ASPECTS OF UNHAPPINESS IN THE CHURCH HISTORY

1. The early church was full of restrictions or don’t which deprived people
happiness; e.g. don’t drink, smoke etc.,
2. There was moving of long distances to remote places which was
unpleasant and tiresome thus made missionaries sick and died before
time.
3. Some slaves who had become Christians continued to live under the pain
of slavery because had no material possession.
4. There was severe persecution to the early Christians from Nero of Rome.
5. Some Christians gave up things they enjoyed to bring happiness and
eventually became unhappy e.g. abandoned their beer parties.
6. There were challenges and opposition from the educated Greek
Philosophers against Christianity.
7. The nuns and monks lived in desert places where life was not pleasing.
8. Missionaries were sometimes deprived of happiness through the
problems they faced in Africa, such tropical diseases and hostile animals.
9. Many African Christians had to end their polygamous marriages to obey
Christianity. Here they lost their original happiness.
10. The Uganda martyrs were facing persecution and they were denied
happiness. Eventually they were killed.
 HAPPINESS IN THE BIBLE
HAPPINESS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. In the creation story when God completed the creation exercise, he was
filled with happiness because everything was good (Genesis 1:31).
2. Adam got happiness when he was given Eve as his wife and companion
(Gen. 2:23). Before this Adam was lonely and unhappy.
3. Producing children brought happiness to Sarah the mother of Isaac as
well as Hannah the mother of Samuel.
4. The liberation of the Israelites from Egypt after 400 years of suffering
brought happiness to the Israelites. (Exodus 12).
5. The day that marked the forgiveness of people’s sins (Day of Atonement)
in Israel brought happiness upon those whose sins were forgiven.
6. The feast of tabernacle (celebration of harvests) in Israel also brought
happiness to all people.
7. When David killed Goliath the whole country was overjoyed because
Goliath was widely feared in Israel.
8. The day King David brought the covenant box in Jerusalem people were
so happy. King David danced almost naked before his people. (2Samuel
6:16)
9. The Israelites became so happy when they received a temple for God
worship.
10. When Elijah’s God sent fire that burnt his Sacrifice, all the people
present became happy for that miracle. 1kings 18:39
11. At the end of Job’s suffering, God brought happiness to his family
and friends.
12. Prophet Isaiah brought happiness to the Israelites when he gave
them news about the coming of the messiah. Isaiah 53
13. The Israelites became so happy after coming back from exile life in
Babylonian and their kingdom was restored.

The OLD TESTAMENT UNDERSTANDING OF HAPPINESS

QUESTION:
With examples, show the Old Testament understanding of
Happiness.
1. Happiness was understood as possession of material things as land,
cattle, goats and sheep.
2. It was understood when one conquered his enemies; for example David
was happy when he defeated Goliath.
3. Getting healed from serious disease, for example Job became so happy
when he was healed of his sickness.
4. Happiness was also attained when the people did God’s will. For example
when the Israelites made a covenant with him at Mt. Sinai.
5. Some people like prophets became happy because of serving God e.g.
Samuel.
6. Having children made some mothers happy for example Hannah the
mother of Samuel.
7. Liberation from suffering such as the Israelites who were saved from the
Egyptians.
8. Celebration of feasts like Passover day often made the Israelites happy.
9. King Solomon became so happy when he built and dedicated a temple for
the God of Israel.
10. God’s presence also made the Israelites happy; e.g. David danced
before the covenant box.
11. Having a companion/ wife would make one happy e.g. Adam
became happy on receiving Eve.

UNHAPPINESS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. The fall of man in Genesis 3 shows the beginning of man’s unhappiness
in the world. Man was chased away from the Garden of Eden.
2. Adam’s family had terrible moments of unhappiness when Cain killed his
brother Abel (Gen.4)
3. The building of the tower of Babel brought unhappiness in the people
when they were confused not to communicate and understand each
other (Gen.11)
4. The life of slavery imposed upon the Israelites in Egypt for 400 years was
a moment of unhappiness to them.
5. The Israelites’ demand for the earthly king was a moment of unhappiness
to Prophet Samuel because it meant rejection of God as king of Israel.
6. When God’s covenant box was captured by the Philistines the Israelites
became unhappy because they lost God’s blessings during that period.
7. Samuel also became unhappy when the first king of Israel- Saul
consistently sinned against God.
8. King Saul also became unhappy because of jealousy when he learnt that
David had been made a new king to replace him in Israel.
9. Unhappiness was also seen in Samuel when David committed the sin of
adultery with Bathsheba.
 10. King Solomon brought unhappiness to God when he started
worshiping the gods of his wives and God promised to take the kingdom
away from him.
11. Unhappiness was also realized by God and Naboth’s family when
King Ahab and his wife decided to kill Naboth and thereafter took his
vineyard.
12. God’s punishments to the Israelites brought unhappiness to the
people especially those who were exiled in Babylonia.

