Publication Search

This study examines the role of the hula-hula authority within the Batak Toba kinship system, known as Dalihan na tolu, and its relevance to the theological understanding of blessings. In Batak tradition, hula-hula is viewed as "Debata na tarida" (the visible God) and is considered a source of blessings in various social and ritual contexts, especially through the practice of giving ulos. However, Christian doctrinal theology asserts that blessings are solely a gift from God, independent of any specific social structure or tradition. Using a qualitative research method through literature study, this paper explores the intersection and tension between Batak customs and Christian theology. The findings show that while the authority of hula-hula enriches the values of social harmony and kinship ethics, this understanding risks overshadowing the biblical truth that God is the sole source of blessings. Therefore, the church is called to reaffirm God's authority while also respecting cultural values. This study highlights the tension between tradition and theology, which should be addressed with wisdom to allow both to coexist harmoniously.

Church discipleship is a concrete manifestation of the shepherd's primary role and responsibility within the life of the church. A shepherd is not merely a preacher or worship leader, but a spiritual mentor committed to guiding the congregation toward spiritual maturity. This discipleship process involves various aspects such as deep biblical teaching, personal and communal pastoral care, and continuous discipleship. The main goal is for the congregation to move beyond superficial faith and grow into Christ-like individuals in character, knowledge, and action. This article explores biblical and theological principles of church discipleship and how the shepherd's role must be contextualized to meet the challenges of the present age and the needs of the people. In a world that is constantly changing and spiritually challenging, effective discipleship becomes crucial for the church to remain relevant and spiritually strong. This study affirms that spiritual maturity cannot be achieved instantly, but through a purposeful, consistent process rooted in love and the truth of God's Word. Therefore, discipleship must be a pastoral priority to build a mature, strong, and impactful church.

This article explores the issue of homosexuality from a Christian theological perspective by examining biblical teachings, traditions of the church, and contemporary theological discourse. Homosexuality has long been a controversial topic in Christianity because it is often associated with moral and doctrinal debates. This study aims to analyze how Christian theology interprets homosexual orientation and behavior, as well as how the church responds pastorally to individuals who identify as homosexual. Using a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review approach, this study reviews interpretations of biblical passages such as Genesis 19:1–29, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26–27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9–10, which are frequently cited in discussions about homosexuality. The findings reveal that there are at least three dominant perspectives within Christianity: the conservative view, which rejects homosexual practice as sin; the moderate view, which distinguishes between homosexual orientation and action; and the liberal or progressive view, which accepts homosexuality as part of human diversity. The article concludes that the Christian view of homosexuality cannot be generalized and is influenced by historical, cultural, and denominational contexts. Therefore, a compassionate and dialogical pastoral approach is needed to uphold truth while welcoming all individuals with dignity.

In an increasingly complex world full of diverse beliefs, the search for meaning and truth has never been more important. Since the early days of Christianity, theologians and thinkers have sought to understand and explain the nature of Christ. By understanding Christology, we not only gain insight into who Jesus is, but also how His teachings can provide guidance in facing the challenges of everyday life.  Christology is a branch of theology that focuses on the study of Jesus Christ, specifically who He is, what His nature and office are and how redemption is accomplished by Christ, in His nature and His role in saving humanity. Christology is not just a religious study, but also a way of strengthening faith, strengthening hope, and living a spiritual life that is connected to Christ. Therefore, a deep understanding of Christ is essential for Christians to understand their faith.

Sunday school is an activity that is carried out every Sunday, Sunday school is carried out in order to foster, educate and become a bridge for children to be able to meet God or be able to know God through the truth conveyed. Sunday school children are children who must be instilled with the truth through Sunday school teachers, therefore the school teacher must be a role model or be an example and live God in himself, so that when teaching, children will receive the spirit that the teacher has. The method used in this research is qualitative through literature review collected through books, journals and articles to get very accurate data. With the aim of being able to help find solutions in dealing with ADHD children in Sunday school. Children who experience ADHD are not a disease, so as parents must know what the child is experiencing, and as parents must provide early treatment such as taking the child to a psychologist / therapist so that the child gets treatment before it is too late.

