Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Yes. Why not? If they have the right mental attitude of a true Christian, unbiased to any faction or tribal lineage. Infact, such people would be our only hope. Naga society is more like garlic, strong in potent but each on their own, village, clan, tribe take precedence. This bane should be overcome by the e generation of Nagas who continuously look up to the Almighty God's guidance.
• Yes, they should involved in politics in Nagaland but they should not deceive others or handle money.
• Yes, human beings are political animals. It does not matter what you do in life, we are all affected by politics. Even if you are not interested in politics, politics is interested in you.
• Yes. Theologians and church leaders should get involved in politics. The people play a vital role in politics, ‘the people’ in general means everyone including theologians, church leaders etc. conflicts in politics affects all the people of a country. The ideas and opinions of each individual matters, therefore theologians and church leaders should take active part in politics and understand its importance for the governance of Nagaland.
• Yes for if we look to the Word we see many ruler's governing the state and its people provided one should be very firm in spiritual realm too so that one should not fall to the lust of the world as some did • Yes. Because there is politics in the church too
• Theologians should involve in politics actively to cleanse the election system and participate to bring change, both in electioneering and administration, but need to understand politics and have the knowledge to run the state. And i dont see mixing of politics and religion just because theologians participate in politics. If commerce graduate took part in politics what will you say? Or any other stream other than art with political science.
• Must involve in politics to clean the corrupted society. We need honest and sincere person to rule our society.
• Yes. But they should first understand the kind of politics that is played in Nagaland. Secondly they should play the role of educating the voters and making them understand the importance of their vote in choosing the better person with honesty. Lastly and most importantly they should not be selective in their approach and set a good example for other.
• Yes, they should participate. In a broad sense democracy is the participation of the mass. Hence, not participation in da politics by some section or group of people will result in loss of democratic values. And if we are to achieve a stable govt. I suggest we should not confuse politics with religion, it will be a total mess. Secular approach to the government is the only way. thank you
• Yes and why not... Ourthis sacred and secular mentality is really affecting us...I guess politics itself is not corrupted, it is we who are corrupted and we dirty the politics by touching it. Getting involved in politics should be free of choice. We don't have the right to question any person as to why a person is involving or not involving.
• Yes, because every nations rest upon the politics therefore if a God fearing and qualified person hold the position in a nation then only there can be peace and prosperity in a nation.
• Yes theologians should but our church leaders are so ignorant they will crucify anyone who does. And to everyone who says no, tell it to king David or Solomon, etc...
• Yes! Because politics itself has positive connotation. Politics is not just for secular world rather it is for all the citizens. It depends on how one plays a politics.
• Family, Economics (including Science, Technology & Business), Government, Religion, Education, Communications/Media, and Celebration (including Arts, Entertainment & Sports). Each sphere plays a unique role in God's Kingdom here on earth. God's actual purpose of putting us (Social animals) here is to cultivate each spheres in His own society. When God said "Government" that directly talks about Politics. So, every human being living on earth or anywhere in the universe, has a responsibility to act on political front be it theologically trained or untrained.
• It's good that theologians involved in politics, but they should be an example and not confirmed to the present pattern of politics.
• Human Beings are political animal said by Aristotle, the father of Political Science or Polasso family. It is also said you may not like politics but politics likes you. There is no harm of involving the Church Leaders and theologians in politics as long as they go clean. The Church has a big role to play in politics, they should spread awareness through preaching on politics because it is necessary that for every development and advancement we need clean politics and clean election. After all, we have to know that, politics is good but it is human who makes politics dirty.
• Yes. Not in the name of self righteous Reverends, Rev. Dr. so an so etc but as a humble Christian, who first seek Christ's kingdom and his RIGHTEOUSNESS.
• It depends on how we term them in our society and their responsibility in the Church. If they hold no major responsibility in the Church, they could be of greater service to the society.
