African traditional attitude about work.
In African traditional society everybody was a worker; it was an activity that concerned everybody and therefore no place for loiterers, idlers, social parasites e.g. former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere stated "treat a guest as a guest for two days and the third day give him a hoe", a hoe is a symbol of work. Work was given the first priority because it constitution their livelihood and so without work no survival was expected.
Work was related to basic needs of society and individuals like food, shelter and protection.
There was interdependency in work and therefore done communally; at times in groups while sowing / planting, weeding, harvesting. Individualism in work was because, you are and since you, therefore "I am or' No man is an Island".
Since idlers were discouraged or condemned, they had no place in society and therefore no unemployment as today.
Work was mainly related to the real needs of the day such as having what to eat, caring for animals but also cultivate for the future.
Work was not paid for (no salaries); everyone was expected just to work like others were doing except that as an appreciation delicious food and local brew would be organised especially in weeding millet or harvesting of crops.
There was independence in work where everyone was a master of their own, done at will without a supervisor or boss.
Fair treatment was expected for the worker in terms of food and other provision. Formed hands in work e.g. in keeping cattle, house building, digging etc.
Work was done according to age, sex, ability where children learnt their roles from the elders.
There were no sudden changes is work; no promotions, no appointments or disappointments as today.
There was great hospitality i.e. a person's life was more valued than the work he/she did.
The rhythm of work varied; at planting and harvest time there was more to be done then in the dry season.
Every member of the community has specific role to play e.g. the young and elderly took care of household duties e.g. drying food, cooking while the energetic went to the field to collect food, hunt wild animals or cultivate. Women had more responsibility in the homestead such as looking, care for the young ones, fetch water and collect firewood.
Men mainly had a role to play in hunting animals, collecting food/cultivation and to make sure the family survives in times of hardship / hunger / famine. Evening time was set aside for leisure at fire places where stories and other teaching were done to make the family more responsible.
In most societies work and leisure went hand in hand e.g. they worked as they sang, told stories etc.
Training in household or extra curricular responsibilities where taught from childhood by elders /parents.
Talent and skill development was encouraged so as to have them developed.
Sometimes work was basically for community welfare e.g. clearing bushes around springs, water ponds, village paths.
There was great concern for the weak, people with disabilities but they also had something little to contribute to the well-being of society.
During work, God and ancestors were appeased and spirits were involved through sacrifices and offerings.
Children were to entertain their parents during leisure time but had also to adopt culture taught by parents.
Elders acted as judges, reconcilers of society members in case of conflicts.
What problems do workers face today?
These days people work under difficult conditions which give rise to the following:
Wages may be insufficient to support a farm and workers housing.
The housing problem leads to overcrowding in single rooms, slums which in turn endangers health condition.
Because of poor sanitation, children are liable to moral dangers, sickness.
Due to low payment, provision of leisure activities is difficult or inadequate.
The new economy has serious problem S/effects on family life where a man lives away from wife/wives which later causes temptation (sexual) leading to STDs including AIDS.
The absence of father /mother in the family has effect on discipline of children.
Modern sector is materialistic in that everyone measures oneself on how many things are posed rather than the quality of life.
Material possessions are signs of status e.g. housing houses, cars, TV, DSTV etc.
In order to achieve the above this leads to bribery, corruption; to get jobs/ promotions.
Some even over work themselves (over time) i.e. become work oriented to make money and this makes family life, social contacts, religion and culture to be neglected.
They have the problem of looking after ageing parents.
A worker faces the problem of the extended family who expect him/her to solve all their family problems including fees, dowry, clothing, food etc and failure to do leads to resentment, curses.
Because of the above in order for one to cover up these problems one is forced to embezzle, practice corruption to make end meet.
The extended also leave villages to towns for change of life whereby they overstay without any contribution. Others come as job seekers and this is worsened by simple accommodation making the family lack peace.
The more they come the more they create misunderstandings, some of whom come with v ices which are extended to the village.
Work exposes one to different people from different societies; cultures to cope with e.g. some timber believe that defecating in a pit may make one barren.
Marxist view of work
Karl Marx was a German Jew born in 1818 and died in London in 1883 .
