Today everyone talks that Nagaland is a Christian state. But according to me, it is not a matter of condemnation but Nagas have not exactly grasped the meaning of Christian or Christianity. So I feel that all the Nagas are not Christians. Why? Because of many reasons. According to my philosophy, the word Christian derived from the word Christ, and the followers of Christ were or are known as Christians, who walked in the foot path of Christ. So till today I feel that we need another E.W.Clark in order to Christianize the Nagas who are visible Ninevians.
Firstly, when we look at our society, we have witnessed number of killings within the Nagas who are known as Christians, raping which is not the Naga culture, encroaching the neighbors homestead and fields which were not known to Naga ancestors, who were living under the shadow of sun and moon without the knowledge that God was or is. So here sometimes I question myself that did Jesus teach us to kill others which is naturally against the Moses Law who received from God on Mount Sinai.
Secondly, just yesterday and today some developments are sprouting in our state. Long time ago our ancestors did not know who Jesus was. At that time people respect and love each other, the field boundary was demarcated with the plantation of small pieces of stones as well as with the wild lilies. They were scared of the sun, moon and earth God. At that age there was even a waste land, forest or even the river shore was not occupied by anyone. But today since all the Nagas know who Jesus is, there is no piece of land which is not occupied by any man.
Thirdly, if all the Nagas are Christians, why should we involve in the election which is a game of liars gossiping others illness in every door, seeking for fame and fortune. If we are Christians why should we beg around in the house of the politicians? We can elect a capable and benevolent leader even if we don’t sip a cup of rum.
Fourthly, if Nagas are Christians why every Naga society is corrupted, starting from the state government to the smallest clan in the society. Everywhere there is misuse of funds. Why I am saying Nagaland government, because all of us have heard that Rs.365 crores had disappeared in the air and there was a tough time in the assembly between the Congress and the ruling group. This is the nature of the Nagas blood which is same as HIV/AIDS which cannot be removed from our blood because even during the Congress period also misuse of fund was the main debate in the assembly.
Lastly, Nagas are brothers in blood and Sabbath days are observed in gambling, drinking and prayer and fasting days have become a picnic day. So these are the few skin fact characters of Naga Christianity. So I wonder in what way we are worthy to call our state as a Christian state. A Christian state must be like a visible Heaven! But whoever travels around the state, particularly state employees, all are doing so with great tension. Nevertheless, all of us have witnessed that a Christian state shops are closed down at 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm because everyone is scared of the Christians. So since 95% to 99% are not Christians, Nagas are animists.
Shokun Ohio
