Shows
CECE EnglishThe Mirror that Reveals (James 1:22-27)Rathiulung Elias, “The Mirror that Reveals,” James 1:22-27
2026-02-0128 minCECE EnglishThe Sword of the Spirit (Hebrews 4:12-13; Ephesians 6:17)Rathiulung Elias, “The Sword of the Spirit,” Hebrews 4:12-13; Ephesians 6:17
2026-01-1928 min2026-01-1128 minCECE EnglishLamp to my Feet, Light to my Path (Psalm 119:89-96; 105-112)Rathiulung Elias KC, ‘Lamp to my Feet, Light to my Path,’ Psalm 119:89-96; 105-112
2026-01-0429 minCECE EnglishSeeking Jesus: the Magis vs. Herod (Matthew 2:1-18)Rathiulung Elias, “Seeking Jesus: the Magis vs. Herod,” Matthew 2:1-18
2025-12-2127 minCECE EnglishWalking in the Darkness (Isaiah 9:1-7)Rathiulung Elias, “Walking in the Darkness,” Isaiah 9:1-7
2025-12-1528 minCECE EnglishHaggai & Zechariah: Waiting for the Day (Haggai 2:1-9)Rathiulung Elias, “Haggai & Zechariah: Waiting for the Day,” Haggai 2:1-9)
2025-11-2436 minCECE EnglishZephaniah: What Salvation Sounds Like (Zephaniah 3:14-20)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Zephaniah: What Salvation Sounds Like,’ Zephaniah 3:14-20.
2025-11-1633 minCECE EnglishNahum: God, our Comforter (Nahum 1:1-8)Rathiulung Elias, “Nahum: God, our Comforter,” Nahum 1:1-8
2025-11-0325 minCECE EnglishMicah: The Lord is Coming (Micah 7:14-20)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Micah: The Lord is Coming’, Micah 7:14-20
2025-10-1932 minCECE EnglishObadiah: The Antidote to Pride (Obadiah 15-21)Rathiulung Elias, “Obadiah: The Antidote to Pride,” Obadiah 15-21
2025-10-0500 minCECE EnglishHosea: Witness to God’s Love & Holiness (Hosea 1:1-2:1)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Hosea: Witness to God’s Love & Holiness,’ Hosea 1:1-2:1
2025-09-2132 minCECE EnglishThe Joy of Being Found (Luke 15:1-10)Rathiulung Elias, ‘The Joy of Being Found,’ Luke 15:1-10
2025-08-2428 min2025-08-1729 minCECE EnglishBeing Kingdom People: Connected to Jesus (John 15:1-17)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Being Kingdom People: Connected to Jesus,’ John 15:1-17
2025-08-1100 minCECE EnglishBeing Kingdom People: Stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30)Rathiulung Elias, “Being Kingdom People: Stewardship,” Matthew 25:14-30
2025-07-1300 minCECE EnglishBeing Kingdom People: Mercy & Justice (Matthew 20:1-16; 18:21-35)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Being Kingdom People: Mercy & Justice,’ Matthew 20:1-16; 18:21-35
2025-06-2235 minCECE EnglishBeing Kingdom People: Humility & Dependence (Luke 18:9-17)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Being Kingdom People: Humility & Dependence’, Luke 18:9-17
2025-06-1533 minCECE EnglishReady or Forgetful? (Matthew 24:45-25:13)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Ready or Forgetful?’, Matthew 24:45-25:13
2025-06-0826 minCECE EnglishThe Kingdom in a Flawed World (Matthew 13:24-30; 47-50)Rathiulung Elias, ‘The Kingdom in a Flawed World’, Matthew 13:24-30; 47-50
2025-06-0100 minCECE EnglishThe Kingdom is like the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:3-9; 31-35)Rathiulung Elias, ‘The Kingdom of God is like the Mustard Seed,’ Matthew 13:3-9; 31-35.
