Dr. Ruokuozelie Pienyü (L) with Rev. Dr. Visielie Angami during his book launch on Tuesday in Kohima. (Photo Courtesy: FTS)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 13
A Ph.D. dissertation, in a book form titled, ‘From Primal Religion to Christianity in Nagaland: The Problem of Syncretism,’ authored by Dr Ruokuozelie Pienyü HoD (Missiology) and Senior Lecturer, Faith Theological Seminary, Jotsoma (FTS) was launched in the Chapel Hall of FTS on September 13.
This 947-page book was published by Crown of Life Ministries, Kohima and released by FTS principal, Rev Dr Visielie Angami.
Releasing the book, principal said, “This is a book about how missiologist views the Nagas. The present Nagas, especially the young people, and the world have exceptionally little knowledge about the fusion of Primal Religion and Christianity. In combining loyalty to this context, this work addresses a great contemporary need. A comprehensive rundown of all that a Naga Christian needs to know-this one offers just that! It is high time that the Nagas are reminded and conscious more about the problem of syncretism in their land.”
“I trust this present work, written out of teaching and field experienced will benefit the attentive and serious readers for the glory of our Living God,” he said and congratulated the writer and recommended the book to the readers.”
Lauding the writer, Prof Dr Dasan Jeyaraj, the Principal of Church on the Rock Theological Seminary, Vishakhapatnam and the former principal of Centre for Contemporary Christianity, Bangalore said “Pienyü has researched this vital phenomenon of primal religions encountering and co-existing with the Christian faith in Naga society. The researcher discovers that this process has provided for the ‘liberal growth’ of Christian faith.”
“I recommend this book as relevant reading for the missionaries, missiologists and theologians in Nagaland and the wider Christian community in North East India,” he said adding “Pluralism and Syncretism are not part of the universal Christian faith; these discrete phenomena are the effort of local Christian communities to find dynamic equivalence so that Christian faith finds its relevance and feels at home.”
Vilakhonuo Pienyü, General Secretary, Crown of Life Ministries and House of Prayer Ministries asserted that “The emphasis of Pienyü’s ministry has constantly been preaching and teaching. All the while, his ministry has been tightened by doctrine drawn cautiously and constantly from the Bible. His high calling of teaching and equipping Christ’s church as well as his sermons and Bible studies stand as testimony of his faithfulness to the work. This rich and fresh resource is a prosperous and persuasive production of missiological foundations, providing readers with a reachable but persuasive biblical truth. This will edify and strengthen the church as it encounters rigid resistance from the Naga society.”
About the Author
Dr Ruokuozelie Pienyü writes books, which, considering this book, formulates perfect sense. He is best known for his books, “Naga Mission Towards 21st Century” and “Biblical Meaning of Dreams and Visions.”
He has been lecturing theology since 2006. He has been the lead Missiologist and Senior Lecturer at Faith Theological Seminary since 2009, Founder Director of Crown of Life Ministries, Co-Founder and President of House of Prayer Ministries.
His passion for helping people in all aspects of giving Bible studies, counseling, composing songs, conducting seminars, organizing revival crusades and speaking engagements flow through in the expert work coverage he provides. He lives in Kohima with his wife and their two sons.
