The need to have quality theological schools or institutions that excels in Academic scholarship in a Christian state is necessity since good theology or well researched theological views would in one or the other way benefit churches spiritual growth, shape people’s worldview and it would also impact our society as most denizens profess to be followers of Jesus, and so the existence of theological schools is a need but the question pops up though questioning religious affairs in Nagaland is a taboo, whether there is a need to have more than hundred theological schools in a state and nearly eighty in Dimapur alone? Are these colleges doing a significant contribution towards the growth of Naga Churches and whether these colleges have established to help churches and several Christian ministries or are we starting a Bible college for the sake of earning foreign aid or to earn a name for being its founder? If these colleges have established to meet the demands of varied Christian ministry then it’s worth having more. But it is very sad to say that the trend of proliferating theological schools continues in Nagaland.
According to the then Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Alemtemshi’s report in Nagaland Theological Colleges Association’s Journal, The Vision 2010. In his paper presentation, he mentioned the backdrop as many theological colleges are not being recognized by the government. He also pointed that out of 1186 theological students who were awarded Post Matric Scholarship in the year 2009, only 2.5% from it were first divisioners which indicates that students with poor grades are recruited in theological schools. Thus, it is undeniable that there are adequate number of theological colleges that is unrecognized either by a government or by some of the finest Theological accreditation bodies except those funded by Churches association and few private colleges. And this bottles up a question on the existence of theological colleges and their core values and objectives on the pretext of offering theological studies.
My suggestion may not be very pragmatic, it may turn out to be a mere rhetoric or irrelevant but it is a seen fact that except few, most theological colleges don’t have even proper classrooms and dorms for students. The chances to get access to some of the best online journals, helpful theological websites and resources seem impossible for most of the students pursuing theological studies in a college that lacks modern amenities. To avoid this suffering, if colleges that shares the same objectives, assents in doctrinal statements or offers a same curriculum can merge then it would make the institution an excelling centre and attract real committed students to study theology in depth.
Academia and spirituality are two different entities but the former shapes the quality of the latter. It is in a theological school where God’s servants are trained and equipped to be productive in their vocations called by God. Therefore, theological schools should not take for granted while recruiting students. Theological school is not a right place for drooped out students or students with poor academic performance pursuing theological studies just for the sake to find a job placement since they have failed their previous career. Theological school is also not a rehabilitation centre where parent should sent their notorious kids to get them out from addictive lives. Yes, there are cases where God in His sovereign Will calls few people from their wicked ways like the story of Apostle Paul or the calling of 12 disciples, they lacked piety or were less educated. But Jesus used them, tax collectors and fisher men etc to herald the salvific message of God’s grace. We can’t generalize this God’s favor to everyone but there’s a speculation that only trained theological graduates should engage in spiritual activities or they should be a full time believer which should be corrected that all believers are obliged to be well versed with Christian fundamental doctrines that shapes our lives and principles and we all are equally responsible to live for God’s glory in a vocation God has placed us giving our best efforts to Him remembering the sacrificial act of Cain and Abel that serves us as the best example what God wants. God wants the best from each and every one of us with what’s in our hand and according to our capacity. Yes, the bible talks about diversity, the vitality of every saved person’s participation in building up the body of Christ. Though, God has called few people to lead such as prophets, teachers, pastors etc, but this doesn’t marginalize the contribution of other believers whose value is no difference in God’s eye.
Lastly, theological schools being the hub of theological field, it impacts a wider area of Christian ministry such as Churches, Mission Agencies, Academia and Christian Society etc. Therefore, it is a real business that should adhere to quality results while manufacturing products. May God bless the existing theological colleges in Nagaland to be a real partaker in His Mission to Disciple the world as we produce nearly 1000 graduates every year commissioning them as a qualified and ready to be used in God’s Vineyard.
Soli Deo Gloria Lujeka Assumi, Pastor Hoshepu Baptist Church