2025-05-1131 min2025-04-2728 min2025-04-0730 minCECE EnglishBecoming a Witness of Jesus (Luke 22:54-62)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Becoming a Witness of Jesus’, Luke 22:54-62
2025-03-2326 minCECE EnglishThe Witness of the Ancestors (Matthew 17:1-9)Rathiulung Elias, ‘The Witness of the Ancestors’, Matthew 17:1-9
2025-03-1730 minCECE EnglishThe Witness of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31)Rathiulung Elias, ‘The Witness of the Holy Spirit’, John 14:15-31
2025-03-0929 min2025-02-1627 minCECE EnglishThe Longing of the Son (John 17:20-26)Rathiulung Elias, ‘The Longing of the Son,’ John 17:20-26
2025-01-1227 minCECE EnglishWhat do we look to? (Isaiah 40:27-31)Rathiulung Elias, ‘What do we look to?’, Isaiah 40:27-31
2025-01-0525 minCECE EnglishA Good News of Love for All (John 3:16-17)Rathiulung Elias, ‘A Good News of Love foe All,’ John 3:16-17
2024-12-2224 min2024-12-1529 minCECE EnglishHope: Light in the Dark (Isaiah 9:1-2)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Hope: Light in the Dark’, Isaiah 9:1-2
2024-12-0130 min2024-11-1029 min2024-11-0333 min2024-10-2031 minCECE EnglishDelighting in the Word (Psalm 119:9-16; 97-112)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Delighting in the Word,’ Psalm 119:9-16; 97-112
2024-09-2200 minCECE EnglishDwelling in the Word of God (Psalm 1, Matthew 7:24-27)Rathiulung Elias, ‘Dwelling in the Word of God,’ Psalm 1, Matthew 7:24-27
2024-09-1531 minCECE EnglishWhat are we immersed in? (Deuteronomy 6:4-12)Rathiulung Elias, “What are we immersed in?”, Deuteronomy 6:4-12
2024-09-0128 min2024-08-1823 min2024-08-1128 min2024-08-0428 min2024-07-2126 min
Mosaic: A Podcast of Singapore Bible CollegeElilo Ezung & Rathiulung Elias - Naga Context & TheologyIn this week’s episode, Jackie and Justin are joined by Eli and Thiu, who are both PhD students at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for the Study of World Christianity, working on projects on Naga Theology. Eli and Thiu explain what it means to be “Naga” and share about their individual projects on Pneumatology and Christology.Mosaic: Theology & Theologising in Asia and beyond
2023-02-1535 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastMoney, Votes & the Insurgency Complex | Jelle WoutersThis is the second part of my conversation with Jelle J. P. Wouters on his book In the Shadows of Naga Insurgency. In this episode, we talk about corruption and the practice of democratic election in Nagaland.
We consider how mishandling of developmental funds and electoral malpractices might be better understood when seen as taking place "in the shadows of Naga insurgency." Jelle suggests that these phenomena are not as simplistic as they are often presented. Instead, gleaning from his ethnographic research findings, he recommends that we view Naga societies with all their issues and characteristics in l...
2020-10-2419 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastIn the Shadows of Naga Insurgency | Jelle JP WoutersIn this episode, I talk with Jelle J. P. Wouters about his book, “In the Shadows of Naga Insurgency: Tribes, State and Violence in Northeast India, published in 2018 by Oxford University Press, India. Jelle is a social anthropologist and currently is senior lecturer at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan.
The conversation with Jelle is split into two episodes. This is the first one. Do look out for the next one!
(Description of the book from Amazon.in) The book is "a critique of the Naga struggle for political redemption, the state’s response to it, and the social corollaries and carry-overs of pro...
2020-10-1627 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastGrowing Local | on Chinese ChristianityIn this episode, I continue my conversation with Chao Ma, who talks about his research among Chinese American charismatic movements in the Los Angeles area of the USA. Super fun episode! Also a sneak peak to the kinds of research we dabble in at the Centre for the Studies of World Christianity in Edinburgh!
We chat about the varieties and diversity of expressions of Christianity and discuss how charismatic movements are often (mistakenly) understood as cult or heretical due to their divergence. However, Chao points out that these Christian movements must be seen as within the bounds of...
2020-10-0928 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastThe Lesser-Known Histories of Christianity | Chao MaThis episode is a conversation with Chao Ma, a fellow researcher here at Edinburgh. He joins me from San Diego virtually to discuss an idea that we're both passionate about:
Christianity, since its very beginnings, has experienced an outward movement, expanding into many parts of the world. The non-Western forms developed, matured, and indigenised apart from Western influence. They remain an important part of countless peoples' lives, yet are often underappreciated by students of Western church history.
To illustrate this thesis, we briefly recount the lesser-known histories of Christianity in the non-western world—East of Judea, North Africa, India and Ch...
2020-09-2626 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastExploring Tribal Theology | Repost of The Wooden Cross PodcastThis is a REPOST EPISODE of The Wooden Cross Podcast.
