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Can Politics, Church Mix?
THIS is a must read booklet for academicians, seminarians, journalists, theologians and politicians, who like many people, have been made to believe that politics and the church should never mix.
A local clergyman, Bishop Paul Bupe, has unmasked this myth with forceful arguments in a booklet that would help to clear the sandpapery relationship that exists between these two important, yet usually antagonistic institutions (church and politics), especially in Africa where the church is perceived as an opponent that should never meddle in running the affairs of the country.
The liaison between Christianity and politics is a traditionally complex subject and a frequent source of disagreement throughout the history of Christianity, as well as in modern politics leading to two schools of thought; those who support that the two should work together and those who oppose that they should remain separate.
There has been a wide variety of ways in which thinkers have conceived the relationship between Christianity and politics, with many arguing that Christianity directly supports a particular political ideology or philosophy.
Along these lines, various thinkers have argued for Christian communism, Christian socialism, Christian anarchism, Christian libertarianism, or Christian democracy.
Others believe that Christians should have little interest or participation in politics or government.
However, in his booklet, Bishop Bupe does not take any radical stance apart from logically arguing that politics and the church should be partners contrary to ancient but erroneous views that the two should not mix.
So forceful is his argument that one needs to refer to many Biblical verses where the two have operated side by side.
Examples in the Bible abound. The Hebrew Bible which contains a complex chronicle of the Kings of Israel and Judah, written over the course of many generations by authors whose relationships and intimacy with the rulers of the several kingdoms fluctuated widely in both intimacy and respect.
Some historical passages of the Hebrew Bible contain intimate portrayals of the inner workings of the royal households of Saul, David and Solomon; the accounts of subsequent monarchs are frequently more distanced and less detailed, and frequently begin with the judgment that the monarch “did evil in the sight of the Lord”.
The Christian New Testament, instead, begins with the story of Jesus crucified as a criminal who had offended both the Jewish priesthood and the Roman imperial authorities.
At least to outward appearances, Jesus was at the periphery of political life and power in the Roman Province of Judea. Nevertheless, a number of political currents appear in New Testament writings highlighting the relationship of the church and politics.
With a well thought-out introduction, Bishop Bupe argues his points well under headings like Church and State: A Historical Account, Dismantling Myths about Church and Politics, Christian Political Engagement, The Meaning of Zambia as Christian Nation, The Meaning of Church, Politics of Morality and The Jubilee President.
Under the chapter The Meaning of Zambia as Christian Nation, the clergyman cites the genesis of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation by late former President Frederick Chiluba.
He cites the solemn message by Dr Chiluba: “On behalf of the nation, I have now entered into a covenant with the living God and therefore, I want to make the following declaration:
I say here today that I submit myself as President to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I likewise submit the government and the entire nation of Zambia to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
I further declare that Zambia is a Christian nation that will seek to be governed by the righteous principles of the word of God. Righteousness and justice must prevail in all levels of authority and we shall see the righteousness of God exalting Zambia.”
Bishop Bupe chronicles the mixed reaction this declaration from the church with one camp accepting it and another rejecting it.
The author has been in church ministry for 31 years and is the presiding prelate of the Redeemed Methodist Church who presides over Zambia, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
He holds a PhD in church ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, United States of America (USA) and Masters of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio, USA.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Allen University in South Carolina, USA, and a Diploma in Theology from the Theological College of Central Africa in Ndola, Zambia. Bishop Bupe has served as pastor both in the USA and Zambia.
He has combined being an international figure with his African heritage while striking a balance between the European and African understanding of issues.
This is his second book after penning ‘The Plight of a Widow in Zambia’. He has also directed two local movies ‘Mukamfwilwa Mwikamuchusha and ‘Ichikupempula Echikulya’.
Other works include a dramatised poem on DVD entitled ‘Africa Wansebanya’.
Inevitably, it is the detail about the topics he handles that makes reading the Church and Politics booklet essential, making it a gripping account of myths on the issue of politics not mixing with the church.