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Communist Manifesto Communist Manifesto was a declaration of principles and objectives of the Communist League, published in London in 1848, shortly before the February Revolution in Paris. Written by Karl Marx in collaboration with Friedrich Engels, the Manifesto is divided into four sections, preceded by an introduction that begins with the provocative words, "A specter is haunting Europe-the specter of communism." In the first section, Marx outlines his theory of history and prophesies an end to exploitation. Identifying class struggle as the primary dynamic in history, he characterizes the modern world as the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the ruling bourgeoisie (the capitalists) and the downtrodden proletariat (the working class). Driven by the logic of capitalism to seek ever greater profit, the bourgeoisie constantly revolutionizes the means of economic production, the fulcrum of history. In so doing, it unwittingly sets in motion sociohistorical forces that it can no longer control, thus ironically calling into existence the class destined to end its rule-the proletariat. Communist Manifesto Continues As the proletariat increases in number and political awareness, heightened class antagonism will, according to the Manifesto, generate a revolution and the inevitable defeat of the bourgeoisie. In the second edition, Marx identifies the Communists as the allies and theoretical vanguard of the proletariat. He emphasizes the necessity of abolishing private property, a fundamental change in material existence that will unmask bourgeois culture, the ideological expression of capitalism. After the revolution, economic production will be in the hands of the state, that is, the proletariat, organized as the ruling class. Because ownership will be in common, class distinctions will begin to disappear. The third section, criticizing various alternative socialist visions of the time, is now largely of historical interest but displays the author's formidable polemical skills. The final section, which compares Communist tactics to those of other opposition parties in Europe, ends with a clarion call for unity: "Workers of All Countries, Unite!" The Manifesto is the most concise and intelligible statement of Marx's materialist view of history.
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Friedrich Engels
German political economist Friedrich Engels and fellow German revolutionary Karl Marx defined communism. In 1848 Engels and Marx completed their famous treatise on the collapse of capitalism and the rise of communism, the Communist Manifesto.
He was touched by the suffering of the working labourers; low wages, long hours (up to 16 hours per day) inhuman working conditions, no security and worst of all child labour e.g. in 1848 children of 4-5 years were used in mines (underground) as trappers, gate keepers .
He was disappointed at the church that remained silent over these exploitative conditions and so with his friend Engels wrote 40 books and the 1948 communist manifesto to where they
He sided with the workers against the factory owners and contended that private ownership of the means of production is not an absolute right.
He was opposed to the exploitative tendencies of employers to the employees and put emphasis that employees deserve the right pay in relation to the work done .
He argued that workers are the ones who contribute labour and there can be no products without workers while employers were enjoying comfortable seats only to reap.
Workers therefore need fair payments to enable them and their families to survive since man eats in order to survive and continue working.
Work should also be community minded and therefore he was against individual ownership of production but collective.
He protested against unjust laws which helped to bring inequality where some people have little/nothing while others have more than enough.
To Marx, capitalists bought and used the oppressed majority as any as any other community who worked at the interests of the rich few. Therefore, he saw the need for a revolution to evolve change because worked should not be manipulated by a few.
In this way he wanted to destroyed capitalism replacing it with socialism to avoid competition and individualism in work.
He maintained that concentration of wealth among few would create intolerable tension so there was a need to create a just and equal society.
He used the biblical quotation "if anyone will not work let him not eat" (2 Thes. 3: 1 0) so if Christianity is also against idleness then everyone ought to work and contribute to production since everyone consumes the good products made by others .
Karl Marx
Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, defined communism. Their most famous work was the Communist Manifesto (1848), in which they argued that the working class should rebel and build a Communist society.
He interpreted human life in economic terms and does not see the validity of religion but believes that human needs can be achieved within this world in a classless society which man can create.
To Marx, the Christian teaching was encouraging further exploitation of the poor/workers e.g. "those how have even more will be added", 'blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom' of God" and that "God is in control" which all contradictory to achieve justice.
Marx and his followers therefore believed in the class-struggle as inevitable to change the situation for better progress.
He sees that the system at stake made man to be alienated and always in chains because the factory work becomes a coy in the wheel who stand at his machine like a robot.
He sees capitalism as encouraging competition which leads to more exploitation and leaving behind those who cannot compete favourably.
He therefore calls upon all the workers to unite and fight the system so that it is the workers to dictate .
In uniting them we encouraged to form associations of free producers.
Christian defence on Marxism
Christianity condemns exploitation of workers and call for good relationship between servants and masters (Philemon).
The bible also discourages people who use their position to violate other people's rights.
Christianity also feels that classes are normal since people are talented differently and in the process it encourages hard work.
Through class struggle idle men are encouraged to work other than waiting to share other people's sweat "those who do not work should not eat".
Amos 3:4 is opposed to exploitation where wives who make their husbands exploit the poor will be hooked like fish.
Christianity also feels Marx misinterpreted Jesus saying blessed are the poor; it did not necessarily mean material poverty but Jesus also challenged those who oppress the poor.
