Education Always

Level: Class 3 (Primary 3) | Subject: Religious and Moral Education (RME) | Topic: Founders of World Religions, Sacred Texts, and the Value of Truth | Curriculum: Ghana NaCCA

By Class 3, children are ready to learn not just about values and prayer but about the history and teachings of the major world religions. This lesson introduces the founders of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, explores their sacred texts, and connects these teachings to the practical value of truth in everyday life.

The Major World Religions Represented in Ghana

Ghana is a religiously diverse country. The three most widely practised religions are Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion. Children also learn about other major world religions like Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism as part of their broader education.

Christianity

Founder and Origins

Christianity is based on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem (in present-day Palestine) around 4 BCE. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth to save humanity from sin. His ministry lasted approximately three years, during which he taught about love, forgiveness, justice, and the Kingdom of God.

Sacred Text

The Holy Bible is the sacred scripture of Christians. It is divided into two main parts:

• The Old Testament: Written before the birth of Jesus. It contains the Law of Moses, the history of Israel, Psalms, Proverbs, and the writings of the prophets.
• The New Testament: Contains the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) recording the life and teachings of Jesus, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles (letters written by Paul and others), and the Book of Revelation.

Core Teachings of Christianity

• Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
• Love your neighbour as yourself.
• Forgive others as you have been forgiven.
• The poor, the weak, and the marginalised deserve special care and justice.

Islam

Founder and Origins

Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), born in Mecca (in present-day Saudi Arabia) around 570 CE. Muslims believe Muhammad was the final prophet sent by Allah (God) to guide humanity. His first revelation from Allah came through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) when he was about 40 years old. The religion of Islam spread rapidly after his death in 632 CE.

Sacred Text

The Holy Quran (also written Koran) is the sacred scripture of Islam. Muslims believe it contains the direct words of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The Quran is written in Arabic and contains 114 chapters called Surahs. It is treated with great reverence – Muslims wash their hands before touching it and it is stored in a place of honour.

The Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada: Declaration of faith – “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.”
• Salat: Five daily prayers facing Mecca.
• Zakat: Giving a portion of your wealth to the poor.
• Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are able.

African Traditional Religion

African Traditional Religion (ATR) is not a single unified system but a collection of beliefs and practices found across different African communities. In Ghana, ATR is practised alongside and sometimes in combination with Christianity or Islam.

Core Beliefs

• Belief in a Supreme Being (Nyame in Akan, Mawu in Ewe, Naa Nyuuri in Dagbani).
• Belief in lesser deities (obosom/abosom in Akan) who serve as intermediaries between humans and the Supreme Being.
• Deep respect for ancestors, who are believed to be still active in the lives of the living.
• The importance of community, ritual, and harmony with nature.

Sacred Practices

• Libation (offering of drink to ancestors)
• Festivals (Homowo, Odwira, Damba) as sacred celebrations
• Consultation with priests and traditional healers
• Rites of passage (naming ceremonies, puberty rites, funerals)

The Value of Truth

All major religions teach that truth is one of the most important values a person can have. But what does it actually mean to live truthfully?

What Truth Requires

• Honesty in words: Saying what is accurate, even when it is uncomfortable.
• Honesty in actions: Doing what you say you will do. Keeping promises.
• Honesty with yourself: Acknowledging your own faults and mistakes rather than making excuses.
• Not deceiving by omission: Leaving out important information to create a false impression is also a form of dishonesty.

Why Truth Matters in Community

A community where people do not tell the truth quickly falls apart. Courts cannot give justice. Businesses cannot function. Friendships become unreliable. Trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship – between friends, within families, in schools, and in government. And trust is built entirely on truth.

Story: The Boy and the Chief

A young boy in a village accidentally broke the chief’s prized pot while playing. Frightened, he could have run away or blamed someone else. Instead, he walked to the chief’s house and told the truth. The chief looked at the boy for a long time. “You are braver than most men I know,” he said. “A broken pot can be replaced. A person of truth is rare and precious.” He gave the boy no punishment, only a gift – a chance to work in his household, a trusted position. The boy grew up to become one of the most respected men in that village. It all began with one truthful moment.

Practice Questions: World Religions and Values

Next topics: Class 4 OWOP: European Contact and Colonialism in Ghana | Class 4 RME: Human Rights, Justice, and Conflict Resolution