Racism, the Thorn in the Humanity's Peaceful Coexistence (With Special Reference to Theological, Tribal, Gendered, and Communication Media Perspectives)

Racism is a deep-seated evil that benefits only some section or dominant group of people in the society, and discriminates the minority and weaker sections without any compassion. The book is meant to familiarize the readers with this evil from different perspectives, such as, biblical; theological and ethical; historical and legal; gender, tribal; ministerial and mass media.

The articles set forth pertinent issues and concerns related to racism that are faced by the people of India in general and North East India in particular. They are aimed at provoking the thoughts of the readers and giving a wakeup call on the evil and threat of racism in the society. This volume intends to appeal everyone to be perceptive and active with a spirit of commonality towards the pain and thorns in many forms that innocent people are made to experience everyday in the most inhuman acts so that they may have more space for peace and justice in the society.

This edited work is a bunch of articles presented by scholars during the National Seminar on the theme, organized by the Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung.

Rev. Dr. Richard A. Rose is Chair of the Philosophy and Religion Department at the University of La Verne. Dr. Rose completed his undergraduate degree in Philosophy at Pacific Christian College, earned the Master of Divinity degree at Howard University School of Divinity and the Ph.D. degree from the Claremont Graduate School. His scholarship focuses on interfaith dialogue and the pivotal role of new educational models in advancing social justice and inter-religious understanding. Dr. Rose serves as the Director of the University of La Verne's Ecumenical Center for Black Church Studies Program; through satellite locations non-traditional age students earn their B.A. degree in an ecumenical setting. As an ordained Elder in the A.M.E. Church, Dr. Rose also serves as the Assistant Pastor at CORA.M.E. Church in Irvine, CA.

The Clark Theological College (CTC) is once again elated to publish another book entitled Racism, the thorn in the Humanity's Peaceful Coexistence, through the Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA), which is a very unique wing in the ministry of CTC. Since its inception in 2009, CCPRA has been actively involved in the promotion of peace that continues to strengthen the vision and mission of Clark Theological College. The activities undertaken by the CCPRA are aimed at promoting peace by addressing various issues and these are advocated and delivered through peace tours, peace festivals, story/essay writing competitions, consultations, seminars and publications. In addition to this, the Peace Centre Library contains a collection of over 1,000 books which serves thousands of research scholars from across the region for their research works in relation to peace and violence. A joy it is for me to note and assert that the works of the CCPRA are appreciated and strongly supported by the churches and the society at large. Special mention has to be made that the success of the CCPRA is due to the generous contribution and support extended by the EMW, Germany. We are privileged to have such a stronghold body ever willing to extend all the needed support towards the ministry of CTC and CCPRA in particular.

I am delighted to also inform the readers that the CCPRA has already published 9 books addressing the ongoing issues in relation to Peace and Violence. The present volume is the outcome of the two days national seminar organized by the CCPRA from November 5-6, 2015. I thank Ms. C. Pursenla Ozukum, Programme Coordinator, CCPRA for her dedication in making all the yearly projects a success. I appreciate and thank Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, who has edited this volume. I am also grateful to the Christian World Imprints, New Delhi, for publishing our books.

This book is a collection of articles presented by scholars during the National Seminar on the theme: Racism, the Thorn in Humanity's Coexistence organized by Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA) Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung on 5th-6th November, 2015. Racism can be seen as a deep-seated evil in the society that benefits only some section or dominant group of people in the society, and discriminates the minority and weaker sections of the society without any compassion. It rather encourages division and hatred among the people, thereby, disturbs peaceful co-existence with one another in the society, thus, the book was named, Racism, the Thorn in Humanity's Peaceful Coexistence. Samuel George's Keynote address highlighted the pertinent issues and concerns of the evil of racism being faced by the people in India. especially people of North East India.

The first chapter deals with some biblical thoughts and views on racism from the Old Testament Pentateuch account by Temsuyanger. In the second chapter, Syiemlich, uses the key term ethnocentrism based on Romans 1:14 and 16, indicating that these references are socio-cultural markers, which can disclose Paul's response to ethnocentric behaviour and attitudes inherent in society.

In the third chapter, Hukato N. Shohe deals with the racism from the tribal custom and practices with special reference to Nagas. In this regard, he points out that in the traditional society. socio-economic, cultural and political discriminations were not practiced among the people due to had given a strong emphasis on communitarian spirit and values in the community. However, in 'contemporary tribal society, discrimination is being escalated due to scarcity of resources and self interest motives in the society. In the fourth chapter, Shimreingam discusses on racism and Religion (Christianity) from an ethical perspective indicating that racism devalues the culture and lives of racial minorities, and also deprives the opportunity of the racial minorities. It demands our affirmation to overcome such racial discriminations in order to achieve racial equality in the society.

The fifth chapter by Eyingbeni Hümtsoe focuses on the importance of celebrating racial diversity in terms of its divine origin in showing how God's plan of promoting racial diversity is being materialized in and through His Son, Jesus Christ. It provides a strong Christological principle so as to frame out an anti-racist approach and engagement, which will be meaningful for Christian community. In the sixth chapter, Temjensosang argues that racism is socially and structurally generated instrument in the hands of dominant group of people in the society that is so much innate in human culture. In the contemporary society, the greatest threat and challenge to all humanity is global terrorism and it is also the creation of racism. In the seventh chapter, Basaiawmoit deals with the Indian legal perspective on racism highlighting Constitutional Provisions against Racism which is well taken. In the eighth chapter, Toshi Aier discusses some roots and practices of racism in Christian history highlighting such as, Colonialism and Racism, Christianity and Anti- Semitism, and Islamophobia and Discrimination against the Arabs. In this connection, he proposes for an ecumenical involvement in combating racism in the society.

**Contents and Sample Pages**