CAUSES OF UNHAPPINESS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

QN: With examples, explain the causes of unhappiness in the Old

Testament.
1. Failure to obey God’s instructions; for example Adam and Eve disobeyed
God’s laws and were sent away from the Garden of Eden.
2. Jealousy caused unhappiness; Cain killed his brother Abel and this
made him a wanderer.
3. Acts of slavery made the Israelites unhappy for a period of 400 years
because they were oppressed.
4. Presence of bad leaders made the Israelites unhappy especially during
the era of Eli and his sons.
5. Barrenness brought unhappiness in some people such as Hannah the
mother of Samuel.
6. Death also caused unhappiness. For example when King David lost his
son with Bathsheba he was filled with unhappiness.
7. Over taxation and forced labor also caused unhappiness; this was seen
during the days of king Solomon who was hash to the people.
8. Poverty also caused unhappiness in Israel; the poor of Amos’ time were
denied justice in courts of law and some sold for a pair of sandal and
piece of silver.

Question:
How did the fall of man bring about unhappiness?
 Mankind lost God’s good company.
 Man lost God’s providence
 Man lost God’s love
  Man was punished by God sentenced to death.
 Man and woman became enemies for the first time.
 Man and other creatures became enemies.
 Mankind became naked- lost God’s protection
 Woman has to produce out of pain
 Man was chased away from Eden.
 Woman became subordinate of man.
 Even the soil was cursed to develop thorns and become barren.
 Man started sweating for what to eat.

HAPPINESS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament shows that Jesus is the source of happiness to his
followers and this can be seen in the following ways;
1. Jesus has divine love and is a perfect representation of God. He brought
love so as everyone would have joy and happiness.
2. Jesus removed the law which was a burden to man and could not give to
him happiness, e.g. the law of Sabbath.
3. Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice on behalf of the sinful man. For this
reason Jesus brought happiness to man.
4. Through Jesus all Christians are assured of redemption and deliverance.
Therefore he is the hope to enter God’s kingdom where happiness is
found.
5. Through Jesus all Christians entered into a new covenant with God
through the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
6. Jesus introduced a new baptism of the Holy Spirit which provides
spiritual renewal to his followers.
7. He showed concern to the children and brought happiness to his
followers. Therefore Jesus advocated for the rights of the weak and
voiceless.
8. The New Testament shows that Jesus interacted with different people
like the rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles etc. this means his happiness
is universal.
9. The humility of Jesus to accept to serve others instead of being served;
makes him to be a source of happiness to man.
10. The followers of Jesus are assured of resurrection after death. This
is the greatest happiness to all those who believe in Jesus.
 New Testament teaching on happiness
1. Jesus teaches that true happiness is not in material possession or in
following the Law of Moses but it is in the fact that God loves us.
2. The New Testament shows that happiness lies in ones obedience of God
and following him alone.
3. The New Testament indicates that happiness comes from one’s love for
his neighbors and at the same time love for God.
4. It teaches that having hope in life after death among all Christians.
5. It teaches that happiness means having love and trust in God the
almighty.
6. Christians believe happiness is having fellowship with others through
Eucharist and unity in Christ.
7. True happiness means having love, respect and mercy upon our fellow
Christians.
8. The New Testaments maintains that happiness means repenting of his
sins to allow reconciliation take place.
9. Happiness among the married upholding the marriage vows and keeping
the stability of their marriage.
10. Happiness is being born again. One who proclaims Jesus as his
true savior is said to be happy.
11. Christians believe that happiness means believing in the
beatitudes i.e. being humble, peacemaker etc.
12. Happiness comes from accepting the Good News and sharing it
with others.

The sources of happiness according to the New Testament

1. Happiness is derived through receiving and accepting the gospel Luke
19.
2. Happiness is attained through being on good terms with others.
3. It’s achieved through being kind to others and taking care of those who
need care.
4. Happiness can be achieved through involving in worship and prayer.
5. It is achieved through acceptance of the sacraments like baptism and
Holy Communion.
6. By being spiritually poor in order to know more about God.
7. By living a life of self-denial and carrying one’s cross for the sake of God’s
kingdom.
8. By involving in fellowships and church services.
9. Happiness can be achieved by mourning for the sake of the kingdom of
God.
10. By accepting to be persecuted for the sake of God’s kingdom.
11. Happiness is derived through calling upon God’s intervention in
our lives.
12. It comes by involving Christians in the promotion of peace in the
world.