Title: Church and Politics
Author: Bishop Paul Bupe
Posted by Editor
on February 27, 2015. Filed under LATEST NEWS.
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jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 6:47 am
of course u can’t separate the two… church and politics…as much as u would want to say politics is a dirty game it has been highlighted that way because the church is ignored its platform..the church should be a balancing factor..its voice should equally be heard in Parliament because it stands on biblical principles.doesn’t the bible say the only way evil triumphs is wen good men do nothing about it.the passage clearly explains itself.
Umungulu
February 27, 2015 at 5:39 pm
This is not a response to jobreaker’s comment. I just want to insert my comment here so that innocent people do not waste their time reading misreading comments below.
To find out whether or not politics and religion should mix, just read from the Bible how politics entered the rule of God’s people. The author of the booklet being advertised, Bishop Paul Pule, probably didn’t do much research about the entry of politics into the governance of God’s chosen nation. I’ll make things simpler: just read the whole of 1 Samuel chapter 8 and make your personal conclusion, period. Why should anyone influence your religious ego when the Bible just next door?
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 6:55 am
u would think common sense can be enough… that’s humans view of life…but as much as we would like to believe that we all know that’s only half the truth..we need the MASTER aka GOD to give us wisdom on how to handle day to day activities.some of u might argue that Zambia has been at piece with neighbours because of abcd. news flash what u see with Ur eyes is no where close to the real reality
fulu fulu
February 27, 2015 at 1:54 pm
If you need wisdom from the master to handle day to day activities as an individual or government, then you belong in medieval times. In this 21st centuries, we rely on mathematical models, simulations, experimental research results, and other forms of data analysis to make the best decisions. No wonder Zambia is so backward, move with the times. There’s no need to administer religion from a government platform.
kakolwe
February 27, 2015 at 7:15 am
The same people you preach to everyday are the same people politicians preach to. The economy you are groaning in today is pace-set by politicians. As Paul said, though Christians are not of this world, they are in this world.
Need we say more?
Zick
February 27, 2015 at 7:28 am
Church is the body of Christ, politics are the opposite of church and these two can never mix but church can pray for politicians
Ex-xristian
February 27, 2015 at 9:11 am
Religion is way to god and politics is a way to development, i.e. just opposite and can ‘t be mixed.
apparatchick
February 27, 2015 at 7:32 am
IT IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS AND CHURCH.
IT IS ABOUT THE HUMAN BEING INVOLVEMENT IN THE TWO!
AND YES ONE CAN STILL BE FAITHFUL IN CHURCH AND
BE ACTIVE IN POLITICS.THE CHURCH SHOULD ACT AS A
SOURCE OF POLITICAL UPRIGHTNESS.
MY VIEW.
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 7:48 am
come on guys this is like ying yang..that Chinese theory that consists of two
forces that are opposing but complementary.one cannot do without the other even if they have different views on each other..what we should do first is find out exactly what the word church is…and houses said to Peter I will BUILD MY CHURCH and the gates of hell will not prevail..Mathew 16:18…Jesus said MY CHURCH..it means the word church existed before Jesus came to earth..but then what does it means.. it is a body of councils who come together to solve a particular couse..be it spiritual or physical..what I’m staying is another word for church can be called parliament for Ur sake.
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 7:54 am
Jesus said I will build my church…it would be silly if u thought he is collecting bricks and cement and actually building.he meant he is gathering a certain type of people who he would teach and groom so as to understand the things of the heavens and will be foiled also with the holly spirit.so for u to think a church cannot be involved in politics because its dirty is simply saying a christian cannot be found in the presence of prostitutes because they are dirty…but ask urself..if Jesus was here..were would he be…with those same politicians and hookers and tax collectors..think guys
SUPERHUMAN
February 27, 2015 at 8:33 am
The church has a duty to ensure that politicians selected by its believers are human, and God fearing in the first place…The church cannot preach the good news adequately to anyone is hungry, without first feeding the hungry, cloth the needy, and protect the vulnerable…It is written, Faith without deeds is dead. I That’s is why I envy the catholic church, it has dedicated arms like Catholic Relief Services, to feed the hungry; It has hospices to house the homeless and nurse the terminally ill; It has orphanages to take care of the children whose parents are no more; It has the Center for Theological Reflection that critically appraises economic situations and government policy issues….all these supplement government efforts. The Catholics talk more when we have seen something is drifting from true principles of justice. Government and Church are one
mulanshoka
February 27, 2015 at 8:41 am
Is it not the same God we worship in churchs who said you should chose the leaders to lead you?moreover is he not the one who choses leaders through the system of voting?
