Publication Search

This study examines the eco-eschatological dimensions embedded in the myths and traditions of pante among the Manggarai people of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The pante tradition is not merely understood as an economic activity involving the tapping and processing of palm sap, but also as a cultural practice that embodies ecological, spiritual, social, and ethical values. Through this tradition, the Manggarai people maintain a harmonious relationship with nature and recognize their responsibility toward the environment as part of a sacred cosmic order. This study employs a qualitative approach based on literature review and hermeneutical-theological analysis to explore the symbolic meanings and theological implications of the pante myth. The findings reveal that the pante myth reflects the Manggarai people’s cosmological worldview, in which nature is regarded as a living and sacred reality that must be respected and protected. Furthermore, the tradition promotes an ethic of sustainability that discourages excessive exploitation of natural resources and encourages balance between human needs and environmental preservation. From an eco-eschatological perspective, the pante tradition represents a vision of hope for the restoration of relationships among humans, nature, and God, anticipating the fulfillment of the “new heaven and new earth.” Therefore, this study affirms that Manggarai local wisdom provides a valuable contribution to the development of contextual, ecological, and sustainable theology in contemporary society.

Religious pluralism is an unavoidable reality in Indonesian society, where people from diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds coexist. This study examines the relationship between Christianity and other religions, focusing on Christology and the doctrine of salvation within the context of Indonesian pluralism. The research aims to explore how Christians can maintain faithfulness to biblical teachings while fostering tolerance, respect, and harmonious interreligious relations. This study employs a qualitative literature review method by analyzing biblical texts, theological literature, scholarly articles, and perspectives from Christian theologians concerning religious diversity, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, and Christian engagement in a pluralistic society. The findings indicate that Christianity upholds the exclusive claim that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the only way to salvation, while simultaneously teaching values of love, compassion, justice, and peace toward all people regardless of their religious affiliation. The study further reveals that constructive interfaith dialogue does not require compromising core Christian doctrines but encourages mutual understanding and cooperation for the common good. In the Indonesian context, the church is challenged to develop a contextual, dialogical, and transformative apologetic approach that reflects Christ’s love and promotes social harmony. Therefore, Christian witness can remain faithful to its theological foundations while contributing positively to peacebuilding, national unity, and the development of a just and inclusive society.

Texts depicting violence in the Old Testament, particularly Joshua 6:1–27, are often cited as evidence that the Bible legitimizes divine violence and genocide. This study aims to analyze the narrative of the conquest of Jericho through a historical-critical approach by integrating narrative structure analysis, historical-religious context, and a conceptual study of herem. The method used is a literature review with a qualitative approach that situates the text within the context of the Ancient Near East. The results of the study indicate that Joshua 6 is a systematically constructed theological narrative intended to affirm YHWH’s sovereignty as the Warrior-God and His faithfulness to the covenant with Israel. The concept of herem does not merely signify annihilation but functions as a mechanism for the sanctification of the people and the affirmation of covenantal identity in the face of the threat of syncretism. Furthermore, the use of war language in this text reflects the hyperbolic rhetoric characteristic of ancient literature, and thus cannot be read literally as a legitimization of modern violence. Consequently, a historical-critical reading affirms that this narrative is not a justification for genocide, but rather a theological construction that serves to shape the identity of faith and the understanding of God’s holiness and sovereignty in the history of Israel.

This research is prompted by the unique narrative of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who occupies a critical theological position in Israel’s history of salvation despite her status as an outsider to the chosen people. The primary focus of this study is to explore the dimensions of Rahab’s faith and God’s sovereignty as recorded in Joshua 2:1-12. This study aims to analyze how the confession of faith from a marginalized individual aligns with God's sovereign plan and to determine the relevance of these values for contemporary Christian witness. The method employed is a qualitative approach utilizing library research and exegetical analysis of the text in Joshua 2:1-12. The findings indicate that Rahab's faith was not merely an act of self-preservation but a theological response to the formidable power of God that transcends ethnic boundaries and social status. God's sovereignty is proven capable of working through unexpected subjects to fulfill His divine purpose. The implications of this research assert that modern Christian witness must be inclusive and transformative, where the courage to declare God's truth amidst threatening situations constitutes a tangible form of living faith. The church is called to perceive God's sovereignty as the fundamental basis for mission and witness, unrestricted by social or cultural exclusivity.    

