IMPARTIALITY AND EQUALITY BEFORE GOD

SUBJECT : CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS : SS 2

TERM : THIRD TERM

WEEK EIGHT

TOPIC:  IMPARTIALITY

What is Impartiality?

    Impartiality is a principle of justice that states that decisions should be based on objective criteria, rather than on the basis of bias, prejudice or preferring the benefit to one person over another for improper reasons.

Impartiality refers to the quality or state of being fair, unbiased, and neutral, without favoritism or prejudice towards any particular party, group, or individual. It implies the ability to objectively consider all relevant factors and perspectives without being influenced by personal opinions, emotions, or external pressures.

In various contexts, impartiality is considered essential for ensuring fairness, justice, and integrity. For example:

1. Legal and Judicial System: Judges and legal professionals are expected to be impartial in interpreting and applying the law, and to ensure that all parties in a legal dispute are treated equitably, regardless of their background, identity, or status.
2. Journalism and Media: Journalists and media organizations are expected to report news in an unbiased and impartial manner, presenting different perspectives and providing accurate information without favoritism or prejudice.
3. Public Service: Public officials, civil servants, and government agencies are expected to serve the public interest impartially, making decisions based on merit, evidence, and the best interests of the community or society they serve, rather than personal or partisan considerations.
4. Conflict Resolution: Impartiality is a key principle in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts, where mediators, negotiators, and peacekeepers aim to be neutral and unbiased in facilitating dialogue and resolving disputes among conflicting parties.
5. Professional Ethics: Many professions, such as medicine, psychology, and social work, have codes of ethics that require practitioners to be impartial and provide unbiased services to their clients, patients, or beneficiaries.

Maintaining impartiality can be challenging, as human beings are inherently influenced by their own perspectives, biases, and emotions. However, it is an important value that promotes fairness, equity, and justice in various spheres of life. It involves being aware of one’s own biases, actively seeking diverse perspectives, and making decisions based on objective criteria and evidence, rather than personal opinions or external pressures.

What is partiality?

    Partiality means to deny somebody his or her entitlement because of certain reasons such as religion, tribe, race, sex, political, belief, etc. Partiality also brings discrimination. A person may suffer partiality because of his or her social status, i.e for not being educated or for being people.

Partiality refers to the act of showing favoritism or bias towards a particular party, group, or individual, while disregarding others. It involves treating some individuals or groups more favorably than others, often based on personal preferences, relationships, or external factors, rather than on fair and objective criteria.

Partiality can manifest in various ways in different contexts, such as:

1. Personal Relationships: Showing favoritism towards certain friends, family members, or acquaintances over others, based on personal biases or preferences.
2. Workplace: Displaying favoritism towards certain employees or colleagues, such as giving preferential treatment in terms of promotions, assignments, or benefits, based on non-work-related factors.
3. Decision-making: Making decisions, whether in personal or professional contexts, based on personal biases or preferences, rather than objectively evaluating all relevant factors and considering the best interests of all parties involved.
4. Politics: Engaging in political bias, such as favoring a particular political party or ideology, without objectively considering different perspectives or evaluating policies based on their merits.
5. Media and Reporting: Demonstrating bias in media reporting by selectively presenting information, manipulating facts, or favoring a particular viewpoint, without providing a balanced and unbiased coverage of different perspectives.

Partiality can have negative consequences, such as undermining trust, perpetuating inequality, and compromising fairness. It can lead to unfair treatment, unequal opportunities, and erosion of credibility in various settings. It is important to recognize and address personal biases, strive for fairness, and uphold principles of impartiality in decision-making, interactions, and communications to ensure equitable treatment and promote fairness in all areas of life.

Uneducated people are discriminated against at times and what belongs to them is given to others because they cannot read or write. Likewise, poor people also suffer discrimination because of their socio-economics class and no one wants to identify with them. in our society, the poor are treated differently from the rich.