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UCZ= Useless Churches of Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 8:48 am
Religion is only about personal belief of how one wishes to worship and believe in God. It has nothing to do with how a country is run and how the economy of the country can be uplifted.
Barotse Man
February 27, 2015 at 8:49 am
Same politicians are members of the Church. It is the same.
Religion is an institution of devils.
February 27, 2015 at 8:53 am
Now a days, religion is the best weapon in politics
UCZ= Useless Churches of Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 9:01 am
If you want to spend Sunday morning on your knees praying to whichever invisible sky-fairy floats your boat, none of us atheists wants to take that away from you.
All we’re asking is that you do n’t expect us to get involved. It’s our country too – religion is a private, personal matter, not one which should be administered at government level.
poly
February 27, 2015 at 9:02 am
In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God and the Word was God(Jn 1:1).The Word of God is the foundation of all creation and takes precedence over all creation.It is common knowledge that the Church is the body of Christ and therefore are called Christians.It is this same body of Christ from which politicians are made.It is here that I can conclude that politics and church are made up of the same members.But where politicians are non-believers the scenario is like the difference between day and night.Again,where politicians pretend to be believers in public by making declarations which the they are not able to follow,then we go back to the days of Christ’s arrest and eventual crucifixion.It is general knowledge on the number of misdeeds by FTJ after having declared Zambia as a Christian Nation.SO POLITICS AND CHURCH CAN MIX AND YOU GET A BETTER CONCOCTION.
Buholy Bwabufi
February 27, 2015 at 10:30 am
Rubbish!!!! FTJ was a thief. How do you trust a thief?
Klim
February 27, 2015 at 2:36 pm
It is actually surprising. This same thief is the one who declared Zambia a ” Christian Nation “. And everybody is singing that slogan. Is it not ironic?
vubwi 1
February 27, 2015 at 9:08 am
one zambia,one nation.
we can not runaway from these two, Christ was crucified in these two line.we are part of it no matter how hard we try because we always run to the government for help even churches do so!
IN HIM WE TRUST
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 9:53 am
who is poly really…poly who are u…my gosh u got brains… I bet u can write a whole book on that subject…poly I got to say I’m curious to know what else runs in Ur head…impressive
Buholy Bwabufi
February 27, 2015 at 10:32 am
Yeah, Polys brains are as dull as yours!!
major chileshe
February 27, 2015 at 10:35 am
Ask nevers mumba,or better yet that retard fr bwalya
Ndaje Kahks
February 27, 2015 at 10:43 am
Simply put can Engineering and Church mix? True theologians will understand that even Jesus was political. His death was politically motivated: CAIPHAS SAID TO HIS FELLOW Pharisees that it was better for one man to die than risk the whole nation(ROMANS WERE RULING PALESTINE THAT TIME). CAIPHAS WARNS Pontius Pilate THAT HE FAILS TO KILL JESUS THEN HE PILATE IS AN ENEMY OF CAESAR(ROMAN EMPIRE). What is bad is for the clergy using politics for personal gain.
Kwati like so
February 27, 2015 at 10:55 am
If u think politics shud not mix then leaders are not chosen by God like others claim on this lungu & passed leaders. Then Christians shud stop voting since stiopet pipo will decampaign nevers based on his Christian faith. Imwe u c u cant separate the two ! Sorry m driving!
fulu fulu
February 27, 2015 at 1:42 pm
Stupid Id!ot! You’re driving and typing up a comment at the same time?? You’re a risk to pedestrians and drivers. If you cause an accident, ati ‘the devil and Satanists attacked me.’ Busy saying ‘no weapon formed against me shall prosper’ when you’re actually the weapon due to your ignorance on texting and driving. FOH!
