PF Secretary General Davis Mwila has congratulated President Edgar Lungu and Vice President Inonge Wina for a well-run one year in office.

Mr Mwila has since encouraged President Lungu and Mrs Wina to ignore detractors bent of sabotaging the progressive works being rolled out for the benefit of the people in the country.

He says the PF is in a hurry to create a diversified and resilient economy for sustained growth and socio-economic transformation.

Mr Mwila has called on all Zambians to remain supportive of President Lungu’s administration if the country is to attain development.

Below is the full statement

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOUR MORE YEARS OF HARDWORK, NOT JUST WORDS, IS OUR FOCUS, SAYS PATRIOTIC FRONT SECRETARY GENERAL

Lusaka, Zambia, 14^th September 2017 – Patriotic Front Secretary General Hon Davies Mwila has congratulated His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Her Honour the Vice President Mrs. Inonge Mutukwa Wina for what he termed a “well-run” first year in Office. Hon Mwila has encouraged the Republican President and Her Honour the Vice President to ignore detractors bent on sabotaging the progressive works being rolled out for the benefit of the Zambian people and country at large.

“PF, through its 2016-2021 Election Manifesto and aligning with the Vision 2030, 7NDP and Smart Zambia Transformation Agenda 2064 is in a hurry to create a diversified and resilient economy for sustained growth and socio-economic transformation driven, among others, by agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and mining”, he has observed.

“The next 365 days are crucial for the Patriotic Front and we are asking all Zambians to remain supportive of President Lungu’s administration if the country is to attain more. Our call to Zambians is for them to ignore armchair critics and enemies of progress,” Hon Mwila said.

Hon Mwila has also said that under the PF manifesto, infrastructure was the cornerstone of the economy. “It is crucial for our PF government to step up investment in this sector if poverty is to be eliminated in Zambia.  Zambia, like the rest of Africa has undergone fundamental changes over the last decade which in turn has fuelled demand for infrastructure services including energy, transportation, ICT, water supply, growing agriculture and urban infrastructure. So those who seek to sabotage Government programmes are directly attempting to undermine what Zambians rightfully deserve and that’s development”, he said.

“We will continue to pursue the goal of increasing the wealth and income in the hands of marketeers and all those in the lower brackets of the economy such as the domestic workers as we demonstrated when we just got into office. We remain a Party that is a friend of the workers and as the economy grows so shall the benefits accrue to the hardworking civil servants and the working class in general. Our objective is to actualise the aspirations of our founding fathers captured in the national anthem – A land of Work, and Joy in Unity”, said Hon Mwila.

The PF Secretary General has since reminded those spreading falsehoods on development projects that they were gratuitously insulting the intelligence of Zambians on whose behalf the PF Government was acting.

Opposition UPND Members of Parliament will this morning attend the official opening of Parliament which will include the address by President Edgar Lungu.

Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Jack Mwiimbu said the decision has been arrived at in the interest of the nation.

Mr Mwiimbu said the UPND MPs had a caucus on Thursday 14th September 2017 in Lusaka to discuss issues related to the official opening of parliament.

He said the nation may recall that in the last session of parliament, 47 UPND members of parliament were suspended by the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Mr Mwiimbu said the UPND members of parliament have since served their one month suspension.

“At today’s caucus, the UPND members of parliament resolved to resume their duties in the House. The UPND MPs took this decision in the interest of the country in view of the forthcoming political dialogue aimed at promoting peace, stability and democracy in Zambia,” he said.

He said the UPND MPs believe that their attendance at the official opening of parliament will go a long way in giving confidence to the process of dialogue.

Speaking during the submission at the Ministry of Justice in Lusaka today, NGOCC executive director Engwase Mwale said the Political Parties Bill in its current form is generally not progressive for the promotion and nurturing of Zambia’s young democracy hence the need to review it before it is taken to Parliament.

