Dr Asangba Tzudir
The Nagaland Government’s call for partial lifting of the NLTP Act has not only taken the Church by surprise but has raised serious objections to the proposal. Considering the ground reality, the NLTP Act is a farce, and the popular opinion of the mass is the call for lifting of this contentious Act. However, it is not with the intention to divulge into the issue surrounding the NLTP Act, or giving an answer to whether it should be lifted.
While the modality of the ‘partial lifting’ is still not clear, it has raised apprehension especially from the Church. However, and currently, the contention is such that for whichever way, be it revoking or enforcing the NLTP Act, if it is in the context of seeking a lasting solution, the state is not prepared and therefore not ready.
There was a popular joke about drinkers that they are the ones who will go to Heaven since they do not commit sin while they are drunk. For a long time, the issue of drinking remained tied with ‘sin.’ Somehow, it also got in the way of ‘Nagaland as a Christian state’ and then the whole issue of ‘Imaging’ came about wherein it become difficult to digest an image of highways in Nagaland filled with liquor shops, like liquor is the original as well as the last sin. Today it seems to have shifted to the many lives lost due to alcoholism.
While the concern of the Church is genuine, the premise on which the concern is put forward has really gone off the track. While, it is difficult to deny the fact that changes through laws is impossible, the Church should also realize that it has a different ‘mandate.’ And instead of hiding behind the government, the Church as a whole should go back to the roots – the Bible, instead of bickering on the NLTP Act as if enforcing it will put an end to alcoholism and its associated issues.
In context, the Bible has answers on how to deal with problems, and it is time to seek Gods guidance in seeing what is written in the Bible and what it tells us to do. This will pave the way for processing a way even to engage in the responsibilities associated with alcoholism.
Also, a very strong forte for the Church to intervene is the aspect of Home evangelism. This is one aspect which the Church really needs to strengthen rather than often leaving it upon ‘good Christians’ but really do not have the expertise on Home evangelism. It is understandable that Church Pastors cannot fully devote time to home evangelism, nor will they have time and energy to visit all the member’s homes. As such, the Church may seriously think about employing full time Home Evangelist. If not, there is nothing like a Pastor doing the Home Evangelism.
Further, a Home Evangelist though trained may not have the expertise and skill to deliver psychological counseling, and so it is very important that Churches have full time counselors as well. This will prevent evangelism and counseling getting mixed up. In addition, they need to be given trainings on evangelism and counseling from time to time based on the needs of the situation.
Secondly, if visiting all homes is difficult, it is not so difficult to identify individuals or families that are facing issues, and thereby give priority to such individuals and families. Also, couples intending to get married attend some sessions on counseling, but which is not enough to prepare them for life. As such, being affiliated as a Church member, the Church has the liberty to visit their home and give the right counseling. For sure, there are alcoholics who are helplessly seeking a way to stop drinking but continue to remain enslaved. Church initiatives like Father School are impetus towards creating the desired effect and should be backed by Home evangelism and Counseling. These are important aspects which the sermon in the Church alone cannot provide practical help.
However, the evils and the issues related to alcoholism is not just the responsibility of the Church alone. Family is the primary institution where teaching and learning begins. Thus, family is a very sacred space to teach and morally mould individuals. AT the end, scattered efforts are not enough, but calls for a collective responsibility and sincerity from every section of people.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