This should not be because we are all created equally by God. Partiality is a sin against God because it is an act of social injustice. As a result, many people have been denied their fundamental human right.

On the other hand, impartiality is the opposite of partiality. It means to release to people what belongs to them without any condition being attached to it. It also means to give equal treatment to everybody whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated. This is what God wants us to be practicing. Jesus said: “Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and prophets.”

If we do according to this law, partiality and discrimination of any kind will no longer exist in our society. We will have a just and balance society because we will not do to others what we ourselves will not take. There will be peace, unity and progress.

St. James perceived partiality in the church during his time and exhort Christians to shun partiality and embrace impartiality instead.

1. Which of the following best describes impartiality? a. Treating everyone equally, regardless of circumstances b. Showing favoritism towards certain groups or individuals c. Being indifferent to the needs and concerns of others d. Making decisions based on personal biases and preferences
2. What does partiality refer to? a. Treating everyone fairly and equitably b. Being objective and unbiased in decision-making c. Showing favoritism towards certain groups or individuals d. Making decisions based on evidence and facts only
3. Why is impartiality important in the legal system? a. It ensures that everyone is treated fairly under the law b. It allows judges to show favoritism towards certain parties c. It promotes personal biases in the courtroom d. It leads to unequal treatment of different parties
4. In journalism, what does impartiality mean? a. Presenting information in a balanced and unbiased manner b. Advocating for a particular political party or ideology c. Manipulating facts to favor a particular viewpoint d. Ignoring different perspectives in reporting
5. What is the consequence of partiality in decision-making? a. Fair and unbiased outcomes b. Enhanced credibility and trust c. Equal opportunities for all parties d. Unfair treatment and unequal opportunities
6. What is a key principle of conflict resolution? a. Partiality towards one party b. Impartiality and neutrality c. Advocacy for a particular group d. Ignoring the perspectives of conflicting parties
7. Why is partiality in the workplace undesirable? a. It promotes a healthy work environment b. It leads to fair and equitable treatment of employees c. It undermines trust and fairness in the workplace d. It enhances productivity and performance
8. How can impartiality be achieved in decision-making? a. By making decisions based on personal biases b. By ignoring different perspectives c. By evaluating all relevant factors objectively d. By showing favoritism towards a particular group
9. What is the role of impartiality in public service? a. To promote personal biases in decision-making b. To ensure that all decisions are made based on merit c. To advocate for a particular political party or ideology d. To disregard the needs and concerns of the public
10. Which of the following is a characteristic of partiality? a. Treating everyone fairly and equitably b. Being unbiased and objective in decision-making c. Showing favoritism towards certain individuals or groups d. Making decisions based on evidence and facts only

Answers:

1. a
2. c
3. a
4. a
5. d
6. b
7. c
8. c
9. b
10. c

ALL HUMAN BEING ARE EQUAL BEFORE GOD (JAMES 2: 1-13)

St. James discovered the problem of partiality in the early church where there was discrimination against the poor. He wrote a letter to correct this social evil.

James started his letter by urging the Christians not to show partiality by respecting one man above another. He said a genuine Christian should avoid this. He also spoke against giving room for class distinction in their midst. They should not hold the rich people more important than the poor when both of them are invited to a public function. Some of them attend appropriately to the rich people who are well dressed by offering them the best seats when they come to their assembly, but ask the shabbily dressed persons to sit on the floor or stand somewhere. James warned such people to stop this act; it makes them to be biased and partial judgment.

James made them to realize that God has chosen the poor of this world and made them rich in faith and also to be the heirs of the kingdom of God, which is promised to those who love God. James condemned the act of despising the poor people in their midst in an attempt to honour the rich. He said it is the same rich people who oppress them in return and drag them to court where they could not get right justice. It is also the same rich people who blaspheme the worthy name of the Lord by which they are being called.

