Baptist Ecclesiology in Mizoram and Nagaland: An Enquiry into its Historical Developments from an Ecumenical Perspective

The main purpose of the research is to give historical enquiry on Indian Baptists’ understanding of the three significant Baptist distinctive teachings including Local church autonomy, Separation of church and state, and believer’s baptism. It examines how these principles have hindered Indian Baptist churches from active participation in the history of vibrant ecumenical movement in the country. The study also enquires the socio-political milieu in which these principles developed in course of Baptist history worldwide and how the concepts are understood by Baptist communities around the world. Further, it broaches new avenues for sound understanding of the three selected tenets of faith in Indian context in light of developments in contemporary Baptist theology. Due to the vastness of the country and scattered presence of Baptist churches, it is difficult to describe all of them in detail. Hence, the study gives special reference to Baptist churches in Mizoram and Nagaland states of Northeast India where Baptist churches form significant communities and produce important literature for evaluation. Comparison on the practice of Baptist faith and ministry in these two Baptist communities is made when necessary. However, the study rereads the history of Baptist churches in India at large while the theological and ministerial differences are also maintained when relevant. It aims at promoting fuller participation of Indian Baptist churches in ecumenical movement and recommendations made in the last chapter are also meant for all Baptist communities around the country. The research has found out that the Indian Baptist ecclesiology needs to be reconciled with contemporary development in Baptist theological interpretation at the wider level. Analysing the way Baptists in Northeast India practice their faith, the study brought forward some important themes and concepts for Baptist communities in both Mizoram and Nagaland.