• Yes. In Old Testament we find the kings and rulers were prophets and anointed ones of God. Theologians and Church leaders should get involved in politics in Nagaland for its people to see a time of smile. We can see God by the smiling of the poor.
• The question is about theologians and church leaders involvement in politics. Politics is all about the art of governance and it’s too critical to leave it in the hand of opportunists and unscrupulous people. Anyone from any vocation or profession with credibility, integrity, vision, compassion and commitment is qualified for political leadership.
• Yes. Is politics inherently evil? politics is not inherently evil as we think today but it is us who makes politics dirty and, tends to think that theologians and church leaders should not involves in politics. Jesus was a great politician. He main political aim was the establish kingdom of God here on earth. the same political ideology is vested to all the Christian. The church is not church if they do not involves in politics.
• Theologians and Church leaders should get involved in politics in Nagaland to make a difference in a positive way. This does not mean they should play party politics, but to be agents of change. Christians, especially leaders, are called to be salt and light not only in the church but in the world. Nagaland desperately needs God-fearing politicians!
• Yes. They know the value of truth and also the consequence of the work they are indulged in it. A man with morals will think before he acts it out.
• Yes. Because we need them.
• Yes. Because God is a political God who works for justice and life. God plays the politics of life not of death.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• Church has nothing to do with politics. So they should not involved in politics. The theologian is only to preach the gospel and save souls. But these days, many churches and theologians are so interest in politics.... just to feel their pocket!!!
• No, theologians should rather work on changing the politicians...
• No, once they get involved in politics they are drunk with power and money that they get access to. They create divisions within the church for their personal and political ends. No not in Nagaland. We have experienced enough political religious leaders.
• No. well, needless to say. But both are very active in politics during elections. everybody knows..lolz..but plize for heaven sake. do not mixed politics with religion. For the simple reason...politics is DIRTY.
• I don't think so...
• No. They can question and put up issues but digging deep into it wont make them better than the politicians.
• Focus on soul saving. To a physician, we say heal yourself. Thus, to a church leader, development of roads and bridges or the pending Naga solution is not a priority. Let undiluted and pure Christianity flow like river.
• No. Politic in practical is most corrupted organisation in Nagaland • No. Nexus of politics and religion negates the concept of secularism. We cannot relive Moses' era nor should we try to. Faith is a personal matter and it should remain so. Moreover, Rev. XYZ is still a human and power tends to corrupt". Pulpit is where you should remain instead of getting ambitious and further pervert Christianity which already is on the wane.
• Their ways are different in nature. Church should stress on spiritual uplifment and not involved in dirty games of money and muscle power in our present context.
• I don't make a tea with salt but sugar. I am a theologian and I Bible one word that is go and preach the Gospel to the whole world. But any theologian who involved in worldly politics may be he has some interest. I from my site BIG NO!!! Bible say clearly don't confirm to this world and its manner. And there are many shallowed theologian.... we must know where we stand and what for, duty of one theologian is to preach the gospel THat Jesus SAVED!!!
• No, they shouldn't. Religion and politics don't mix too well. • NO. In my view, they should teach the bible properly so that our people practice Christian beliefs in life. Politics will go on. Perhaps God has planned it this way for us -- always discontented with what we have and expecting others to supply all our needs while we ask for more in discontentment. No please confine to preaching the Word.
• NO. The govt. In the pretext of saving lives is trying to give some portion of aids control program. This is dirty politics. Once the church gets involved then it shall have to also not be able to say that it is free from corruption.
• NO WAY!!Once they have the taste of it they will never be the people of God but people of power, as politics is power. Let them do what they are good at and for what they take their vocation for-spiritual guidance not political.
• No. Politics is like playing a dirty game. Therefore, theologians and church leaders should certainly restraint themselves involving in politics. Of course, they should exercise their franchise other than that its better not to involve. They will just tarnish their good image.