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 1:46 pm
lmao funny but not funny as fulu has raised a very good point here. It is very dangerous to text and drive. However, these are the PF cadres. They have no concern for the wellbeing of others and only care about themselves. Please let us vote UPND to ensure that we have in place systems that will target such careless drivers and ensure there is a point system in place,
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 11:08 am
In my concise reponse I will state that the two are not compatible. Africa serves as a good case study of this. Religion is the opium of the masses and the saying holds alot of water. Religion is a tool of politics that can be used to influence one’s decision. Religion is contradictory and this then leads to the destruction of what it helps to create in the first place i.e political situation in one’s favour. However, I believe people should personally have the right to enjoy their freedom of religion and worship. It becomes a problem when one declares a nation a christian nation when the same idiots go on and become signatories to international treaties that promote the freedom to excericse right of choice of religion and worship. This is where conflict then comes in and why CHiluba’s approach has given us problems to date.
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 11:12 am
Religion is an easy way to garner the support of the illiterate and poor people. For example this has been used by successive governments in Zambia and even by the PF. By giving people hope based on religion, these poor people with no sense of integrity and hope resort to voting a particular way on the basis of believing the leader will save them from the “evil” that poverty is. In africa christianity was successfully used as a tool to siphon resources on the basis of riches being seen as demonic and africans being told that they would be rewarded in heaven with all the riches if they went without their coppers and other resources.
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 11:16 am
However, the hypocricy of this approach is shown in the present day as the same european colonialists have followed a more secular approach to governance and life. Their economic gains from this approach clearly goes to show that religon has a reverse approach and reverses development and economic gains or rather advancement. Is it any wonder that Africa is still many years behind other developed countries? My hope and wish is that when the UPND form government they will revoke the declaration of zambia as a christian nation and instead introduce a new clause which states “zambia is a religion tolerant country” Let people be free to excercise their right to worship whoever they want in their private capacity
poly
February 27, 2015 at 2:55 pm
New Educated Zambia,thank you for your shallow contributions.Take this:On the face of our K1 coin there is Zambia,Coat of Arms and 2014.On the flip-side, there is a bird which resembles you.So the intrinsic value of the K1 does not change to another value when you flip it,it still retains its K1 value.So, when you write to say the Up and Downers(UPND)will discard the Christian declaration and replace it “Zambia is a religion tolerant country” nothing has changed. You are now looking at the flip-side of the same coin.I just hope and pray that your flow of logic is not so defective that you are not able to disect things as they are.
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 3:03 pm
haha poly how does “Zambia is a christian nation” and “zambia is a religion tolerant country” become synonymous? Please walk me through your train of thought because you will find that you are the one with a defective line of thinking. Your are thinking like a typical PF cadre whose only exposure to education was watching what was happening in classrooms through the window. I say this because what you are doing is simply equating religion to christianity. Which is a flawed way of thinking. Christianity is just one type of religion.Zambia has to be tolerant to religons and respect others right to worship because this is what we have signed up via the UN treaties.
chika Edk Ike PhD
February 27, 2015 at 4:22 pm
In one sense u can say politics shud mix with religion because if u read in the book of Daniel most parts of the book talks about a king who is strugling. To acknowledging that a most high GOD exist he used to think he is a god on his own but a prophet came to tell him that there exist a GOD that sets up kings and removes them this on its own can tell u that politics can mix with religion but that’s why there is new testament Jesus came to correct that, politics shud not mix with religion. give what belongs to ceaser back to ceaser and what belongs to GOD to GOD so religion shud not mix or enjoy indulgence with politics it shud be separate and moreover religion itself is a victim of the devils strong evil attacks especially these days where the devil is so active in spreading his agenda so every sphere of life is bound to suffer from this.
