Browsing by Author "Rugyendo, Medard"
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Item Open Access Critical Role and Place of the Church as a Response to Environmental Crisis.(Kabale University, 2024) Rugyendo, MedardGlobally, the preservation of the environment is very foundational as far as the realization of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) is concerned today. There was a time when people in poorer countries thought that the environmental crisis was not a serious problem for us in developing countries. Our problem, it was assumed, was poverty and economic exploitation; the environmental issue was a “luxury” of the industrialized countries (Abraham, 1995). But today we realize how urgent this issue is for the whole world. Therefore by preserving the environment, it would be part of an indicator of being the light and salt of the world (Matt.5:13) while responding to the environmental crisis. However, the environment continues to be badly damaged and threatened by human activities. And, despite the attempts by various local and international organizations, state and other agencies to protect the environment (Sowunmi, 1994), the scriptural contribution has often been overlooked and at the same time, many Christians have become insensitive about it as far as responding to the environmental crisis is concerned. This article therefore has the following pertinent questions to address: how significant and central are scriptures (bible) towards the promotion of environmental preservation? What are the critical implications of those teachings for the church today? Regarding the methodology of obtaining the data, since this is a bible-centred article the scriptures and other extra-biblical sources in relation to environmental crisis will be critically analyzed. Thus this article is to critically examine the place and role of the church based on scriptures and other related religious teachings towards environmental preservation. Implications and recommendations for a contemporary Christian will follow suit.Item Open Access Generosity and Solidarity -A Biblical Contribution and Perspective in Response to Poverty in Africa.(Kabale University, 2024) Rugyendo, MedardPoverty has always existed but the Holy Bible isn’t silent about it speaks about the poor and needy but at the same time commands the faithful to give generously to those that are less fortunate in society (( Deut. 24:17-22, 2 Cor. 8 & 9). The Word of God confirms that people who don’t lack what they need as a consequence of the Fall that brought sin into the world (Gen.3). That is, sin lies behind all the economic, social, political, environmental, and psychological factors that result in poverty (Andria, 2006). In addition, the Christian shouldn’t only give generously but must be a voice for the voiceless in this respect. Christians in Africa and elsewhere shouldn’t just give in times of calamities and emergencies but should empower people who receive help to help others (2 Cor. 1:4). But all the said forms of response need to be effected in the promotion of solidarity that goes hand in hand with generosity as inspired by the Word of God (Acts 4:32-35) and as a way to deal with poverty. After all, 'a person is a person because of other people’, or ‘I am, because you are” which is a proverb and a spirit of Ubuntu. The central objectives include: How does the Word of God guide us on solidarity and generosity? In what ways do other extra-biblical guides promote these two virtues of solidarity and generosity? Thus this is a bible- based article on two cultural values that could contribute towards reducing poverty but with other sources beyond the holy bible. That is, the Word of the Lord needs to guide African generosity and solidarity so as to make them better tools for the growth and development of Africa in this 21st Century.Item Open Access Lessons from Deborah’ Inspiration and Implications on the Plight of Women Leadership in A Male Dominated Society: Significances for Today’s World(Kabale University, 2024) Rugyendo, MedardThough this is a bible-centered article, it partly falls under the 5th of the 17 sustainable development goals namely to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world (un.org/sustainable development/sustainable-development- goals). The Jewish culture was a male-dominated society yet women had great roles and contributions in the social, economic, religious, and political fields. The male Jews used to have the morning prayers that included “Blessed are you, LORD our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has not made me a woman.” This view openly expressed a quintessential misogyny that lies at the core of a patriarchal religion.” Other examples included being left out in the counting of those that Jesus fed (Matt.14:21). They couldn’t be counted as the Israelites were leaving Egypt (Ex.12:37). They couldn’t be allowed to speak in the church (1 Cor.14:33b-36). Women couldn’t be placed in higher positions of leadership in the Jewish community yet women like Deborah the prophetess and judge in the Old Testament (Judges 4 & 5) inspired the Israelites who later defeated the Canaanite oppressors. Though Deborah was a heroine and the only woman among the twelve (12) judges of Israel, she was not included in the Hall of Faith in the Book of Hebrews 11. What was the nature of male dominance among the Israelites? Therefore, this is an assessment of a bible-based article but with other extra-biblical sources about the plight and position of women leadership in a male-dominated society based on Deborah. The implications of her achievements will inspire this 21st-century world that experiences gender-based challenges in leadership at various levels.Item Open Access Practicing a Christian Environmental Ethic through Stewardship.(Kabale University, 2024) Rugyendo, MedardThis article defines the human’s moral and ethical obligations toward environment and development but based on Genesis 2:15 where ‘the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden” to work it and take care of it. This implied that he was to think, plan, cultivate and improve on the same garden he had been placed other than living a contemplative life. The article portrays that God’s people are stewards but he retains ownership of all His creation through a careful study of God's Word as illuminated by a number of historical and recent authors. Then the article proposes the Christian’s practical implications as caretakers or managers of nature that will lead to the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The bible will be at the centre but other relevant sources that are extra- biblical will also be consulted as well.Item Open Access “The Poor will always be with you”: Ethical Implications for the Church and Development in Africa.(Kabale University, 2024) Rugyendo, MedardWe live in the world and Africa in particular where the Church promotes the love of God and neighbor but also harbours the poor as well. However, in the gospels, Jesus in Matthew 26:11 echoed the words of Deuteronomy 15: 11 that the “poor will always be with you” when a woman poured expensive oil on him preparing him for his death. To most people, it is believed that he meant that poverty is unstoppable, unbreakable, unavoidable, and predetermined by God yet it is created by human beings when they disobey God and neglect their neighbor. Christians ought to help each other and witness justice through sharing, clothing and providing shelter for the poor. This paper seeks to delve into the meaning of Jesus’ words and propose ethical implications for Christians. What’s the role of Christians in fighting poverty amongst themselves? Is poverty unavoidable? Is it predetermined by God? Through biblical search and other thinkers, the meaning and implications will be drawn.