(Photo for representational purpose only)
Menkato V Awomi
Toluvi village, Dimapur
Introduction: In recent decades, the Church in Nagaland has undergone significant cultural and spiritual shifts. While the gospel of Jesus Christ remains unchanged, the influence of Western culture has gradually seeped into various aspects of church life. The impact of Western culture on our churches has been both significant and complex.
On one hand, revivalists, evangelists, and missionaries from the West have played a powerful role in spreading the truth of the Gospel, bringing spiritual awakening, biblical teaching, and genuine transformation rooted in God’s Word. Their obedience to the Great Commission has blessed Nagaland in many ways.
However, on the other hand, the mixture of Western cultural elements with biblical truth has led to unintended consequences. In particular, churches heavily influenced by Western practices have, at times, drifted from simplicity in Christ to a model shaped more by trends than by Scripture. This fusion has contributed to confusion, disillusionment, and spiritual frustration—especially among the youth and middle-aged believers. Despite being rich in biblical knowledge and sincere in their faith, many are left feeling spiritually exhausted and directionless.
In the sections that follow, we will explore some of the areas where this influence has had a negative impact on the Church in Nagaland.
1. “Find Your Own Source” – A Misapplied Standard
Nagaland, as part of India, carries a rich and unique tradition of family life where children often remain under the care and guidance of their parents well into their adulthood—even into their 30s. This extended familial bond has historically played a vital role in nurturing strong values, emotional stability, and support systems that serve individuals well throughout life. Though not all families experience this harmony, many homes in Nagaland continue to value and practice this nurturing model.
Biblically speaking, laziness and unwillingness to work are clearly not aligned with God’s will. Every individual is called to seek God's purpose for their life, and to pursue work that aligns with His will. However, the call to maturity and responsibility does not mean a person must break away from their parents the moment they turn 18. It is not a sin to remain under parental care—it is, in fact, a blessing. What is sinful is to despise or dishonor them.
Unfortunately, the Western cultural mindset—especially prevalent in churches influenced by the West—has been promoting the idea that it is shameful or immature to live with one’s parents beyond the age of 18. This idea, when taught or implied in sermons and discipleship contexts, has confused many young people in Nagaland. Feeling pressured by these messages, some teens and young adults have rushed to move out, often unprepared and unsupported, believing it’s a sign of strength or spiritual maturity.
As a result, many have become frustrated, lost, and even bitter—toward themselves, their parents, and even the Church. In their search for purpose or identity outside the protective covering of family, they fall into unnecessary burdens, sin, and burnout. This path of self-sufficiency without God’s timing is not His will. His desire is for His children to grow in wisdom under godly care, while seeking His direction patiently.
The problem arises when preachers and church leaders import Western cultural norms and attempt to present them as biblical mandates. What may be a practical lifestyle in the West should not be misapplied as a universal spiritual standard. Doing so only places undue pressure on young people here—leading many into chaos, insecurity, and disillusionment.
2. “You Are on Your Own” –A Misleading Measure of Maturity
One prevailing idea often carried into our churches through Western influence is the notion that by the age of 24, a person must be financially independent, settled in a career, and fully responsible for their own life. If not, they are seen as aimless, unfocused, or even spiritually immature. In some extreme cases, people have been taught in churches that if you’re not earning your own income by a certain age, you are lacking faith and have somehow missed God’s purpose for your life.
While it's true that in Christ all the promises of God are “Yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20), and it is God’s will that His children live a life of purpose, provision, and dignity—not begging or living in shame—we must also understand that God works in seasons. Biblical success is not measured by early independence or income, but by obedience, preparation, and walking in God’s timing.
In Nagaland, 24 is often a season of preparation—a time to grow in wisdom, pursue education, discover calling, and receive mentorship from parents and spiritual leaders. Rather than rushing to become self-reliant by cultural pressure, many are still in a phase of training and equipping, seeking clarity for the path God has for them.
Churches influenced by Western culture often fail to recognize this context. Instead of nurturing this stage of life, they place undue pressure on young people to prove their spiritual maturity through financial success. But spiritual maturity is not measured by how much you earn—it is measured by how deeply you trust and walk with God, even in seasons of waiting.
It is also important to affirm that depending on family—especially in seasons of uncertainty—is not weakness, but a beautiful expression of love, humility, and community. God often uses families to provide, protect, and heal. Our culture still honors the role of parents in the lives of their adult children, and that should be seen as strength, not shame.
The Church must resist importing foreign cultural timelines and instead encourage young people to walk with God at His pace. The goal is not early independence but faithful dependence on God and a strong foundation for the future.
3. “Until You Own a House” – Redefining Readiness for Marriage
Yes, in Naga society we do face challenges like early marriages and unhealthy relationships. But we also have a deeply rooted cultural richness in the way we understand marriage. In many of our communities, marriage is not just a union between two individuals—it’s a beautiful bonding of two families, meant to walk together and support each other for a lifetime. That is one of the strengths of our tradition.