 This research is motivated by the challenges faced by today's local church in formulating its missionary goals and work amidst rapid social, cultural, and global changes. These changes often make the church's missionary function appear unclear and lack clear direction, putting the church at risk of carrying out its ministry detached from its biblical identity. Therefore, this research aims to reinterpret the local church's missionary goals and work based on the Apostle Paul's example as a missionary, while also proposing its relevance for church ministry in the current context. The research uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method, specifically contemporary missionary theology literature and writings on the Apostle Paul's life and ministry. The results show that, according to Paul, the primary purpose of the church's mission is to educate the congregation through teaching rooted in the truth of the Word, and to bring the congregation into an encounter with Christ through lively worship, expressed in the singing of psalms, praises, spiritual songs, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The missionary work exemplified by Paul also includes the proclamation of the Gospel, tangible loving service, empowering the congregation to grow as witnesses of Christ, and social transformation as a manifestation of the church's presence in society. These findings confirm that the local church's mission should not only focus on spiritual aspects, but also be holistic, contextual, and relevant to the needs of the times. Thus, the church is called to develop a mission strategy that is both faithful to the Bible and able to meet the challenges of the modern world, thereby providing a complete witness of God's love for the world.

The phenomenon of the fake smile has become increasingly visible in the digital era, especially through social media platforms. Such expressions are often used to mask genuine emotions such as sadness, psychological pressure, or fatigue. This study examines how the Prophetic traditions (ḥadīth) address this phenomenon in relation to sincerity, ethical conduct, and emotional balance. Three research questions are posed: (1) whether ḥadīth encourage sincerity in smiling as an act of worship, (2) how fake smiles are situated within Islamic ethical perspectives, and (3) to what extent ḥadīth provide guidance for this issue in contemporary contexts. The study applies a qualitative method, employing library research and thematic analysis of ḥadīth (mawḍūʿī). Primary data are drawn from authoritative ḥadīth collections, while secondary sources include tafsīr, classical and modern commentaries, as well as psychological literature. The findings reveal that smiling is framed as a charitable act requiring sincerity. A fake smile intended to preserve harmony may still be valued positively, but one used for manipulation or to conceal hostility conflicts with the principle of truthfulness (ṣidq) and approaches hypocrisy (nifāq). The Prophet’s balanced expressions affirm the need for sincerity in social interaction.

The aim of this study is to develop and produce findings on an effective teaching model to build the perfect character of the congregation of the Suara Sejati Gospel Church in Medan. The research method used in this study is a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The data sources used in this study are a semi-structured interview guide and field notes. The data analysis technique used in this study involves several steps, namely bracketing, horizontalization, phenomenological reduction, and synthesis of essential meaning. The results of the study indicate that: The congregation and servants of God GSKI in Medan City identified several key attributes in achieving perfect character which include high moral quality, holiness, commitment to following God's will, and growth in faith through deepening the Word and fellowship; The congregation of GSKI in Medan City faces several major challenges in building perfect character according to the teachings of Matthew 5:48, such as limitations in understanding the teachings of the Bible and incomplete doctrines, worldly influences and attachment to worldly pleasures, and the lack of consistent role models from church leaders; An effective teaching model for building perfect character based on Matthew 5:48 in the context of the GSKI congregation in Medan City consists of a structured teaching approach, practical and contextual application, and role models and leadership; An effective teaching model for building perfect character based on Matthew 5:48 is a model that is transformative, andragogical, and empowering. This study produces the TAP Model (Transformation - Andragogy - Empowerment) which includes the stages of introduction, reflection, practice, as well as evaluation and mentoring. This model encourages active congregational involvement, connects the Word with real life, and forms character through a contextual and spiritual learning process.