Few days back, I was a guest at The Wooden Cross podcast, hosted by Imlong Chang, who is podcasting from Tuensang, Nagaland. Thanks to Imlong for allowing me to repost the episode on this podcast.
From the description (The Wooden Cross Podcast)
Exploring Tribal Theology with Rathiulung KC
In this episode I talk to Rathiulung KC currently pursuing his PhD from Edinburgh University United Kingdom. We explore the areas in Tribal Theological landscape and it's importance with the wide theological circle within the e...
2020-09-0935 min
The Wooden CrossExploring Tribal Theology with Rathiulung KCIn this episode I talk to Rathiulung KC currently pursuing his PhD from Edinburgh University United Kingdom. We explore the areas in Tribal Theological landscape and it's importance with the wide Theological circle within the established tribal Christian States. We talk about the contextual importance of establishing a strong foundation for the churches and how it can impact the Christian values in tribal states.
2020-09-0634 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastTalking Identity | Nuam HatzawA conversation with Nuam Hatzaw
A Rongmei Naga from Manipur, India & a Zomi from Chin State, Burma walks into a podcast episode in Edinburgh...
In today's episode, I chat with Nuam and we talk about what Zomi identity means for her, and in the world today, especially in light of contemporary realities such as international and transnational migration, diaspora communities, advances in communication & technologies... along with a brief detour into some current trends in Southeast Asian studies and tribal studies of NE India. We touched on what it was like to grow up as a Z...
2020-08-2021 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastFlight from Finitude | Part TwoIn this episode, we continue where we left off in the last episode. This is part two of Flight from Finitude, so make sure you check that episode before listening in on this one. In wrapping up the discussion that moved from Christopher Lasch, to ideas by British sociologist, Geoffrey Gorer in his provocative article, titled, "The Pornography of Death."
Finally, we explore some practical, theological and philosophical tips on how we might go about redressing or addressing the problem of aversion towards our limited-ness, finitude, ageing and ultimately towards death.
Resources:
Christopher Lasch's "Th...
2020-08-1116 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastFlight from FinitudeIt is no secret that we live in a time that prioritises strength, beauty, vigour and youthfulness. In such a world that values and worships progress & productivity, our own limitedness is a reality that strikes us with anxiety and fear. We want to stay forever young, 18 till I die, and never grow up. Apparently, our attitudes towards aging are not accidental. They are possibly influenced by a disorientation of our values and the failure to accept key points about our human condition.
In this episode, I talk about modern/contemporary aversion towards age and growing old--the inevitable b...
2020-08-1124 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastArrival, Language and the UnknownIn this episode, I reflect on the movie, Arrival (2016) and themes explored in the movie: language, communication and the uknown/the other. This is a hobbyist take on the themes mentioned above, and I invite your comments on what you think about it. Cheers!
Arrival (2016)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Screenplay: Eric Heisserer (screenplay by), (based on the story "Story of Your Life" written by Ted Chiang)
“If you could see your whole life from start to finish, would you change things? Despite knowing the journey and where it leads, I embrace it. And I welco...
2020-07-2121 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastOn Change, Transitions and Courage | Azeena Pamei MarakToday's episode is a candid conversation and reflection on Change, Transitions and Courage with Azeena Pamei Marak, who joined me all the way from Laos, in Southeast Asia.
We talk about how sometimes we go through unexpected turns in our life that pulls us away--sometimes painfully--from our dreams. If we're all honest, I think we have all gone through that experience one time or another in our lives.
I hope this episode encourages your heart and motivates you to be brave as you navigate the wide open sea of your life. To make the most o...
2020-07-0825 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastTaking Jesus to the Naga HillsOn metaphors, relevance and Christology
What is your favourite metaphor or image of Jesus Christ? Do you connect with the metaphors of Jesus as the Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Advocate, Shepherd and Warrior?
One of the most exciting things that I do in my research is to study how people around the world are making sense of Jesus Christ in their own language and metaphors. In today's episode, I will take you through the tribal portraits of Jesus Christ. Today we take Jesus Christ to the Naga hills. Get ready, because just like...
2020-07-0124 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastWinged Guests—the Amur Falcon l Mordecai Panmei, Rainforest Club TamenglongWhen I was a kid growing up in Tamenglong, a small town in Manipur, we would be visited by flocks of birds at a certain time of the year almost like clockwork. These birds appeared by the thousands and would so dense that it would darken the sky...