Karl's ideas of work are not spiritual because they encourage physical confrontation and this brings more conflicts.
Christianity encourages hard work and that is why those who do not work should not eat.
Marx's ideas are inappropriate with biblical or Christian teaching about work.
Capitalistic view of work
Capitalism is a western ideology aimed at individual ownership of property. It is competitive and is aimed at struggle for the fittest.
It is based on the principle of making profits where the rich invest and the poor consume remaining with nothing.
There is perfect competition, survival for the fittest and this widens the gap between the rich and the poor.
Under capitalist ideology the rich loan poor countries at high interest rates making them even poorer.
The assistance given in form of aid often has strings attached especially by EEC, IMF, World Bank, USAID etc.
Capitalism is exploitative and creates superficial/artificial relationship with a colonial policy of divide and rule through financing wars to destroy even the infrastructure available.
It emphasizes individual investment and leaves the poor ones unable to compete favourably.
Capitalism in Africa was started during the colonial era in the scramble for Africa when developed counties took precious stones, gold, diamond which were freely taken and brought in with high values to exploit Africans.
Capitalism with its technology destroyed local industries making Africans dependent.
Capitalism in Africa killed the spirit of socialism by disuniting those who would gorge way for development.
Africa became the potential market for capitalist countries in form of imports while African exports are rated as of lower value / quality so it is developed countries to determine the prices.
Capitalism develops individualistic, selfish interest, which make the poor remain poorer.
In capitalism, there is an interest to trap consumer demands through advertisements creating artificial needs for one to convince oneself of the need.
Christian view on capitalism
Christianity is opposed to all elements of exploitation that capitalism creates.
Capitalism is interested in riches as a yard stick for a better world for all and yet James warned about shares of riches (James 2:9-11).
Capitalism tends to overcome, underplay workers and end up amassing wealth and yet the Bible states that a worker deserves his pay.
Amos condemned oppression of the poor which manifest capitalist ideology.
Christianity is opposed to selfishness and instead encourages sharing amongst brothers. (See more information capitalism in the sub theme on money page ... ).
Should a Christian work in an immoral society?
There is a big question as to whether a Christian should work in an immoral society or in : aces such as bars, brewery, cigarette factory etc ..
Christian can work in such places to be able to convert people from sinful acts.
Jesus though righteous, came to this world and lived among us to take us back to God. Therefore, there is need to endure and work in such places.
Work is ordained by God; Adam and Eve were put in the Garden of Eden and were instructed to till the earth.
A Christian must work in order to eat, to avoid being a dependant to others or a burden to the public. Everyone must work and if no one wants to work one should not eat (2 Thes.3:10).
Work makes one occupied and without work one is idle and becomes that devils' workshop. Idle life encourages one into prostitution, theft, murder etc.
Work is a blessing of God and therefore by working we are serving God regardless of the nature of work.
Since God worked, man has a contract to work to complete God's creative activity regardless of community.
Work brings man in fellowship with others, so good relationship can be created and the conditions of work influences people's conduct in socialization.
Working in such organisation/society it helps the Christian to set an example of what is expected at work; such as honesty, time management and hard work.
It is a Christian responsibility as a citizen to contribute to national development of his country regardless of society one works.
Jesus came for sinners so as to preach to them to abandon their sinful life so one gets avenue to preach to them.
The Christian is the salt and light of the world and his presence will make others emulate him for the better.
However, under the following circumstances one should avoid working in such places.
Work which can make a Christian to backslide is not good for a Christian e.g. working in a bar or a lodge.
Work which discourages a Christian to 'offer prayers to God e.g. working without day of rest.
A Christian should not participate in work that affects the conduct of society i.e. that increase to the immorality of people e.g. working in a lodge.
Any work that leads to loss of respect in public like prostitution should be avoided.
Work which involves killing people and that kills/destroys God's creative activity like torturing, firing squad; safe houses etc. should be avoided.
Work should be avoided if it affects the health of Christians and other people e.g. brewing B.A.T (Cigarette production).
Work which involves gambling like premier rotary where one gains much with minimum output should be avoided.
Work which does not consider the moral setting of Christianity e.g. witchcraft is not worth taking.
Work which involves corruption and bribery e.g. in URA corruption is almost legal for its workers.
Work which is exploitative and expressive in nature e.g. which leads to forced labour should be avoided
How has African socialism reduced the gap between the rich and the poor?
African socialism is an ideology geared towards the welfare of the members and is based on equal distribution of resources.
