Zambia Dialogue Explores Scripture-Based Standards of Good and Evil
The dialogue aimed to move beyond doctrinal debates, offering practical guidance for addressing conflicts in contemporary society.
LUSAKA, Zambia —Amid daily moral choices, HWPL Zambia hosted a dialogue on the standard of “good” believers are called to uphold, writes Winston Mwale.
On Feb. 9, the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Office convened a session titled “Good and Evil,” bringing together Christian and Islamic leaders to discuss scripture-based principles of discernment.
The dialogue aimed to move beyond doctrinal debates, offering practical guidance for addressing conflicts in contemporary society.
Previous sessions explored the origins of good and evil in religious texts. Participants concluded that these concepts are not human inventions but moral standards derived from the Creator.
Christian instructor James Jang said the spiritual world influences the physical world, citing biblical accounts of persecution faced by Jesus and early Christians.
He said believers must evaluate teachings based on scriptural truth rather than tradition or authority. He also urged religious leaders to prioritize ongoing study of scripture.
Sheikh Saiti Maida, an imam from the Choma Muslim Community, said the struggle between good and evil is central to human life and occurs both externally and internally.
He cited the Qur’an and Hadith, saying evil comes from arrogance, disobedience, oppression, and injustice, while good is expressed through justice, truth, humility, and compassion.
He encouraged responding to evil with patience, forgiveness, and self-discipline.
Panelists noted shared values across faiths. Audience members said good must stand against injustice and responding to evil with good helps preserve peace.
The dialogue is part of HWPL’s broader interfaith and youth-focused peace initiatives in Zambia.
HWPL recently signed a memorandum with the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO) to institutionalize interfaith dialogue. Its youth arm, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), is organizing initiatives in peace education, media, and community service.
Monthly WARP Office dialogues and follow-up programs, including the International Religious Peace Academy, aim to deepen interfaith understanding and practical cooperation for peace.
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international NGO dedicated to ending war and promoting sustainable world peace through interfaith collaboration, peace education, and international law initiatives.