Politics on other hand are full of evil deeds world over
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 5:53 pm
How do you go on to explain whether christianity should mix with politics by firstly citing the main book of christianity in your explanation? Just that has invalidated your entire argument.
Ghetto
February 27, 2015 at 7:49 pm
You can’t compare church with politics naimwe those two are totally different. Remember church is the house of God who created earth and us, so ifyo fimapolitics kufisha panse not really important to me. I hate politics!!!!!!!!
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 8:58 pm
You should say you believe God created earth. It is not certain that he created it. That is your belief.
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 10:23 pm
@ educated..it seems u have Ur doubts wen it comes to Christianity.. I wouldn’t blame u.u see Christianity isn’t really a religion its a personal interaction with God..its like u have never tested coffee before and I’m seated next to u drinking it, since u haven’t had Ur test of coffee u would think I’m a liar if I tried to explain to u how it actually tests like.u r right also that wen upnd comes into power it shall remove the declaration of Zambia being a christian nation..I mean what can I say Freemasons
New Educated Zambia
February 27, 2015 at 10:33 pm
The freemason talk is getting a bit old now. What else do you have in your little bag to throw at the UPND? HH stole money? oh please do not give me that drivel. We have moslems, hindus, christians and even traditional believers in Zambia. The only reason we have managed to carry on peacefully and coexist is because deep down we have carried on the value of one zambia, one nation. However, by declaring zambia a christian nation what value does that do or have for anything in the country? A country declared christian nation by a thief who used religion to shield his faults and weaknesses to steal poor people’s money. And you expect me and any normal thinking many to respect that? Christians are not any better than other religons in Zambia. Let there be an equal playing field for all in declaring zambia a “religon tolerant country” simple principle! dumb chap
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 10:37 pm
and u say that u doubt God created the earth..ul probably start teaching me on how a piece of rock Brock from the sun then cooled off then it created little germs to insects to monkeys then to u..u can believe what u want..but I’m still puzzled why monkeys do not evolve anymore.they seem to be stuck on that level and we humans haven’t upgraded to superhumans with wings or laser eyes or whatever u think should be the future human.we seem to be stuck.. and my guess is global warming..wouldn’t u agree
Fulu fulu
February 28, 2015 at 10:52 am
You on the other hand say that God created Adam and Eve. Now Adam and Eve had Cain and Abel, and then Seth. Who did they marry and where did they come from? According to the bible’s account man was created from the ground (dust, soil, clay), how was blood formed? How was the brain created from dust? The authors of religious books simply wrote information to try to understand how things came to be. Moses was not there at the time of Adam and Eve. Some of the stories are straight from Greek mythology with a twist. There probably is a God who created the world, but not in the manner that religious books try to illustrate.
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 10:58 pm
is that what helps u sleep at night..Ur ideology of think in all religions are the same.anyway Isiah 60:4 to 8 has a ka debatable prophecy..first this prophet sees the Jews returning to their home land by see,land and air.he seems confused in verse 8 because he doesn’t get it how humans can be returning by air..is it possible the bible has predicted a plane before we had a plane..is it possible their is really a God.there must be coz u know the devil exists in upnd..
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 11:36 pm
the Quran acknowledges that Abraham did exist and is their father and and Jesus was a prophet like Muhammad.anyway they might be right about one thing..Abraham is their father.since none believers always exist let me brake it down.Abraham was promised a son by God..he would have his son with his wife..but he and his wife were too old..so Abraham made a shortcut and slept with a maid.and they had a son..and so the maid became rude rude rude.and so they fought with Sarah..until the maid fled..but God told Abraham this child u carry will fight Ur offspring …meaning Isaac..that’s why we have Arabs who look exact identical to Jews..because Jews come from Sarah and Arabs from the Egyptian maid Abraham slept with
Fulu fulu
February 28, 2015 at 10:30 am
Hold on a second. So you back up the existence of Abraham by saying he is listed in the quran? What makes you think the quran is a valid source? Do you even know how the quran was formed? It was basically a claim from Muhammed that an angel was giving him words that were from ‘God’. You might want to revise your logic concerning Arabs and Jews. You’re basically saying that because of one person (Ishmael), there are Arabs who look like Jews? My friend, genetics can’t allow that, because over thousands of years, given that Ishmael married an Egyptian, his Jewish genes would be neutralized.
