Speaking against sin and evil
Sin is defined as failing to reach God’s required standard or rebellion against God. Sin breaks the relationship between God and other people.
Evil is anything done to a human being which is not acceptable by both God and man. Therefore, conflict is as a result of both sin and evil.
Common evils in the world
These include;
Corruption vBribery vExploitation vProstitution
vDiscrimination based on race or sex
The message of John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-20, Matthew 3:1-20)
John the Baptist was an outstanding man who denounced sin and evil in his time. His duty was to prepare the way for Messiah, to make people ready for the coming salvation through Jesus Christ.
In his message, he spoke to three groups:
vReligious leaders- he rebuked them by calling them brood of vipers; warned them to flee the wrath that was coming. He told them the importance of sharing.
Tax collectors- collect no more is appointed for you.
Soldiers- robe none by violence of false accusations and be content with your wages.
Right behaviour in Zambia today
Right behaviour is simply the ability to follow the accepted moral standards in society. Christians believe that the right behaviour is doing what God expects to do. In order to have a normal society, it is expected that ordinary people, those in authority and church leaders should uphold certain standards and values.
a) People in authority
vShould not take advantage of their positions. vWork honestly to benefit others.
vShould not accept bribes
b) Ordinary people in secular work (teachers, police, nurses, doctors etc)
Work hard
Be honest to benefit others
Not waist employer’s time
Be upright
c) Religious and church leaders (priests, pastors, elders, deacons etc)
Live by example
Being upright
Having a good reputation
The work of John and Jesus
| The work of John | The work of Jesus |
| vChallenged people to repent(Mt 3:1-9) vBaptised with water(Mt3:6) vEncouraged people to bear the fruits of repentance(Mt 3:7-9) vWarned people against God’s judgement | vChallenged people to repent(Mt 4:17) vBaptised with the Holy Spirit(Mk 1:8) vForgave people’s sins(Mk 2:5-11) vHe healed the sick(Mt 4:23) vHe cast out demons(Mt 8:30-32) vHe warned people of the coming judgement(Mt 12:38-41) |
Comparison between the work of John and that of Jesus
Similarities:
Both challenged people to repent.
Both warned the people about the coming judgement.
Both baptised people.
Both encouraged people to the true fruits of repentance.
Differences:
John baptised with water while Jesus baptised with the spirit.
Jesus forgave people’s sins while John could not.
Responses to religious and moral messages today
Morals are acceptable patterns of behaviour in a particular society.
Religious messages are those messages which bring out values of a given religion.
In Zambia today, religious messages are received with mixed fellings as shown bellow:
Some repent and change their behaviour for better.
Some turn a deaf ear to and continue with their way of life.
Others mock at those who teach moral or religious values.
Others criticise the message.
Why John the Baptist was imprisoned and killed (Mk 6:17-29)
vJohn challenge Herod’s moral life after he took his brother’s wife Herodias. Other people who suffered for their faith
a) Martin Luther King- An African American who was shot during a match for equal rights.
b) Mahatma Gandhi- A Hindu who devoted his life to win independence for India through non-violence.
c) Nelson Mandela- Spent 27 years at Robinson Island prison for political freedom
d) Simon Kapwepwe, Nkumbula Harry and Kenneth Kaunda- suffered for political freedom in Zambia.
e) William Tyndale- The British reformer who was burnt for translating the Bible into English.
f) Kizito Charles Lwanga and Mukasa- Ugandan martyrs who were killed for their faith.
Religious central teachings on repentance a) Zambian Traditional Religion
One must keep in touch with the ancestral spirits in order to get help in time of need.
Offering of sacrifices at family of clan is important.
The “shrine” is where the people meet the ancestral spirits.
God is considered supreme but unknowable. He is spoken to in prayer at special times.
b) Islam
Teaches the five pillars:
Kalima- There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.
Prayer- This is done five times in a day, while facing Mecca.
Fasting- During the month of Ramadan, beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset.
Almsgiving- Is the ritual of giving money to the poor.
Pilgrimage- Every Muslim is directed to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a life time.
c) Hinduism
Has five main principles called Dharma (religion):
God- He created and controls the universe. He is omnipresent, knows everything and is most merciful.
Prayer- is the simplest way of knowing and finding God. Peace of mind is found in prayer.
Reincarnation- the soul is immortal, it never dies. When the body dies, the soul finds another body.
Karma- the law of action. A person gets the fruits of his actions; that whatever goes round comes round.
Non violence- in the Hindu religion, respect (reverence) for life is very important. Religious comparisons on repentance
a) Christianity Vs Islam Similarities:
vBoth believe that the word of God is important. vBoth believe and teach that there is one God. vBoth believe in respect for prayer.
Differences:
Christians- charity work is not an obligation (not a must) Islam- charity work is a must (almsgiving)
Christians- there is no going to a Holy place which is mandatory. Islam- one must go to Mecca at least once in a life time.
b) Christianity Vs Zambian Traditional Religion Similarities:
vBoth call for the offender to pay back what was stolen. vBoth ask for the one who has offended to ask for forgiveness.
Differences:
Christianity- when people do wrong (sin), God will not immediately punish them. Z.T.R- offerings are made to the spirits at special places as ransom for sins done. Christianity- people go to God for the forgiveness of their sins.
Z.T.R- offerings are made to the spirits to appease them.
c) Christianity Vs Hinduism Similarities:
Both are tolerant (non violent).
Both regard God as a supreme being.
Both respect prayer.
Differences:
Christianity- at death, soul goes to live with God.
Hinduism- believes in reincarnation, where one is reborn into another creature. Christianity- repentance leads to new life.
Hinduism- good Karma leads to good life, performance of good things therefore, important.