James called on all Christians to observe the royal law which says: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. If they continue with the respect of persons through partiality, they commit sin and are convicted by the law. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, but fails in one point is also guilty of all. Anyone who kills, but does not commit adultery has broken the law. As Christians, our thoughts and actions must correspond with the laws of liberty. Any Christians who refuses to show mercy to the afflicted will receive God’s judgment without mercy.

The passage James 2:1-13 from the Bible emphasizes the principle that all human beings are equal before God, regardless of their social status, wealth, or appearance. Here are some key points to understand:

1. God’s impartiality: The passage highlights that God does not show partiality and treats all people equally, without any discrimination. Just as God loves and values each person equally, regardless of their worldly status, we are also called to treat others with the same attitude of impartiality.
2. Avoiding favoritism: James cautions against showing favoritism or discrimination towards people based on their external factors, such as wealth, appearance, or social status. He gives an example of showing favoritism to someone who is well-dressed and wealthy while ignoring someone who is poor and shabbily dressed.

For example: Imagine a scenario where a rich and well-dressed student comes to school and is given special treatment by the teachers and classmates, while a poor and poorly dressed student is ignored or mistreated. This would go against the principle of equality before God, as both students should be treated with the same respect and fairness, regardless of their economic status or appearance.

3. Treating others with love and respect: James encourages us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat others with kindness, regardless of their background or status. He emphasizes that following God’s commandments includes showing compassion and mercy towards others, without discrimination.

For example: Students should strive to treat their classmates with kindness and respect, regardless of their differences in wealth, appearance, or social background. This could mean being inclusive, standing up against bullying or discrimination, and treating others with fairness and dignity, just as we would want to be treated ourselves

4. Living out our faith: James reminds us that our actions should align with our faith. It’s not enough to say we believe in God if our actions show favoritism or discrimination towards others. True faith is manifested in how we treat others, with impartiality and love, reflecting God’s character.

For example: Students can demonstrate their understanding of equality before God by being inclusive, respectful, and fair towards all their classmates, regardless of their differences. They can stand up against discrimination or injustice, and treat others with kindness and compassion, living out their faith in their actions.

In conclusion, James 2:1-13 teaches us that all human beings are equal before God, and we are called to treat others with impartiality, love, and respect, regardless of their differences in social status, wealth, or appearance. It reminds us to live out our faith in our actions and to avoid favoritism or discrimination towards others, reflecting God’s character of love and equality.

Evaluation

1. According to James 2:1-13, how does God view all human beings? A) God shows partiality towards certain people B) God treats people differently based on their wealth C) God sees all human beings as equal D) God favors those who are well-dressed

Answer: C) God sees all human beings as equal.

2. What does James warn against in James 2:1-13? A) Showing favoritism based on wealth or appearance B) Treating poor people with kindness C) Ignoring the rich and well-dressed D) Discriminating against people of different religions

Answer: A) Showing favoritism based on wealth or appearance.

3. What example does James give in James 2:2-4 to illustrate partiality? A) A poor man being mistreated by a rich man B) A well-dressed person being ignored C) A beggar receiving special treatment D) A wealthy person being given a higher position

Answer: B) A well-dressed person being ignored.

4. What does James say is the problem with showing partiality in James 2:4? A) It goes against societal norms B) It is unfair to those who are poor C) It is a waste of time D) It is pleasing to God

Answer: B) It is unfair to those who are poor.

5. According to James 2:8, what commandment should we fulfill to treat others equally? A) Honor your father and mother B) Love your neighbor as yourself C) Observe the Sabbath day D) Keep the Ten Commandments

Answer: B) Love your neighbor as yourself.

6. What is the significance of faith without works in James 2:14-17? A) It is highly valued by God B) It is the foundation of salvation C) It is incomplete and useless D) It is unnecessary for Christians

Answer: C) It is incomplete and useless.

7. How does James define true religion in James 1:27? A) Going to church every Sunday B) Praying regularly C) Taking care of orphans and widows D) Donating money to the poor

Answer: C) Taking care of orphans and widows.