Everyone contributes to the development of society like it was in Tanzania under Ujaama village and was instrumental in bridging the gap between the poor and the rich.
Work was carried out communally where people formed groups to do work such as planting, harvesting on voluntary basis where the stamp help the weak.
People came together regardless of status, drunk from one pot and discussed ideas of interest.
Worship of God was another socialization that joined its members together as one.
Africans were joined during times of problems; in sickness, death brought consolation.
African customs and traditions brought together people of different classes e.g. the Sabiny, Bagishu during the time of circumcision.
When a person dies, no work is done regardless of status; they spent rights in cold, gathered for burial ceremony making the aspect of oneness.
African had principles of owners "I am because we are"an aspect of interdependency.
Land was communally owned; it belonged to the family, clan.
They hunted together as a group, could share whatever is received.
Naming of children was done communally.
Education of members was a communal responsibility done by all members especially elders.
The first leaders who led African countries to independence like Jomo Kenyatta (Mzee) who mobilization of people to overthrow white settlers.
Regardless of ones status each contributed to defend society against the common enemy of resistances such as Maji Maji rebellion (1905), Bambata rebellion etc.
People like Nyerere mobilized people to live together in Ujaama communities both socially and economically so that work and food is distributed equally.
African socialism helped is setting of disputes and enabling people to reconcile to avoid conflicts.
Attitude of the church about work
The Church's attitude towards work has remained the same throughout history that work is part of human activity.
Christians have always helped to change and improve on working conditions.
The history of church also tells us about people who have been reluctant to work and to do the necessary but unpleasant jobs in the community.
In the early Church people often were oppressed. The rich did not want manual work because it was unpleasant.
Some Christians preferred to live monastic lives following Jesus' example of work.
They taught that work done for the good of community should not be despised.
Since the church teaches God's righteousness and how people should respond towards it so it must teach how people should respond toward it so it must teach its member of a just economic order to be responsible in their attitudes towards work, wealth.
People should learn to be contented and take up any work available so long as it can enable them survive.
They must also have a positive attitude to work on the land and manual work generally.
The church should try to solve the problem of unemployment.
The church should help people appreciate value of work in its relationship to the kingdom of God and discourage the feeling that work is a curse as in Gen. 3 but it should realised that man was created to work (Gen. 2:4).
One's background and upbringing has apart it plays in ones attitude towards work which the church should address itself to.
A responsible attitude demands the following:-
Adequate preparation in training and acquiring technical skills for the job e.g. a lawyer, doctor, judge trains for a period of time in order to be able to do the work on his own.
One must appreciate and love work as a contribution to the wellbeing of the community.
Flexibility is a requirement and one must have ability to change skills, knowledge of modern and technology required.
Work should have a balance between work and leisure because overworking or under working leads to inefficiency or damages to health, family life and interpersonal relationship.
A good knowledge of how to hand le conflicts to overcome obstacles is needed.
Work should respect and follow professional standards e.g. code of professional ethics to maintain high view of work.
Ones character will influence workers for satisfaction in work e.g. a good teacher attracts students; a kind nurse attracts more patients.
Jesus' teaching about work
He taught through example by himself working, teaching and demonstrated as a carpenter.
Work has its goal in serving others and helps them meet their needs as in the parable of the fine wise and foolish virgins with their lamp and oil (Mt. 25:2-21).
Prayer is also work, Jesus often taught his disciples how to pray and he also prayed in lonely places (Mk.1 :35-39).
Jesus' work was to serve the whole persons (In. 10:10); he healed physical, emotional imbalances and met spiritual needs of people and their feelings.
His work was not discriminative; he associated with men, women, children, Jews and Gentiles because discrimination destroys God's intention of work.
Jesus referred to God as the father who is a worker and that all work is to glorify God.
He expresses that a worker deserves his pay in order to meet basic needs.
Work helps people to develop their talents.
Work puts us in Union with God and helps to rebuild relationships.
Jesus' work of victory over evil game mankind new hope and fulfilment to be carried in a framework of justice as opposed to burdens phrases had put on people by law.
Work should be for enjoyment and self fulfilment.
By example, Jesus demonstrated that a worker should act as a servant. He often worked and got tired (Mk. 1 :32-34).
He demonstrated that preach ing good news is work (Mk. 1: 14-18) where Jesus preached and called disciples to take over as a vocation.
In working, one ought to have a view of heavenly kingdom where treasures do not perish while earthly treasures can be destroyed by moth and rust (Mt. 6:19-21,25:14-34). Therefore, meaningful work is service to God, fellow man to advancement of the kingdom which is all glorifying to God.