However, under the growing influence of Western ideals—shaped not only by entertainment but also by some Western-influenced preachers and churches—there’s a growing belief being taught: unless a man owns a house, has substantial savings, and is financially “secure,” he is not eligible for marriage. This teaching is not only unbiblical, but it's also placing unnecessary fear and pressure on young people—especially men.
Now, it is true and wise that a man should be mature, responsible, and spiritually grounded before entering marriage. Even in the beginning, God gave Adam responsibility—He placed him in the Garden to tend and keep it before giving him Eve (Genesis 2). But notice this: God gave Adam authority and a calling, not a house. Adam didn’t have to build his own garden before he could receive his wife—God had already provided a place for him, and then brought Eve into his life. After that, God blessed them together to be fruitful, multiply, and build.
That order still remains true today. If God brings your “Eve” into your life, He will also provide what is needed for both of you to build a home together. The idea that marriage must be delayed until you have a big house, high-paying job, and large savings account is a cultural idea—not a biblical one.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with having financial resources before marriage. It’s a blessing. But it is not a requirement for marriage in God's eyes. If you have a stable job, the willingness to take responsibility, and you believe with confidence that God is in your relationship—then you are ready. Marry the one God has brought into your life. Build your home together. Grow in Christ together. If Christ is at the center of your marriage, He will surely supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19).
Sadly, many young Nagas today are afraid to marry—not because they lack commitment or love—but because they fear they haven’t “arrived” financially. This fear is a direct result of Western cultural standards being imposed on biblical principles, and it’s affecting lives and families in very real ways.
4. “They Will Be Offended” – The Neglect of Modesty in the Name of Grace
Though many churches in Nagaland still lack deep spiritual understanding in some areas, and revival is undoubtedly needed, there remains a visible strength in our traditional churches—such as Baptist, Catholic, and Revival-based congregations—where modesty in appearance is still valued and practiced. This reflects a biblical understanding that how we present ourselves externally should honor the One we represent.
Yes, it is true that in Christ we are free—but our freedom is not a license to please the flesh or draw attention to ourselves. Our freedom is meant to glorify Christ, not bring shame to His name through how we dress or carry ourselves.
Sadly, in many churches today—particularly those influenced by modern charismatic and non-denominational movements—the biblical standard of modesty is often neglected. This is not just about how girls dress, but also how boys and even adults present themselves. Tight, revealing, and flashy clothing has become normal, and leaders often avoid addressing it out of fear: “They will be offended” or “Their parents might leave the church.”
But in truth, avoiding correction for the sake of popularity or attendance is not love—it is compromise. Leaders are called to shepherd with truth and boldness, not fear of man.
What’s more troubling is that in some of these churches, even public places like parks may exhibit more decency than the way believers dress during worship services. From top to bottom, from every angle, some are completely exposed—yet no one speaks about it. And when someone dares to speak up for biblical modesty, they are accused of being “judgmental.”
But righteousness inside must reflect outside. If we claim to belong to Christ, then our lives—including our appearance—should not mirror the world. When believers dress no differently than unbelievers, it creates confusion for those who are sincerely seeking God. It leads some genuine souls astray, making them question if holiness really matters.
Let’s be clear: God’s will is modesty—not according to cultural opinions, but according to Scripture. Anything beyond that reflects the values of the world, not the Kingdom of God.
Modesty is not legalism. It is honor, reverence, and a testimony that says, “I represent Jesus Christ.” Let the Church in Nagaland rise again in purity, not just in word, but in the way we live, act, and appear before the world and before our holy God.
Conclusion
In writing this, I want to deeply honour and acknowledge the countless Western preachers, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and charismatic movements who have brought the truth of God's Word to our land. Nagaland has experienced tremendous spiritual awakening, healing, and transformation because of their sacrifices and obedience to God's call. Without their commitment and love for our people, much of what we understand today about the Gospel might not have reached us. For that, we remain eternally grateful.
This article is not a criticism of any denomination, movement, or individual, but rather a heartfelt observation and reflection. It is written after much prayer, study, and spiritual burden—to point out that our rich Naga culture, which in many ways aligns beautifully with biblical values, is being overshadowed and distorted by certain Western practices and ideologies that may not reflect the heart of God.
This is a call—not to reject—but to re-evaluate, to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit, and to discern what is truly from God and what is simply cultural influence. Let us not conform blindly, but live intentionally, being led by the Spirit of God in every area of our lives—whether in family, church, work, or worship.
May we, as the Body of Christ in Nagaland, return to the simplicity of the Gospel, honoring both truth and cultural integrity, and pursue the will of God with all our heart, soul, and strength.
