Impartiality SS1 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

To be partial means to discriminate, to be unjust and to be unfair to a person or group of people. It also means to deny them some rights and privileges as a result of certain reasons which may be economic, social or political. A person or group of people will be denied some rights and privileges based on their social status. Even in the Church of God, the rich are given privileges over the poor in certain issues.

The same is true in a country where some people are discriminated against, based on political and economic factors. Wherever this is practised it is a sin against humanity and should not be tolerated within Christianity.

Apostle Paul spoke against this in his epistle to the Galatian Church.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

SAINT JAMES TEACHING ON IMPARTIALITY

Saint James in his epistle condemned partiality in the church during his time and encouraged Christians to upload impartiality through social justice, equity and fair play.

James admonished Christians not to show partiality because they are to follow the path of Jesus Christ who is the Lord of Glory. He warned Christians not to allow class distinction in their midst. They should neglect the poor while exalting the rich whenever they are invited for an occasion. The majority of the churches give preference to the rich people while they look down on the poor in their midst. They use physical appearance like dressing to access people at an occasion and they recognise them based on their social status.

The apostle James advised Christians to love their neighbour according to the scripture but if they show partiality they have sinned and are convicted by the law as transgressors. for whoever keeps the whole law and fails in one is guilty of breaking the law he said that they should let their thoughts and actions confirm with those that are to be judged under the law of Liberty for whoever fails to show mercy will be judged without mercy.

PARTIALITY IN THE SOCIETY

There is widespread social injustice favouritism and nepotism in the country. Appointment and promotion in public service in the country are not based on merit but on some political and social factors like tribe, sex, religion, membership in a political group, etc. There is discrimination in the selection of candidates for even sporting activities and national awards.

In the judiciary the poor hardly obtain Justice. The laws of the land are often violated by the rich and yet they go unpunished all these are social injustices which should be eradicated.

IMPARTIALITY IN TODAY’S CHURCHES

The same problem that exists in the public sector exists in churches also. Appointment into offices in most cases is not based on merit exalted setting the church is often reserved for the rich while the contribution of the ball is often not recognised.

The various committees in the church are headed by rich people while in most cases the menial jobs in the church are often done by the poor. All these forms of discrimination and social injustice in the church should not be tolerated. Justice and impartiality should be upheld according to the epistle of James.

EFFECTS OF PARTIALITY ON SOCIETY

1. It brings disunity among various groups
2. It promotes distrust and unhealthy rivalry
3. It does not foster a sense of belonging
4. It encourages sycophancy and praise-singing.

ASSIGNMENT 

1. List and Explain three effects of partiality in the society
2. How do you think impartiality can be curbed in the Church?
3. Discuss Apostle James’ stand against Impartiality.