CHRISTIANS ATTITUDES TO WORK

Bible Passages:
1. Parable of the talents – Matthew 25: 14-30
2. Parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20: 1-16
3. Paul’s teaching to timothy on work- 1 Timothy 5: 3-16
4. Solomon prays for wisdom – 1 kings 3:5, 7-14
5. Relationship between employers and employees- Ephesians 6:5-9

Reasons why people work

1. Feed themselves and their families.
2. Earn money to purchase food, homes and other necessities.
3. Pass time and be occupied.
4. Give prestige.
5. Meet people and to get together with others
6. Earn money to accumulate possession.

People have different gifts to help them work

- God has created us to live a life which pleases Him. He has already prepared good
deeds for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)
- We must work for our food. [2 Thes. 3:10-12]
- Each one is given a talent (natural ability) by God, for example singing, sport,
cooking, to create, to design, etc.
- God also gives spiritual gifts to believers for a specific purpose, Romans 12:4-8; Eph.
4:11-12.
- In the bible, there were people who were specially called by God to work for Him, but
felt they were inadequate. For example, Moses [Exodus 3:10-12], Solomon [1 Kings
3:5,7-14], Gideon [Judges 6 :14-16].

Parable of the talents (Mt 25: 14-30)

From this parable we learn that;
- We are entrusted with talents. Everyone has been given at least one talent.
- We are given talents according to our natural ability to use them and are expected to
use them to the best of our ability.
- There shall be a ‘’day of reckoning ‘’ when we shall be required to account for the
use of talents and abilities.
- More responsibility is given to those who develop their talents. Those who fail to use
them will lose what they had.
- God uses our natural abilities, developing them as we surrender them to him for
guidance in our work and careers.

Biblical Reasons for work

1. Work was part of God’s original purpose of man. (Gen 1: 26-28, 2:15)
2. Work was appointed for six days. The seventh day was the day of rest. Gen 2:1-3
3. God intended man to find his work enjoyable. Eccl 5: 18-20
4. Work was part of God’s plan for the support of human race – Prov. 27: 25-27
5. Basic incentives for daily work are;
-To buy food, proverbs 16:26

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 -To build a home and sustain it –Proverbs 24:27
6. Laziness and loafing are strongly condemned

Christian Perspective on work in the New Testament

- The new testament stresses that work is normal. 1 Thess. 4:11
- Thieves are admonished to stop stealing and get stuck into some useful work,
and to be able to help those in need, Eph. 4:2.
- Work must be done enthusiastically, especially believers, Col. 3:23
- Hard work earns the respect of others, 1Thess. 3:10-12.
- Paul says work is encouraged so that everyone may earn his own living, Acts 1 8:
1-3.
- Those who are old and really in need, can be supported by the local church 1
timothy 5:3-16.

ALL WORKERS SHOULD BE RESPECTED

- Most people in Zambia work. However, certain types of jobs may not be
respected- for example, unskilled work, house servants, charcoal burners etc.
- We need to show respect for others, appreciating the talents they have and
recognising the part they play in society.

Biblical attitudes to workers

1. The Bible teaches that all workers contribute to the welfare of society and
therefore deserve respect.
2. Manual work is usually despised, but the bible commands us to work with our
hands.
3. We must make use of our talents large or small.
4. Even in more “lowly” jobs (manual work), Christian commitment increases one’s
abilities and may well lead to increased respect from others, and to promotion.
5. Christian employer must respect his workers.

How can one show respect for manual workers in modern Zambian society .
1. Accepting them as they are.
2. Appreciating their talents.
3. Recognizing the part they play in the society.
4. Encouraging and helping them achieve something better, if they seem to have
other abilities to be developed.

CONFLICTS OVER WORK VALUES

A. Biblical teaching on the exploitation of workers
- The Bible clearly says that a worker deserves his pay and must be given it, Luke
10:7.
- Exploitation of workers is wrong, Deut 24:14-15, James 5:4
- Having agreed to a wage, the employee should not afterwards argue with his
employers. The employee should be obedient and give the best service he or she
can offer, Eph. 6:5-9.

B. Jesus’ teaching for Christian Behaviour in the work place

The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20: 1-16
From this parable we learn that;
- One should not begrudge an employer’s generosity to help those in need.