8. What does James compare faith without works to in James 2:26? A) A dead body B) A beautiful flower C) A shining star D) A fast-moving river

Answer: A) A dead body.

9. According to James 2:9, what sin are we committing if we show partiality? A) Murder B) Adultery C) Stealing D) Sin of partiality

Answer: D) Sin of partiality.

10. What attitude should we have towards others, according to James 2:13? A) Judgmental B) Partial C) Impartial D) Indifferent

Answer: C) Impartial.

Note: These questions are based on the interpretation of James 2:1-13 and may vary depending on the theological perspective. It’s important to study the passage in context and refer to trusted commentaries or interpretations for a deeper understanding

The Significance of St. James’ Teaching on Impartiality 

The teaching of James on impartiality has relevance on our society today. Partiality is now the order of the day. There is widespread of social injustice all over our society,. People now discriminate on the grounds of religion, tribe, race or sex before appointments can be offered. This has also affected the award of contracts. Due process is no longer followed for promotion of workers; it now depends on who you are and who you know. There is partiality in the distribution of social amenities in our society. There is favouritism in the admission of students into colleges and higher institutions. The judges are now corrupt and as a result, they show partiality in their judgment. Even in some churches, the wealthy people are respected, while the poor ones are despised. In some organizations there is tribalism in which all the employees are from the same tribe and they do not employ people from other tribes. Nepotism is also the order of the day in our society.

We as Christian should promote impartiality in our society by condemning partiality, favouritism, tribalism and nepotism and speak out against them publicly. We should join hands together o fight against these social evils until we win. We can also make use of the media like newspaper, television and radio to fight against the government workers who are involved in tribalism, nepotism and favourism. In order to promote impartiality, we should treat people from every tribe as equals. We should also respect the fundamental human rights of people.

Assignment

1. Distinguish between the following;  partiality, nepotism, tribalism and favouritism.
2. As Christians how should we treat our fellow Christians?
3. State the “Golden Rule” of the bible.
4. Describe the negative effects of the following nepotism, favouritism, and tribalism.

Lesson Title: Impartiality and Equality Before God

Objective: To understand the concepts of impartiality and partiality, and to recognize the importance of treating all human beings as equal before God, as taught in James 2:1-13.

Duration: 60 minutes

Materials:

• Bible (preferably multiple versions)
• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk
• Handout with James 2:1-13 passage (optional)

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet the students and engage them in a brief discussion about the concepts of impartiality and partiality.
• Ask students to share their understanding of these terms and provide examples of how partiality can be seen in everyday life.

II. Impartiality and Partiality (10 minutes)

• Define impartiality as treating everyone equally and without bias, regardless of their differences such as wealth, appearance, race, or background.
• Define partiality as showing favoritism or discrimination towards certain individuals or groups based on personal preferences or biases.
• Provide examples of partiality in various contexts, such as at school, in the workplace, or within communities.
• Discuss the negative effects of partiality, including division, inequality, and injustice.

III. Biblical Teaching on Impartiality and Partiality (15 minutes)

• Introduce James 2:1-13 as a passage from the Bible that teaches about impartiality and partiality.
• Read and discuss James 2:1-13, highlighting key verses and concepts related to treating all human beings as equal before God.
• Discuss James’ warning against showing partiality based on wealth, appearance, or other external factors, and emphasize the importance of treating others with fairness, kindness, and respect.
• Discuss how partiality goes against God’s principles of love, justice, and equality, and how it can hinder our relationship with Him and with others.

IV. All Human Beings are Equal Before God (20 minutes)

• Discuss the teaching of James 2:1-13 that all human beings are equal before God, regardless of their differences or social status.
• Explore the idea that God does not show partiality and sees all human beings as equally valuable and deserving of love and respect.
• Discuss the implications of this teaching for our attitudes and actions towards others, including the need to treat all individuals with impartiality, regardless of their wealth, appearance, or other differences.
• Share examples of how we can practice impartiality in our daily lives, such as by showing kindness, empathy, and respect towards others, regardless of their background or status.

