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This paper examines problems of religious dialogues in this contemporary era. The conclusion of this discussion suggests that religious dialogue is one of the important problems in the globalization era that becomes one of the alternative methods to anticipate religious conflicts in our society. There are many barriers to develop religious dialogues, such as the level o f knowledge, social-political problems, and psychological and theological barriers. In the recent era, three models of religious dialogue can be developed, that is, theological dialogue, anthropological dialogue, and cosmological dialogue.

The dominance of Western-centric norms in cybersecurity ethics presents a significant gap in addressing the moral and cultural realities of diverse societies, particularly those in the Muslim world. This paper proposes a decolonial and culturally inclusive framework by integrating Islamic ethical philosophy into the discourse on cybersecurity. Drawing on key Islamic concepts such as amanah (trust), ‘adl (justice), and niyyah (intention), the study explores how these values can inform ethical decision-making in digital environments. Through a philosophical-theological approach, it critiques the assumption of value neutrality in technology and highlights the moral agency and accountability embedded in Islamic metaphysics. The findings underscore the necessity of ethical pluralism and call for a global digital ethics that is both morally substantive and culturally responsive. Ultimately, the study contributes to the development of a more holistic and spiritually informed cybersecurity paradigm that resonates with the ethical traditions of Muslim-majority contexts.

This article explores the relationship between the theology of Christian Religious Education (CRE) and the Church in contributing to relevant, contextual, and transformative theological education. The Church, as a community of faith and spiritual institution, plays a strategic role in shaping theological understanding through teaching, discipleship, and ministry. Meanwhile, CRE within the formal education system is tasked with delivering Christian values through pedagogical and academic approaches. In an era shaped by secularism, pluralism, and technological advancement, both challenges and opportunities arise for CRE and the Church to collaborate meaningfully. Through literature review and theological analysis, this article identifies key challenges such as the gap between theory and practice, limited human resources, and the influence of popular culture that often contradicts Christian values. On the other hand, significant opportunities exist, including the use of digital technology, the strengthening of faith-based character education, and the implementation of contextual approaches to theological teaching. The article affirms the importance of a strategic partnership between the Church and CRE in developing theological education that not only informs the mind but also transforms lives through strong Christian character in everyday contexts.

The tongue is a small part of the body that holds significant power to influence both individual life and community well-being. James 3:1–12 provides a firm warning about the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, depicting it as a fire, a world of evil, and deadly poison. This study aims to examine the meaning of controlling the tongue as a responsibility of Christian spirituality through a literature review and exegetical-hermeneutical analysis of James 3:1–12. This qualitative research employs primary data from the biblical text (Indonesian Bible Society version and the Greek text) and secondary data from commentaries, Christian ethics books, and theological journals. The findings indicate that controlling the tongue is a sign of spiritual maturity and an essential aspect of Christian discipline that must be continuously cultivated. Disciplined speech reflects living faith and serves as a means to foster love, truth, and peace within the community. This study highlights the need for churches and believers to integrate ethical speech as a core part of their witness in the world.  

This article examines the importance of understanding and applying church discipline in the life of today’s congregation based on biblical principles. Church discipline is not merely seen as a form of punishment but as a means of God's grace to bring about restoration, spiritual growth, and order within the body of Christ. Through the study of Scripture and theological reflection, this paper explains that discipline is an expression of God’s love aimed at guiding His people toward repentance and truth. In practice, discipline must be carried out with love, patience, and wisdom, thus reflecting the character of Christ rather than serving merely as a corrective measure. The article also highlights the challenges of applying church discipline in the context of a modern culture that tends to reject authority and correction. Nevertheless, the author asserts that discipline remains relevant and essential as a means of preserving the holiness of the church and its witness to the world. The conclusion of this discussion shows that church discipline, when properly implemented, has a positive impact on both individuals and the faith community as a whole.

