make local materials that help to maintain hygiene without spending a lot of money.
This has brought health and social benefits to the rest of the community. Due to his efforts, Mr Mahote has acquired financial assistance from the government to extend his services to other communities.

In groups,
1 Brainstorm the meaning of personal hygiene.
2 Explain why Mahote has continued to sensitize the youths about personal hygiene as a form of self-respect.
3 Identify the ways you can maintain personal hygiene at home, at school and in the community.
4 Identify the challenges you face in trying to maintain proper hygiene.
5 In your view, suggest ways how such challenges can be solved.
6 Present your findings to the teacher and class for further discussion.

Young people in secondary schools need to maintain personal
hygiene. This is because the changes in their bodies come along with body odours. As you read the text that follows, you will get more information. Although young people face some challenges in trying to maintain personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is part and parcel of life. They should learn to at least use affordable materials if they cannot afford the expensive ones. For example, the use of lemon in the
absence of roll-on. And the use of cloth in the absence of sanitary wear/towels. Young people are encouraged to maintain hygiene as a sign of respect to human life. Hygiene helps to maintain
good health of human life hence adding value to it. By doing so, they uphold their dignity as human beings as God requires them to do.

Self-respect in terms of valuing one’s own body
In the previous section, you have learnt that respecting human sexuality poses a demand on you to maintain your personal hygiene. You have now understood the meaning and importance of hygiene to yourself and those around you. In this section, you will be introduced to the idea of self-respect
in terms of one valuing his/her own body. You will discover more on why a Christian should value their bodies as you work through
Activity 1.32.

Discussing the importance of self-respect by Activity 1.32
valuin our own bod
Last year Mr Katete a teacher at Kaka Secondary School asked the Senior Two CRE students to share their ideas on how they value their bodies as Christians. Some of their responses were recorded as presented in the Bubbles A—H.

In groups,
Read the messages in the thought bubbles A—H and answer the questions that follow:

1Share how you value your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
2 Advise and demonstrate to one another on the other ways of valuing your own body.
3 Talk about what Christians benefit in valuing their own bodies.
4 Write an article or word document on the ways young people can value their bodies.
5 Present your findings to your teacher and class using Power Power or a document.

The value for one’s body is a responsibility of every Christian. According to 1 Corinthians 6:15—20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, they should be valued highly and respected. Our I bodies are houses of God. Misusing one’s body is like misusing God Himself.

Young people should refrain from any activity that defiles their bodies. This is because it is like involving God in the acts. Valuing one’s body promotes health living and moral uprightness. It promotes peaceful and harmonious living with others. It promotes respect for self and others. It also saves young girls
from unwanted pregnancies and the related consequences like early pregnancy and the related complications. Young boys and girls are also saved from sexual transmitted diseases and abrupt
responsibilities. It’s also one way of observing religious and cultural values.

Self-respect in terms of protecting oneself from
communicable diseases You have already discussed about self-respect and how it drive one to value their bodies. You have also known that your body i the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, this creates need to value it and to protect it from danger and other undesirable things. In this section, you will discover that actually self-respect can save someone from communicable diseases. God created us in His
image. This should remind us that we need to protect His image through avoiding any acts that abuse this image. You will work through Activity 1.33 to understand more.

Discussing the importance of self-respect by
Activity 1.33
protecting oneself from communicable diseases You will need to refer to Figure 1.9 to aid your discussion.
In groups,
Discuss to come up with the meaning of communicable diseases.

Mention examples of communicable diseases and how they spread among people.
How can a young person like you prevent yourself and others from getting communicable diseases?

4 Which of the above pictures show value for one’s body? Support your answer.
5 Of recent, the world has been hit by the corona virus, basing on Figure 1.9, who of the above would contribute to the spread of the virus? Give reasons to support your I answer.

Self-respect through abstinence from sex
You have studied that self-respect causes one to maintain personal hygiene in order to prevent oneself from catching communicable diseases. You have also understood that self-respect comes with
a responsibility of valuing your own body. In this section, you will be introduced to one of the ways of valuing the body which is abstinence from sex. You will understand more as you carry on with the activity that follows.

Activity 1.34
Discussing the importance of self-respect and abstinence from sex
In groups,
1 Study the signposts a, b, and c. You must have read such signposts along road sides and or in your school compounds. They are sometimes called the “Talking Compound.”

1 What are the signposts promoting?
2 Brainstorm the meaning of abstinence.
3 Of what importance is the ‘talking compound” to the young people like you?
4 As a Christian, explain why young people should abstain from early sex.
5 Identify the consequences of involving in early sex.
6 Design posts or placards to create abstinence awareness and put them along the lanes of your school compound. ex IS a gift from God to the marrieds. God did not design sex

for the unmarried and more so for the young people. It is sin to involve in early sex. Early sex is also called fornication and those who do it will not inherit the kingdom of God. As young Christians, you should not involve your bodies into sexual sins. This is because early sex or sex before marriage comes along
with a lot of problems such as early pregnancy, dropping out of school, sexually transmitted diseases,

abortion, forced marriages, family misunderstandings, among others. Abstinence promotes moral uprightness and living a holy life free from sin. Abstinence is a sign of self-worth and self-respect.
It earns one respect in the community and society in general. So boys and girls should know the importance of body purity through abstinence.

Religious teaching about sexuality In the earlier sections, you learnt that sexuality is the state of
being male or female. You also learnt that sexuality was designed by God and for a purpose.
In this section, you will be guided to know more about what the Bible teaches about sexuality. You will discover more as you read and discuss some Bible scriptures.

