I would like to air some of my personal views regarding an article which has appeared in your paper a few days ago. As it has stirred up considerable interest on a section of the reading population, I felt that some serious thoughts and scrutiny is called for at this juncture. The article in question –“The most evil people” by Doug’ Soderstrom- has condemned, by no mean terms, Christian fundamentalists.
According to Mr Soderstrom, Christian fundamentalists are those who believe in 1)The Bible as the only infallible source of truth 2)That there is an afterlife, in Heaven and Hell and 3)To go to Heaven one must believe in Jesus Christ(the one and only son of God). Going by his definition, we the Christians in Nagaland are all “Christian fundamentalists” because we all believe in the above three points, and there is no denying the fact of the matter. Why publish an article which mars our image (as Christians) by accusations however false they may be? Don’t we have enough accusations leveled falsely against us (as Christians) by the BJP, RSS and the likes? There are millions of letters and information that can be gleaned from the web, specially good and useful ones, why this one?
Mr Soderstrom has squarely blamed the Christian fundamentals for the actions of the United States and he goes on to lists many excesses committed by the US. But let us not forget that the action of the US of A is not dependent upon a religious group but rather upon the leaders and policy makers, who come from diverse backgrounds. The Christians in Nagaland could hardly be blamed for the actions of the government in Kohima.
The author’s criticism, yet again, of the various policies of the US is his prerogative; however, he exceeds his limits when he opposes God’s instructions on parenting (Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell-Prov 23:14). This is not synonymous with child abuse or battery, or as he called it “corporal punishment”. We all were subject to it, and thank God for that! He also accused the Christian fundamentals of “hatred of homosexuals”. God hates the sin of homosexuality (Sodomy)-remember Sodom and Gomorrah! Sodomy is listed in 1Timothy 1:9,10 and God’s hatred of thi5 sin perBi5t5 but one thing is for sure God loves the sinner(the sodomite). That is how we look at it- we hate the sin of sodomy but love the homosexual, and he must repent! There is no question accommodating ‘marginalized’ groups and respecting their rights! I reject the theory, as projected in one of our papers some time ag9, that homosexuality is in the genes as there could be nothing further from the’ truth. The Devil wants to make everybody a Homosexual, if only you allow him to lure you! A sin is a sin, no matter what society may think!
The author has dared to insinuate that many of the evils seen today are ‘perpetuated by Christians who believe in a “thoroughly providential and loving God” and do these heinous cr1mes in his name.
In conclusion, Mr Soderstrom’s article is the product of a man devoid of understanding, with strong anti¬christian, views unable to differentiate the policies of a country and the beliefs of a section of its population. Concerning its publication in the local paper, I do not call for a boycott nor do I uphold the paper for printing it. “A Naga” has even opined that such articles could strengthen our faith, but that is just his opinion. I strongly feel that such senseless messages do not contribute in any way to the society nor to faith, but rather on the contrary. Publications of Such papers do catch the attention, no doubt, but borders on sensationalism. My request to the talented young men who are running the paper to exercise prudence and wisdom while reaching out to the masses, for the paper surely reflects their views and mindset.
Dr. Z. Mozhui,
Half Nagarjan, Dimapur
