Shallow theology

Whenever the question of religion surfaces, the famous phrase “Religion is the opium of the masses” by Karl Marx is the usual response we get. It is true that religion has been instrumental in shaping societies across civilizations throughout human history and it continues to be so to this day. Political scientists refer to religion as “the source of some of the most remarkable political mobilizations” and rightly so. It is undeniable that various political doctrines have been directly influenced or inspired by religions across the world. In India, political doctrines like Hindu Rashtra or Bharatvarsha are postulated by Hindu fundamentalists. These Hindu majoritarian ideologies are no doubt influenced by Hinduism and inspired by the political ideology of Hindutva.

It is, therefore, no surprise that the chanting of “sacred Christian expression” by a BJP leader, a political party affiliated to Hindu fundamentalists, at an election campaign rally in 30 Alongtaki Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung recently has attracted disdain and condemnation by Church bodies in Nagaland. The state BJP did not waste time to make clarifications but the fact that religion and politics are so closely related remains and it would be futile to explain it away through a mere press conference. The point here is not about Hindusim or Christianity but about the relationship between religion and politics. Such incidents as the Alongtaki event are going to become more common in the days ahead with the BJP as the ruling party in the union government in alliance with the NDPP in the state.

One way of approaching this aspect of Indian politics is to view Christianity not as a religion but as a way of life that believers follow as taught by Jesus Christ. This brings us to theology. The difference between religion and Christianity can be defined by theology. Unfortunately, Naga theology seems to be so flawed in so many aspects, so much so that many Nagas who profess to be Christians do not see the difference between religion and Christianity. Our theological foundation is so weak that others find it as just another religion that was introduced by western colonizers. A relook at Naga theology is urgently needed to correct the flaws.

A theology that is based on emotions and devoid of substance and reason, one that is based on sentimentality and not spirituality, will only yield a sentient people without the ability to withstand the onslaught of any determined ideological force like Hindutva. In fact, such ideological forces can easily dismantle a belief system that is founded on shallow theology.