This study aims to examine the message of repentance in Jonah 3:1-10 through an interpretive analysis focusing on the manifestation of God's mercy toward non-Israelite nations. The background of this study is rooted in the theological tension between Israel's exclusivism and the universality of God's love reaching Nineveh, a nation notorious for its cruelty. The method used is qualitative with a historical-grammatical exegesis approach to uncover the meaning of the text in its original context. The research results show that Nineveh's repentance was a radical response to the warning of judgment, involving all elements of society from the common people to political authorities. This phenomenon proves that the primary purpose of God's prophecy of judgment is not destruction, but the transformation of human behavior. This analysis confirms that God's mercy is sovereign and transcends ethnic or geographical boundaries. The implications of this research emphasize the importance for modern faith communities to adopt an inclusive attitude and understand that the sovereignty of God's love cannot be limited by human prejudice against groups perceived as strangers or enemies

This theological research explores Mary’s essential role in the narrative of salvation and her deep connection with the Church, as outlined in key Catholic documents like Lumen Gentium and Redemptoris Mater. Using a qualitative approach that combines descriptive and analytical methods, the study reviews Church teachings, Scripture, and theological literature. It highlights Mary’s pivotal status as Mother of God (Theotokos) a title affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, which underscores both Christ’s divinity and Mary’s unique participation in God’s redemptive plan. The study traces the theological roots of this title through biblical texts, portraying Mary as the chosen vessel through whom the Word became incarnate. It examines how Old Testament prophecies about Mary are fulfilled in New Testament events, especially in the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s greeting of Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” The research also delves into Mary’s bond with the Church, focusing on her recognition as Mother of the Church by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council. Mary is presented as the ideal disciple, embodying unwavering faith, obedience, and humility in her acceptance of God’s will. Her presence at key moments, from the Incarnation to Pentecost, positions her as both a member and a model of the Church. Ultimately, the study concludes that Mary’s unity with the Church is reflected in her dual role as Mother of Christ and spiritual mother to all believers, offering a profound example of Christian virtues and guiding the faithful in their collective journey toward salvation.

This article examines the pastoral phenomenon among the faithful, who firmly believe in the truth and infallibility of the Scriptures without feeling the need to interpret or explain the texts themselves. Based on limited interviews conducted, this study finds that this phenomenon does not arise from a lack of faith but rather from the Church’s teaching that emphasizes the authority of the Scriptures without allowing space for personal interpretation. The results of these interviews are combined with patristic sources and modern theological discussions to delve deeper into the integration of the truth of the Scriptures into the daily practice of the faithful. A tendency toward clerical interpretation has been found to hinder the sensus fidei, or the communal sense of faith, leading to an exaggerated fear of possibly misinterpreting the Scriptures. Therefore, an inclusive pastoral approach is needed, including through digital and catechetical media, to encourage the faithful to engage with the Scriptures within the bounds of ecclesiastical unity. This aims to ensure that the faith of the faithful is not only a matter of belief but is also practiced with true and comprehensive understanding.

