8/15/08

Uganda: Teaching Religion in Schools is Necessary


New Vision (Kampala)
 

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Nsaba Buturo
Kampala

Majority of Ugandans know that religion serves us well. True religion espouses us to developmental ethical values which are fundamental to our freedom, stability, security, peaceful coexistence and prosperity. The values include honesty, hard work, respect, care for the underprivileged, faithfulness, love and justice.

True religion speaks against practices such as infidelity, homosexuality, murder, witchcraft, pornography, abortion, prostitution and theft.

With these advantages, why would anybody oppose the teaching of ethical values that are critical to our development? Uganda can only rise to greatness when our leaders appreciate God and, through the study of true religion, expose Ugandans to God's centrality in human existence.

For decades now, religious education in schools has been the core of character formation and moral foundation even for those who have later grown to hate and denounce it. An unholy alliance that is seeking to remove God who is the author of the moral law from our society is flexing its muscles. As a consequence, the threat of having a morally unbalanced society is real. Those involved in the alliance are directing their attacks at the school, church and family, yet these have been the true context of our moral information, reflection, transformation and formation.

Teaching of religious studies is a perfect way of introducing the language of God to students and pupils. Our belief in God compels us to take action or behave in ways that are pleasing to Him who created human beings.

Uganda is currently facing formidable challenge of underdevelopment. To confront them head-on and successfully, the ethics of development have to be better appreciated by our decision makers. After all, the whole basis of development is ethical. It is a reflection of the ethics of responsibility and of a sense that one is not only on this planet to consume but is primarily a producer who is also in partnership with God.

Some scholars have canvassed that the main reason for our underdevelopment is a cultural one, which has risen largely from the discontinuities in our indigenous and organic response to the challenges of existence by colonialism whose supremely violent nature was unleashed on our psyche and reflexes. No doubt, we must come to terms with the unrelenting trauma of this dehumanisation but I am certain that God Almighty, whose grace and love have no bounds, has given Ugandans the capacity of recovery from which we are yet to draw with adequate enthusiasm.

The healing is long overdue. We must now pull into the depths of our soul and find a meaningful response to the disorientation that screams at us everyday, everywhere. We must find those kinds of strengths which only the abused and the victimised can recognise. Has the Lord not spoken that Uganda is part of His divine economy? What is holding us back when Jesus has already liberated us?

Over 95% of Ugandans believe in God. Nevertheless, it is telling to see that there is a gap between our creed and conduct. This has enfeebled Uganda's capacity to actualise many of her lofty dreams. How do we reconcile a reputation for being a very religious country with a global reputation for being a corrupt country?

The moral decadence in our society is reaching alarming levels yet we continue to witness large congregations in places of worship.

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Our challenge is how to move spirituality to religion's proper place as the underpinning factor of our development. What Uganda needs are unifying principles that command the respect of all and are life-changing enough to energise us so as to make awesome sacrifices for the development of Uganda. Teaching of religious studies in schools is one good step in the right direction.






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Jean-Louis Kayitenkore
Procurement Consultant
Gsm: +250-08470205
Home: +250-55104140
P.O. Box 3867
Kigali-Rwanda
East Africa
Blog: http://www.cepgl.blogspot.com
Skype ID : Kayisa66

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