Ms. Mwale also said the Bill offers both negative and positive provisions that will affect Zambia’s democracy adding that once the legislation is enacted it has the potential to suppress the democratic space especially for opposition political parties.

“The Political Parties Bill in its current form is generally not progressive for the promotion and nurturing of Zambia’s young democracy hence the need to review it before it is taken to Parliament” Ms. Mwale said

And receiving the submission, Justice Minister Given Lubinda applauded NGOCC for contributing to the enhancement of transparency and accountability in the operations of political parties.

Mr. Lubinda urged stakeholders to view the provision of the law to direct operations of political parties as an opportunity for Zambia to progress in its democratic programme.

The Minister seized the occasion to remind Civil Society Organizations in Zambia (CSOs) of their obligation of providing checks and balances in the twin process of democratization and governance.

“I want to advice stakeholders to view the provision of the law to direct operations of political parties as an opportunity for Zambia to progress in its democratic programme” Lubinda said

Patriotic Front (PF) Copperbelt Youth Chairperson Nathan Chanda has described Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili as untruthful and ungrateful politician in Zambia.

In a statement to Pan African Radio news today, Mr. Chanda who is also Luanshya Mayor expressed sadness that Dr. Kambwili is now blaming him for his misfortune in the political arena.

And Mr. Chanda has added that Dr. Kambwili is just a desperate politician, alleging that the desperation of expelled Roan lawmaker is very unfortunate.

Mr. Chanda has since noted that the people of Luanshya has realized that Dr. Kambwili is just a bully, adding that the Roan Member of parliament is just a primitive person and leadership style is unacceptable in the Zambian society.

“Mr. Kambwili should not think that he can take on President Lungu Punch for Punch. We can remind Mr. Kambwili that President Lungu has a bigger punch. In the first place President Lungu will never lower himself to such street thinking”

“President Lungu is civil, well cultured and educated and full of wisdom unlike some people like Mr. Kambwili who boast of online or honorary doctorates waived of the usual requirements.”

“Mr. Kambwili’s behaviour and ranting do not fit him to hold the title of Honourable. How can a man who claims to be popular act so desperate? It is shocking that Mr. Kambwili can start naming and blaming me for his misfortunes. Politics is about the people and not bulling everyone,” My appeal to the people of Luanshya and Copperbelt is not to listen to selfish politicians who speak for personal gain,”

“I vowed to continue working with the people of Luanshya and foster national development, the vision of President Edgar Lungu and the PF. “Batila ulelila tamucheba kukanwa.

“These are sour grapes coming from a man who is so bitter and greedy. Learn to be humble and get advice from other people. Don’t think you know it all, by the way my advice to you is”

“Before you talk, listen more. Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait and get more information and lastly before you act think” Mr. Chanda scolded Mr. Kambwili.

The Interfaith Mission and the Lumpa Church Religious War in Zambia: Address to the Interfaith Mission Gathering in Virginia in the United States of America.
by
Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D.
Professor of Sociology

Introduction

The hot day was seething with dry heat in the summer of Savannah Zambia in Southern Africa in August 1964. My father, mother, my brothers, and sisters were worried. There was tension, sadness and anxiety in our Tembo family of 9 children. For days we did not know whether we would see our second oldest 15 year old sister alive. We were a family of nine; 3 brothers and 6 sisters. For days there was news on the radio and many rumors that a religious war had broken out in our home district west of Lundazi including my mother and father’s Chipewa and Seleta villages. May be over a total of six hundred people in our two villages alone may have been burned in their grass thatched houses, killed, and massacred. Our sister Misozi (not her real name) at the time was attending Kanyanga Catholic Mission Boarding School which was right in the heart of the religious war. That school was about ten miles from our two villages. The tension was unbearable as we waited every day for what seemed like days on end.

On that hot day in August that I will never forget; the glowing red sun was setting as the family was sitting in front of the house. Someone said: “I can see something coming up the road; there is someone”. We all saw a small figure bop its head up and down on the Western horizon from Chipata-Lundazi Road coming toward our house. As the lone figure drew nearer, we the children screamed first:
“It’s sister Misozi!!!” as we ran to greet her and hold her hands. She looked haggard and had a weary smile on her face.

