Socio - Cultural Reading of Wealth in the Gospel of Mark

I am happy that Matsung Longkumer has tried to articulate the connection between Christian faith and Naga Cultural practices. This research proposes that churches should try to find meaning in the tribal norms, values and socio-cultural practices to make Christianity relevant to the prevailing socio-economic divide between the rich and the poor. It proposes to uphold the fundamental values of wealth or ‘God-element’ by revisiting cultural practices that are enshrined in the myths, stories and festivals.

The author of this book, Mr Matsung Longkumer is a former M.Th graduate of United Theological College, Bangalore and is presently involved in Hyderabad with Naga Students Ministry. The present research revolves around the hypothesis that in a tribal culture wealth is essentially connected or rather bound by social norms and cultural ethos. Tribal societies in Nagaland recognise a "God-element" in wealth which endorses the biblical teaching on wealth. Today there are many forces working in the tribal societies thus leading to disintegration of tribal culture and the tribal people are being uprooted from socio-cultural practices. Values once held as sacred and life-affirming in tribal societies are no more treated as such leading to unethical use of wealth and corruption.

I am happy that Matsung Longkumer has tried to articulate the connection between Christian faith and Naga Cultural practices. This research proposes that churches should try to find meaning in the tribal norms, values and socio-cultural practices to make Christianity relevant to the prevailing socio-economic divide between the rich and the poor. It proposes to uphold the fundamental values of wealth or 'God-element' by revisiting cultural practices that are enshrined in the myths, stories and festivals. To arrive at this argument the research analyses two festivals of Ao-Nagas vis-a-vis Suchiba (Feast of Merit) and Tsungremmong (Festival of Harvest) along with the concept of Land which is central to understanding wealth in Ao-Naga society.

I wish that this volume will be read by one and all who are interested in interpreting the gospel in the present day context.

What has wealth to do with religion? What has wealth to do with spirituality? What is the relation of wealth with social norms and values? What is the relation of wealth with culture and tradition? Why is corruption rampant in our society?

This research is a sincere attempt to understand the socio- cultural and religious aspect of the taxation episode in Mark 12:13- 17. This passage is often cited as church and state relationship. However, if we read the overarching theme of taxation from the socio-cultural perspective of wealth we will realise that it cannot be detached from social and cultural significance it holds. Wealth in Mark is a complex phenomenon. It has both negative (4:18-19; 10:17-25; 11:15-18; 12:1-12) and positive aspects (6:30-44 & 8: 1-10). This research contend that wealth in Gospel according to Mark goes beyond economic aspects. Social and cultural tradition along with spirituality plays a great role in the understanding and usage of wealth. Therefore, there is still much scope to understand wealth presented in the Gospel according to Mark.

**Contents and Sample Pages**