JESUS’ TEACHING ABOUT HAPPINESS IN THE

BEATITUDES/SERMON ON THE MOUNTAIN (Mt. 5:1-10)
In the beatitudes is found the summary about the fundamental attitudes
of those who accept the Good News of the kingdom of God. It can be seen
in the following ways;
1. Firstly happy are the poor in spirit. The poor in spirit know and accept
that that they need God and other people that they cannot rely on
themselves.
2. Jesus also teaches that happy are the meek or gentle. The meek do not
seek to dominate others but to allow others to be themselves.
3. Jesus teaches that happy are those who mourn for others. Those who
mourn have experienced suffering and therefore can understand it and
comfort others as well.
4. According to Jesus those who are hungry and thirst for justice are
happy. These want to love and serve God and others; they want to
destroy whatever makes the life of others difficult.
5. Happy are the merciful because they tolerate and forgive others easily.
6. The pure in heart are happy because they try to break down the barriers
which divide people.
7. Happy are the persecuted because of the right cause because they are
happy.
 WHY IT’S DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS BY FOLLOWING THE
BEATITUDES

1. Some people think they need to acquire material wealth in order to

achieve happiness yet the beatitudes teaches about spiritual
achievement for one to be happy.
2. Some people want to be self -sufficient so as to be happy yet beatitudes
teach that one has to remain trustworthy to God in order to be happy.
3. Unanswered prayers would affect the Christian faith in God thus making
one not to be spiritually rich.
4. The persecution of Christians by non-believers would make Christian life
hard and thus denying them chance to have happiness.
5. Lack of time can prevent Christians from mourning with others, yet
beatitudes teach that happiness comes from consoling others.
6. The attitude of mind your business discourage Christians from mourning
with others.
7. Love for power and status can prevent some Christians to be meek in
order to have happiness as beatitudes teach.
8. Some bad policies of the government like over taxation can prevent a
business Christian from being just which in the end will deny one
happiness.
9. Living in a permissive environment can make a Christian lose the purity
of the heart and thus prevent him from getting happiness.
10. Prolonged suffering and illness makes one to hate God thus not
getting happiness in the end.
11. Man’s revengeful nature can affect a Christian desire to work for
peace, thus preventing one from getting full happiness.
 SUBTHEME 2:
UNENDING LIFE
The term unending life means eternity or everlasting life. It’s the life after death
or life beyond this material world (earthly life).
THE COMMON CAUSES OF DEATH TODAY
The concept of death is the permanent end of life. Today there are quite a
number of factors which lead to death below are the following;

1. Disease like Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera and Cancer are the main cause of
death in the world. For example influential people like Philly Bbongole
Lutaaya died of prolonged Malaria brought by HIV.
2. Accidents like on the road, lakes and plane crashes, as well as
electrocution have also killed many people. For example the popular rally
driver Khugi met his death in road accident.
3. Poisoning through food and drinks also cause death. This is done by
malicious people in society.
4. Maternal mortality; death of mothers and children in the hospital during
child birth.
5. Abortion; this is where many young and old women die during the
expulsion of the unwanted pregnancies.
6. Committing of suicide or self- murder; this is deliberately deprivation of
one’s life through hanging, jumping from storied building etc.
7. Armed robbery where robbers put people on gun point and kill them if
they hesitate to comply to their request.
8. Domestic violence; this where an aggressive husband or wife kills his
partner; for example Lydia Draru killed her husband Major gen. James
Kazini.
9. Social disputes or disagreements; for example when one annoys another
he/she can pick an axe, pang or spear and to kill another.
10. Natural calamities like earth quake storm and floods.
11. Old age; when one’s body-system becomes tired and worn out.
 HOW PEOPLE TODAY REACT TO DEATH

Generally all people have the following responses of the concept of death in
society.
1. People fear death; that is why whenever one gets any illness he/she runs
for medical treatment.
2. Death creates sadness, hence weeping when one dies is experienced.
3. It makes people repent for their sins to prepare to life after death.
4. It also makes people pray intensively for the dead person so as he/she
may easily go to heaven.
5. Other people respond to death by cursing God after losing their dear
ones.
6. Some people feel happy on the death of their close relatives especially
those who would wish to share the property of the deceased.
7. Some people ensure that they enjoy life while still living for example
eating good food, enjoying dances etc.
8. Some people prepare for death by booking burial services ahead of their
death.
9. Other people react to death by making wills before they die whereby they
show the distribution of property to their relatives.
10. Burial services are organized and digging of the grave is made
where the dead will be made to rest all his/her time.
11. Some people visit witch doctors, diviners and medicine men to find
out the causes of one’s death.