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- The employer was a just man and generous, especially to the men who had worked
for only one hour.
- Having agreed to a wage, the employee should not afterwards argue with his
employers.
- The other employees, who had worked longer, received their agreed wage.

Salaries and Wages

- Most employments in Zambia have fixed wage scale, set by the Government and
agreed upon by trade Unions.
- Any changes of wages are done by the Public Service Commission appointed and
supported by the Government.
- The Christian stand to guide on salaries and wages as stated in the scriptures is that;
1. There should be no exploitation of workers for the work done.
2. Workers should be paid their wages
3. Wages for workers must be just and fair.

Disputes
- Where there are conflicts over work values or wages, a Christian should react in a
Christian way that is with;
1. Patience
2. Humility,
3. Love,
4. In quite dialogue
5. Not being selfish or greedy

ATTITUDE TO WORK IN ZAMBIA TODAY

- People have different attitudes towards work, some of which are positive and
others are negative.
- Negative attitudes lead to dishonesty, strikes, absenteeism, idleness and poor
punctuality.
- Ephesians 6:7-8 emphasizes the need for good attitudes towards work.

Different attitudes towards work in Zambia;

- It is a means to support the family.
- It’s a means to gain material possessions.
- To gain prestige
- To meet people and to get together with others.
- Some aim to do as little as possible whilst still expecting good pay.
- Some lack interest in the job. No purpose in life. Just passing time.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER RELIGIONS

a) Zambian Tradition
- Everyone was expected to work from childhood around the house or fields,
starting from childhood into adulthood with supervision and teaching.
- Neglect of working resulted in lack of food and shelter.
- There are many proverbs, which illustrate the need to work e.g. ‘’if you don’t want
to work you cannot eat.’’

b) Hindu

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- Work is a source of happiness.
- It gives health and energy.
- One should perform one’s duty without looking for approval or thanks. Leave the
reward to God.
- The right motive for work is a characteristic of wise people.
- The Bhagavad Gita 3:8 says, “thou shouldst do they allotted task, for work is
superior to idleness. Without work, even the maintenance of your body is
impossible.”

c) Muslim
- The Quran commands people to work. There is no disrespect for manual
workers.
- Laziness is not encouraged at all.
- No disrespect for manual workers.

d) Christianity
- Christians attitude to work should be one of integrity, diligence, co-operation,
punctuality, reliability and honesty Eph. 4:28 and 6:5-9.
- Work should be done to the Glory of God 1Cor 10:31.

Religious Comparisons on the teaching on Attitude towards Work

a. Christianity Vs Z.T.R
Similarities:
- Both expect everyone to work.
- Both work to feed their families.
- Both believe that neglect of work leads to lack of food and shelter.
Differences:
1. Christianity- This should be of integrity, diligence, co-operation, punctuality,
reliability and honest.
Z.T.R- Everyone was expected to work from childhood to adulthood with
supervision and teaching.
2. Christianity- work is a fulfilment of god’s command
Z.T.R- work is merely for the family/community

b. Christianity Vs Hinduism
Similarities:
- Both teach that work is an obligation
- Both encourage to work to earn a living
Differences:
1. Christianity- no work no food
Hindus – a holy man who meditates is greatly honoured therefore exempted
from work.
2. Christianity- the bible encourages the need to work
Hindus – the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the need to work

c. Christianity Vs Islam
Similarities:
- In both religions everyone should work
- In both religions should be respected
Differences:

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 1. Christianity- work should be done to the glory of God
Islam- work is not connected to worship
2. Christianity- the Bible commands people to work
Islam- the Quran commands people to work

CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TO LEISURE

Bible Passages:
1. The fourth commandment – Exodus 20:8-11
2. The Day of Atonement – Leviticus 23:26-32
3. Job and his sons regarding leisure- Job 1:1-5

LEISURE IN ZAMBIA TODAY

- Opportunities for leisure in Zambia occur after work and during weekends in both
rural and urban life.
- Some of the ways in which people spend leisure time can be helpful physically
and mentally. For example, walking, going church, swimming, hunting and
fishing.
- Other ways people relax is to:
 Visit family friends
 Watch sport, television, theatre or cinema
 Attend traditional dances
 Go beer drinking
 Go sight-seeing

