Dimapur: The United Sangtam Theological Conference commenced on May 16 last at Tsithrongse Baptist Church, Dimapur, with the theme, “Enlarge your tent.” The conference is being held from May 16-18.
In today’s sessions, Dr. Apise Sangtam, President USBPU, led the morning devotion. Following the devotion, T. Chumpongse Sangtam, Lecturer, Oriental Theological College, Yangli, presented a paper on the topic “Church Heresy.”
Chumpongse shared, “From the very beginning of Christianity there was twisting of the truth, false interpretation, and individuals who led others away from the truth.” In the context of Nagaland and Sangtam churches, Chumpongse opines, “Heretical elements will continue to surround so long as the churches do not frame authentic theology and doctrine.”
Chumpongse’s paper presentation shared a brief history of heresy and made case studies on cults. He also presented heretical elements in the present church by giving examples – one case study being, a shift from spiritual orientation to being program oriented. Chumpongse, in his paper also gave his observation towards overcoming heretical tendencies and the role of the church in overcoming heresies.
In his conclusion, Chumponse shared, “Bible is the final authority for judgment, correction, rebuke, teaching and training righteousness.” The church must be careful in observing the teachings, preaching and movements of the believer, he expressed.
“We must make an effort to bring back the extremists and wrong-tracked believers to the truth of God. Do not replace Bible with prophecies, vision teachers, preachers and good leaders. Because they will all be gone some day but the scripture will remain. Beware of imagination and self made gospels,” Chumpongse concluded.
