This book places the Tangkhuls as people closely connected to nature, who question the view that the vanishing of their forests and drying up of their streams is simply a sign of cultural ignorance. Instead, they view it as an attempt to live as a community without respecting their own culture. The author presents several proverbs and folklores to substantiate that our existence depends on nature. When nature dies human beings will also automatically die in the process. He has collected sufficient proverbs that refers to ecology and argues that they become good sources for developing an eco-theology. On the whole, he is right in challenging people to reclaim their rich cultural values so as to preserve and conserve nature and sustain humanity.

Rev. Dr. Shimreingam L. Shimray
Principal, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat

I appreciate the author for his critical and reflective mind in addressing the issue of his community and coming up with a helpful academic resource on eco-theology in India. He smoothly takes his readers into the depth of the issue and beautifully explains the relevance of Chanjam to respond to the ecological crisis. Reading of Chanjam from an eco-tribal perspective proposes new ways of eco-living, eco-thinking, doing eco-mission and expressing eco-faith. The book will renew the minds of readers with eco-values taught by Chanjam.

Dr. Viju Wilson
Union Biblical Seminary, Pune

This book has wisdom from the past illuminating our present so that we may see and createa better future.

Rev. Khayaipam Khamrang
Pastor, Tangkhul Baptist Church

The book, Tangkhul Chanjam Theology: Reclaiming Eco-Life in Context, brings out the profound import the Tangkhul Chanjam has for harmonious and holistic living with nature and creation. The book brings the biblical insights and the cultural wisdom of our fore-parents together as part of reclaiming eco-human life in the midst of environmental and ecological crisis today. Theological articulation is all about making the Gospel of Jesus Christ meaningful and relevant in a given context and situation. And towards that end, the book explores the rich cultural resources of the Tangkhuls, in particular examining the Chanjam that powerfully affirm our human interconnectedness with nature and the rest of God’s creation.

This is a must-read book for everyone who is seriously concerned for promoting life, balance and harmony.

Rev. Dr Yangkahao Vashum
Professor, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat

Contents

Foreword-1

Foreword-2

Foreword-3

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Abbreviations

Biblical Books

Glossary

Introduction

1. The Tangkhuls and Nature

2. Tangkhul Nagas Nature Folklore

3. Eco-Tribal Theological Reading of Tangkhul Chanjam

4. Towards Eco-Chanjam Theology

Epilogue

Bibliography

Appendix

Yaopei Ngalung hails from Ringui village in Ukhrul District, Manipur. He obtained his Bachelor of Divinity from New Theological College (NTC), Dehradun and Master’s degree in Christian Theology from Union Biblical Seminary (UBS), Pune, under the Senate of Serampore College (University).