First Term Lesson Note for Week Eleven
Class : Primary Five
Subject : Social Studies
Topic : Religion and religious belief
Duration : 40 Minutes
Period : Single Period
Reference Book :
- Social Studies for Primary Schools, Book 5.
- Lagos State Unified schemes of work for Upper Primary, (Primary 4 – 5).
- Online Resources
Instructional Material : Chart showing the meaning of religion and religious beliefs.
Learning Objectives : By the end of the lesson learners will be able to :
i. Define religion and religious beliefs
ii. lists the types of religious practices in Nigeria.
iii. Explain the meaning of religious tolerance.
iv. Identify problems of religious bodies in Nigeria and state five of the role of religious bodies in Nigeria.
v. State how religious conflicts can be controlled
Building background connection to prior knowledge: Learners are familiar with the topic in their previous classes
Content :
Religious belief is the practice of a particular religion based on one’s belief in a Supreme being.
Types of religious practices in Nigeria :
In Nigeria, there are three main religions. These are :
- The African traditional religion;
- Islam;
- Christianity.
There are various groups or sects in each of these religions. These sects have some beliefs which are different from those of the larger group.
Some of the sects in the Muslim religion are the Ansar-ud-deen, the Ahmadiyya and the Nawar-ud-deen sects.
In African traditional religion, there are, among others, the Sango worshippers, the Obatala worshippers, the Amadioha worshippers and the Olokun worshippers.
In the Christians, there are the Roman Catholic, the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the Baptist, the Methodist, the Anglican and the Pentecostal Movement, among others.
Each of the sects in Islam, Christianity and African traditional religion interprets aspects of the Holy Quran, the Holy Bible, and the teachings of the African traditional religion in different ways.
However, they all claim to serve and worship the same God.
Role of religious groups in national development
Religious group was the first to provide formal education in schools. They have continued to build and run schools in which children receive their education. For instance, several Muslim and Christian groups have continued to do this.
Religious groups have built hospitals in which the sick are treated.
Religious bodies encourage people to live a good life, according to the laws of God.
They have formed youth associations to help the youth to develop.
They also encourage national unity, because their members come from different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
How to control religious conflicts
Religion provides rules which help to control human feelings and actions for the good of the people. The following are some of the ways to control religious conflicts:
Different religion preaches peace and brotherly love. Each religion has its own doctrines and dogmas. Doctrines are the most important beliefs of a religion, while dogmas are fixed beliefs which must be accepted without any question.
Religious groups may not change their dogmas. They can, however, preach tolerance. This helps to reduce conflicts.
All religions have practices and celebrations. Some of these are held in a noisy Way. These celebrations can make some people, whose religions are different, feel bad. Therefore, such celebrations must be held without noise and disturbance.
Religion may involve preaching in the open air. Loudspeakers are sometimes used even in places of worship. The noise coming from this could make other people angry. The country or religious groups should find ways of controlling such noise in public.
The government should also organize public enlightenment programmes to educate people on how to tolerate other religious practices.
Religious bodies should be made to pay for things damaged by their members during religious riots, while fanatic groups or those involved in religious violence must be made to face court action.
Meaning of religious intolerance
Religious intolerance is the inability to accept that others have the right to practise their own religion.
Religious intolerance occurs when some members of society refuse to accept or tolerate the religious practices of other people.
For instance, some people want everybody to belong to their own religion or sect. Such people sometimes attack or kill those of other sects.
Sometimes ago, there were religious riots in some parts of the northern states especially in Kano. Some Muslims tried to force others to join their own sect of the Islamic religion. This group was known as the Maitatsine group. They killed many People and destroyed property. Recently, the Boko Haram has also destroyed lives and properties in parts of northern Nigeria. This is not a good religious practice.
There have also been religious riots in Kaduna, Kafanchan, Maiduguri, Bauchi and Katsina towns.
God is merciful, kind and peaceful. He does not want violence. People should, therefore, not fight or kill one another because of religion. Such actions do not help the country to be united.
Effects of religious conflicts on society
Some of the bad effects of religious quarrels on society are:
i. Loss of lives: People are often killed during religious riots. The killing may be planned, or it may be by accident.
ii. Loss of property: Houses of worship are often burnt. Cars and other property belonging to people are destroyed.
iii. Public disturbances: Religious crises disturb public peace. People, therefore, leave their work to hide in safer places, and this is bad for the country’s progress.
iv. Wasteful spending: Government usually helps people who are affected by religious riots. This help is often in the form of money or materials. Often, places of worship, which have been damaged, have to be rebuilt. This is wasteful; as such money could be put to better use.
v. Hatred: Religious riots also affect national unity. People begin to hate one another, and this is not good for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
Evaluation :
Teacher asks questions from pupils based on the topic as follows :
1. There are _________ main religions in Nigeria.
2. List the religions practised in Nigeria.
3.
Conclusion :
Teacher goes over the topic for better understanding.
Assignment
1. Define Religion intolerance