V. Conclusion (10 minutes)

• Summarize the main points discussed in the lesson, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and recognizing the equality of all human beings before God.
• Encourage students to reflect on how they can apply these principles in their interactions with others and in their relationship with God.
• Conclude with a closing prayer, thanking God for His impartial love and grace towards all humanity, and asking for His help in practicing impartiality in our lives

Assessment:

• Informal assessment can be done throughout the lesson through class discussions, questions, and reflections.
• A written reflection or journal entry can be assigned as a form of assessment, where students can reflect on the concepts of impartiality, partiality, and equality before God, and share their personal insights and applications.

Extension Activities:

• Assign students to read and reflect on other Bible passages that emphasize impartiality and equality, such as Galatians 3:28, and Romans 2:11.

Weekly Assessment

1. What is impartiality, and why is it important in our interactions with others? a. Treating everyone equally and without bias, regardless of differences such as wealth, appearance, race, or background. b. It promotes fairness, justice, and equality, and helps build harmonious relationships.
2. Define partiality and provide examples of how it can manifest in everyday life. a. Showing favoritism or discrimination towards certain individuals or groups based on personal preferences or biases. b. Examples can include treating people differently based on their wealth, appearance, race, or social status.
3. What are the negative effects of partiality in society and communities? a. Division, inequality, and injustice. b. It can lead to social disparities, conflicts, and exclusion of certain groups.
4. What does James 2:1-13 teach about partiality and impartiality? a. It warns against showing partiality based on external factors such as wealth, appearance, or status. b. It emphasizes the importance of treating all human beings as equal before God and practicing impartiality in our interactions with others.
5. According to James 2:1-13, how does God view all human beings? a. As equal before Him, regardless of their differences or social status. b. God does not show partiality and sees all human beings as equally valuable and deserving of love and respect.
6. How should our understanding of equality before God influence our attitudes and actions towards others? a. It should lead us to treat all individuals with impartiality, regardless of their wealth, appearance, or other differences. b. We should practice kindness, empathy, and respect towards others, reflecting God’s impartial love and grace.
7. What are some practical ways we can practice impartiality in our daily lives? a. Showing kindness, empathy, and respect towards others, regardless of their background or status. b. Treating others with fairness, equality, and without bias, and avoiding favoritism or discrimination.
8. How can partiality hinder our relationship with God and with others? a. It goes against God’s principles of love, justice, and equality, and can hinder our closeness to Him. b. It can create division, conflicts, and inequality in our relationships with others, leading to negative consequences.
9. Share a personal reflection on the teaching of James 2:1-13 and its implications for your own attitudes and actions towards others. a. Encourage students to reflect on their own biases, prejudices, and actions towards others, and how they can align them with the principles of impartiality and equality before God.
10. Discuss the relevance of the teaching on impartiality, partiality, and equality in today’s society and communities. a. Encourage students to think critically about current social issues related to partiality, discrimination, and inequality, and how the teachings from James 2:1-13 can guide us in addressing these issues with impartiality and equality.

Test

1. What is impartiality, and why is it important in our interactions with others?
2. Define partiality and provide examples of how it can manifest in everyday life.
3. What are the negative effects of partiality in society and communities?
4. What does James 2:1-13 teach about partiality and impartiality?
5. According to James 2:1-13, how does God view all human beings?
6. How should our understanding of equality before God influence our attitudes and actions towards others?
7. What are some practical ways we can practice impartiality in our daily lives?
8. How can partiality hinder our relationship with God and with others?
9. Share a personal reflection on the teaching of James 2:1-13 and its implications for your own attitudes and actions towards others.
10. Discuss the relevance of the teaching on impartiality, partiality, and equality in today’s society and communities.