Contemporary Christian leadership encounters complex challenges when integrating intellectual, emotional, and spiritual intelligence. Limited understanding of obedience as a leadership foundation results in weakened spiritual development and integrity in ministry. This research employs a qualitative approach through comprehensive literature review, analyzing diverse theological literature, scientific journals, and academic sources discussing Christian leadership and obedience principles. The study reveals the concept of "Obedience Before Greatness" as a leadership paradigm positioning submission to God as a prerequisite for greatness, contrasting conventional leadership approaches that prioritize external achievements. Findings demonstrate that authentic and sustainable Christian leadership grows from obedience to God rather than personal ambition. Submission shapes character and integrity, producing leaders who serve with humility for God's glory.

This study explores the challenges of evangelism in the modern era, particularly in reaching groups that are apathetic towards the gospel. Using 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 as its foundation, which highlights the importance of flexibility in evangelistic approaches to reach speople from various backgrounds, this research applies the Apostle Paul’s concept of adaptability to contemporary evangelism among apathetic groups. Specifically, it examines how biblically-based adaptive strategies can be utilized by churches and individual Christians in their evangelistic mission. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the application of the principle of flexibility in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 for apathetic groups and to assess how this principle can enhance the effectiveness of evangelism in today’s context. Through this research, it is hoped that new, more relevant approaches for ministry in a diverse society will be identified. This study employs a qualitative method, using biblical text analysis and systematic theological reflection. Findings indicate that applying the principle of flexibility in evangelism is not only effective in addressing apathy, but also allows evangelists to build more personal and empathetic relationships with those they seek to reach. In Paul’s sense, flexibility involves adapting without compromising gospel truth, offering a pertinent strategy for meeting the challenges of evangelizing to apathetic individuals.  

This article discusses the challenges and strategies of the church in facing the ever-changing times today while continuing to uphold Christian values. The author analyzes how globalization and shifts in cultural paradigms influence the role and relevance of the church in today's diverse society. The discussion includes the importance of theological and practical adaptation, as well as the necessity for visionary leadership to navigate the complexities of the modern world. The main objective is to identify transformative approaches that allow the church not only to maintain its spiritual integrity but also to continue contributing positively to shaping an evolving society, without losing its identity and eternal mission.  

This study examines Boras Sipir Ni Tondi, a sacred cultural symbol of the Batak community which literally means “rice that restores the soul,” often used in traditional rituals as a medium of spiritual healing, blessing, and communal solidarity. The research addresses the growing theological tension and cultural disconnection among Batak Christian youth who are caught between ancestral heritage and the normative teachings of Christianity. The objective of this study is to explore the symbolic and theological meaning of Boras Sipir Ni Tondi and to develop a contextual approach for its integration into Christian Religious Education (CRE). Using a qualitative research approach with library research methods and contextual hermeneutic analysis, the study draws on theological literature, cultural anthropology, and scriptural narratives. The findings reveal that Boras Sipir Ni Tondi holds profound symbolic meanings aligned with Christian concepts of restoration, spiritual renewal, and divine grace. When interpreted theologically, this symbol can serve as a pedagogical tool to bridge faith and culture, especially through reflective learning models, contextual liturgies, and integrative teaching strategies. The study proposes that by embracing culturally meaningful symbols within the framework of biblical theology, CRE can foster spiritual identity that is both rooted in tradition and transformative in faith. It concludes that a critical and theologically grounded inculturation of local symbols enhances the relevance of Christian education, enabling learners to embody faith that is contextually aware, spiritually alive, and culturally rooted.  

This article explores the relevance of the contemporary church through the lens of systematic theology by examining the concepts of visibility (the church’s tangible presence) and invisibility (its spiritual and unseen essence). The topic is crucial as many churches today face a tension between their social engagement and their spiritual identity. The central issue addressed in this research is how the church can maintain its theological integrity while remaining visibly active and impactful in an ever-changing society. This study employs a qualitative method using a literature review approach, analyzing theological texts, academic articles, and biblical references to investigate ecclesiological perspectives on integrating visibility and invisibility. The data is analyzed descriptively and reflectively to identify theological patterns and practical implications for the life of the church today. The findings reveal that a relevant church is one that successfully integrates both visible and invisible dimensions. Visibility is essential for contextual engagement with the world, while invisibility sustains spiritual depth and fidelity to Christ. This integration results in a church that is actively present in society, while also rooted in holiness, love, and prophetic mission. The study recommends that churches engage in theological reflection to reassess their identity and ministry to remain relevant without losing their spiritual direction.