BIBLICAL REASONS FOR THE LEISURE

- God’s purpose for man from the beginning was to have one day of rest out of
seven, Genesis 2:2-3.
- This principle of rest is seen in the institution of the Sabbath Day rest, Exodus 20:
8-11.
- There were other days of “forced” rest, also called “sabbaths”, but not necessarily
on the seventh day. For example, the Day of Atonement was to be celebrated on
the tenth day of the seventh month, no matter what day of the week it fell on, it
was a “High Sabbath”. It gave people an opportunity to worship God Leviticus
23:2-32.
- Leisure in the Bile was used as:
1. An opportunity for rest, recreation and refreshments, Exodus 23:12; Mark 6:31
2. For praising and worshiping God, Luke 4:16; Isaiah 5:13-14; Psalm 92
3. For meeting friends and relaxing with the family, Mark 6:30-32; John 2:12
4. For doing good, John 4:6-34

CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR IN LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES

- There are many lawful things that a person can do, but that does not necessarily
mean that it is a legitimate activity for a Christian.
- Christians must avoid things which are not good for them, for example,
drunkenness and sexual immorality, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
- A Christian must also avoid things which may lead a weaker brother or sister into
sin or even prevent someone from becoming a Christian. For example, watching
certain types of films, smoking, drinking beer, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13

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- A Christian must not take part in things of the world or the flesh, for example,
indecent actions, witchcraft, worldly dancing, Galatians 5:15-24
- Christians must live wisely, finding out what god wants us to do by following
Biblical principles about what is right for a Christian, Ephesians 5:15-20.
- Christians must always be controlled by God’s will, and not by human desires, 1
Peter 4:2-5.
- Christians must spend time in healthy, practical and enjoyable activities, which
God will approve, ways which will honour God, Galatians 5:22-24.
Proposed Plan for a Christian’s Leisure Time
1. Resting and relaxing
2. Talking with friends
3. Visiting relatives
4. Enjoying a hobby like gardening, reading and cooking.
5. Getting involved in Christian activities such as church services and young
people’s work.
6. Take part in sport or engaged in some voluntary work with street kids.
- A Christian must remember that all their time is given by God, and they are
therefore accountable to God how they use their time including leisure.

LEISURE IN OTHER RELIGION

a) Zambian Traditions
- Leisure time came at the end of the day’s work.
- There was no particular day of rest. There were tasks that had to be done every
day.
- In their leisure time, Children went out and “played at” families and daily living,
pretending to be mothers and fathers, keeping house and cooking.
- Leisure amongst adults was used for resting from work, chatting, visiting relatives
playing games, traditional dancing and ceremonies, hunting and feasting.

b) Hinduism
- Opportunities for leisure came outside working hours and at weekends,
especially on Sundays.
- This day is observed as a day of rest and relaxation for convenience only. It has
no religious significance.
- Leisure activities include; spending time with the family, visiting friends, or other
places and relaxing at the picnic, watching or taking part in sport.

c) Islam
- Opportunities for leisure occurred outside working hours, and at weekends, in
Zambia.
- Time is allowed on Fridays for prayer and worship.
- Leisure activities include spending time with their family, visiting friends or places,
and participation in sport, practising hobbies.
- Beer drinking and immoral cinema shows are forbidden in Islamic law.

Religious Comparison on the Christian Attitudes to Leisure

a. Christianity Vs ZTR
Similarities:
- Both relax outside working hours
- Both spend time with families

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- Both visit relatives and friends
Differences:
1. Christianity- have a specific day for leisure.
ZTR- have no specific day for leisure.
2. Christianity- encourage that leisure time be spent in ways that honour God.
ZTR- leisure time was a kind of informal way of learning about life.

b. Christianity Vs Hinduism
Similarities:
- Both have a day set aside for rest.
- Both spend time relaxing and resting.
- Both spend their time visiting friends.
Differences:
1. Christianity- The day is observed as a day of rest and relaxation and has a
religious significance.
Hinduism- Leisure opportunity has no religious significance.
2. Christianity- the bible provides guidelines on ways to spend the day of rest.
Hinduism- the holy books do not have any guidelines on ways to spend the
day of rest.