This article examines the concept of propositions in mathematics, which are statements referred to as (closed sentences, false, values, and true values). The discussion covers negation, or what is known as negation, as operations that have truth values and truth tables. In addition, this article examines conjunction, or compound propositions that are true. (the combination of two questions), which involves two propositions with either true or false values. Furthermore, this article also examines disjunction, which involves statements containing conjunctionand also has truth tables. The primary objective is to provide a concise yet comprehensive understanding of propositions as logical and mathematical concepts. In addition, this article examines conjunction, or compound propositions that are true. A conjunction involves two propositions that are combined using the logical operator "and," symbolized by ∧. The conjunction of two propositions is true only when both individual propositions are true. For example, if P is true and Q is true, then the conjunction P ∧ Q is also true. However, if either P or Q is false, the conjunction P ∧ Q becomes false. The truth table for conjunction helps to clarify these conditions. Conjunction is often used in mathematical proofs, where multiple conditions must be satisfied simultaneously for a statement to hold true. Furthermore, this article also examines disjunction, which involves statements containing conjunction and also has truth tables. Disjunction, represented by the symbol ∨, involves two propositions and is true if at least one of the propositions is true. If both propositions are false, the disjunction is false. For instance, if P is false and Q is true, then P ∨ Q is true. The truth table for disjunction provides clarity on how this operation works. Disjunction is frequently used in mathematics and logic to express situations where at least one condition must be satisfied.

Spiritual well-being in psychology is used to discuss the process of achieving spiritual conditions in individuals. Spiritual well-being is a concept regarding an innate state, has elements of motivation or drive to find the purpose of one's life, is dynamic and subjective in nature, and focuses on a certain uniqueness which is then believed to be the truth. One way to improve spiritual well-being is through dhikr activities, which are usually used as one of the psychotherapies in Islam. Epistemology as a branch of philosophy determines the character of knowledge, even determining the truths that are considered worthy of being accepted, and which ones should be rejected. Therefore, there are a number of questions that are usually asked to examine the issues in epistemology, namely what is knowledge, what are the sources and bases of knowledge? Is this knowledge a definite truth or just a guess? To answer all questions regarding the epistemology of knowledge, this article will examine in more depth the theories of knowledge and truth in epistemology. The method used in writing this article is a literature study. After presenting several explanations from various literature sources, it can be concluded that it is almost impossible to talk about "knowledge" without considering things about "truth".    

In its ideal form, punishment is conceived as a rational and proportionate response to moral wrongdoing, grounded in demonstrable harm and clear culpability. Classical penological theories emphasize the principles of retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incapacitation, all of which presume the presence of intent and injury. However, in the case of Tom Lembong, punishment was imposed absent any proven crime, malicious intent, or measurable harm. Instead, it became a symbolic act, reconfigured as a performance of political theater to assert and preserve a sovereign narrative. This article advances two interrelated aims. First, it analyzes how the penalization of Tom Lembong reflects a wider pattern wherein legal institutions are repurposed to perform sovereignty and construct legitimacy through public spectacle. Second, it critiques the inadequacy of classical penological frameworks when punishment operates without moral fault or corrective intent. Using a qualitative research method and conceptual approach, this study draws upon library-based data sources, critically engaging with theoretical literature on penology, sovereignty, and post-truth politics. Data analysis was conducted descriptively, allowing conceptual mapping between legal practices and political narratives. The findings indicate that the punishment in this case functioned less as an instrument of legal redress than as political choreography. It transformed into symbolic currency designed to enforce narrative conformity and signal power consolidation. In such contexts, punishment serves not as a corrective measure but as a performative mechanism, signaling the dominance of a political order over competing interpretations of truth. This rupture in classical penological logic calls for a post-penological framework—one that accounts for punishment as a tool of narrative enforcement and symbolic governance within post-truth legal orders. Such a framework recognizes the transformation of legal acts into staged political performances, where the appearance of justice supersedes substantive fairness.

