‎WE SHOULD MAINTAIN OCTOBER 18TH SEPARATELY- SILAVWE

The argument has weak theological foundations and inconsistent philosophy because it treats civic religious holidays as if they have unchangeable sacred status, even though it does not really give a credible theological rationale for why it is necessary for both such state-established holidays to be distinct. Moreover, it becomes an act of political posturing because its reasoning is based on symbolism, national feelings, and seasonal considerations rather than any consistent theological anthropology, ecclesiology, or public ritual philosophy.

Consistent philosophical thinking — Saying that the date of October 18th “realises” the declaration regarding the Christian Nation is not a philosophical position. In philosophy, the date of an event is never what indicates its understanding; the determining features are its ethical implications, its communal character and its metaphysics, and none of those are available here.

Theological foundation: The use of “ancient landmarks” as well as references to rainy-season timing constitute religious rhetoric rather than theology. It should be noted that Christian theology does not attribute sacramental importance to national weather cycles as well as independence anniversaries.

Civic Religion — This concept relates national religious ceremonies to political identity as opposed to spiritual formation since civic religion uses religious ideas to strengthen political ideologies associated with them.

Political signalling — The emphasis on “full government funding” and the separation of dates acts more as a political stance than as a theological need. It shows differentiation rather than doctrinal clarity.Political signalling

Lack of necessity in doctrines — There is no biblical, historical, or doctrinal principle requiring two national holy days. The argument is based on cultural sentiment rather than theological argumentation.

I suggest that Slavwe dates Godfrida Sumaili and the two might come up with a better response to the issue.

Does 18th October or 29th December really matter to us, as Zambians? In my view, what matters is the variance between what we say and what we do as a nation. Our ancestors are the biblical Pharisees. “We say but we don’t do” We have had this 18th October or Christian Declaration for years now, what benefit? We will now have the 29th December Declaration going forward, what benefit will we have?

Hypocrites….what reconciliation,you preach but you do not practice what you preach.All filled with jealousy,anger and hate m.You go to church, pray and worship,sing and dance,all for show.As soon as you go home,you practice evil,even the person who declared Zambia as a Christian nation,was busy amassing wealth ,even the person who set 18th October as a national day of prayer was busy amassing wealth.Amassing wealth at our expense as so called ORDINARY ZAMBIANS. HYPOCRITES

Both must be scrapped. They serve no spiritual purpose. It is all about politics. Why is it that only politicians or politically active clergy talk about these two issues?

The very person who decreed this day 18th October as a day of prayer, fasting, RECONCILLIATION and all, Mr. Lungu, failed to reconcile with his nemesis, Mr. Hichilema, to the extent he purportedly issued instructions on his deathbed that Mr. Huchilema must not come anywhere near his casket. He remains are unburied up to today, over a year after his demise.

God cannot be mocked. By their fruit you will recognise them. There is nothing christian about our nation. It is steeped in evil. Just look at our politics! Some politicians wishing the president harm, including death. The insults on social media! Even the Chiti Mukulu complained about being abused through social media because of politics.

A covenant with God must not be taken lightly. It might just attract His judgement upon this nation. The children of Israel took pride in being Abraham’s children while they continued to disobey God. He brought judgement upon them and scattered them in all directions.

We take pride in being called a christian nation, while the decay runs deep.

Praying for unpredictable weather patterns do not need any particular day like 18th October. Those who want to pray for rains can do so on any day they may wish to do so. As others have already commented, we have had these days for many years now especially the declaration day of Zambia as a Christian nation, but when you look at spiritual benefits, there is nothing. Both days are a political show claiming to reconcile the nation when practically there is no reconciliation at all. Since this day was founded, the theme has been the same; October 18th as a day of prayer, fasting and RECONCILLIATION October as a day of prayer, fasting and RECONCILIATION. How many years do we need to reconcile as a nation? Some people were even planning, and are still planning to harm or kill the President. So what reconciliation do we as a nation from these two days? Nothing, in my opinion, both days should be scrapped off, they don’t serve any purpose at all. They are no better than the image which Nebuchadnezzar erected in the plain of Dura where people are forced to pray on those days especially the Civil Servants. Such prayers are not serving the interests of God but those of politicians and rulers. Abash both days.