Reading the passage and Morning the tasks
Activity 1.35 that follow
The following passage is extracted from the Bible in the letter of St Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:15—20).
In groups,
Read it and answer the question that follow: You know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ. Shall I take the part of Christ’s body and make it part of the body of a prostitute? Impossible! Or perhaps you don’t know that a man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with
her? The scriptures say quite plainly, “the two will become one
body.”
But he who joins himself to the Lord becomes spiritually one with Him. Avoid immorality. Any other sin a man commits does not affect his body; but the man who is guilty of sexual immorality sins against his own body. Dont you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who
was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but God; he bought you for a price. So, use your bodies for God’s glory’.

Tasks
1 Identify the ways in which Christians should value their own bodies.
2 In your own opinions, show ways in which youths have misused and abused their bodies.
3 Explain the lessons learnt from St Paul’s teaching in the passage above.
4 Present your findings to your teacher and the rest of the class and note down the main ideas in your note- books.

In order to understand more about abstinence In e I e, rea the text that follows:
Christians are encouraged by the Bible to value their bodies for God. According to the Bible, there is no sin that defiles the body like the sin of sexual immorality. This calls for abstinence, dressing decently, refusing bad touches, refraining from talking vulgar words, not walking in a provocative way and many others. The body of a Christian should be used to glorify God instead of engaging in sex misuse.

African traditional ways of promoting human dignity
In the previous sections, you studied about promotion of human dignity in the Bible and in the modern situation. You now know what the Bible teaches on Human sexuality Do you know that
before Europeans came and before Africans started reading the Bible, they had values that protected their dignity and sexuality? In this section, you will study and know that Africans had good values that protected their human dignity as well as sexuality. You will discover more as you work out Activity 1.36.

Activity 1.36 In pairs,
Reading the story and the tasks that follow
Read the passage and perform the tasks that follow: The day I cooked with my Grandma My name is Kolwezi, a 15 year old at Mpumude Secondary school. When schools closed because of the outbreak of corona virus “Covid 19”, I started staying with my Grandma. I like the way Grandma cooks and I always wanted to cook like her. The day we cooked together, she watched me closely onevery step; peeling, lighting charcoal stove, covering the food, even serving. After we finished eating, Grandma told me a story about the ways of Africans of long ago. She told me about the women mostly. In her soft, but deep voice, grandma said: Long ago, all women, young and old respected themselves.
They carried themselves with respect and dignity. They appreciated their status as women”, Grandma said as she nodded her head in appreciation. “They sat, greeted, talked and ate very gracefully. Their
walking, dressing and responding was very gentle and full of respect. They covered their bodies well and they never had sex before marriage. Because of the way they respected
themselves, abortions and unwanted pregnancies, adultery,
sugar mummies or sugar daddies, were not heard of”. Grandmother told me that sex offenders were punished very severely. Among the Bakiga, girls who got pregnant before marriage were thrown over a cliff and their mothers humiliated. The girls who were virgins at marriage were given gifts. Their parents were also given gifts of goats, clothing and many others. Girls who were found virgins were praised
so much. ‘What about men”? I asked grandma, “Even men handled themselves with respect. That is why they were very much respected”.

Grandmother continued to tell me that parents of long ago were very strict. At adolescence, boys were separated from their parents’ houses. They could build for them huts around their
homesteads. The girls would sleep at the parents’ houses. This was to prevent incest.
Grandmother was still telling me more when she felt asleep. I left her to sleep. She promised to tell me more another time she gets the opportunity.

Tasks
1 From the story above, identify ways Africans promoted human dignity and their sexuality.
2 Identify other ways not mentioned in the story that promoted human dignity in the African traditional society.
3 What lessons do you learn from the story?
4 Write your findings and present them to your teacher for further discussion.

Human sexuality in the African traditional society was vital. Sex was regarded sacred and holy. Sex was highly protected so as to appease their ancestors. Sex offenders were punished severely.
This reduced sexual immorality. Both men and women honored sex. Sex education was emphasized to the adolescents and to those who were starting families.

Sample Activity of Integration
Context Last year, a story was told that in one of the suburbs of Kampala city, a group of angry people beat a young man terribly. The young man was suspected to have grabbed a handbag from a woman who was seen running
and screaming. As if beating was not enough, the mob became rowdy, brought car tyres and burnt the young man to ashes.
Support material

Tasks
1 If you were a mayor of that town, design a warning poster to the youths in town on the best ways to respect and protect human dignity.
2 Write an essay suggesting how Christians should avoid such acts that deprive people of their dignity and human life.

o In this chapter, you have learnt that human dignity is respect for human beings. You defined dignity as the right of a person to be valued and respected for their sake and that each person is
worthy of honor and respect. You discussed ways of promoting human dignity. You also learnt about the sanctity of life that life is a very special gift from God, sacred (holy) and should be
respected and protected.

o You discussed ways and reasons, for protecting life. Through reading scriptures, you learnt biblical teaching about protecting and promoting human dignity. You also learnt about ways
of promoting human life as well as acts that deprive respect for human life. You learnt that Jesus promoted the dignity of all including the sinners, slaves, women, children and the
unprivileged.

You also studied how self-esteem and assertiveness promote human dignity. You learnt that human sexuality is a God’s design of creation (through the creation stories) for a purpose. You discovered that God creating male and female gender was that two should complement each other. That we should value our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. You also studied that our bodies grow and develop and this comes with the responsibility of having self-worth, self-respect, valuing your own body, personal hygiene and abstinence and also to protect us from communicable diseases. Lastly, you learnt about biblical and
African traditional teaching about human sexuality. You have also been assessed through the sample activity of integration.

Revision Questions
1 Identify ways young people should respect their sexuality.
2 How should a teenager promote personal hygiene.
3 Mention the ways young people can value their bodies.
4 What are the advantages of young people abstaining from early sex?
5 Write a summary of religious teaching on human sexuality. summaries ways Africans promote human dignity.