The formation of a perfect character is the main goal for every believer, as stated in Matthew 5:48. The perfect phrase in this verse comes from the word τέλειος (teleios), and based on this, it is important to understand the word τέλειος (teleios) holistically, so that the congregation can understand correctly what God wants in their lives. The research method used in this study is the library research method, and therefore there is no population and sample used in this study, however, in this study the researcher will use various kinds of literature as references, such as: the Bible in various translations; Bible Dictionary; Language Dictionary; Encyclopedia; Concordance; Bible Interpretation Books; Other books related to the research theme; Journals and other literature related to the research theme. The data analysis technique used in this study is Theoretical Hermeneutics. Based on the results of the data analysis, it is known that the phrase τέλειος does not refer to a state of sinlessness, but to a real and profound transformation of life as a result of knowing God. The demand to be perfect in Matthew 5:48 means that God's people are called to emulate God's character, namely love that comes from a loving heart must be expressed concretely in everyday social life. The impact of implementing the Matthew 5:48 teaching model on the GSKI congregation in Medan City is seen in: The congregation's increasing strength in facing life's processes and worldly temptations; Firmness of faith marked by increased joy and strength in facing life's challenges; Spiritual independence seen from the congregation's ability to control ego/flesh, as well as growing a deep longing to live close to God.

Mathematics is a universal science that underlies the development of modern science and technology, and has an important role in the development of human thinking. Mathematics is a subject that is based on logical, rational, critical, and systematic thinking patterns. Religion and rationality are two perspectives that have a strong influence. Humans view religious values ​​and rational values ​​as different entities, causing a dichotomy paradigm, especially in the realm of education. In the perspective of the epistemology of science in Islam, Islam and science are complementary and interdependent entities. The mathematical approach used here does not mean that Islamic values ​​are low, but only to increase the belief of Muslims that all knowledge is valuable and can lead to true goodness and increase faith and closeness to Allah SWT.To examine how Islamic values ​​are applied in mathematics learning, To identify and develop effective strategies or methods in integrating Islamic values ​​in mathematics learning materials, To measure the extent of the application of Islamic values ​​in mathematics learning.This study uses a qualitative approach, while the type of research used by the researcher is descriptive research.Mathematics as a logical and systematic science, has a meeting point with Islamic teachings that emphasize truth, justice, and balance. For example, the concept of monotheism can be associated with the order of the universe expressed through mathematical formulas, fostering a sense of gratitude and obedience. The implementation of Islamic values ​​that are rahmatan lil 'alamin (blessing for all nature) in mathematics learning, especially to form honest and fair characters in students.

In contemporary media, characters who self-diagnose with psychological disorders often reflect deeper emotional and psychological complexities rather than clinically accurate conditions. One compelling example is found in the British dark comedy-drama series The End of The F**ing World*, where James claims to be a psychopath. However, this self-diagnosis raises critical psychological questions: Is James truly incapable of empathy, or is his label a defense mechanism masking unresolved trauma from his childhood? By applying Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory—particularly the structural model of personality (id, ego, superego)—alongside Anna Freud’s theory of defense mechanisms, this study investigates the role of self-diagnosis not as an objective or medically valid truth, but as a psychological shield to avoid emotional vulnerability and confrontation with repressed pain. James' behaviors are analyzed through selected scenes and dialogues in the series, with additional triangulation from the original graphic novel to support the interpretation. The analysis reveals that James’ declaration of being a psychopath aligns more with mechanisms such as repression, projection, and emotional numbing, rather than the clinical criteria of psychopathy. His emotional detachment is revealed to be a constructed barrier stemming from maternal loss, neglect, and fear of connection. The study concludes that self-diagnosis in this context acts as a subconscious strategy to cope with unresolved trauma and to maintain psychological equilibrium amid inner conflict. This case exemplifies how fictional representations can mirror real-life struggles with identity, mental health, and the desire to label complex emotions through simplified diagnostic terms, especially in youth who lack proper support systems.  

