Books by two scholars raise pertinent question for Naga Christians
Moa Jamir
Dimapur | March 11
Do we discard our Christian identity and responsibility once we are outside the Church? Does a dichotomy exist between what we believe and how we act? Have prophecy, vision, dreams and other phenomena become more significant than dedication and worship? Do false prophets exist among us?
These were some of the pertinent issues discussed in detail during an introductory presentation of two books held at Elim Hall, DABA, on March 7. The books were ‘Vocation in Christ: Naga Christian Theology in Conversation with Karl Barth’ (Eugene, Oregon; Pickwick Publications, 2016) by Dr. Imliwabang Jamir and ‘Prophetic Conflict and Yahwistic Tradition: A Systematic Study of True and False Prophesy’ (Wilmore. Kentucky: Glossahouse, 2016) by Dr. Sashipokim Jamir. The former is an Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology while the latter is an Assistant Professor of Old Testament Studies at Oriental Theological Seminary.
Disconnect between worship and action
What are a Naga Christian’s relations to the state of affairs occurring around them and what is their ‘Civic Responsibility’ or ‘responsibility’ as a citizen? Dr. Imliwabang asks this in his book, the basis of his doctoral thesis investigation.
The question is quite important in the light of the socio-political instability characterized by “mass scale corruption, apathy towards welfare of our state, and threatened with anarchy,” he opined.
While attributing the chaotic “unresolved political settlement” and election system as huge contributing factors, he asserted that it also because of “a lack of holistic understanding of our Christian Faith, which should incorporate socio-political, economic, and cultural aspects, rather than religious aspects alone.”
“It results in a dichotomy between our Christian calling and civic responsibility, resulting in apathy towards the welfare of the state.”
In his study, Dr. Imliwabang observed that Naga Christians’, particularly Baptist, understanding of the gospel is based on “good works balancing corrupt deeds as a means to entering heaven.”
“Good works for them include church attendance, giving tithes and offerings, attending special programs like revival crusades, prayer houses, and church services during Easter and Christmas.”
“Emphasis is placed only on spiritual dimensions, how to live happily in heaven, and on the second coming of Jesus Christ by neglecting this-worldly affairs,” he maintained, adding that the nature of their faith is “shallow and without much commitment.”
“Salvation for the Naga Baptist Christians is like a cheap commodity and many seek it out of fear, which is very much an incorporation of their indigenous beliefs” he wrote.
“Furthermore, Naga Christians give more emphasis to outward manifestations like visions, prophecies, and similar charismatic gifts which are considered evidence of having salvation. Such a notion of salvation based on shallow outward manifestations of faith has been influenced by their traditional beliefs and practices.”
It occurs due to lack of “bible study and discipleship,” Dr. Imliwabang pointed out. Consequently, “they misuse civic laws (appropriation of public fund, negligence of work attendance, nepotism, among others) vis-à-vis vocation and non-engagement towards socio political affairs of the state.”
In this context, he opined that Christian Vocation - a person's employment or main occupation, especially regarded as worthy and requiring dedication – is appropriate for us.
For his study, he took the case of Karl Barth, a Swiss Reformist pastor, and one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the 20th century, who defined the theology of vocation as ‘calling’ rather than a profession.
Barth became well-known for his refusal to take oath of unconditional allegiance to the Führer and opposition to Nazi policies.
According to Dr. Imliwabang, Barth was known for “radical, contextual and challenging to the status quo of Christians” during his time, which is equally relevant to Christians today, Naga Christians in particular.
It also involves a vocation involving personal responsibility and accountability and not merely conforming to the status quo of state and institution.
It is immensely helpful for Naga Christians because his theology compels them to take a “stance rather than maintaining the status quo towards the functioning of the state.”
Barth’s theology of vocation is relevant for Christians today, Naga Christians in particular, argues Dr. Imliwabang adding that he chose the subject “to engage with some real issues facing our Church and society rather than doing a mere academic exercise.”
Following his research, he found that Nagas fails to understand one’s calling and one’s vocation in their workplace in a more matured way.
In this context, Dr. Imliwabang, following Barth, called for a Christian vocation that includes –forming and shaping Christians of being a citizen of this world to live out but loving god and loving their neighbor.
Vermuriyi Vadeo, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology in OTS, in his response called for bridging the gap between “faith and work.” He said that a proper understanding of Christian vocation “will enable a believer to overcome life of non-engagement and apathy towards socio-political affairs of the state.”
“This is simply loving God and loving one’s neighbor.”
True and false prophesy
In the other spectrum, but pertinently related, Dr. Sashipokim Jamir in his book examines the phenomena of true and false prophet during as seen in the Old Testament.
Who is a true prophet and who is not? How does one differentiate between the two? Looking at the prophetic conflict and Yahwistic tradition, he analysed the encounter between Jeremiah and Hananiah, two prominent prophets with different views of Yahweh’s work.
While their messages were contradictory, thereby dividing worshippers, the book raises the question if either of them had the right message?
On his part, Dr. Sashipokim said that Jeremiah’s overarching message was that “of repentance and judgment” and prophesized from Yahwistic perspective and supported by the “people of the land.”
In contrast, Hananiah prophesised to support his “support group” and in accordance to political circumstances, he added.
The former was vindicated while the latter was punished for falsehood, he opined.
In his response to Dr. Sashipokim presentation, Dr. Imsu Longchar, Professor of Old Testament, Trinity Theological College, Thahekhu, Dimapur, said the book is relevant for Naga Christians today.
Today Nagas Christians are suffering from acute “nominalism” Longchar said. “Some prophesize for high bureaucrats, some for politicians, some for elections and so on.”
Appropriate reading of scripture is the need of the hour, he added.
In his reply, Dr. Sashipokim said to differentiate between true and false prophets, the parameters for examination is Jesus Christ. “The context should be this in the light of what God teaches.”
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