This reseacrch aims to reveal the metaphusical meaning within the Penti ceremony as a form of thanksgiving to God (Mori Kraeng) in the Kuleng Waga Tribe community, Mano Village, Easr Manggarai. The Penti ceremony is a hereditary customary rite that marks the end of the harvest season and server as a religious momentum to renew the relationship between humans, nature, ancestors, and God. From a metaphysical perspective, Penti reflects the awareness of the existential interconnectedness between creatures and the Creator, as developed in the philosophy of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas concerning actus assendi and participatio entis. Through a qualitative approach and cultur hermeneutics, this study interprets the symbols and ritual actions of Penti as a concrete expression of the ontological relationship between sreation and the Transcendent. The result of the study show that Penti contains three main metaphysical dimensions: first, the ontological dimension regarding human awareness of existence and dependence on God; Second, the perticipatory dimension concerning the role of ancestors as a spiritual bridge between humans and God; Third, the eschatological dimension regarding the hope for the ultimate perfection of life in God. Thus, Penti not only holds cultural value but also carries profound theological and metaphysical meaning.

Christian education plays a strategic role in shaping the faith, character, and spiritual life of learners however, learning processes often remain theoretical, limiting the internalization of faith values. This study aims to examine the concept of theological reflection using the Sharing Christian Praxis (SCP) method in Christian education, explore its application, and analyze its relevance to contemporary life. This research employs a qualitative approach with a literature study method, drawing on relevant books, scientific journals, and academic sources. The findings indicate that theological reflection is a fundamental process in Christian education that enables learners to interpret life experiences in the light of God’s Word, resulting in authentic faith transformation. The SCP method, developed by Thomas H. Groome, provides an operational framework for implementing this theological reflection through systematic stages: sharing life experiences, critical reflection, engagement with Scripture, dialogue, and commitment to action. The relationship between theological reflection and SCP is integral and synergistic; theological reflection provides direction and depth, while SCP operationalizes this process dialogically and contextually, the application of SCP in Christian education has proven effective in increasing learner engagement and connecting faith with daily life. It is recommended that Christian educators implement SCP as a primary learning method, and that educational institutions integrate it into their curriculum development strategies.

The diversity of students’ study motivations in theological higher education presents both challenges and opportunities in shaping the spirituality of prospective Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers. Not all students enter the CRE program based on a calling to ministry, resulting in varying levels of initial spiritual readiness. This study aims to analyze the process of spiritual formation among CRE students as prospective teachers at STT Katharos Indonesia Bekasi in the context of diverse study motivations, referring to James W. Fowler’s theory of faith development. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach using observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving CRE students. The findings reveal that despite diverse initial motivations, the integrated theological education process through academic learning, ministry practices, community life, and spiritual formation effectively fosters faith growth and personal encounters with Christ. This process contributes to the development of students’ spiritual maturity. The study concludes that CRE education functions as an effective means of faith transformation in preparing prospective teachers with strong spiritual integrity and readiness for ministry.

This study examines the relationship between suffering in Job 1–21 and God's sovereignty in the Old Testament. The problem arises from the tension between the theology of retribution that links suffering to sin and the reality that the righteous can also suffer. Job is a key figure in understanding this theological dilemma. This study uses a qualitative method with a biblical exegetical approach through analysis of historical context, literary structure, and theological meaning. The primary data comes from the text of Job 1–21, supported by relevant theological literature. The analysis is conducted descriptively and analytically to find the relationship between suffering and God's sovereignty. The results show that Job's suffering is not a direct result of sin, but rather occurs within the scope of God's sovereignty that transcends human understanding. This text also critiques the rigid understanding of the theology of retribution and emphasizes that faith is rooted in trust, not merely rational understanding. Job's perseverance demonstrates that suffering can be a means of faith growth as well as a test that deepens humanity's relationship with God. This study emphasizes that suffering is part of God's sovereign plan and encourages believers to remain faithful and persevere amidst the uncertainties and struggles of life.