c. Christianity Vs Islam
Similarities:
- In both religions leisure is after working hours
- In both religions beer drinking is condemned as a leisure activity
- In both religions, a day of worship has significance.
Differences:
1. Christianity- Saturday/ Sunday is their day of rest and worship
Islam – Friday is the day of worship and congregational worship
2. Christianity-

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CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO MONEY AND POSSESSIONS
Bible Passages:
1. The parable of the rich young man – Mark 10:17-31
2. James’ warning to the rich people- James 5:1-6
3. The parable of the Rich Fool – Luke 16: 19-26
4. Gifts for building the Temple- 1 Chronicles 29: 1-16

ATTITUDES TO MONEY AND POSSESSIONS IN ZAMBIA

People have different attitudes to money and possessions. Some of their attitudes
are:

To Money:
- Save monthly for a ‘’rain day.’’
- Use it wisely by investing it.
- Use it on family’s basic needs.
- Waste it on their own pleasures and selfish desires.
- Gamble it, risking their money on the chance of increasing it.
- Spend all their wages within a few days of earning it.

To Possessions:
- Means of prestige.
- Means of showing off.
- Status symbol in their community or society.
- Personal development.
- To win votes.
- A means to promote God’s work.

BIBLICAL TEACHING ON ATTITUDES TO WEALTH AND POSSESSIONS

- The Bible strongly condemns the exploitation of the poor by the rich for selfish
gain.
- The Old testament book of Amos 8:4-7 addresses the following attitudes of the
evil wealthy people:
 They exploited the poor and the needy
 They bought poor people as slaves- they were just possessions.
 They used dishonest weights and scales - under-supplying and over-
charging.
 They despised Jewish festivals and Holy Days because they could not sell
and make money.
- In the New testament book of Luke12:13-21, Jesus points out the following wrong
attitude:
 Greed and covetousness

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  Laziness and taking life easy.
 Enjoying selfish pleasures- eat, drink and be merry
 Selfishness
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people, “You cannot serve God and
money,” Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13.
- The apostle Paul tells Timothy that the “Love of money is the beginning of many
evils in a person’s life” and it causes people to forsake their faith and brings many
sorrows, 1 Tim 6:10.

A. Biblical teaching on the use of Wealth

- Riches come from God and should be considered as belonging to him, and
should be used in God’s service, 1 Chronicles 29:1-16.
- Wealth should be used to help the poor. (Mark 10:21-27)
- Wealth must be used to do good and be shared with others in need, 1Tim 6:17-
19.

B. God’s judgment on wrong use of Money

- James gives the warning to the rich that they will lose everything if they have
exploited their employees, James 5: 1-6.
- God will not forget their evil deeds but will punish them, Amos 8:7.
- God may require them to give up their lives, Luke 12:10
- God may bring to them ruin and destruction, 1 Timothy 6:9.

Christian behaviour in situations concerning money

- There is nothing wrong with owning wealth and possessions provided they are
used for God’s glory.
- So, along with wealth comes very great responsibility for a Christian:
 Their riches must come in an honesty way 1 timothy 3:7; 1 Peter 2:12
 They must give to God’s work, 2 Corinthians 9:7
 They must give to others in need, Romans 16:2
 By doing all these things, riches are being stored up in heaven, Luke 12:33

The Rich find it difficult to enter God’s Kingdom

- The Bible does not condemn being rich but warns about what riches can do to a
person by keeping them away from God.

A. It is Hard for a Rich man to enter the kingdom of God, Mark 10: 17-31
- To some, riches may cause them to wander away from god in their thoughts and
actions. For example:
 Wealth can lead to Pride, Hosea 12:8
 Forgetting God. Deuteronomy 8:13-14.
 Denying God and bringing disgrace on Him, proverbs 30: 8-9
 Rejecting Christ, Mark 10:22
 Losing their own soul, Luke 9:25

B. What riches may do to a Person

- The love of riches may choke the message of God’s word in our hearts it does
not have much effect on us, Matthew 13:22

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- The love of riches may be the beginning of evil in a person’s life, leading to lack
of faith and many sorrows 1Tim 6:10.