Misozi was ragged, her face unwashed and her hair shaggy and dirty. She had not had a bath for days. She had dusty bare feet and had just walked 5 miles from the main road. She was only wearing a dress and a chitenje cloth draped over her small shoulders. She literally had only the clothes on her back. As a child the best part about my sister Misozi’s safe return was to see the utter joy and relief on my parent’s faces; their baby was alive. As a Zambian or African family, we quickly conducted the malonje greeting custom. This is when the host greets the guest and the guest gets to explain the details of the purpose of their visit. This is what the whole family heard from my older sister Misozi.

All the converts of the new Lumpa Church for weeks had gathered at Kamtola headquarters in the Northern Province near the town of Chinsali. They had decided they would kill all the non-believers in all the villages. The small clinic at the Kanyanga Catholic Boarding School for weeks was overwhelmed treating those wounded in the war who were brought in by the truck loads. Thousands had already been killed. As the war drew nearer to the school, the Northern Rhodesia British Colonial government sent 4 buses to the school with armed battalion soldiers to evacuate the school. My sister and her school mates hastily boarded the buses under heavily armed soldiers. Some soldiers rode inside the buses and some were located on top of the roof tops of the buses. No student was allowed to bring anything besides what they were wearing. My sister tried to find her shoes in the dormitory. She was ordered at gunpoint to hurry out of the dorm.

Significance of Inferfaith Unity

This is a rather dramatic introduction to the topic of interfaith. This is a very vivid example of the extreme of what can happen when either interfaith does not happen or religious groups become intolerant. It need not always result in murder and violence. But it has happened in history, it is happening now, and it probably will happen in the future if people of different faiths do nothing in the presence escalating religious tensions, hostility, and violence. In this presentation, I want to discuss FOUR specific aspects of the positive aspects of living the interfaith mission in life. The first is family attitude, second, the attitude of community and the religious faith itself. Third, the policies of the government regarding the interfaith mission. Fourth and last I will answer the question: “Is the interfaith mission the solution to religious tensions, hostility and unfortunately violence?”

The Family and Interfaith Mission

Our attitudes about religious differences within our Zambian or African family may have been influenced by a long cherished social value that is taught and expected in all brides and grooms as they are about to get married. Older women advise the bride that if your husband likes a particular food that you yourself might dislike or might not care for, cook that food very carefully and serve that food to your husband with respect and joy. In the same way, older men advise grooms that if your wife likes a particular food even if you dislike the food yourself or might even hate it, get it for her. Give that food to her with respect and joy. Your wife, so the grooms are advised, will love you forever. This might apply to how we treat or respond to different religions that might exist in our communities: you may dislike how they pray, or what God they say they pray to. But you should always respect how other people pray or their religions. That’s the best way to create interfaith peace and harmony.

My family of 9 and I must be the luckiest people in the world. My parents took us to and encouraged us all to attend church. They were comfortable with all of us belonging to different churches including some who might not have been as religious. We all respected each other, were tolerant and my parent made sure that happened. I attended a Dutch Reformed Church Boarding School for 3 years between the age of 11 and 13. My 2 older sisters belong to the Catholic Church. My younger sister belongs to a Pentecostal church. One of my brothers joined the Islamic faith. My parents never expressed religious zealotry or never insisted on religious purity like the early Puritans on the East Coast of the United States. Religious zealotry and purity which certain forms of religious fundamentalism that they exhibit may be antithetical to the interfaith mission.

Attitude of the Religious Faith

The attitude of the religious faith itself may determine whether its members can practice or fulfill the interfaith mission. Is the religion tolerant of members of other religions or non-believers? This is the toughest question because it gets to the heart of whether people of different faiths and religions can live together as neighbors, school mates, and as community members with minimal or no religion-based tensions and conflict.