For centuries, the Amur Falcon ('Akhoipuina' in Rongmei) has been taking annual migratory trips across Africa, the Arabian sea, India, Burma and China (sometimes reaching Russia!). (**Somewhat amazing to realise that they have been managing these journeys long before ambitious networks such as Belt & Road Initiative or the Trans-Asian...
2020-06-0317 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastHabits and the Christian JourneyIn this third and final episode on "Habits" we consider the theological rationale of habits and how it is crucial to see the practice of habit building and cultivating as part and parcel of the Christian responsibility. By sanctification, we mean the journey of following and imitating Jesus Christ. We suggest that it is helpful to see habit building as part of the spiritual exercise.
Along the way, we briefly talk about how theologians such as Stanley Hauerwas and Thomas Aquinas consider habit and character building as part of the Christian journey. Then we chat about how we...
2020-05-2117 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastYour Habits = Your Life | David BlahWelcome back to another episode on the Contemplative Tribal Podcast! Today's episode is a continuation of my conversation with David Blah, who is assistant professor of Counselling Psychology at the Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong.
According to research and studies, what is the best way to incorporate good habits in my life? Can I still change despite my age? I feel like I am fated and stuck to the habits and lifestyles that I am wallowing in... I try to develop good behaviours and be a virtuous person but feel like a failure most of the time... If these are y...
2020-05-1719 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastMaking Sense of Habit | David BlahWelcome back to another episode on the Contemplative Tribal Podcast. Few episodes back, I did a rough amateur take on the topic of habits and the impact that habits have on our lives—most of which were derived from popular level of pop psychology and self-help books. In this episode, I chat with someone who actually knows the topic professionally. David Blah is the Assistant Professor of Counselling Psychology at the Martin Luther Christian University in Shillong, Northeast India.
Put on your seatbelt, because today's talk covers a lot of grounds. We ended up splitting our talk in...
2020-05-1617 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastLet's Build a Library | Nambi PanmeiA few weeks back I was pleasantly surprised when I came across an Instagram profile that was named, "Let's Build a Library" that seemed to have been initiated for a village in Manipur. From what I gathered then, it was a crowd-sourced initiative, appealing to people to donate books and financial support in order to set up a physical library in the village.
In this episode, I chat with Nambi Panmei who is a part of the team running this project for a village called Chaengai in Tamenglong district of Manipur. After he gives a brief introduction o...
2020-04-2629 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastNagas in the 21st CenturyThe book, Nagas in the 21st Century takes us beyond the common and well-worn portrayals of the Nagas in media, popular culture and imagination. As may be expected, tribal life today cannot be pinned down by simplistic stereotypical representations. One has to be able to make keen observations and be alert to perceive the multi-facets and multi-dimensions that weave together to comprise and make up life. Books such as this introduces perspectives that (hopefully) help us appreciate the complexities of contemporary tribal life. Some might think complexities must be avoided--but if one is to be realistic and be connected...
2020-04-0927 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastLet's Talk. What Lies Beneath the Level of Awareness.Why do knowledgeable, educated and well-informed people go about behaving in most unintelligent and uninformed ways? In his book, The Social Animal, David Brooks made a provocative statement: "We are primarily the products of thinking that happens below the level of awareness." Our behaviours are linked to a complex of undercurrents that comprise of deep-seated prejudices, perspective, opinion and mindset. This is a realm that is beyond mere intellectual knowledge. To put it in another way, our lives are patterned after our hearts and not primarily our head. In this episode, I reflect on the power of habits to influence...
2020-03-3117 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastHonesty & Responsibility - Maker KashungEpisode #2 | Honesty and Responsibility. A conversation with Maker Kashung.
Maker is a songwriter and singer based in Delhi. He is the Choir Director at Tangkhul Church, Delhi. When he is not leading or teaching music, he can be found playing badminton, having a good laugh over a cup of tea, or chilling at the mall in Delhi. He is the frontman of the band, Footwings, a rock band. He also has a school of music called SYMOTA NOET, based (for now) in Delhi.
I got a chance to chat with Maker for this podcast and asked him a few questions a...
2020-03-2431 min
The Contemplative Tribal PodcastWelcome to The Contemplative Tribal!Welcome to the Contemplative Tribal podcast! This is an intro episode in which I talk briefly about the project and the types of podcast episodes that will be covered here. @rathiulung
2020-03-1903 min