Browsing by Author "Rugyendo, Medard"

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    A Poem in Praise of a Virtuous Wife: Implications for Development in Africa
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2018) Rugyendo, Medard
    The Bible has various teachings about hard work and industriousness as one of the virtues that leads to development of an individual, family and as a corporate society of Israel. One of its books; Proverbs, provides us with one of the most relevant and exciting texts in form of a poem praising a virtuous wife (Proverbs 31:10-31). However though praised, among the Israelites a woman was treated differently as compared to a man and was usually excluded or had her rights restricted on the basis of gender. In the African family setting, the virtues described are important for promoting social economic development. A good social-economic development has one of its roots in such strong and stable families. Thus, this chapter bases itself on the teachings of the above text. Various implications will be drawn for a modern African society based on the virtuous wife: To what extent are such virtues promoted in our society today? To what extent do we women promote sincerity, hard work, trust and industriousness in today’s society? How can the growth of our economies in Africa base on such virtues? Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, participant observation and relevant literature will be the instruments to obtain data for this chapter.
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    Bible-Based Environmental Conservation for the 21st Century and Application to Present Life Situations
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2018) Rugyendo, Medard
    For many, it is unbelievable but the Bible has a great deal to say about the environment and its conservation. Also, environmental crisis is a concern to many in the world today but whenever such challenges come, most people think and believe that it is a science-related, hence the need for a science-based environmental solution. There is general biblical ignorance as far as environmental issues are concerned yet the Bible is an all-round book for guiding Christians in all matters of life. Thus, many of our environmental problems are rooted in the Christian faith as this paper will expose. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present the contribution of Scripture towards environmental conservation and expose their implications therein.
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    Critical Role and Place of the Church as a Response to Environmental Crisis
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024) Rugyendo, Medard
    Globally, the preservation of 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 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, environment continues to be badly damaged and threatened by human activities. And, despite of 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 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.
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    Generosity and Solidarity - A Biblical contribution and perspective in response to poverty in Africa
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024) Rugyendo, Medard
    Poverty has always existed but the Holy bible isn’t silent about it but 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 in 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 generously give but must be a voice of the voiceless in this respect. Christians in Africa and elsewhere shouldn’t just give in times of calamities and emergences 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.
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    Lessons from Deborah’ Inspiration and Implications on the Plight of Women Leadership in A Male Dominated Society: Significances for Today’s World
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024) Rugyendo, Medard
    Though 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 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.
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    Practicing a Christian Environmental Ethic through Stewardship
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2022) Rugyendo, Medard
    This 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.
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    Strategies for Faith Engagement Within One’s Career: The Role of Uganda Christian University in Preparing Students for Postgraduation Life
    (Christian Higher Education, 2015) Rugyendo, Medard
    This article examines the role of Uganda Christian University (UCU) in devising strategies for the sustenance of Christian faith in one's career for the betterment of the society despite its social ills. The current theme of UCU is “A Complete Education for a Complete Person.” As a Christian university, UCU seeks to provide a positive educational experience and a strong biblical foundation for all that God will call upon its graduates to do in the years that follow. A biblical worldview should see God as the source of truth in all academic disciplines; after all, God not only made all things but he knows them intimately. Given the hostile and challenging social, political, and economic environment of Africa, and Uganda in particular, how can one keep Christian faith in his or her career? How can one remain “salt and light” of such a society? Being a Christian is no longer popular in Uganda and an alarming number of young Christians are walking away from their faith by the time they finish their university years. Mere academic knowledge should not be the sole aim of education, but rather the Christian character in one's life during education and, later on, in his or her career.
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    Teacher relations - Teaching aids and school efficiency in Uganda : Case of Kabale Municipality
    (Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 2017) Kansiime, Gilbert A.; Rugyendo, Medard; Karukwitsya, Diane K.
    The study was done on Teacher relations-Teaching Aids and school efficiency in Uganda: Case of Kabale Municipality. The emphasize was put on Teacher Relations–teaching aids and linkage to School efficiency and performance in primary and secondary schools (Kigezi High School Primary and Kabale Primary School, Kabale Secondary School and Kabale Trinity College). Objectives of the study include: 1) To evaluate the teacher relations and expectations with other stakeholders in the Primary and secondary Educational Institutions in Kabale Municipality; and 2) Examine the factors promote the use of Teaching aids/tools in Primary and secondary schools in Kabale Municipality; 3) To suggest recommendations to improve teacher relations and the use of Teaching aids/tools in improving performance in Primary and secondary schools in Kabale Municipality. The research methodology that was used included; the total study population was 70 respondents and these included teachers (20), school administrators (8), students/pupils (20), parents (20), and 2 officials from Inspectorate of Education and sports–Kabale Municipality. The respondents were selected randomly and purposively. Data was collected using questionnaires (administered to teachers, school administrators and pupils) while the parents and officials from Inspectorate of Education and sports–Kabale Municipality were interviewed. Data was analysed and a report compiled. The identified Teacher Relations linkage with school efficiency and performance framework in Primary and secondary schools in Kabale Municipality include; Teacher-teacher relations, Teacher student/Pupil relations, Teacher–School administrator relations, Teacher–School Foundation body relations, Teacher-Community relations, Teacher-Parents relations, Teacher and teachers’ associations (trade unions) and Teacher and Government relations.
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    “The Poor will always be with you” : Ethical Implications for the Church and Development in Africa
    (2022) Rugyendo, Medard
    We live in the world and Africa in particular where the Church that 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.
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    The ‘Cold War’ Between the Charismatic Movements on the Institutional Churches.
    (The Journal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Makerere University, 2011) Rugyendo, Medard
    The paper exposes how the Charismatic movement has greatly influenced the traditional churches. It is misunderstood as a new’religion’. The paper points out that some of the leaders of the traditional churches have been influenced by charismatic movement in worship-which is the central part of any church. The youth have greatly embraced the movement. It is also pointed out that the there is a ‘cold’war between the charismatic and non-charismatic: those that have not conformed. It is recommended that there is a need of blended worship and adequate Biblical exposition on gifts and gifting; which is the source of the said cold war.