Even though the edicts of the religion may endorse members avoiding, shunning, ostracizing and even harming people who belong to other religions or non-believers, can religious peaceful coexistence still be maintained? Again my answer goes back to the beliefs and experiences within my family. The family is the first line of defense or mitigating the negative or hostile religious attitude. When a child, a parent, or other family members say negative things about someone belonging to another different religion from their own, it is up to parents and family members to object loudly to the negative behavior. Whenever any of my siblings or myself said anything negative about people from a different religion or different culture, my parents were the first ones to discourage that behavior.

My parent’s words always echo in my mind. They would say in Tumbuka language:
“Iwo para opemphera nthana bakwanangila vici iwe panyake ise pa banja pithu? Yayi, kanawo ndimo wopempherela. Kuli chikatolika, Chitawala, Chi Slam.”
Translated as: “So, if they pray like that, how do they hurt you or us as a family? No, don’t say such negative things. That’s the way they also pray. There are Catholics, Watch Tower Church members, and Muslims or Islam.”

I am not here saying this is easy may be in the face religion based provocation, hostility, violence or even murder. I often ask myself how do those people who live in difficult religious hot spots live their everyday lives? I am referring here to Muslims and Christians in Northern Nigeria, for example, who frequently have violence flaring up resulting into horrendous violence and murders. I don’t know how they did this and why it happened that way. But after the Lumpa religious war ended, many surviving former members returned to the villages in Lundazi. Some of them were my kinship relatives. There was forgiveness and quiet reconciliation and no reprisals at all up to this day in all the villages.
Government Policies
Government policies can set the tone for interfaith peace, coexistence, and religious tolerance. Despite the rough start of the country’s independence in with the Lumpa Church religious war in October 1964, Zambia was a non-racial, multiethnic and multi-religious society. The President of the country and the top political leadership always emphasized freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence of not only people from different racial, ethnic, and racial backgrounds but also accepted religious diversity.

My country of Zambia is the size of Texas and has a population of 14 million. It has 27 so-called tribes or more accurately ethnic groups because “tribes” no longer exist in Zambia and much of Africa.
“Zambia Christian denominations are mainly Protestant and Catholic and include Anglican, Pentecostal, New Apostolic Church, Lutheran, Seventh-day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Branhamism, and a variety of Evangelical denominations. Christianity so dominates the country that some reports suggest that an estimated 85% of the population belongs to some form of Christianity, another 5% are Muslim, 5% other faiths, including Hinduism, Bahaism, and traditional indigenous religions, and 5% are atheist.” (Tembo, 2012, p. 183)
It seems a successful interfaith mission not only depends on the community living a positive life of cultural diversity but it ought to live a life of active cultural integration. Zambia is so lucky because it might be the most well ethnically integrated society in the world. This is no hyperbole or exaggeration. So it might be more accurate to say that my home country of Zambia has peaceful religious coexistence because the government and political leadership actively implemented the social integration of the so-called 72 tribes or ethnic groups within the context of a non-racial society.
“Is the interfaith mission the solution to religious tensions, hostility and unfortunately violence?”

My response to this is rather nuanced. It may not even be what you might expect. I would like to thank the Harrisonburg Interfaith Association for the great work they are doing to create harmony, unity, and reconciliation among the various religious faiths in the community. May be we could talk about this in the question and answer time. If a community and society has already established the 3 factors I have just talked about, there may be no need for a formal an interfaith mission of organization. If families live with people from different faiths, communities, schools, clubs, and neighborhoods live with people of different faiths, and lastly if the government and political leaders already espouse the virtues of people from different religions living together; then the formal interfaith mission organizations become icing on the proverbial cake. Let me elaborate on this.