Christian leadership can be understood as leadership rooted in the truth of God’s Word and exemplified through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel narratives, Jesus consistently displayed leadership qualities that were grounded in service, sacrifice, humility, and the nurturing of His disciples. However, in today’s context, many church environments face a crisis of leadership characterized by corruption, arrogance, lack of integrity, and resistance to constructive criticism, all of which deviate from the biblical image of Christ as the Good Shepherd. This study aims to explore the biblical foundation of Jesus Christ’s leadership, focusing on both its character and technical dimensions as reflected in the Gospel of John, and to examine its implementation in the local ministry setting of GPdI Bethesda Kabanjahe. The research employs a qualitative method with two primary dimensions: a theological-biblical approach and a case study approach. The findings reveal that, first, the pastoral leadership model in the Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd who builds intimate relationships, willingly sacrifices, and develops the character of His followers. While these values are normatively acknowledged by church ministers, their implementation in GPdI Bethesda remains partial, fragmented, and not yet systematically embedded into the overall ministry structure. Second, theological reflection and practical implications highlight the urgent need for renewal that encompasses both organizational systems and the personal spiritual formation of leaders. Recommendations emerging from this study include leadership training grounded in Christlike character, developing an organizational structure that ensures regeneration, cultivating a healthy spiritual community, and contextually internalizing Gospel values into ministry practices. Strengthening these areas is essential for building authentic, sustainable, and Christ-centered leadership that responds to contemporary challenges and restores the church’s witness to the surrounding community.

This paper examines euthanasia from ethical, theological, legal, and human rights perspectives, focusing specifically on the Christian faith. Euthanasia, defined as the intentional termination of life to avoid physical suffering, raises significant moral and legal dilemmas. This study applies a qualitative method through literature review to explore expert opinions, Indonesian legal provisions, and theological foundations based on the Bible. The findings indicate that euthanasia contradicts the core principles of Christian ethics, Indonesian positive law, and human rights values that uphold the right to life. From a Christian worldview, life is a divine gift and should not be ended by human will. Suffering is understood as part of a spiritual journey that carries redemptive meaning. Furthermore, euthanasia presents complex implications not only for the individual undergoing the act but also for families, religious communities, and healthcare professionals. In Christian ethics, life and death are matters of divine sovereignty, and human agency in ending life is considered a violation of God's authority. The legal stance in Indonesia, as reflected in national laws and regulations, clearly prohibits any form of euthanasia, emphasizing the protection of human life as a constitutional right. From a human rights viewpoint, although autonomy is important, it must be balanced with the principle of preserving life. This study suggests that interdisciplinary dialogue involving theology, law, bioethics, and pastoral care is urgently needed to build awareness and offer compassionate responses to end-of-life issues. Churches, educators, and policymakers are encouraged to develop ethical guidelines and pastoral counseling approaches rooted in biblical truth and legal integrity. A wise and faithful response to the problem of euthanasia requires not only empathy but also a clear commitment to uphold the sanctity of life.

The study of eschatology and logic in Islam represents a significant and intellectually rich area within the broader discourse of ʿAqidah (Islamic creed) and Islamic philosophy. Eschatology, derived from the Greek word eschatos meaning "last," concerns matters of the afterlife, including death, the apocalypse (al-Sāʿah), resurrection (al-Baʿth), judgment (al-Ḥisāb), heaven (Jannah), and hell (Jahannam). These concepts are elaborated extensively in both the Qur'an and the prophetic traditions (ḥadīth). Meanwhile, logic in Islam is not merely a philosophical exercise but serves as an epistemological framework for interpreting divine revelation and deducing legal and theological principles. Islamic logic (al-manṭiq) is rooted in both Greek logical tradition—particularly Aristotelian logic—as well as unique Islamic methodologies that integrate rationality with scriptural fidelity. This research aims to analyze selected verses and prophetic traditions related to eschatology and logic, with the objective of understanding not only their linguistic and theological meanings but also their practical implications for human belief systems and ethical behavior. The study employs an interpretive and analytical method (manhaj taḥlīlī wa tafsīrī), focusing on exegesis (tafsīr) of Qur’anic verses QS. Al-A'raf: 187–188 and QS. Al-An'am: 30, as well as relevant ḥadīths concerning eschatological events and rational thought. These verses were selected due to their direct references to the knowledge of the Hour (ʿilm al-sāʿah) and the human tendency to demand evidence while rejecting spiritual truth. The findings indicate that Islamic eschatology is framed not around speculative prediction but rather spiritual and moral readiness. The Qur'an clearly asserts that knowledge of the exact time of the Day of Judgment belongs solely to Allah (QS. Al-A’raf: 187), highlighting the limitations of human knowledge and emphasizing submission to divine wisdom.

