It is so interesting to hear and read about some fear psychosis among Nagas with regard to the entry of political agendas of BJP in Nagaland. Many Nagas who claim to be so Christianized fear that BJP would certainly destroy the spirit of Christian in Nagaland if voted to power. Such fear began to grow bigger when our neighbouring States were taken over by BJP Government. Many Christians sympathize with each other as though they are more Christians than others. We are used to speaking about the third person except ourselves.
I would opine differently because the reason people fear such agendas of BJP clearly shows some instability of one’s faith and its practice. Let us be politically ruled by BJP so as to test ourselves before God. Are we afraid to be Christians under BJP rule? Do we want to be Christians only in good times? As Christians, let us not always seek the path of happiness. Sometimes, we need to walk the journey of fire and thorns so that we could be purified from our artificial Christian life. I am sure there is no single Naga Christian who faced persecution or torture under the cruel hands of other religious groups in Nagaland. I have never faced such incidents in my life (I only come across such incidents from some denominations in Nagaland. It can be called Christian vs Christian). Absence of such experience can make us lukewarm and indifferent to our profession of faith. Let us allow ourselves to be trimmed or else we may grow as wild Christians. Nagaland has sufficient wild Christians; therefore, do not multiply the number with our solemn entry.
Recently, NBCC has rightly marked the need “to safeguard the Christian faith.” It further speaks about its displeasure with regard to the suppression of faith and practice. Comments of these types are easy because such incidents take place outside Nagaland. When other religious group persecutes Christians, we say it is injustice, it is against the law of India, and it is against secularism. But what about one denomination fighting against the other in Nagaland. Are we blind inside our own State and try to see only the outside life? There are numerous incidents where one denomination pulled and burned down the other Church. Furthermore, there are many villages even to this day where the right to religious freedom is curtailed. Where are the Holy Church leaders during such ‘religious persecutions and misunderstandings’? Are they so ignorant about these facts because they think of God 24x7? We failed to be Christian inside Nagaland and blame those who are far away from us. (Many people wanted to be missionaries outside Nagaland whereas our land is soaked with violence and blood.) Likewise, NBCC has closed its holy eyes to the many realities of religious suppression in Nagaland. We need to heal our wounds before treating the sickness of others. I believe that such dreadful diseases be done away first so that we can open the way to religious freedom and harmony as brothers and sisters. In other words, let us mean what we say and say what we mean. Keep aside the ‘trumpet culture’ and allow life to glow better.
The ruling party of Nagaland is no less than BJP when it comes to corruption and numerous hidden agendas. And the Church also contributes its big share for the same cause using different routes under the guise of religion. Yet, we try to blame the external force without maintaining the life within. Our own political leaders together with many affiliated associations (religious and secular) eat up the life of Nagas and here we are talking enthusiastically about external threats and fears. This may not add any sugar to our cup of tea.
Every political party has its own strength and weakness. No party is too good to receive the fullest appreciation or too bad to be despised eternally. All share equal responsibility of success and failure. It is high time for Nagas to judge and act wisely with true Christian spirit. In this regard, the Church has better role to play instead of playing a double game. By this we can call Nagaland as Christian State. To go on shouting “Nagaland for Christ” is too early because we have not gone through the furnace of purification.
