Impartiality – SS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Partiality is showing favour to one person or group over another in an unfair way, while impartiality is treating everyone fairly and equally.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what partiality means;
2. state what Paul and James taught about partiality;
3. give examples of partiality in society and in the church;
4. list the effects of partiality on society;
5. suggest ways of curbing partiality in the church.

What is partiality?

To be partial means to discriminate against a person or group by treating them unjustly and unfairly.

• Denial of rights: a partial person denies others some rights and privileges.
• Reasons for denial: the reasons are economic, social or political.
• Social status: people may be denied rights because of their position in society.
• In the church: even in the Church of God, the rich are given privileges over the poor in certain issues.
• In the nation: some people in a country are discriminated against because of political and economic factors.
• Christian view: partiality is a sin against humanity and should not be tolerated within Christianity.

What is the difference between partiality and impartiality?

• Partiality: unfair treatment that favours one side, often the rich or powerful.
• Impartiality: fair treatment of all people, based on justice, equity and fair play.

What did Paul teach about partiality?

Apostle Paul taught that all believers are equal and one in Christ.

• Letter: he spoke against partiality in his epistle to the Galatian Church.
• Key verse: 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)
• Jew and Greek: no one is better because of nationality or race.
• Bond and free: no one is better because of social or economic position.
• Male and female: no one is better because of sex.

What did Saint James teach about impartiality?

Saint James condemned partiality in the church of his time and urged Christians to practise social justice, equity and fair play (James 2:1-13).

Do not show partiality

• Follow Christ: Christians must follow Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, and must not show partiality.
• No class distinction: James warned against class distinction among believers.
• Do not neglect the poor: the poor must not be neglected while the rich are honoured at gatherings.
• Appearance: judging people by their dressing and social status is wrong.
• Some churches: James observed that believers gave preference to the rich and looked down on the poor.

Love your neighbour

• Scripture: James told Christians to love their neighbour according to the scripture.
• Partiality is sin: those who show partiality have sinned and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
• The whole law: whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Live under the law of liberty

• Thoughts and actions: Christians must speak and act as people to be judged by the law of liberty.
• Mercy: whoever fails to show mercy will be judged without mercy.

What is partiality in society?

Partiality in society is social injustice, favouritism and nepotism in the way people are treated.

• Public service: appointment and promotion are often based on tribe, sex, religion or membership of a political group, not on merit.
• Sports and awards: candidates are sometimes selected unfairly for sporting activities and national awards.
• The judiciary: the poor hardly obtain justice.
• Breaking the law: the rich often violate the laws of the land and go unpunished.
• Remedy: all these social injustices should be eradicated.

What does partiality look like in today’s churches?

Partiality in churches is the same unfair treatment found in the public sector, shown inside the Christian community.

• Appointments: offices are in most cases not given on merit.
• Seating: exalted seats are often reserved for the rich.
• Contributions: the contribution of the poor is often not recognised.
• Committees: committees are headed by rich people.
• Menial jobs: these are in most cases done by the poor.
• Christian duty: justice and impartiality should be upheld according to the epistle of James.

What are the effects of partiality on society?

Partiality harms society in four main ways.

1. Disunity: it brings disunity among various groups.
2. Distrust: it promotes distrust and unhealthy rivalry.
3. No sense of belonging: it does not give people a sense of belonging.
4. Sycophancy: it encourages sycophancy and praise-singing.

How can partiality be curbed in the church?

Partiality is curbed when church leaders and members apply the teaching of Paul and James in daily church life.

• Merit: give offices and duties to people who are qualified, not only to the rich.
• Equal welcome: receive every visitor and member with the same respect.
• Recognition: acknowledge the contributions of the poor as well as the rich.
• Shared duties: share both leadership roles and menial jobs fairly.
• Teaching: preach and teach Galatians 3:28 and James 2:1-13 regularly.

Evaluation

1. What does it mean to be partial?
2. Quote Galatians 3:28 and say who wrote it.
3. What did James warn Christians about class distinction?
4. Give two examples of partiality in today’s churches.

Assignment

Write a short essay on Apostle James’ stand against partiality. Explain three effects of partiality in society and say how partiality can be curbed in the church.