This study explores the meaning of love and courage in the lyrics of Nadin Amizah's song "Taruh". Music serves as a cultural medium that reflects the construction of social reality, and song lyrics often become a space for expressing personal and collective experiences. The song "Taruh" illustrates the emotional complexity present in human relationships, particularly in interpreting the feelings of love intertwined with acts of bravery. This research employs Ferdinand de Saussure's semiotic theory by examining the syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations within the song's lyrics. The descriptive qualitative method is applied, with data obtained through non-participant observation and literature study. The findings indicate that the lyrics of "Taruh" do not portray an idealized version of love; instead, they express a more realistic view of love as something that includes pain, vulnerability, and imperfection. Interestingly, within those imperfections, there is a profound sense of courage—a willingness to endure, to remain, and to accept wounds as a part of emotional life. The syntagmatic analysis highlights how the arrangement of words in each stanza reflects stages of emotional struggle, longing, acceptance, and resilience. On the other hand, the paradigmatic analysis reveals that while alternative words could have been chosen, the selected diction intensifies the emotional nuance without shifting the central message of the narrative. Overall, the song constructs a layered narrative of love, where courage is found not in grand gestures but in silent endurance. This study shows how popular music, through its poetic structure, can communicate complex emotional truths and contribute to deeper cultural understandings of human emotion.

This study explores the philosophical and theological implications of John Dewey's pedagogical thought, particularly his emphasis on reflective practice and experiential learning, within the context of Contemporary Christian Religious Education (PAK). Despite its potential to foster active, student-centered learning, a significant gap exists in deeply examining how Dewey's principles align with or challenge PAK's theological aim of faith formation. This qualitative library research, employing Miles and Huberman's data analysis model, addresses this gap by synthesizing Dewey's pedagogical concepts with the Christian theology of spiritual growth, particularly informed by 1 Corinthians 3:6, which posits that God gives the increase. The findings reveal that Dewey's experiential learning framework can profoundly enrich PAK by shifting the teacher's role from a primary knowledge dispenser to a facilitator who guides students in applying biblical truths to real-life experiences. This approach encourages holistic development encompassing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. However, the implementation necessitates a robust theological filter, maintaining that biblical truth is final and acknowledging God's sovereignty in true spiritual growth. The study concludes that while Dewey's pedagogy provides practical strategies for student engagement and character development, its successful integration into PAK hinges on a clear understanding of its theological boundaries, ensuring that pedagogical flexibility is balanced with doctrinal integrity. This research offers a theoretical foundation for transformative PAK practices, aiming to cultivate knowledgeable Christian students with deep and active faith.

The implementation of the Job Creation Law has brought significant changes to the regulation of foreign investment in Indonesia, particularly through the establishment of a minimum capital requirement for a Foreign Investment Limited Liability Company (PT PMA) of IDR 10 billion. This study aims to examine the formal minimum capital requirements for PT PMA in notarial deeds under the Job Creation Law using normative juridical methods with statutory, conceptual, and case study approaches, and referring to the theory of legal certainty, responsibility, and legal protection. The analysis includes the evolution of PT minimum capital regulations, capital classification within the company's legal structure, the phenomenon of fictitious PT PMAs such as the PT BKG case, and the status and limitations of notary responsibilities. The results of the study indicate that although the minimum capital requirement for PT PMAs has been explicitly stipulated in Government Regulation No. 5 of 2021 and Regulation of the Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) No. 4 of 2021, there are legal loopholes in the form of unclear capital deposit periods, weak verification and oversight mechanisms, and the prevalence of nominee practices and fictitious PT PMAs that reduce the effectiveness of the policy. The notary's position as a public official plays a strategic role in drafting deeds of establishment, verifying documents, and providing legal counseling, but has limited authority in verifying material truth. The study concluded that regulatory improvements are needed through establishing clear capital deposit periods, strengthening verification and oversight mechanisms, and harmonizing regulations between institutions to ensure the effective implementation of minimum capital requirements for foreign-owned companies (PT PMA) in accordance with the principle of economic sovereignty.