This study aims to examine the theological meaning of love for the poor in the apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te and to reflect on its relevance within the context of Indonesia’s pluralistic society. The research employs a qualitative method with a literature study approach, using Dilexi Te as the primary source, supported by relevant theological and social literature. The findings reveal that love for the poor in Dilexi Te is not merely a charitable act but constitutes the core of Christian faith, inseparable from one’s relationship with God. This love is integral, encompassing spiritual, moral, and structural dimensions, and calls for active engagement in promoting social justice and addressing the root causes of poverty. Theologically, solidarity with the poor is grounded in the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and the principle of the preferential option for the poor. In the Indonesian context of diversity, this teaching holds strong relevance as a foundation for fostering interreligious solidarity, strengthening social cohesion, and encouraging both the Church and society to work toward a more just, inclusive, and humane social order. Therefore, this study highlights that theological reflection on love for the poor is not merely normative but also carries concrete social implications in a pluralistic society.

This article examines Numbers 22:21–35 through narrative analysis and theological irony. The pericope of Balaam's talking donkey is one of the most unique narratives in the Hebrew Bible, combining supernatural elements with a profound theological critique of a mercenary prophet. This study aims to reveal how the author employs narrative irony as a vehicle for divine rebuke: God uses a mute animal to reprimand a prophet who should have been sensitive to His word. Using the narrative exegesis method that attends to plot, characterization, point of view, and dramatic tension, this article traces the theological meaning behind the irony. Findings indicate that this narrative is not merely miraculous but contains a critique of Balaam's ambiguous motivations between loyalty to God and temptation by material reward. The donkey, ordinarily silent, becomes an instrument of divine correction more obedient than the prophet himself. The theological implication is that God sovereignly uses any means to convey His will, including what is weak and despised by human standards.

The rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence has transformed human life in significant ways while simultaneously fostering a reductionist understanding of the human person based on productivity, efficiency, and technical capability. This phenomenon poses serious challenges to the understanding of human dignity and identity. This study aims to examine the concept of the human person according to Pope Leo XIV in the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and to analyze its relevance for contemporary society. The research employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach, drawing primarily on the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and related scholarly sources. The findings reveal that Pope Leo XIV understands the human person as created in the image and likeness of God (imago Dei), possessing an inherent dignity that does not depend on ability, social status, or productivity. This understanding is grounded in Christological and Trinitarian foundations, which affirm the human person as a relational being called to communion with God and others through love and self-giving. The encyclical also offers a critical response to technocratic paradigms, transhumanism, and posthumanism, which risk reducing human beings to technological objects or economic instruments. In the context of contemporary society, Pope Leo XIV’s thought provides a theological and ethical foundation for the development of human-centered technology while reinforcing respect for human dignity in social, educational, economic, and ecclesial life. This study concludes that the anthropological reflection presented in Magnifica Humanitas offers a significant contribution to addressing the human challenges emerging in the digital and artificial intelligence era.

This study uses a qualitative research design with a literature study approach to examine the theological meaning of the suffering of the righteous in the Book of Job, specifically chapters 1–2 and 38–42. The literature study method was applied by collecting primary data in the form of biblical texts and secondary data from relevant national scientific journals. The approach used includes narrative interpretation to understand the story's structure, Job's character, and the dynamics of events, and theological interpretation to interpret suffering from the perspective of God's sovereignty. The results show that Job is portrayed as a righteous man who is pious, honest, and fears God, so his suffering is not related to personal sin. Job's suffering is holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects, and occurs in the context of God's permission of Satan's actions, confirming that no event is outside His sovereignty. God's response in chapters 38–42 emphasizes His greatness and wisdom through revelation from the storm, rather than through a rational explanation of the cause of suffering. These findings confirm that the primary purpose of suffering is not to be explained intellectually, but to purify faith and deepen humanity's relationship with God. Its relevance for the church today lies in the need for sound theological teaching on suffering, pastoral care for those who suffer, and the development of communities that sustain the faith and hope of the congregation. Thus, suffering, from the perspective of God's sovereignty, serves as a means of forming spiritual character, strengthening the resilience of faith, and recognizing the sovereign God.