C. What riches cannot do for a Person

- Cannot do you any good when you face death
- Cannot redeem us
- Cannot earn us eternal life
- We cannot pay God the price for our lives or someone else’s life.

ATTITUDES TO AND USE OF WEALTH IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER

RELIGIONS

a) Zambian Tradition
- Riches come from hard work.
- Gifts must be received gratefully, even though small.
- One must share with others.
- Wealth is a means of prestige.

b) Hinduism
- To gather riches is not the right goal of life.
- Wealth is a blessing when it helps one onward to the realization of life.
- It is a misery to be wealthy, if one is not virtuous in life.
- Acquired wealth should be carefully used, for a wealthy man is more responsible
to society than a poor man.
- A noble man will only acquire wealth by honest means.

c) Islam
- It is not a sin to be rich, as long as the wealth has been obtained honestly and
through hard work.
- Exploitation of one’s fellow man in obtaining wealth is forbidden.
- Money must be used wisely.
- Saving money is encouraged, especially with regard to future needs.
- Lending money is permitted, but taking interest is forbidden.

d) Christianity
- Exploitation is forbidden.
- Cheating, bribery, corruption and any form of dishonesty is forbidden.
- Generosity and sharing are encouraged.
- Putting God’s kingdom first is the right priority.

Religious Comparison on attitude to Money and Possessions

a) Christianity Vs Zambian Traditional Religion
Similarities:
- Both believe that work is necessary in order to get wealth.
- Both believe that wealth should be shared with the poor.
Differences:
1. Christianity- Wealth should be used in the service of God.
Z.T.R- Wealth is for prestige and show off.

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b) Christianity Vs Hinduism
Similarities:
- Both recommend wealth be obtained through honest and hard work.
- Both believe that wealth is a blessing when it helps us get closer to God.
Differences:
1. Christianity – wealth comes from God and must be used to further his work
Hinduism – wealth comes from hard work
2. Christianity- Encourages storing wealth in heaven.
Hinduism- Do well for fear of reincarnation.

c) Christianity Vs Islam
Similarities:
- Both recommend wealth obtained through honest and hard work.
- Both forbid exploitation of fellow man to obtain wealth.
- Both encourage people to spend money wisely.

Differences:
1. Christianity- Recommend that the money be used in the service of God.
Islam- Recommend that money should first be used to support one’s family.

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CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO THE STATE IN A MULTI-SYSTEM
Bible Passages
1. Abimelech’s conspiracy- Judges 9:1-15
2. Parable of the Wedding Feast – Luke 14: 7-11
3. Jesus’ washing his disciples’ feet – John 13: 3-15
4. Israel rejected God as King and Ruler – 1 Samuel :4-9,19-20; 9:2
5. God rescuing the sheep from bad rulers- Ezekiel 34: 1-10
6. God’s example as a Ruler, Ezekiel 34:11-1, 20-31

GOVERNMENT IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

- A multi- party system is where the laws of a particular country allow the formation
of many political parties.
- To ‘govern’ means to rule.
A. Fundamental Human Rights
- The right to life, security, and liberty.
- The right to a fair hearing.
- The right to own property.
- The right to marry and have a family.
- The right to Nationality.
- The right to education.
- Husbands and fathers should provide care and support for their wives and
children.
- Equal pay for equal work.
- Protection against unemployment.
- Just and favourable working condition.
B. Attitudes of responsible citizens towards the government are :
- Obedience to authority and those in power.
- Working together.
- Social justice and respect for human rights.
- Peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- Patience and tolerance.
- Sense of responsibility.
C. Functions of a Democratic Government
- To make, implement and enforce the laws.
- To promote of human rights.
- To respect the rule of law.
- To provide social services such as health and education.