• They should rather be concerned about the soul. Not saying they shouldn't vote. The last time there was a group of prayer "warriors" numbering up to 50 fasting and praying for a politician to be elected as CM. The result was unsatisfactory perhaps and such acts are stupid and defaming ownself. In short, NO.
• No! It would be a dirty shit. As a religious leader they shouldn't get involve in politics; they should have mind their own works, they should stick onto spiritual and moral life. As the saying goes, "ONE PERSON CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS AT A GO." and yes, it also shows that you are interested in politics. Therefore, in my opinion it would be better for the church leaders and religious groups NOT to involve in politics. They should have mind on their own responsibility!
• No. Politics and church are two distinct entities. One should respect each other but not directly involve with one another.
• Church leaders and theologians are already involved in politics. In some churches, church leaders are playing the role of ruling and opposition parties. Factionalism is increasing among the churches. Such is the state of the church in Nagaland, that if they indulge in state politics, the matters of the state will be much more worser than it is today. I'm not saying all theologians and leaders of the church act such, but politics and churches should never be mingled together but kept seperate as it serves us best.
• No. politics and church should not be involved together. But its already been involved.
• No. And better ask from American and Israelis!!!
• No, theologians and church leaders should not get involved in politics because they are professionally not trained to enter politics. Let the students and people who are studying politics deal with the political situations. We need diplomacy and resolution in Naga politics NOT pastors.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• Let's talk about Saving the Soul first and Politics can come later
• Politics is as tempting as the apple of the Eden garden. Church leaders need not touch it. If you see the church history, the baptist broke away because they wanted politics and church be separated which was a correct decision.
• We cannot serve 2 Masters at a time... Situations make us corrupt not the position we hold...
• Is there a reason they shouldn't? Who says only does who doesn't have anything to do with God or church should care for the affairs of government or society?
• Naga Christians are not committed better not involve otherwise Jesus was politician
• First save this world, then automatically our souls will be saved by God.
• Church politics already exist let them control that area
• As you sow, so shall you reap.
• What's wrong with theologians running for candidature? Being a theologian doesnt make an individual a hermit or a secluse. I for one strongly support a theologian joining the political field as that of Daniel, Moses and Nehemiah. A political leader should know God and His word to lead his people well. But in a society such as ours, only money matters. Its not the quality in the person but the quantity that he possess that do the talking. so even if a theologian contest for election, he/she is likely to lose. Now, Church leaders are for the Church work, so leave them to their ecclesiastical duties.
• Honest and sincere person necessarily doesn't have to be a religious person. Believe me, there are thousands of non Christians in Nagaland who are better than many of the Naga Christians.
• Some years ago there was a debate in a conference regarding the feasibility of theologians involving in politics. Many people had very interesting suggestions in pro and against. Finally someone stood up and shared his opinion, "suppose we train a mouse for years not to eat grains and let it loose on a grain house, what will be the outcome?" There were silence on the conference floor and the matter was dropped. My opinion is, we need God fearing leaders, not necessarily theologians nor certainly not just rich individuals. We have leadership drought in our state. We should elect people who are God fearing leaders.
• Either theologian or church leaders won't useful if one doesn't have courage and truthfull in own hearts..Good Leaders never look upon ones' wealth and worked..Good leaders must be the leaders in every fields eithers in politcs, Religions, organisation etc. Only Christian (Religion) cannot fulfilled humans needs in orders to progrss good development human needs only truthfull and thoughtfull leaders not theologians. one may be a theologian but if his personal aim or thought were different from society aim or publics works then hes not useful. only my opinion..
• So now, ask "What is politics?" first. By nature we are all sociopolitical being. Men is automatically connected to politics. No need of discussing whether to join or not to. Person(s) from theological background can do enough things on earth radically. Theologians' job is not just to talk about spiritual wellbeing but, many more. Nagas, we blindly narrowed our concept of being a responsible creatures which in fact hugely portrayed before us which is the actual plans of God. Being a theologian, one must not lack understanding the purpose of God by means of limiting our service to the nation and its people, people created in His own image. Be radical in thinking as well as in acting.
