Theologians enlightened on ‘religious extremism’, equality at STA conference

Sümi Theological Association (STA) 20th session yearly conference entered its second day at Yehemi Baptist Church, wherein theologians attending the conference were enlightened on challenging issues like “religious extremism” and equality between men and women.
Speaker of the second day, Dr. G. Kanato Chophy of New India Foundation Fellow Bangalore, spoke on the topic, “Issues Facing Christian Today in the 21st Century” where he identified the challenges from three angles mainly, technology, culture, and plurality of belief system.
He said that technology now served as a salvation to many and illustrated how mobile internet had magnified issues of ethics and morality.
Dr. Kanato further pointed that the trend has become like a “loaded gun in the hands of monkeys”.
His critic towards culture/identity was confined to secularization in India and addressed how V. D. Sarvarkar’s book, “Who is a Hindu?” influenced the rise of Hindutva.
The speaker urged the upcoming theological students to avoid religious extremism and learn to co-exist mutually.
Presenting a paper on “A Theological Reflection on Women’s Role in Cultural and Ideological Influences”, lecturer of Nagaland Baptist College, Katoli Awomi, provoked the minds of the listeners to come out from the chauvinistic worldview and embrace the Biblical concept of men and women being created in the image of God equally with distinct functions.
In the evening service, a literary programme was held where career guidance regarding theological studies in selecting right theological school and to carefully register for courses depending on one’s spiritual gift and churches’ need was delivered by Rev. Mulato Chishi, principal, Anderson Theological College, Aizuto.
 A visual presentation was given by Abel Awomi on the topic “A Critical Evaluation of Ecumenical Movement from Baptist Perspective” where he traced the emergence of ecumenical movement and its development over the ages.
Dr. Pihoto Khala, director of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, who is also the chairman of SBAK executive council, exhorted the gathering and shared his vision as association’s constitutional head.
Sümi Theological Association yearly conference second day ended with a debate, prearranged on the topic “Is it Necessary to have Inter-Denominational Relationship with Relevant to our Churches”.