What the Bible Teaches on Leadership

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- God had promised Israel to be their God and leader as long as they obeyed His
commandments (Deut 6: 1-3).
- He appointed Moses and Joshua as leader of Israel to lead the Israelites out of
Egypt and into the land of Canaan.
- God raised Judges as leaders to save the people from their enemies and to help
them solve their problems, Judges 2:1-2, 11-23.

a. Israel rejects God as king and ruler- (1 Samuel 8:4-9, 19-20; 9:2)
- Political instability led the people to demand a king, who would provide a royal
family and continuity of leadership.
- God told Samuel who was their Judge at that time, that their decision to choose a
human King was not only a rejection of Samuel, God’s appointed leader, it was
also a rejection of God as their King and Ruler.

b. Resistance to and condemnation of bad rulers- (Judges 9:1-15)

- In the time of Judges, Gideon’s son, Abimelech wanted to set himself up as King.
He murdered his brothers to eliminate opposition.
- Choosing a bad man to rule is dangerous both to the ruler and to the people he
leads.
- Jotham told the people this parable: The thorn bush burns easily if you try to
destroy it, but it can also set alight a whole forest and destroy everything around
it. Jotham’s words were prophetic- revolt and chaos followed.
- Any leader appointed by the people should regard himself as a figurehead, a
symbol of authority, not a dictator.

c. God’s Condemnation of Bad Leaders- 1 Kings 16:29; 19:1-18; 21:1-29

- The Bible says that Ahab sinned against God more than any of his ancestors.
- Ahab had also married Jezebel, a pagan foreign princess and Baal worshipper,
and together, they persecuted the prophet Elijah such that he became depressed
and afraid, but God encouraged him to continue, and told him that Jehu was to
be King in the future.
- The story of Ahab coveting Naboth’s vineyard is an example of greed, selfishness
and cruelty of a bad king.
- In Ezekiel 34:1-10, God condemns the leaders of Israel for not doing their duty to
the people of God. They were selfish and greedy.
- They did not look after the “sheep”. They were cruel and ill-treated them.
Therefore, the sheep wandered away and were scattered.

d. God’s Example as a Ruler, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-31

- God denounced the rulers of Israel because, by their greed, cruelty and
selfishness, they exploited those in their care.
- Ezekiel’s prophecy gives us the example of God’s standard in leadership. Even
though human leadership can never perfect, God’s standard is what all human
leaders should strive for.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD LEADER

- A good leader is not arrogant, but humble. Humility means to be like a servant to
others – putting the interest of others before oneself.
- It involves being willing to listen and learn from others, taking their advice.

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- A good leader will give reasoned explanations for his/her decisions and actions
without acting like a dictator, Luke 22:24-30.

a. Arguments About Greatness, Luke 9:46-48

- Politics crept in amongst the disciples. They wanted position, power and
influence.
- This attitude is a hindrance to spiritual progress. In the Kingdom of God, the most
important thing is submission to the authority and will of our King, Jesus Christ.
- During the last supper, they argued about who would be the greatest. He, who
would be a leader, must first learn what it means to serve.
- The one who boasts of his own greatness and knowledge, is not a leader, but a
dictator.
- Peter, who liked to boast, learned this lesson through hard experience. Loyalty to
the King, with humility, carries the promise of a share in the fellowship and
functions of the kingdom, 1 Peter 5:1-6.

b. James and John’s Request, Mark 10: 35-45

- James and John asked Jesus if they could be seated one on either side of Jesus
in His glory.
- Jesus implied that this would depend, in part, on their willingness to suffer for his
sake. But it did not come with his right to grant it.
- James and John had been quick to make their request first and this annoyed the
other disciples. Jesus had told them that true greatness lay in serving others.

c. Parable about Humility (The Wedding Feast), Luke 14: 7-11

- Jesus was having a meal at the house of a Pharisees and he noticed how people
were choosing the best places as a way of honouring themselves. This was bad
manners and could cause embarrassment.
- Jesus warned them that they would be fortunate to have even the lowest in the
Kingdom of God. “It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told
to give your place to someone more important.”
- Jesus used this parable to teach his host a lesson on helping those in need, but
with no thought of reward.
- From this parable Jesus teaches us about humility, being unselfish and not
pushing oneself forward to obtain the best seats.

d. Jesus’ Example of Humility, John 13: 3-15

- The disciples had been arguing over who was the greatest and Jesus
demonstrated the answer.
- The master knowing who He is, and in His love for men and women, makes
Himself their servant.
- Peter refused to have his feet washed. Jesus’ reply shows that if His follower is to
be associated with Him, he must be constantly cleansed from the tings of the
world.

e. Righteousness and Justice, Psalm 72:1-14

- A good ruler will rule with righteousness and justice. He will judge the poor fairly,
help the needy and defeat their opponents.
- He will bring prosperity and righteousness to the nation.
- He will rescue the poor, needy and neglected.