The account of Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34 has long drawn attention because of the questions it raises about what truly happened at the end of his life. The text leaves certain details unclear, especially regarding his burial and the absence of a known grave, which has led to different interpretations among scholars and faith communities. This study seeks to explore these interpretive possibilities, asking whether Moses simply died, was buried by God, or experienced a unique form of being taken by God. Using a qualitative approach based on literature review, this research engages biblical texts alongside selected contemporary studies. The discussion shows that the narrative intentionally allows room for multiple perspectives, rather than offering a single, definitive explanation. It also becomes clear that later Jewish and Christian traditions played a role in shaping how Moses’ death has been understood, often highlighting its deeper theological meaning. In the end, Moses’ death can be seen not only as the closing of his personal journey, but also as part of a larger story about leadership, transition, and God’s ongoing work among His people.

Digital spirituality is a way of living and expressing spiritual life within the context of the digital world, where technology serves as a medium to strengthen one’s relationship with God, oneself, and the community. It is therefore a conscious effort to maintain and nurture faith amid the overwhelming flow of information on social media. The concept of From Scroll to Soul encourages believers not merely to be passive recipients of information but to engage spiritually by using technology as a tool for faith formation. Practices such as using spiritual apps, participating in online communities, selecting constructive content, and conducting digital detoxes are important steps to maintain focus on God. Theologically, digital spirituality affirms that God is present in every aspect of life, including virtual spaces. Technology can become a tool of grace that deepens one’s relationship with God and serves as a space for witnessing faith when used wisely. Thus, digital spirituality is not a rejection of technology but rather its use as a medium for growth, testimony, and bringing Christ’s values into the modern information culture.

Christian Religious Education (PAK) plays a crucial role in helping students develop faith based on the truth of God's Word. Therefore, a theological foundation plays a crucial role in the implementation of PAK, ensuring that educational activities are not only focused on knowledge transfer but also directed toward holistically shaping character and strengthening students' faith. This article aims to examine the theological foundation of Christian Religious Education in the process of developing students' faith based on Christian teachings. The method used in this study is literature analysis, examining various theological sources, the Bible, and writings related to Christian education. The findings of this study indicate that the theological foundation of PAK stems from God's calling as a true educator, the example of Jesus Christ as the Primary Teacher, and the role of the Holy Spirit in fostering and maintaining faith. Christian Religious Education based on strong theology can help students experience true growth in faith, internalize Christian values, and implement them in their daily lives.

The unity and order of the Indonesian nation constitute fundamental aspects of national life, particularly within the context of a plural and dynamic society. In this context, Christian values are considered to have significant social and ethical relevance, especially through the role of Christian Religious Education. This study aims to examine the relevance of Christian values to the unity and order of the Indonesian nation and to analyze the role of Christian Religious Education in internalizing these values within national life. This research employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, involving the analysis of theological literature, sources on Christian Religious Education, and scholarly works related to issues of nationhood and character education. The findings indicate that Christian values contribute to strengthening tolerance, social responsibility, and legal awareness, which support national unity and order. This study concludes that the integration of faith-based values and education plays an important role in maintaining the unity and order of the Indonesian nation.

This paper attempts to explore the theological meaning of the Book of Job, particularly in the context of Job's suffering and God's justice. The author focuses this writing on understanding faith in suffering, with the aim of providing a deep interpretation of faith in suffering. The Book of Job is part of the Wisdom Books group consisting of 42 chapters, which discuss the suffering experienced by Job himself, and how he responded to the trials given to him by Satan with God's permission. This writing uses qualitative methods and a library research approach. This paper explains that the Book of Job provides a complex picture of the relationship between human suffering and God's justice. The main finding in this writing is highlighting the urgency of deep reflection on trust, tests of faith, and the meaning of life, leading to the conclusion that suffering is interpreted as an instrument of refining faith in God, then guiding believers towards His will and providence. Therefore, the conclusion of this paper is that suffering is interpreted as an instrument of priesthood of God, which then guides humans who believe in God's will and providence.