• I see body as me and soul as mine, same thing of different sides, likewise church and politics, both needs me and you.
• I don't mind if God has called them to that area of influence and in the Bible too it does not say Don't do this but it does say how to deal will our daily life, as long as they are true in the eyes of God, studying theology does not have to be in the four walls of the church, they can be Prophets and Apostle to the nation, and in this arena Apostle and Prophets have power and Authority, see 2 Corinthian 5:20 says we are his ambassadors of Christ, this scripture says we are his representative, and in every realms of the society we are to influence the people as God intended there is no boundary, but i know there are lot of controversies about this topic, "radical Christianity is not just mere talk about scripture but also doing that glorify God kingdom, after you are born again every you don't do a secular and spiritual work different, every work you do is a spiritual act a form of worship to God..
• Should the theologians join political administration in any form, I see no good reason why the politicians should not join the church administration as members of Deacon Boards...!!! Politicians are also members of the church, so are the Theologians members of the electorate...!!! If it thus so happen, should we call it Theo-political adjustment for coexistence in our Blessed Nagaland....!!! However, my sincere opinion is that post-retirement Theologians can involve in politics and Vice-versa, whereas during their active careers one should understand the parameters of their credibility...!!! No offense... Pls..!!
• A person cannot jump to the second problem without solving the first problem'... its time for the church to play its role... then only things will take its shape accordingly...
• When most of the theologians, Christians and Churches have started worshipping corruption more than God, the situation does not warrant theologians and churches to involve in Politics. What we need is good Christians and those people with firm determination against corruption and with distinctive merit to involve more into politics. BUT are Nagas ready to accept such radical change when we have practically and virtually accepted corruption as a way of life? We are all guilty. Can we accept the guilt and change? Most of us condemn when we do not have the opportunity to be corrupt, but when given the opportunity to embezzle, we would happily be corrupt! What nonsense. Let me add- what if a person like Arvind Kejriwal is a Naga and he enters Politics, will he even be accepted in our society or by the Church? A man like Kejriwal will not be able to financially contribute much in the Church or society or unions, etc. Nagas definition of Politics and success is mostly about money. We are improving, I believe, but we still need a radical change of mindset. My apologies if any sentiment is hurt, but I beg each one of you to do a thorough soul search within yourselves and see how true are you to yourselves and how true are you to your creator that you claim to worship. Whom do you truly worship?
• State and church have always Co existed together one cannot do without the other....
• Don't have to be a theologian or church leaders alone but a very good honest Christian who follows the Christian principles and loves the Lord can do the job fine....It's always a plus point if the politician knows the Lord ...Btw POLITICS is not dirty but the person who plays it makes it dirty ..
• The bible says give what belongs to caiser and give what belongs to god. A Man cannot serve two masters.
• Every policy is a good policy implemented for the well being of the people.. And its the people who make Politics not the Politics so Politics can never be Dirty rather People are Dirty.. So its high time Church should also interbeing coz wether we like it or not even in church its been influenced by politics directly or indirectly.. We always wish and pray for Honest Leaders but how can we get one when we don't hav a choice to vote for one... its like "Heads you win Tails I Lost" sort of Candidates we usully get in our State.
• I've seen Pastors, Women Pastors praying and Blessing the Candidates before and after the Election and its alwys good to see Church Leaders educating Young generation for clean Election coz we Trust them.. I'll rather say We are all directly influence by Politics.. We must all Come out of our Comfort Zone and work honestly which I strongly believe its not a Sin.. I support NBCC taking initiative of Clean Election.. But "praying to God for Good marks is one thing and Studying hard with prayers is another thing" I Love my Nagaland
• I think the question itself is misleading. It very wrongly assumes that people of faith - theologians and church leaders - are morally unique and therefore incorruptible. In fact, what we need more are not people of faith, but leaders who have a rational bent of mind and have a natural aptitude for social service
