Religion Has Been An Inspiration For The Civil Rights Movement

According to Scot Appleby 2005, virtually all religious traditions incorporate ideals of peace as the outcome of their application. They all embody a rich variety of cultural and moral resources which configure values that prevent or end conflicts. For instance, Christianity has been an inspiration for the civil rights movement of Martin Luther Kind, Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance was influenced by Hinduism (Orellana K. &., 2006). Communities in Kenya even before colonialism in particular had their own religious practices in which they incorporated in times of peace and in times of insecurity. For instance, whenever a conflict arose, negotiations could be done by the disputants. In other instances a council of elders or elderly men

Sacred texts such as verses from the holy books, religious myths and images to inspire participants to become agents of change and to take up the challenge to listen to the opponent with an open heart and open mind. These texts provide a level of certainty and truth (Abu Nimer 2002:19). They can assist overcoming deadlocks and provide avenues for peacemaking. Thereby becoming sources of comfort, guidance and inspiration and bring a new perspective to the

Bercovitch and Kadayifci Orrelana define faith based actors as those institutions and individuals who are motivated and inspired by their spiritual, religious traditions, principles and values to undertake peace work (Bercovitch & Orellana). These religious actors uphold, extend and defend norms and precepts of their religious traditions (Appleby, 2006). For instance, The protestant church in Kenya has provided assistance to those afflicted by natural disasters, persecution, displacement and war long before international humanitarian law was formalized in treaty law. The theme of justice for the poor, the marginalized, the alien is central to the Hebrew scriptures. The afflicted often sought help in temples and cities of refuge and in later medieval period, monasteries became places of refuge and hospitality for strangers. Charity to the poor, medical care to the sick, education for children and hospitality to