Assignment questions:

Religion is an important source of ethical values.

1. Explain three values from the perspective of any two religions.
2. Suggest how you as a teacher can teach pupils to respect the different religions.

Christianity is the largest religion in the world and the most extensive across the
globe. In the beginning of twenty-first century, the total Christian population of the word
is estimated at 2 billion or 32 percent of the world population. One of the ethical values
that Christians are holding on is the direct commandment given by God that can be found
in the bible in the book of John, chapter 15, verse 17 which says “This is my command:
Love each other”. Love each other simply means care for each other, putting others’
interest above oneself, not holding grudge against one another. For example, helping
people who are poor and needy by giving food and money is an act of ‘love each other’.
Christians believe that for the sake of the sin of the world, God has sent His only begotten
son- Jesus Christ to die on the cross to restore the broken relationship between God and
mankind.
“It was the early Christian conviction that God had acted decisively to make His will and
His love toward men finally and conclusively known to men by placing His Son in the
world. The Hebraic conception of the early Fall of man from a state where he was
unaware of evil to both awareness of it and a participant in it, obviously serves as one
basis for the conviction that man, by disobedience to the divine will, had brought
separation from God upon himself.”
(Philip H. Ashby, 1963)
Thus, Christians shall spread the love of God to all mankind as God Himself has first
loved the world and this is the greatest commandment after “Love thy God with all thy
heart, thy soul and thy mind” that can be found in the bible in the book of Matthew
Chapter 22, verse 36-39. From the knowledge of the world, we know that we should love
our neighbour where the word ‘neighbour’ is referring to our family members, teacher,
colleagues, friends and spouse and to hate those who treat us badly or our enemies. In
Christianity, they are taught to even love their enemies and pray for their persecutor for in
Jesus’ teaching, there will be no difference between good and evil if one is to hate his/her
enemy as the evil ones know even how to love their neighbour and hate their enemies.
For example, for a person who is prejudiced against us, we should show our care and love
for him/her despite his/her nastiness. We shall keep no revenge for those who hurt us but
to love them and keep them in prayer for their well beings.

“You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell
you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, if you love those who
love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
(Bible, Matthew 5: 43-46)

From the perspective of Islam, we should have a spirit of charity and help the
poor and those in a less fortunate position to ourselves with money and/or works. This is
similar to Christianity where they are taught to love one another and help those who are
in need. Muslims are taught that charity is a necessity for them and they believe that
charity and relieving the suffering of others carries spiritual rewards.
Thus, Muslim gives ‘Zakat’ which means setting aside a proportion of their
earnings for those in need.
“The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those
whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the
cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise."
(The Holy Qur'an 9:60)

Trustworthiness is another ethical value or teaching in Christianity. When we

make promises in commercial or social contracts, in marriage or to our family members
and friends, we ought to fulfill that promise. In the bible, Christians are even taught to
fulfill the vows they made to God. “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in
fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” (Ecclesiastes 5:4) As a
trustworthy person, we ought to keep the secrets or confidential matters that have been
told to us so the privacy of others can be protected. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a
trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13)
From the perspective of Islam, a Muslim should not break promises, pledges and
covenants. If an oath is taken with others regarding mutual agreements, the promise must
be kept for it is written in Quran “…And do not break your oaths after taking them…”
(an-Nahl 16:91) Muslims believe that if they do not fulfill the vows they made to their
God and other humans, they will be cursed. “And those who break the pact with Allah
after confirming it, and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined, and corrupt the
earth, theirs is the curse and for them an evil dwelling”. (ar-Rad 13:25) In this modern
era, Muslims are urged to fulfill all the trusts and obligations they made with every layer
of the society.

“We live in civil societies that take on obligations and debt to which we, as citizens of
our countries, are also liable, and which we must individually seek to discharge unless
they are morally wrong. There are also mutual trusts and obligations such as those of host
and guest, traveler and companion, employer and employed, as well as the profound
obligations of friendship. In each case, we must try with all of our will and resources to
fulfill these trusts and to discharge our duties faithfully.”

(Khalid Mahmood Shaikh, 1999)

Forgiveness is another one great value that is taught in Christianity. Forgiveness

does not come easy for most of us. Our natural instinct is to recoil in self-protection when
we've been injured. We do not naturally overflow with mercy, grace and forgiveness
when we've been wronged. Thus, we shall forgive by faith, out of obedience whether we
feel like it or not for it is written in the bible, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
(Colossians 3:13) Regardless of how much our friends have hurt or betray us, regardless
of how badly our parents have treated us, Christians are commanded to forgive each other
as their God has forgiven them for their sins. Christians are also taught to forgive others
so their prayers to God shall not be hindered. “And when you stand praying, if you hold
anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your
sins. (Mark 11:25) In addition, Christians believe that as they forgive, they discover the
command is in place for their own good and they receive the reward of their forgiveness
which is freedom.
 From the perspective of Islam, forgiveness is the principal attribute of Allah Who
is the Most Forgiving and this name reveals the intensity of the forgiveness that comes
from their God. Muslims believe that in the process of calling people to Allah, one often
has to face rejection, insults and even persecution. Hence, they are directed by Allah that
all believers are to repel evil with good. “Repel evil with something better: We are best
aware of what they utter” (al-Muminun 23:96) Muslims also believe that all their hurts
and sufferings are in the eyes of Allah so they are to forgive others and pay evil with
goodness.
“All is known to Allah. Whether people speak evil of you in your presence or behind
your back, or do evil to you, He knows of it. It is not for you to punish them. You should
do good in return, for this goodness will repel evil”.
(Khalid Mahmood Shaikh, 1999)

In the effort of teaching pupils to respect the different religions, a teacher should
model it. As children learn best by following example, a teacher should show respect for
every religion. For example, when Muslims’ prayers are heard within the distance, a
teacher should stop whatever he/she is doing or teaching and only continues when it ends.
By doing so, you are actually teaching showing respect for other religions.
Another way a teacher can do is to praise respect and correct disrespect.
Whenever you catch your pupil acting respectfully you should praise him/her for it.
Similarly, if your pupil is disrespectful of any religion you should correct him/her. Do not
let disrespectful behavior go as it will become a bad habit. If they laugh at other’s
religion you can say, “We do not laugh at other’s religion. Do you want others to laugh at
you too?” This corrects the pupil without making him/her feel attacked.
Stories are always the best resource of education. Religious story can always be
used to teach the pupils the different rituals and beliefs in other religions. Once pupils are
aware of the practices and beliefs in other religion, they would not take it as a laughing
stock anymore.
In conclusion, religion is one of the most important sources of ethical values and
it does help to shape a person’s character. Though there is difference in various practices
beliefs in different religions, they are all teaching human to be good in this world.