Truth Magazine

Next time you are shopping I would encourage you to pass by the Magazine rack and buy a copy of the latest (?) magazine on the market “Truth”. Truth is a Christian magazine edited by Mundia Lubinda and published by the Doxa Music and Lighthouse Media Group. From its tone and content I would say that the magazine is aimed at the young, urban and middle class Christian. Whatever, your demographic (group of people) you belong to I would encourage you buy and read at least one issue of the magazine.

So what is it like you ask? I will try and describe it. Truth is a lifestyle magazine. It is a collection of reflections on Zambian Christian life, interviews with prominent Christians and discussions on topics of spiritual interest to the magazines target audience. The fourth issue of the Magazine includes interviews with Chilu Lemba, Ephraim and articles in defense of the single woman, on abortion and Easter.

What did I think of it? Starting on a positive note, it has great packaging. This magazine’s packaging is of international standard. The magazine has an attractive layout, great photographs and graphics. The magazine is a feast for the eyes. Secondly, the magazine is a welcome addition to the Christian publication market. Currently the Zambian market offers little in the way of light reading on issues that affect the everyday life of the ordinary Christian. Some would say the light reading element is a drawback. I would beg to differ if I wanted heavier theological discussion I would read a systematic theology and not a magazine!

On the negative side I think some of the articles lacked a distinctive Christian flavor. Christians are citizens of heaven and this fact should reflect itself even in our discussion of everyday issues. In New Testament times even ladies fashion was discussed from an eternal perspective (1 Timothy 3:1). I felt that certain articles lacked this perspective. For example, the article “in defense of the single woman”, the topic of the aging spinster is tackled primarily from a social perspective. One wonders whether Bible offers no counsel on women “losing their chance”, advancing their career, dealing with insecure man and pushy relatives. Another, negative is the advertising and promotion. The Magazine is published by the Doxa group and there is considerable promotion of Doxa artists. What problem do I have with this? Well this presents the reader with a partial picture of what is happening on the Zambian Christian music scene. I know that there are many Zambian Christians that are putting their heart and soul into recording music of fair quality. I think that a magazine like Truth should support these Christians even if they are not on the Doxa label.

Overall, despite the areas in which the magazine can grow it is a welcome addition to the Zambian Christian market and should be supported.