MODERN IDEAS ABOUT LIFE AFTER DEATH

People today have different ideas about death which include the
following;
1. Many people today believe that one’s physical death marks the end of
his/her entire life.
2. Others think that heaven and hell are the religious ideas simply to scare
people to be good before they die.
3. Scientists doubt whether there is life after death because they believe in
what they see.
4. Others think that life after death is a mental therapy aimed at saving
people from the worries and how to spend life after dying.
5. Life after death is sheer hope and expectation of a new life after this
earthly life.
6. Some people believe that life after death is a consolation to people who
have been defeated by the challenges of the world.
7. Some people believe that the idea of life after death is a threatening
factor used by preachers to bring people to the church.
8. Many youth have a belief of enjoying themselves as much as they could
because there is no more enjoyment after death. They believe that life
ends here on earth.
9. Some people attribute one’s death to his /her conduct in daily life. If a
person was good then he/she gets a better unending life and vice versa.
10. To some people current life matters most, what will come
afterwards is a non-issue to them.
11. They claim that life after death was for people in the past who
lacked scientific knowledge on many things.

WHY PEOPLE DOUBT UNENDING LIFE TODAY

1. It’s doubted because no one has ever died and resurrected in the
contemporary society.
2. Preachers just want to threaten people to behave well in society.
3. People doubt it because even preachers feel sorrow and weep when their
close relatives die implying that such dead people are going to miss the
good life on earth.
4. Unending life is a belief for the poor and weak who have nothing to do;
this makes others doubt its existence.
5. People doubt it because there is no life after death and one should enjoy
life now.
6. Unending life is a matter of belief and faith but has no naked truth
behind it.
7. Scientists only believe in things which they observe in laboratories,
hence doubting the concept of life after death.
8. Scientists believe that if a physical body dies, it decomposes and does
not have more life again.
 QUESTION’
Why do many people today doubt the idea of unending life?

UNENDING LIFE IN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN SOCIETY

Africans believed in the concept of the “LIVING DEAD OR CONTINUITY OF
LIFE and they have the following ideas;
1. They described death as simply a transitional occurrence. For example
the Baganda in Central Uganda called a dead OMUGENZI meaning
departed. This means that there is life after death.
2. It was believed that even the dead continued to enjoy the aspects of life
amongst themselves. That is why they are buried into the same burial
ground.
3. The living dead were always venerated and respected and their names
are held in high regard.
4. The living dead were part of the African societies. They were believed to
be mediators between God and other living people.
5. The dead were known to be more powerful than the living. This is
because they were in spiritual world. For example the Bemba in Zambia
would whisper important messages to the dead before burying them.
6. Shrines were built by the living people for the worship of the ancestral
spirits of the dead.
7. The spirits of the dead were appeased with food, drinks and roasted
meat; thus showing there was life after death.
8. The living dead were believed to appear to some of their close relatives in
form of dreams, visions or getting possessed with the spirit of the dead.
9. Africans would give names of their ancestors to their children. This was
a solution to death as the dead would be replaced by children.
10. The dead were consulted through diviners or medicine men.
Therefore they could make some decisions.
11. The dead were buried with their property to show that life
continues after death. For example they would be buried with spears,
hoes etc.
12. In some traditions like Busoga and Acholi the dead would be
buried in the compound or houses to show that they are still part of that
family.
13. Their grave yard would be cleaned and kept quiet for fear to
disturbing them where ever they were resting.
HOW THE DEAD ARE NOT DEAD IN THE AFRICAN SETTING
QUESTION:
Using examples show that to the Africans the dead were not dead.
1. The dead in Africa did not die for ever because they were re-born through
their children.
2. Africans buried the dead with their properties like the Egyptian kings
were buried with their favorite wives, properties and servants to use I the
next world.
3. The dead were used as messengers for example the Bemba whispered
messages in the ears of the dead to take it to the spiritual world.
4. The dead were buried in the compounds showing that they are still
members of the family for example the Samia in Eastern Uganda and
Basoga.
5. They shared meals with the dead especially the first harvest. This was
common among the Banyankore in western Uganda.
6. The Baganda in central Uganda buried the dead in bark cloth to provide
warmth to the dead.
7. Fire was lit outside the home to find way to the next world e.g. among the
Bakiga.
8. The Baganda women would pad themselves to prevent the spirit entering
her and preventing them from getting another man.
9. Shaving hair of the dead and mourners as a sign of mourning and a
decent send off.
10. Buried the dead in evenings so as to wish them good journey to the
next world

CAUSES OF DEATH IN THE AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY

1. Witch craft or uttering some destructive magical words to someone due
to jealousy or hatred.
2. Immoral acts would lead to someone’s death for example one can be
murdered, raped etc.
3. Disrespect of sacred places of worship in the African traditional societies
would lead to suffering and death.
4. Violation of oath would also lead to death because oaths were religiously
binding.
5. Breaking of blood pacts or “omukago” would bring about death of the
offender or betrayer.
6. Curses from senior relatives caused death for example one’s father,
mother or aunt.
7. Violation of taboos or religious customs caused death, e.g. insulting
elders, incest etc.
 8. Punishments from ancestors could also bring about death because the
god were responsible for people’s life.
9. Insulting god was also responsible for death because God was the
sustainer of life.
10. Being antisocial would also bring about death in the African
society.
11. Inter-tribal wars like those which existed between Buganda and
Bunyoro.

