The dichotomy between the secular and the sacred is artificial and unrealistic. The distinction between the secular and the religious disposition is, however, historical and real. Secularism, as a philosophy, is essentially related to the ideology of secular humanism. Religion on the other hand is rooted in God, “the Ground of Being,” and his revelation in the existential experience of the people. The former derives its values and ideals from the basic assumption that human beings are essentially good and that they are capable of finding a rational explanation and solution to their existential query, whereas the later draws the purpose and meaning of their existence from the Creator. In a context where and when Christians are at loggerheads with other contending worldviews, Paul’s counsel is simple and plain, “Do not conform yourself to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your heart.”
Historically, the process of secularization began with the progression of industrialization in Europe, originally in England in the early 19th century. Because it originated with industrialization in the west, it is also associated with westernization. Eventually, modernization and westernization became tantamount with materialism. Industrial revolution brought unprecedented economic boon to the people. The encouragement from the Reformation leaders to “earn as much as you can, save as much as you can, and give as much as you can,” also is thought to have contributed to the proliferation of material wealth to the European society. However, this so-called boon came as a bane with a heavy price, entailing far-reaching upshot. Among many others, environment and religion paid the heaviest price. The 21st century is harvesting the consequence of the 19th century myopic vision and mission. Today the erstwhile Christian dominated western world is living in what is known as the post Christian era. Christianity is no longer the religion of Europe and North America.
Regrettably, the obsession with western culture and ideals is fast influencing the theistic Christian worldview worldwide. Its effect is being felt more intensely and extensively as this process continues to engulf and permeate every continuum of religion and culture. It has virtually corroded and eroded Christianity from the European soil. In course of time the movement of industrialization has mutated and reappeared under a rechristened tag called economic liberalization and globalization. This all-embracing phenomenon is the new found faith and profession of the present generation. It has found its way into every nook and cranny of the world. It is at work in Asia where Christianity has in recent times made its new home. The love for money has replaced the love for God.
Nagaland is one of the most secularized states of India and the Nagas are one of the most accommodative and tolerant people. Here people of all faiths coexist without the slightest feeling apprehension. Highways in Nagaland are dotted with Hindu temples and Christians have no qualms about having them to protect their roads and provide security to its weary travelers. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others live in harmony in Nagaland. Ramzan Id, Durgapuja, Deepavali, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, New Year Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day, Republic Day, Summer Holiday, Winter Holiday and what not are celebrated by every community as festivals of different versions without any distinction among them. Religious festivals have lost their religious fervor. After all India is a secular nation so why should there be any discrimination! That is the obvious response.
Fundamentalism of any ideology can lead to fanaticism so one should be on guard to see that no such extremism creeps into any ideology. However, in the name of moderation and toleration, today the cutting edge of Christianity is fast diminishing. Its distinctive claws of efficacy have been clipped and Christianity is being tamed in the cage of an increasingly secularized world. It has become like an old circus lion trained to perform to the tune of its secular master. Religious ethos and ethics are judged on the basis of whether or not they are in consonant and congruent with secular ideals. For namesake the name of Jesus Christ is called, but for every practical purpose secular value system rules the roost in every system and establishment, including the church. In the name of secularism the Gospel of Jesus Christ is subdued and made subservient to secular principles.
The most appalling of all is the attitude and approach of the religious community, which excludes no one. The callousness and swiftness with which the Naga Christians circumvent their own religious resource and recourse to secular wisdom is simply unscriptural and unspiritual. If this trend continues, within the next few years Christianity will be trampled upon by everyone like a salt that has lost its saltiness. The affairs of the church, as an organization and organic body of Christ, should be conducted in the way and with the principle that is given by Christ, the Head. “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” The choice left for us in the face of the persistent onslaught on our Christian faith is to either give in to the pressure of the secular influence and give up our faith or put up a relentless fight and be a transforming agent for God. May we all who have been charmed and have strayed away into the convivial arms of deception return to our first love and pledge our faithfulness to it.
Historically, the process of secularization began with the progression of industrialization in Europe, originally in England in the early 19th century. Because it originated with industrialization in the west, it is also associated with westernization. Eventually, modernization and westernization became tantamount with materialism. Industrial revolution brought unprecedented economic boon to the people. The encouragement from the Reformation leaders to “earn as much as you can, save as much as you can, and give as much as you can,” also is thought to have contributed to the proliferation of material wealth to the European society. However, this so-called boon came as a bane with a heavy price, entailing far-reaching upshot. Among many others, environment and religion paid the heaviest price. The 21st century is harvesting the consequence of the 19th century myopic vision and mission. Today the erstwhile Christian dominated western world is living in what is known as the post Christian era. Christianity is no longer the religion of Europe and North America.
Regrettably, the obsession with western culture and ideals is fast influencing the theistic Christian worldview worldwide. Its effect is being felt more intensely and extensively as this process continues to engulf and permeate every continuum of religion and culture. It has virtually corroded and eroded Christianity from the European soil. In course of time the movement of industrialization has mutated and reappeared under a rechristened tag called economic liberalization and globalization. This all-embracing phenomenon is the new found faith and profession of the present generation. It has found its way into every nook and cranny of the world. It is at work in Asia where Christianity has in recent times made its new home. The love for money has replaced the love for God.
Nagaland is one of the most secularized states of India and the Nagas are one of the most accommodative and tolerant people. Here people of all faiths coexist without the slightest feeling apprehension. Highways in Nagaland are dotted with Hindu temples and Christians have no qualms about having them to protect their roads and provide security to its weary travelers. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others live in harmony in Nagaland. Ramzan Id, Durgapuja, Deepavali, Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, New Year Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Independence Day, Republic Day, Summer Holiday, Winter Holiday and what not are celebrated by every community as festivals of different versions without any distinction among them. Religious festivals have lost their religious fervor. After all India is a secular nation so why should there be any discrimination! That is the obvious response.
Fundamentalism of any ideology can lead to fanaticism so one should be on guard to see that no such extremism creeps into any ideology. However, in the name of moderation and toleration, today the cutting edge of Christianity is fast diminishing. Its distinctive claws of efficacy have been clipped and Christianity is being tamed in the cage of an increasingly secularized world. It has become like an old circus lion trained to perform to the tune of its secular master. Religious ethos and ethics are judged on the basis of whether or not they are in consonant and congruent with secular ideals. For namesake the name of Jesus Christ is called, but for every practical purpose secular value system rules the roost in every system and establishment, including the church. In the name of secularism the Gospel of Jesus Christ is subdued and made subservient to secular principles.
The most appalling of all is the attitude and approach of the religious community, which excludes no one. The callousness and swiftness with which the Naga Christians circumvent their own religious resource and recourse to secular wisdom is simply unscriptural and unspiritual. If this trend continues, within the next few years Christianity will be trampled upon by everyone like a salt that has lost its saltiness. The affairs of the church, as an organization and organic body of Christ, should be conducted in the way and with the principle that is given by Christ, the Head. “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” The choice left for us in the face of the persistent onslaught on our Christian faith is to either give in to the pressure of the secular influence and give up our faith or put up a relentless fight and be a transforming agent for God. May we all who have been charmed and have strayed away into the convivial arms of deception return to our first love and pledge our faithfulness to it.