Kwati like so
February 27, 2015 at 11:43 pm
Just parked my car & m really tired to contribute. Gudnyt sons of Zambia.
jobreaker
February 27, 2015 at 11:43 pm
again God predicting that the two families will forever be at war..the Arabs and the jews.Isiah 13 to 17.God says that Israel can never be destroyed… until Israel is bombed up completely..I’ll always stand for God….and I’m out of topic aren’t I…damn
mk
February 28, 2015 at 7:43 am
its interesting to see how the so called educated people with phds can still fail to understand this simple but vital topic.being a prostitute & being found with them are two diferent things.politics have been there before & during the time that Jesus walked the earth but never did he envolve himself in politics otherwise he would have made a great politician.
jobreaker
February 28, 2015 at 8:02 am
try reading a book Ba mk..try reading anything..doesn’t the Bible say my people perish because of luck of knowledge ..whilst u r trying to read something let me give u something to pass along..that’s romans 13 vs 1 to 7..arguing with a fool just makes u a fool too.not my words its bible too..just saying
jobreaker
February 28, 2015 at 8:05 am
and In Ur case whose the prostitute..the government and who is the body of Christ…its the church..so where should the body of Christ be..where the prostitute is..get it?
mk
February 28, 2015 at 8:15 am
politics envolves a lot, far beyond what we see.hatred,wicthcraft,killigs(satanism) etc just in order to have positions & protect them.these & politics are insaperable. politicians do all it takes in order to have power & all the bad things that they do are condemed in the bible.you cant hold a cabinet positoin & say i will simply be praying to protect my self,then you will leave politics sooner than you joined them. so there is too much evil in politics & that is the reason why it should not be mixed with the church.now why do even church goers engage in politics? for selfish reasons.they run for tax payers money & corrupt deals to enrich themselves fast etc.
P M Chng'ambo
March 1, 2015 at 10:51 am
Two things determine out come in life. 1. Our Complex Brain 2. The Unknown Complex (God). LIFE IS THEREFORE VERY DIFFICULT TO PREDICT BECAUSE ON ONE HAND WE HAVE NO CERTAINTY IN A GIVEN SITUATION HOW THE COMPLEX BRAIN IN PEOPLE AROUND US WILL INTERPRET AND REACT OR RESPOND TO ACTIONS EACH OF US TAKE AS A RESULT OF OUR INDIVIDUAL COMPLEX BRAIN ACTIVITY. ON THE OTHER HAND WE HAVE NO CERTAINTY IN ANY GIVEN MOMENT WHAT THE UNKNOWN COMPLEX(GOD) IS UP TO IN THE COMPLEX SCHEME OF ITS/HIS/HER AGENDA. IN CHURCH WE CLAIM TO KNOW GOD AND EVEN PREACH ABOUT WHAT WE BELIEVE HE IS. HOWEVER EVEN THE MOST GIFTED AMONG US IN GOD BUSINESS HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT GOD AND THE BEST WE CAN DO IS BEG(PRAY) FOR HIS MERCY AND KINDNESS. IAM A STRONG BELIEVER IN GOD(UNKNOWN COMPLEX) BECAUSE I KNOW VERY, VERY, VERY….. LITTLE. EVEN WHAT I THINK I KNOW THAT I THINK I KNOW, I THINK ITS VERY, VERY, VERY LITTLE. SO THEN WHATS THE ANSWER, THINK AND DO THINGS LIKE THERE IS NO GOD BUT THEN BELIEVE AND EXPECT GOD TO INTERVENE LIKE THATS ALL YOU NEED. I CALL IT PIMS(POSITIVE INCLUSIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM). WOW!
kech
March 1, 2015 at 1:14 pm
mix first water with cookin oil.light & dacnes.lyf & death