With examples, show how the Africans expressed sorrow upon losing their
dear ones.
 By crying and weeping e.g. among the Baganda
 Suspending daily activities like cultivation for a given period e.g. the
Acholi would suspend them for 3days in event of a man’s death and four
days for a woman.
 By smearing their bodies with white clay e.g. Masai people of Kenya.
 Breaking the pots in the house of the deceased e.g. the Masai to show
that the life of a family member has come to an end.
 By suspending bathing and washing until the period of mourning was
over. E.g. among the Baganda, they would spend around four days
without bathing as a sign of mourning.
 Suspending sexual intercourse for some time. E.g. the Samia
 Lighting fire the whole night e.g. the Basoga would light fire in the
courtyard for the whole night so as to give light to the mourners.
 By trimming off the bodily hair as a symbol that death had occurred and
another life was yet to start e.g. the hair of the orphans would be
trimmed off by their grandmothers in Buganda.
 By dressing in particular fashions e.g. in Buganda the orphans had to tie
banana fibers around their waists as a way of mourning.
 By abandoning their homesteads and shifting elsewhere e.g. the Masai
would do this because such a home was now associated with misfortune.

RESPONSIBLILTIES OF THE LIVING TO THE DEAD / ANCESTORS

 The living would venerate the ancestors/dead i.e. offered prayers through
them.
 The sacrificed and poured libations for them as a sign of acknowledging
them.
 The named their children after them.
 The ancestors were invited for social functions like funeral rites,
weddings etc.
 The living taught their young ones about their ancestors.
 The living obeyed instructions of the ancestors for fear of bad
repercussions.
 They appeased them
 They built them shrines where ancestors rested from.
 The living could take care of the burial grounds where ancestors were
made to rest.

DIFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN CHRISTIAN AND

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN WAYS OF PREPARING PEOPLE FOR LIFE
AFTER DEATH

 In African setting there was fulfilling of the social obligations like

marriage and producing children while today people dedicate themselves
to God’s work like Nuns.
 In ATS they offered sacrifices to gods and spirits while today people
prepare for life after death by leading a holy life based on Christian
teaching.
 In ATS punishments were administered to wrong doers while today
Christians practice forgiveness and repentance.
 In ATS life after death was prepared for by giving food to the dead while
today Christians simply go for Eucharist.
 In ATS there was accumulation of wealth as a requirement for life after
death but today to go to heaven one is required to be poor in material
wealth but rich in faith.
 In ATS it required appeasing and consulting ancestral spirits while
Christians need to have the Holy Spirit to have life after death.
 Christians pray through Jesus Christ while in ATS people prayed
through spirits.

SIMILARITIES

1. Both emphasize living a morally upright life if one is to have unending

life.
2. Both require dedicating one’s life to God
3. In both names of the good people/ ancestors are given to the children
4. In both performance of good works like caring for the sick and poor is
emphasized.
5. In both good relationship with God and others is important.
6. In ATS shrines are built but Christians too build churches.
7. Both respect religious leaders.
8. Both call upon good members who died to help them in difficult times.
9. In both there is giving of help (alms in the church) and food stuffs in the
ATS.

Question.