Conclusion

A successful Interfaith mission in all communities or societies start with families that actively encourage and live the mission in their homes. This is where we should pause and ask: “Is the Harrisonburg community living the Interfaith mission? Is America as a society living the Interfaith Mission?”
A successful Interfaith Mission in all communities or societies start with the different religions themselves actively encouraging and living the Interfaith mission in their congregations in churches, Synagogues, Mosques, and elsewhere. We can ask the same question: “Are Harrisinburg City and churches in the surrounding counties living an interfaith mission among their congregation in churches, Synagogues, Mosques and where ever they worship?”

A successful Interfaith Mission in all communities and societies start with government and political leaders actively encouraging and living the Interfaith mission among all the diverse religions within the country. “Is the American government and the political leaders encouraging the Interfaith Mission in the entire country?”

Before I end, let me share with you the song that I sung with my first grade classmates during a Religion Knowledge period in 1959 in my home village school in Zambia in Southern Africa in 1959.
Leader: Adam, Adam
Response: Adam na Eva (Twice)
Response: Njinjola chikulu chikamnyenga Adam, Adam na Eva.
Translation: A big snake tempted Adam, Adam and Eve.
Thank you

Mr Hichilema said the dialogue process is a prerequisite to focus on the core business of uplifting the welfare of the people.

He was speaking shortly after the UPND senior leadership held another meeting with Commonwealth Special Envoy for the Zambian dialogue talks Prof Ibrahim Gambari for the second time since the envoy came to Zambia last week.

“On our part, we presented what we believe are some of the key issues that the country must address in order to cure some of the ills of the past as we move forward in peace and prosperity based on the respect for the rule of law,” Mr Hichilema said.

He added, “We have always stood for meaningful dialogue as a means to resolving issues affecting our country as that is a prerequisite to focus on the core business of uplifting the welfare of our people.”

The meeting took place at Intercontinental hotel in Lusaka.

Mr Hichilema presented a dossier of evidence to support the party’s concerns about the political problems facing the country.

He was accompanied by senior party officials including Vice President Geoffrey Mwamba, Chairperson Mutale Nalumango, Secretary General Steven Katuka, Spokesperson Charles Kakoma , Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Jack Mwiimbu, UPND Whip in Parliament Garry Nkombo and Chairman for International Relations Ambassador Mulondwe Muzungu.

Prof Ibrahim Gambari is also scheduled to meet President Edgar Lungu on Thursday for the second time since he came to Zambia.

He has held several meetings with stakeholders to gather information about the Zambian situation.

El Mukuka is regarded by many as Zambia’s top House DJ/Producer and pioneer of the melodic house music genre in the country.His hit songs include “Bottle of loneliness“, “Somethings Coming“, “Getting there” and his latest single “Amor Mio“.

“I started producing first, at quite a young age actually, and only later got into DJing. I think being able to DJ well is critical ( in the house music genre) and although there is a new wave of international acts today that come across as being more producers than DJs, I think in order to fully understand house music you need to be proficient at both.”

The 24 year-old Zambian-Greek DJ/Producer studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music (the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world) in Boston ,MA, USA.

“As a classically trained pianist, I like to believe that a lot of my influence/inspiration comes from genres other than house music such as world music, classical music and jazz. I believe 100% in fusion music and the only way for me to stay creative and innovative within the house music genre is by filling my artist palette with all sorts of contrasting colors.”

El Mukuka’s music can be described as uplifting, infused with African elements, rich in melody & harmony and groovy. He has played at some of the biggest festivals in sub-Saharan Africa such as the Vic Falls Carnival, R&G Oktoberfest, Barefeet Music Festival, Siavonga Music Festival and the Zanzibar B&W Festival while also playing alongside some of the top players in the region such as Goldfish, Goodluck, Joe Mfalme, Professor , Mi Casa.

KAPA187: I recently had the pleasure of attending an event that you were a part of. The Mi Casa ‘Familia’ album launch.  How was that experience?

El Mukuka: “It was a lot of fun and we had a really nice crowd that night. Mi Casa are amazing and it was a pleasure to open for them. I guess from all the times I have hung out with them or seen them play, the one characteristic I love about them the most is how they value and exemplify instrumental proficiency and musical depth.”