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- He will show them pity and save their lives.

CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO LEADERS

- All rulers, even bad ones, receive their authority from God. Therefore, we must
be subject to our rulers since they have been put there by God, Romans 13:1-7.
- Leaders should be obeyed and respected. However, the first loyalty of Christians
is to God, rather than to human rulers. Peter and John found it necessary to
disobey the orders of the Sanhedrin because they were ordered to stop
preaching the Gospel, Acts 5:27-29
- Disobedience is necessary when the orders of the rulers are in conflict with God’s
teaching or commands. John the Baptist rebuked King Herod for his sinful way of
life, Mark 6:17-28
- As Christians, we are urged to pray for our rulers, that our lives may be peaceful
and quiet. 1 timothy 2:1-4.

ATTITUDES TO RULERS IN CHRISTIANITY AND OTHER RELIGIONS

a) Christianity
- A leader must be willing to serve, listen and learn.
- A true leader is humble. He forgets himself in the interest of others and does not
rule over others like a dictator.
- A leader does not demand special treatment because of his position.
- Christ’s followers strive to reproduce the humility of Christ in their lives.

b) Zambian Tradition
- A leader looks after the interest of the community. He has subordinates who work
with him.
- A leader demands special treatment because of his position.
- Leaders get into power through inheritance and consensus.
- In the traditional Zambian community, there are leaders who play a special part in
traditional religion. For example, there are medicine men, witch finders, diviners,
rain markers and priests.
- However, mode life is influencing leadership in traditional religion. For example,
some traditional leaders these days live in towns.

c) Islam
- Administration in an Islamic state is under an Amir/Emir or Chief. He should have
the confidence of the majority for his knowledge of Islam and should show a fear
of God and have leadership qualities.
- The Amir is assisted by an advisory Council called, Shura. He administers the
country with their advice.
- The Ayatollahs are the religious leaders and teachers.
- Amongst the Sunni, a sect of Islam, there is a strong sense of community. Their
traditions represent majority thought by consensus. Because of this, they believe
that their traditions are the only ideas which have come from God.
- However, they say Muhammad taught them tolerance, so they have adopted a
strong spirit of cooperation and accepts the fact of differing ideas within Islam.

d) Hinduism
- Traditional Hindu leaders were the religious leaders - High Priests.

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- The great Kings of ancient India used to take advice from the Great Sages or
Wise ones.
- According to ancient Hindu legends and Hindu history, all great Kings had great
‘Gurus’. These Gurus guided the rulers.
- In modern India, Mahatma Gandhi could be considered such a leader. He took
the traditional ideas of leadership and adjusted them to contemporary conditions
of Indian Society.
- Sacrifice, devotion, the welfare of the common people, and the establishment of
truth are the basic aims of Hindu leadership.

Religious Comparison on Christian attitudes to the State in Multi-

Party System

a. Christianity Vs Islam
Similarities:
- Both have respect for their leaders.
- In both religions, a leader must be God fearing.
Differences:
1. Christianity- loyalty of Christian is god first and not human rulers.
Islam- there is no conflict between these religious groups and government.

2. Christianity- pray for their leaders even the ones who interfere with their religion.
Islam- are militant and can fight leaders who interfere in their religions.

3. Christianity- leaders administer their leadership by the guidance of the Holy

Spirit.
Islam – leaders administer their leadership with the help of an Advisory council.

4. Christianity – a leader should be under the guidance of God.

Islam- a leader should have knowledge of Islam.

b. Christianity Vs Hinduism
Similarities:
- In both religions, the aim of leaders is to guide people to God.
- In both religions, a leader should serve everyone even common people.
Differences:
1. Christianity – leadership belongs to anyone chosen by God.
Hinduism- leadership belongs to the Gurus who have much influence on people.

c. Christianity Vs ZTR
Similarities:
- In both religions, leaders look after the interest of others.
- In both religions, leaders are respected.
Differences:
1. Christianity- the leader does not demand for special treatment because of
position.
ZTR- the leader demands for special treatment.

2. Christianity- leaders are chosen by God.

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ZTR- power is mainly through inheritance and consensus

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