(a) Describe the relationship between the living and the

ancestors in traditional African societies.
Answers;
1. To the Africans the dead were referred to as the ancestors- the dead were
not dead, they were the living dead.
2. The family had its roots in the generations through the dead ancestors.
they shared drinks and meals with the dead through libations (pouring
water down) or throwing food down.
3. The dead were buried near the homesteads because they were still
regarded as part of the family.
4. Grave yards were kept clean in order to promote a good relationship with
the dead.
5. Shrines were built where sacrifices for the ancestors were made from.
6. The ancestors were venerated through acts of worship like praying
through them and giving them sacrifices.
7. The names of the ancestors were called upon during family occasions like
initiations, marriages etc.
8. Ancestors acted as mediators between the living and God that is why the
living would always pray through them.
9. Names of the ancestors / dead were given to the newly born children as
one way of remembering their dead ancestors.
10. Belongings of the dead were inherited by the living
11. The dead would appear to the living in dreams to give them any
emergence information.
(b) How does the Christian teaching help people to have hope in life
after death?
Christian teaching can help Christian have hope in life after death
in the following ways;
 1. It can be done by teaching God’s love for us; for God loved the world, and
whoever believes in him may not die but have an eternal life.
2. Christianity teaches that eternal life begins here and now through
acceptance of Jesus, John 3:11-16.
3. By believing in the resurrection of Jesus; he conquered death by
resurrecting to life.
4. By encouraging Christians to have communion with God and with fellow
men
5. Through loving God and our neighbors, by living in openness to God and
neighbors.
6. By having fellowship and caring for those in need e.g. the story of the rich
man and Lazarus luke16:19-29.
7. By sharing Eucharist which is a sign and source of eternal life.
8. The fact that Jesus raised the dead was a sign that Jesus has power over
death. E.g. the raising of Lazarus should encourage Christians that one
time they will also overcome death.
9. By encouraging Christians to have trust and faith in God who gives eternal
life.
10. Jesus’ resurrection gives hope in life after death for all who believe
in him.
11. Christians should know that death is a get way to eternal life.
12. Jesus said that he was going to prepare for us eternal life in his
father’s kingdom, John 14:1-3.
13. Christianity teaches that all those recorded in the book of life will
resurrect.
14. The second coming of Jesus Christ is an assurance that eternal life
will be brought for the faithful people.
15. The vision of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-12 assures Christians of life
after death.

UNENDING LIFE IN CHURCH HISTORY

Church history has the following views about life after death;
1. The Egyptians regarded death as a cross-over to another stage of life;
that is why they buried the dead with their property.
2. The Greeks believed that man’s soul was immortal (cannot die). They
believed that the dead continued to live outside the earthly body.
3. The Romans who listened to the gospel feared God as a harsh judge.
Therefore they prepared so well for unending life.
4. The monks and nuns gave up the worldly pleasures in preparation for
heavenly unending life.
5. The Roman Catholics believed in frequent long prayers for meditations
and penance (self-punishment) in order to have eternity.
6. The members of the Anglican church believed that unending life can be
attained through having faith in God.
7. The Jews expected a messiah who would give them a better unending
life.
8. The apostles who were trained by Jesus believed in resurrection of every
one since Jesus overcame death.
9. Christians in the middle ages after the death of Jesus did not fear death
anymore and they knew that they were already experiencing eternal life.
This was common with St. Francis of Assisi.
10. In the modern church history missionaries came to Africa and
taught people that whoever never heard a gospel would go to hell.

PREPARATION FOR ETERNAL LIFE IN CHURCH HISTORY

1. Christians in the early church attended fellowships through which they
shared experiences in their journey to unending life.
2. Christians were called upon to remain committed to their prayers.
3. The church encouraged Christians to repent in preparation for unending
life.
4. They reflected agape love to one another. They lived in a community full
of God’s love.
5. The early Christians participated in Holy Eucharist as they remembered
the death of Jesus and his second coming.
6. They regularly worshiped Jesus Christ and lifted up his glory.
7. The early Christians prepared for this life by sharing with the poor
members of the church like widows, orphans etc.
8. Christians developed a compassion heart by doing charitable works and
helping the needy.
9. Christians preached the gospel of hope for unending life because Jesus
died and resurrected. The same resurrection was expected.
10. Christians in the early church endured all sorts of trials and
persecutions as they prepared for eternal life.
BIBLICAL TEACHING ON UNENDING LIFE
THE OLD TESTAMENT
The Old Testament understanding of life after death can be seen in the
following ways;
1. The Israelites believed that when a person died he went to unknown
place called Shoel which was full of total darkness without happiness.
(Ecclesiastes 9:5)
 2. Many Israelites had fear for Shoel for example king Hezekiah cried for
mercy when he learnt about his death (Isaiah 38:2)
3. The Israelites covered up their fear for death by eating as much as they
could so as to enjoy life before it could be taken. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)
4. Among the Israelites it was believed that everyone was a mere visitor and
it was through death that one would get unending life.( Eccl 12:5)
5. The Israelites had hope that God who had been faithful to man during
earthly life cannot abandon man at death. (Psalm 73:21-26)
6. Prophet Isaiah taught that the unending life God would give to his people
would be full of joy and happiness. (Isaiah 25:9)
7. It was believed that the righteous deeds (good actions) would earn one
better unending life (Proverbs11:19)
8. Prophet Isaiah called upon the Israelites to repent such that God would
give them salvation of eternal life. (Isaiah 30:15)
9. In Daniel 12:2 there is an explanation of resurrection of the dead
Israelites at the judgment day. The faithful people would be saved and
unfaithful get punished.
10. The departure of the Israelites to Canaan was equated to unending
life. There would be another promised land in Heaven where there would
be unending life.
11. The Israelites believed that they would get eternal life in heavenly
city of Zion where they would sing and rejoice (Isaiah 15:11)

THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHINGABOUT UNENDING LIFE

1. In the New Testament there is hope for victory after death. This was done
by Jesus who conquered death when he resurrected into everlasting life.
2. The miracle of Jesus raising the dead showed that God has power of
death. For example in John 11:32 when Jesus resurrected Lazarus.
3. In the New Testament Jesus is identified as the only way to eternal life
John 14:6.
4. The eternal life in the New Testament is for every one without any
discrimination unlike in the Old Testament. It’s for Jews and gentiles,
men and women etc. Ephesians 6:8
5. Jesus taught that if one wants to have happiness in eternal life, he
should be humble, merciful and work for peace.
6. The New Testament teaches that eternal life begins here and now
because eternal life means fellowship with God and loving our neighbors.
Luke 10:25-28
7. Jesus encouraged his followers to share with the poor by works and
charity so as to increase their eternal life.
8. The Holy Communion is a sign of eternal life. It’s a sign of fellowship and
love 1corinthians 11:24-25
9. Life after death in the New Testament is about rewarding the faithful
Christians 1corinthians 3:8
10. Jesus taught that the worldly riches can be a big barrier for one to
enter life. He said that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of
God. Mark 10:7-23
11. The New Testament teaches that judgment day will mark the end
of earthly life. when that day comes; Jesus will be the judge Mt. 24:36
12. Jesus taught that the names of the people to get eternal life will be
recorded in the book of life Luke10:20.

WHY THE JEWS DOUBTED JESUS AS AWAY TO UNENDING LIFE.

 The Jews said that Jesus came from a poor village of Nazareth, thus
making people to doubt him as their messiah to bring them salvation.
 Jesus was a son of a carpenter and had a humble background.
 Jesus accepted to be baptized by John the Baptist thus identifying
himself with the sinners of the time.
 Jesus was tempted by Satan which belittled him to the level of an
ordinary man.
 Jesus suffered from hunger as he preached the gospel thus showing that
he was human and could not lead followers to eternal life,( Mark 11:12)
 Jesus performed miracles and told his followers not to tell others this
indicated that he was fearful and thus not son of God to bring salvation
to others.
 Jesus associated with sinners e.g. prostitutes, tax collectors etc. instead
of hating them.
 Jesus presented himself as a universal messiah yet the Jews expected a
messiah for the Jews only.
 Jesus encouraged people to pay taxes to the Roman government; this
made people doubt his ability to bring salvation to them.
 They taught that Jesus would have an army of angels to defend him, but
he was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane.
  They expected a messiah to liberate them from the Roman government
which Jesus did not do.
 Because Jesus died on the cross like a criminal, the Jews doubted his
ability to bring salvation them. He was killed together with other
criminals so they doubted him.

