Finding relevance for Christian education in contemporary society

Dimapur, March 21 (EMN): Stating that Christian colleges have a difficult task of making its educational philosophy relevant to the world around it, the founder and principal emeritus of Patkai Christian College Rev. Dr. Tuisem A Shishak, reminded the faculty and staff of the college to provide Christian leadership for the church and society at large.

Shishak stated this during a workshop for the faculty and staff at the college on March 20 on the theme “Patkai then and now: Re-imagining and contextualising the Patkai dream.”

Shishak mentioned the challenges for Christian colleges by quoting the words of Charles Malik, former president of the United Nations: “If you win the whole world and (but) lose the mind of the world, you will soon discover you have not won the world. Indeed it may turn out that you have actually lost the world... Responsible Christian face two tasks – that of saving the soul and that of saving the mind” (The two tasks).

“This is the challenge for every Patkaian. The future of Patkai depends on how we face the challenge of saving the soul and saving the mind,” he said adding, “Academic excellence and biblical Christian faith and practice are essential to a meaningful and purposeful life.”

Shishak also reminded the faculty and staff of the college’s foundational basis saying, “Patkai was established to provide Christian leadership for the church and society at large. That’s God’s original intention for giving us Patkai Christian College – Patkai’s covenant with God.”

The college was established in 1974 as a liberal Arts college and the principal maintained that “the college firmly believes that education is for the whole man in a framework of spiritual and moral absolutes.”

Mentioning the central purpose of the college as mentioned in its motto – “Lux et Veritas” or “Light and Truth” (Psalm 43:3), Shishak stated that the purpose produces a concern for truth, righteousness and beauty and thereby gives meaning to the ideal of a Christian liberal arts college.

He exhorted both the teaching faculty and non-teaching staff to consciously seek to aid the student in developing habits which contribute to their physical, psychological and spiritual well-being in order to enable them participate constructively in community and church life.

Rev. Shishak also called upon the alumni of the college and urged them to take an active role in the development of the college.

“Patkai Christian College belongs to God; we are all stewards,” Shishak added.

The workshop also saw presentations from the chaplain, Rev. Dr. Vichukho Ngukha on the topic “Spirituality as the foundation and propeller of institutional growth” and from the assistant professor AG Samuel on the topic “Networking and team building: Incorporating modern etiquettes.”