A PhD dissertation titled “from primal religion to Christianity in Nagaland: The problem of syncretism,” authored by HoD (Missiology) and senior lecturer, Faith Theological Seminary, Jotsoma (FTS), Dr. Ruokuozelie Pienyü, was launched on September 13 in the Chapel Hall of FTS.
In a press release, FTS informed that while releasing the book, FTS principal, Rev. Dr. Visielie Angami said the book was about how missiologist viewed the Nagas. The present Nagas, especially the young people and the world have exceptionally little knowledge about the fusion of primal religion and Christianity, he stated.
He further added that it was high time that the Nagas were reminded and conscious of the problem of syncretism in their land.
In his speech, principal of Church on the Rock Theological Seminary, Vishakhapatnam and the former principal of Centre for Contemporary Christianity, Bangalore, Prof. Dr. Dasan Jeyaraj pointed out that Pienyü researched this vital phenomenon of primal religions encountering and coexisting with Christian faith in Naga society. He said the book was a relevant reading for missionaries, missiologists and theologians in Nagaland and the wider Christian community in North East India.
Asserting that the emphasis of Pienyü’s ministry has constantly been preaching and teaching, general secretary of Crown of Life Ministries and House of Prayer Ministries, Vilakhonuo Pienyü said Pienyü’s calling of teaching and equipping Christ’s church and his sermons stood as testimonies of his faithfulness to the work.
It may be mentioned that Dr. Ruokuozelie Pienyü is known for his books, “Naga Mission Towards 21st Century” and “Biblical Meaning of Dreams and Visions.” He has been lecturing theology since 2006 and has been the lead missiologist and senior lecturer at Faith Theological Seminary.
The 947-page book was published by Crown of Life Ministries, Kohima.
