A Reflection on the Impact of Christian and Muslim Prayers on Moral Behaviour in the Ghanaian Society

Ron Macaulay

doi:10.38159/erats.2021762

Abstract

This article reflects on the impact of Christian and Muslim prayers on societal moral attitudes. It also analyses the belief, needs, modes, advantages and problems of prayer amongst the two religions. The discussions reveal that the two religions acknowledge the importance of prayer. They also share similar views on the subject; however, with regard to some elements of prayer, they share divergent views. Some notable challenges in religious pluralism in Ghana are discrimination and superiority as a result of doctrinal differences. The study recommends that, since Ghanaians have become “notoriously religious,” their prayers should reflect and result in moral lives that depict the ethical teachings of their religions. This is because the exhibition of moral values is a sine qua non for having a positive impact on society. Furthermore, the fact that contemporary education serves students from a variety of religious backgrounds, can pose many challenges to educators. Hence educators and policy makers need to provide guidelines and strategies for teaching students to understand, accept, and value religious pluralism. Those policies need to be discussed by students and their families that do not only accept and support religious pluralism, but diversity in unity. This paper contributes to current discussions on religious intolerance. Keywords: Pluralism, intolerance, prayer, morality.

Highlights

It is believed that teaching and prayer as religious duties go hand-in-hand
The role religion plays in shaping the moral life of the people of Ghana, is fading away. This is because some scholars maintain that there is a connection between religion and morality in Ghana, actions that promote human welfare or interest are good, while those that detract from human welfare are bad
It has been copiously indicated that prayer is a very crucial important means of communication with God or Allah in Christianity and Islam

Summary

Introduction

It is believed that teaching and prayer as religious duties go hand-in-hand. prayer offered to God should depend on his Word, which can guide people’s ethical conduct. The study recommends that, since Ghanaians have become “notoriously religious,” their prayers should reflect and result in moral lives that depict the ethical teachings of their religions. Ghanaians expect that Christians and Muslims would teach and pray to inculcate a sense of morality that should result in shaping societal attitudes.

Results

Conclusion