HOW A CHRISTIAN SHOULD PREPARE FOR UNENDING LIFE

Christianity expects its followers to observe the following virtues in order
to attain unending life.
 Eternity (unending life) can be achieved by Christians today through
regular repentance of sins.
 Christians can also attain unending life by taking up baptism which
takes away their inherited sin.
 They can also be assured of unending life by remaining committed to
their prayers.
 They should prepare for it by attending fellowships to encourage one
another in case of challenges in life.
 They also prepare for unending life by regularly worshiping God.
 Through charitable works like helping the poor, widows, sick orphans
etc.
 Through extending love for one another as brothers and sisters in faith.
 Through attending Eucharist feast every time they are for mass.
 Through preaching the word of God to others.
 Through observing God’s command of paying tithe.
 By using the gifts of the Holy Spirit properly like the gift of speaking in
strange tongues as well as interpreting the message for other, singing
and healing others.
 By teaching people to believe in one true God.
 By conveying the Good news of eternal life through evangelism.
QUESTION
(a) What ideas of unending life that prophet Isaiah presented to King
Hezekiah? (Isaiah 38:9-20)
 Isaiah told Hezekiah that unending life of the faithful is full of joy and
praises, thus the king should not fear death.
 He told him that there was no need to fearing death; because Hezekiah
had feared it.
 He told him that God is the source of rescue and eternal life.
 Isaiah said that the fear of death makes people restless without sleeping.
  He said that God forgives sinners who repent like Hezekiah.
 It teachers that people with life can praise God but not the dead.
 He said that God needs people to be faithful to him in order to get
unending life.
 Isaiah assured the king that there is hope of victory over death.
 Prayers can bring restoration of hope for those who lose it e.g. Hezekiah.
(b) Show how the teaching of the New Testament can give hope to the
desperate AIDS victims.
 Aids victims should know that since Jesus resurrected everyone who dies
will as well resurrect, (John 11:25).
 They should know that Christians suffer but in the end they will get their
glory in heaven.
 One can repent and wait for the judgment day on which he will be set
free.
 One should commit himself to prayers, worship, bible study etc.
 They should know that heaven is the last destination and that the earth
in only a resting place.
 One can suffer but there is a reward of eternal crown just like Jesus
suffered on the cross.
 The soul is immortal i.e. the body dies but the soul continues to live.
 The Christian has to simply trust and obey God in order to get happiness
in eternal life.
 A Christian can expect spiritual victory after the end of earthly life.
 God has immeasurable love for mankind and cannot abandon one even
in time of fear.
VENERATION OF THE DEAD CHRISTIAN IN THE CHURCH TODAY
Veneration means remembering the departed Christians in respect and
honor of their contributions when they were still alive. Veneration is done in
the following ways;
 Veneration is done by dedicating prayers to the dead Christians for
example through memorial services.
 It’s done by burying some Christians in the church grave yard especially
the priests.
 It’s done by dedicating special days in the year to remember Christians
who died for example 3rd June is dedicated for the Uganda Martyrs.
 By participating in religious journeys or pilgrimages as Christians
remember the dead for example the pilgrimage to Namugongo martyrs’
shrine.
 By dedicating names of the departed Christians to some churches e.g. St.
Paul’s cathedral Namirembe, St. Augustine’s chapel – Makerere.
 It’s done by composing songs to praise the good works done by the
departed Christians e.g. songs of the Uganda martyrs like “Bewayo
abaana…………”
 By giving names of the departed Christians to the newly converted
Christians e.g. Peter, Agnes, John etc.
 It’s also done by giving names of departed Christians or saints to church
institutions like schools, hospitals, roads etc. e.g. Bishop Cipriano
Kihangire S.S, ST. Francis of Assisi hospital Nsambya etc.
 The church has also set up organizations under names of strong
Christians in remembrance of their services for the church. For example
cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga foundation.
 Sometimes the church organizes special talks or lectures in memory of
the departed Christians.
Explain the similarities and differences between the Christian and
traditional African beliefs about life after death
Similarities
 Both believe that death is a point when the spirit separates from the
body.
 Both have a belief that death is not the end human life. Life continues
even after death.
 Both Christian and African tradition believes in the invisible universe or
the world of the dead/spirits.
 They both believe that life after death depends on the ways one conducts
himself in the earthly life.
 They both honor and while praying they mention names of the saints and
martyrs e.g. St. Paul pray for us, while traditionalists call names of the
departed ancestors.
 Both make offerings or gifts to the ancestors to show their loyalty.
Christians collect gifts in memorial services while traditionalists give food
and drinks.
 In both the dead are remembered by giving their names to newly born
children.
 Both Africans and Christians offer prayers for the dead in hope securing
for them a good unending life.
 They both build shrines for the ancestors e.g. the shrine in peoples’
homes just like the Christian shrine at Namugongo for the martyrs.
  Both have a belief that the departed play a mediatory role for the living.
Catholics for example pray through Holy mother Mary, Judah etc. and
traditionalists use spirits of ancestors.
 They both venerate or respect the ancestors by acts of worship, giving
sacrifices and construction of shrines.
Differences
 In African traditional society, Africans would be buried with some of their
property like food, beer, spears etc. while Christians believe that new life
starts after earthly life.
 People in traditional Africa believed that when one died, his spirit
lingered around them but Christians go heaven or hell.
 Christians believe that the faithful who died have their names recorded
in heaven unlike Africans (Rev.21:27)
 Christians believe that the spirits of the dead are guided by the morals
standards of the living but Christians believe that spirits are guided by
the Holy Spirit.
 To the Africans the spirits of the dead would appear to some close
relatives for special instructions, but Christians believe the dead’s spirit
disappears for good.
 While Africans believed in re-incarnation where the dead are re-born in
the children through physical characteristics, Christians however, believe
that one dies forever.
 Africans believe that the dead are more powerful than the living;
however, Christianity only says the dead can act as their mediators to
reach God.
 The idea of hell or heaven is missing in the African context, however, to
Christians it’s more pronounced.
 Christians believe in sacraments like baptism and Holy Communion in
order to attain eternal life but Africans believe in one’s traditional
customs.
 While Christians believe in the judgment day, Africans on the other hand
believe that one was judged by traditional customs.

QUESTION;
(a) Explain the different views about life after death in church history.
(b) How did the Christians in the early church prepare for their
unending life?