A book titled ‘Indigenizing Faith: A Study on Prayer Center Movement in Nagaland’, authored by Dr Imna Imchen, was launched in Dimapur on October 17.
DIMAPUR, October 17 (MExN): A book titled ‘Indigenizing Faith: A Study on Prayer Center Movement in Nagaland’, authored by Dr Imna Imchen, was launched here on October 17.
The book was launched by Dr Bendangjungshi, Principal of Discipleship Bible College (DBC), Dimapur, who asserted that it provides an “anthropological and a historical exploration with missiological implication” by investigating the socio-cultural and religious factors behind the exponential growth of prayer centres in Nagaland and its impact upon the community.
In his review, Dr Pangernungba said prayer centres, with its strengths and weaknesses are becoming the “epicentre of Naga spiritual expression.” He highlighted their effective ministry of “embrace, presence and spiritual accompaniment,” which many traditional churches are currently unable to offer adequately. While addressing concerns about the need for prayer centres to guard against “narrow biblical teachings and prosperity gospel,” he stated that they offer a “constructive prophetic critique” of traditional churches.
The publisher, Dr Lanusangla of Heritage Publishing House, highlighted the exponential rise of prayer centres over the last two decades and their role in renewing traditional Naga churches.
The book, as described by the author Dr Imchen, serves as an introduction to anthropological and missiological reflection on prayer centers to understand how Christian faith has been indigenized and practiced in prayer centers and through prayer centers.
The research follows a structured approach. Firstly, it looks into the religious practices of primal religion in order to understand the primal religious dynamics and religious framework.
Secondly, the book traces the historical development of Christianity in Nagaland, focusing on the socio-religious tensions and changes caused by the synthesis of western culture, Christianity, animism and Naga culture.
The study further includes a reflection on the impact of renewal movements and revival movements of 1952 and 1976/77 and its influence towards the insertion of charismatic religious practices and revival of primal religious framework into the Naga Christian religious practices.
Dr Imna Imchen is an Associate Professor of Mission Studies and Cultural Anthropology at DBC, Dimapur. He also serves as Director of Cornerstone Ministries, an organization that provides Bible studies and discipleship training for lay Christian leaders.
.JPG)