This study raises the theme of Theology of Faith Based on Proverbs 3:1–8 in an effort to strengthen the spiritual life of the members of the Indonesian Protestant Christian Church (GKPI) Pandumaan Special Congregation amidst the challenges of the modern era. Proverbs 3:1–8 teaches important theological principles about living a strong faith, living in wisdom, faithfulness, and fearing God. Through qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study found that many church members experience wavering faith due to the influence of secular culture, technological advances, and social pressures. This study interprets Proverbs 3:1–8 as a call to trust God with all our hearts, not to lean on our own understanding, and to live in real loyalty and goodness. Wisdom in this context is understood not only as rational intelligence, but also as the result of total submission to God's will. This study emphasizes that strong faith is the foundation for a healthy and strong spiritual life amidst today's pluralism and spiritual crisis. Thus, faith rooted in the word and wisdom of God becomes a theological solution for church members to remain firm as the light and salt of the world.

This article examines the theological meaning of the concept of the new heaven and new earth based on Revelation 21:1-8, serving as a foundation for eternal hope for Christians. Through a qualitative theological approach, this study explores how the eschatological understanding influences the faith life and spiritual attitude of believers. The concept of the new heaven and new earth not only refers to the physical renewal of the universe at the end of time but also serves as a source of spiritual strength that fosters perseverance, faith, and hope in facing worldly struggles. Furthermore, this reflection emphasizes the role of the Church as the representation of the New Jerusalem, preparing the faithful for eternal fellowship with God. Thus, the promise of renewed creation functions as an ethical and existential foundation encouraging Christians to live faithfully, courageously, and with hope until the divine promise is fully realized. This article asserts that the hope in the new heaven and new earth has tangible implications for contemporary Christian life as a reflection of the already and yet-to-be-fulfilled Kingdom of God

This paper discusses the Bolanafo of marriage in Nias society. The focus of discussion in this paper is how important Bolanafo is as a factor in the traditional marriage of the Nias tribe and how Christianity theologically views Bolanafo. To fulfill the research objectives, a number of literature studies were conducted by utilizing literature and conducting interviews related to Bolanafo in the Nias marriage system. All the literature data was processed and analyzed, as a research conducted by literature study, the results of this research are presented descriptively. The culture in Nias marriage is still very strong and is practiced until today. It must be realized that serving bolanafo in a Nias wedding is not something that is outdated or involves a complicated process. Doing so is an effort to maintain identity as Ono Niha wherever they are.

The sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two main sacraments in the Christian tradition, both carrying profound theological and spiritual significance. A sacrament contains two essential elements: an outward sign (such as water, bread, and wine) and a spiritual reality (namely, the grace of God given through the sign). A sacrament is not merely a symbol, but a means of communion with Christ that strengthens faith and bears witness to God’s grace. In Christian theology, a sacrament is broadly defined as a rite or religious ceremony performed to symbolize or help bring about a transformation in the lives of those who participate in it. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is one of the key sacraments in the Christian tradition, symbolizing the fellowship of believers with Christ through the shared consumption of bread and wine. Its meaning is profound, as it is not only a remembrance of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but also an expression of faith and a deep reflection on the saving love of God. The Lord’s Supper also contains an eschatological meaning, pointing believers toward the future. In each celebration of the Lord’s Supper, the people of Christ anticipate the heavenly banquet at the end of the age.  

This study aims to examine the concept of the Son of God in the Gospel of John 17:1–26 from a theological perspective. The Gospel of John, one of the canonical Gospels, distinctively emphasizes the divine identity of Jesus as the Son of God. In chapter 17, Jesus prays to His Father in heaven, affirming His unique relationship as the Son of God. The research method employed is biblical text analysis using an exegetical approach. Data were collected from prominent theological sources and relevant academic literature. The findings indicate that the concept of the Son of God in John 17:1–26 encompasses several important theological dimensions, including: first, His equality with God the Father in divinity; second, the uniqueness of His relationship with the Father as the beloved Son; and third, His role in God's plan of salvation for humanity. The conclusion of this study is that the concept of the Son of God in John 17:1–26 affirms the divine identity of Jesus and reveals His intimate relationship with God the Father. This concept has significant theological implications for the Christian understanding of the divinity of Jesus Christ.