KAPA187:  In regards to music production, what software do you use? Do you feel there is a general over reliance in technology as opposed to physical instruments?

 El Mukuka: “I predominantly use Ableton ( a software music sequencer and digital audio workstation for macOS and Windows) and Logic (a digital audio workstation and MIDI sequencer software application for the macOS platform). Yes, for the most part I think there has been an unfortunate overwhelming shift from acoustic instruments to virtual and electronic instruments. I personally try and make an effort to incorporate at least 1 acoustic instrument in every single song of mine. I think the solution here is to embrace all the technological advancements but to mix that with real instruments because nothing beats the real thing.”

KAPA187: House music does not have a huge following in Zambia as compared to other parts of the world. What do you think needs to be done in order to grow the popularity of the genre.

El Mukuka: “Exposure and time. With the growing popularity of house music in Zambia and the emergence of new producer/DJs we need radio & TV stations to play even more house music (with an emphasis on locally produced house music) in order to educate the public. Honestly, I don’t think house music will become the dominant genre in Zambia any time soon, but from what I have seen in the last 3 years, this genre has a lot more room for growth in our market.”

KAPA187: That is true, with time the genre will grow. Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring DJ/Producers?

El Mukuka: “Find your voice, be honest with your art, work hard and believe in yourself 200% because if you don’t believe in yourself don’t expect anyone else to.”  

KAPA187: Lets talk about your music . Last week you premiered your latest single ,“Amor Mio”(meaning “my love” in Spanish), which is a collaboration with German producer Shaun Bate and Zambian songstress Marocco. Tell us more about it. 

El Mukuka: “The idea behind “Amor Mio” came early this year in a studio session in Lusaka with Marocco. A few weeks later I travelled to Berlin and met with an A&R who played a key role in developing the project by bringing Shaun Bate on board and guiding us through the completion of the song. The rest is history. I think we succeeded in writing a song that is lighthearted, witty, romantic and good for summer.”

KAPA187:  It is a very catchy song and many people are enjoying it. “Bottle of loneliness” and “Something’s coming”, both featuring your frequent collaborator Kayla Jacobs, are my favorite tracks from you. How did the collaborations with Kayla come about?

El Mukuka: “Kayla and I met at the Berklee College of Music in a song-writing class and ever since then we have been working together on a regular basis. She is now based in LA and I am mainly based here in Lusaka. She is incredibly talented and I have a lot of respect for her.”

KAPA187: Thats great , I look forward to more great tracks from the two of you. What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?

El Mukuka: “I start by identifying the kind of event I am playing at (i.e. festival performance, club gig, private party, boat party, etc) followed by the type of crowd and then lastly the time of day at which my set will be. Once I have these details in my head I can begin to plan the kind of emotions I want my set to evoke and the type of energy I want it to have.”

KAPA187: Do you have pre-show rituals that you do before a live performance? once you get going with your set do you “read the audience” or follow a fixed play list?

El Mukuka: “Many times I’ll say a quick prayer before I get on stage and that’s it.I always try to make an effort to read the audience. With that said however, there are some big gigs that require very rigid planning.”

EL Mukuka’s recent brand partnership with Heineken has accelerated the growth of the house music scene in Zambia and helped to expose Zambian house music to the world. He also recently became the first Zambian disc jockey to sign with the international record label Universal Music.

Be on the look out for more exciting releases and shows from the fast rising Dj/Producer EL Mukuka.

THE MUSIC

Amor Mio (feat Shaun Bate and Marocco)

Bottle of loniness (feat Kayla Jacobs)

Somethings Coming (feat Kayla Jacobs)

Getting there (feat Abel Chungu Musukwa)

Milena (feat Cephas Maseko)

Interact with EL Mukuka on social media:

Facebook: El mukuka

Instagram: Elmukuka

Twitter: @elmukuka

BY KAPA187

Iris’ Actions Are Pernicious to Society

Iris Kaingu’s latest stunt to publicly bare her whole body save for the covering of paint does not come as a surprise. This act just like her previous tradition defying escapades reflects the extent to which society has degenerated. While I cannot say that she is the most immoral person alive, I will fail in my Christian duty if I turned my eyes elsewhere pretending that all was well or by saying that it is none of my business. When she called for a press briefing on Sunday, 10th September, I was convinced that she was going to repent of her immoral actions. To the surprise of many, she was justifying her actions and essentially, ended up lecturing journalists on why they should report positively about her.

Will it be right therefore to agree with Iris, even for a second, that women empowerment or liberation means that they can do as they please even at the expense of society norms? Or is it true as she alleges that our forefathers used to walk about stark naked and no one cared? No, I do not agree with any of these assertions. Let me focus on the last one.

Before Adam and Eve sinned, not putting on clothes was not a problem. But that state of innocence ended when they disobeyed their maker for we read,
7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. “Gen 3:7
Consequently, all of us as their descendants are born with that sense of shame and it becomes clear as soon as we know right from wrong. Curiously, you will never see this kind of behavior in the animal kingdom. Why? Because they never sinned. Interestingly, even an attempt by our forefathers to clothe themselves was a failure because the leaves were not sustainable. It had to take God to clothe them with animal skin. In effect, God was affirming the necessity of humans to wear clothes in public and any such departure is an affront to Him. In other words, wearing clothes to cover shame defines humanity. There is therefore no society, no matter how backward were people walk around naked and are unaffected. Granted, the level of covering may differ. The bushmen will for instance wear something just to cover their sexual organs but their society is ok with that.

When human beings begin to claim that there is nothing wrong in posing naked in public, it is an indication that mentally, there something wrong and that urgent help is needed. A story is told in Luke 8 about Jesus’ encounter with a demon possessed man:

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[a] which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.

After the demons are removed, this is what we are told in Mark 5 “15 When they (the villagers) came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

It is beyond debate that all of us must remove our clothes at one time or the other. But this is only done in the privacy of our homes or any places designated for such activities. But when one chooses to bring images that are only for consumption of themselves or those that are licensed to do so, then a redline has been crossed and consequences follow.

Iris is guilty of corrupting morals by causing her images to be publicly viewed. The Lord Jesus does not spare words when he talks about those that corrupt the morals of the public(more appropriately his children): Mark 9:42
“If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

It cannot be argued that the publication of the pictures has led some men to sin in their hearts and otherwise. But this exposure is also an affront to the women folk who have been indirectly undressed and publicly shamed by Iris’ actions. I am made to wonder whether it has occurred to Iris that these pictures are being looked at even by people that are very close to her including her parents and siblings! It is very clear from her actions that Iris is a single woman. But which parent will be willing to allow their son to marry one who has undressed in public? God forbid that she should even have a child who would sooner rather than later be accessing the images of their mother on internet.

It may not occur to Iris that her actions are in plain view of her maker before whom she will have to give an account. That she was not suddenly struck by lightning, doesn’t mean that God is unaware or has over looked her actions. The warning is also for her accomplices (those men that worked to paint her body). They couldn’t have publicly undressed themselves but they are just as guilty as she is. When Adam was persuaded to eat of the forbidden fruit, he was found guilty of the offence even though the serpent only deceived Eve.

But is there hope for Iris to reform and become accepted before her maker? While many may condemn her, and find her inimical to society the answer is an emphatic yes.
In Isaiah 1:18 the picture is given of God’s willingness to forgive those that sin against him, no matter how vile. We read:
“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

Elsewhere, in He is literally, pleading with the wayward Israelites:
Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

There is therefore hope for Iris to turn. She needs to humble herself and denounce all the justifications of an otherwise publicly immoral life and to turn in repentance to her maker or else as the apostle says about those that refuse to repent:

“but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” Heb.10:27

By Kambilo Musopelo