The Toba Batak culture has a strong symbolic richness, especially in the traditional rituals of death which are full of theological and social meanings. One of the important symbols in the ceremony is Sijagaron, which literally means "guard" or "escort", and is used as a symbol of final respect to the deceased. This research aims to examine the meaning of Sijagaron through a contextual theological approach, by looking at how this symbol can be understood in the light of the Christian faith and its relevance in the lives of Toba Batak believers today. The method used is a descriptive qualitative study with a theological and anthropological approach. The results of the study show that Sijagaron contains Christian values such as love, fellowship, and respect for God's creation. From a contextual theological perspective, Sijagaron can be interpreted as a bridge between faith and culture, which shows that local cultural symbols can be a means of contextual evangelism. Thus, the culture of Sijagaron does not contradict the Christian faith, but rather enriches the people's understanding of the mystery of death and eternal life.

As a community of believers, the church plays an important role in shaping the faith and character of Christians. A healthy church is marked by the growth of its congregation and the spiritual vitality of its members. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of a healthy church and evaluate how these traits impact the strengthening of believers' faith. Using a qualitative-descriptive approach and theological literature research, it was found that a healthy church possesses characteristics such as sound biblical teaching, genuine love for the congregation, servant leadership, active involvement of members according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and a strong commitment to prayer and fellowship. For believers, a healthy church fosters dynamic spiritual growth, harmonious community life, and active participation in ministry and evangelism. Such churches are not merely places of worship; they also act as agents of real social transformation. Therefore, a well-functioning church will produce resilient, loving Christians who serve as a light to others.

Dispensational theology is a system of biblical interpretation that views the history of salvation as a series of periods or dispensations in which God interacts with humanity in different ways, each with distinct rules and responsibilities. This writing aims to understand the development of the concept of dispensationalism, its literal method of interpretation, and the differing perspectives between Israel and the Church in God's plan. The method used is a literature review, analyzing various scholarly works and theological sources. The study's findings indicate that dispensationalism emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Bible, makes a clear distinction between Israel and the Church, and understands God’s promises as being fulfilled literally in the future. This system continues to develop and remains relevant in contemporary Christian theological discourse, including in Indonesia.

This study aims to examine the existence of the Church in the context of salvation history from the perspective of systematic theology, focusing on the role and vocation of the ecclesia as the community of God's people. The background of this study departs from the belief that the Church is not just a religious institution, but has an existential and historical basis in God's saving work. The Church acts as an extension of Christ's mission which is continued in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this research, the author uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach. The data sources consist of the Holy Bible, theological books related to the title, as well as relevant theological journal articles. This research was conducted to understand the relationship between the Church's identity and its participation in salvation history, both dogmatically and functionally. The results show that the Church is called to be an active witness in the work of salvation, by carrying out prophetic, liturgical, and social functions. As an ecclesia, the Church is not just a collection of individual believers, but a community that lives in relationship with Christ as the Head. The discussion emphasizes that the Church has a mandate to live in unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolate, all of which are rooted in God's grace. In conclusion, the existence of the Church in salvation history is eschatological and missionary. The Church is called to be a sign and means of salvation, and to take part in the salvation of the world.

This article explores the theme of faithfullness in the book of Hosea throught a theological lens and examines its relevanse for the contemporary church. The book of the Hosea presents a powerfull potrayal of God’s unwafering faithfullnes toward his people despite their reapeted unfaithfullnes. Using the metaphor of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, God communicates a message off steadfast love, forgiveness, and restoration. This study highlights the theological significance of divine faithfullness and its role as the foundation for relational  etichs within the community of faith. The implication for the church today include a calling to live faithfully before God, to embody restorative love in community life, and to strengh then commitmen to the covenant of faith. Faithfullnes is presented not merely as a moral virtue but as a spiritual identity to be lived out in ecclesial practice. Through exegetical analysis and contextual reflection, this articel invites the church the respond to the call of faithfullness mid the chalanges of the modern era.