Publication Search

Human happiness does not lie in physical pleasure, victory, wealth, honour, worldly power, a beautiful body, or the senses. People in religious communities seek something deeper, contemplating and acknowledging the highest value in union with God. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Contra Gentiles, arguments that human happiness lies in the contemplation of God, through which one attains peace and fulfilment in total self-surrender to God. However, in the lived experience of religious communities, a fear of matters related to sexuality is evident. Indeed, some misunderstand and misinterpret these matters, resulting in monks and nuns who become cold, dry, and rigid, acting in ways that violate sexual morality, thereby disrupting or even destroying—their ministry due to such improper conduct. Based on this, the author recognises the importance of education and the appreciation of sexual values for religious communities. Using a literature review method involving relevant books, journals, articles, and Church documents with a theological approach, it was found that the education of religious people requires aspects of happiness and sexuality education. The results of the study indicate that Thomas Aquinas’s concept of happiness can bridge religious life with sexuality education, which is one aspect that must be understood and lived out. Therefore, the happiness of love and the sexuality education of religious people need to be explored and lived out in the course of living and experiencing life as a religious person.

The study aims to analyze the role of digital media as a distracting factor affecting the faith loyalty of Catholic adolescents in their relationship with God amid religious pluralism in Indonesia. The development of digital media has transformed how adolescents understand, express, and live out their faith, while simultaneously presenting both opportunities and ambivalent challenges. This research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, analyzing various theological, sociological sources, and Church documents. The findings indicate that digital media can serve as a broad and participatory space for expressing faith, but it also has the potential to create distractions in three main dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical. Cognitively, adolescents experience confusion in understanding faith teachings due to the diversity of information available. Affectively, there is a shift in orientation from a relationship with God toward the pursuit of emotional gratification in digital spaces. Practically, there is a decline in engagement in concrete religious practices. Within the context of religious pluralism, this complexity intensifies and influences the formation of adolescents’ faith identity. This study also finds that digital media does not only have negative impacts but also holds positive potential as a means of deepening faith when used critically and reflectively. Therefore, the role of the Church is essential through contextual, dialogical, and integrative pastoral accompaniment combined with critical digital literacy. Through this approach, adolescents are expected to integrate their digital experiences into a more mature, authentic faith life rooted in a deeper relationship with God.

The Tandak Timang tradition in Batu Badinding Village, Central Katingan District, plays an important role in fostering the faith of children aged 1-5 years, which is carried out by parents. From an early age, children are introduced to faith values through Tandak Timang verses that contain advice, prayers, and praise to God. This study aims to (1) describe the role of parents in fostering the faith of children aged 1-5 years through the Tandak Timang tradition in Batu Badinding Village, Central Katingan District; and (2) describe the values implemented by parents for children aged 1-5 years in Batu Badinding Village, Central Katingan District. The research used a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation.The results show that Tandak Timang plays a significant role in shaping children's spiritual foundation. Parents' roles are manifested through daily practices, such as singing, storytelling, and rocking children while chanting verses in the Dayak Ngaju language. This practice not only builds strong emotional bonds but also serves as an effective medium for instilling noble values. These values include cultural values, moral and ethical values, ancestral values, and spiritual values that teach children about the importance of prayer and hope in God.The conclusion of this study is that parents act not only as cultural inheritors but also as educators, role models, and facilitators. They utilize intimate moments when putting children to sleep—through singing, storytelling, and rocking—to instill faith values. The strong physical and emotional interaction builds a solid bond, making it easier for children to accept and internalize a deep understanding of the teachings conveyed. The Tandak Timang tradition is rich in noble values that serve as the foundation for faith formation. These values include cultural values, moral and ethical values, ancestral values, and spiritual values. The suggestions put forward are that parents should further understand the meaning of Tandak Timang for fostering children's faith from an early age, and pass on and preserve the character of children through this Central Kalimantan Dayak culture. For subsequent researchers conducting similar studies, it is recommended to develop the research objectives and focus more specifically on the research topics.

The book on the City of God and the City of Man is a masterpiece by St. Augustine that is very influential in the history of philosophy and theology. This book contains the background of Augustine's philosophical and theological reflections on the accusation of the destruction of the Roman Empire against Christianity. The City of God described in Augustine's perspective is a city that prioritizes love for God. While the City of Man is a city that reflects self-love. The implications of both types of cities in Augustine's perspective are very relevant to be discussed in the discourse on the concept of statehood. This paper also aims to analyze the relationship between democracy and capitalism in the perspective of Augustine of Hippo's thought, especially through the concept of civitas Dei (City of God) and civitas terrena (World City). This study uses a qualitative method with a library research approach. The results of this study show that democracy and capitalism, although providing space for freedom, are vulnerable to deviations when not guided by the correct moral orientation. In light of Augustine's thought, the crisis in modern democracy such as; Money politics, media manipulation, and anarchic demonstrations reflect the dominance of self-love (amor sui) that characterizes the civitas terrena. Therefore, democracy can only operate fairly if it is rooted in moral values ​​that lead to the common good (Bonum communae).

The book on the City of God and the City of Man is a masterpiece by St. Augustine that is very influential in the history of philosophy and theology. This book contains the background of Augustine's philosophical and theological reflections on the accusation of the destruction of the Roman Empire against Christianity. The City of God described in Augustine's perspective is a city that prioritizes love for God. While the City of Man is a city that reflects self-love. The implications of both types of cities in Augustine's perspective are very relevant to be discussed in the discourse on the concept of statehood. This paper also aims to analyze the relationship between democracy and capitalism in the perspective of Augustine of Hippo's thought, especially through the concept of civitas Dei (City of God) and civitas terrena (World City). This study uses a qualitative method with a library research approach. The results of this study show that democracy and capitalism, although providing space for freedom, are vulnerable to deviations when not guided by the correct moral orientation. In light of Augustine's thought, the crisis in modern democracy such as; Money politics, media manipulation, and anarchic demonstrations reflect the dominance of self-love (amor sui) that characterizes the civitas terrena. Therefore, democracy can only operate fairly if it is rooted in moral values ​​that lead to the common good (Bonum communae).

The fleeting nature of human life constitutes a key theme in theological reflections within the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Psalms in the Alkitab, which highlights human limitations and the inherent uncertainty of existence. Psalm 39:6–7 depicts human life as a transient shadow and emphasizes the futility of human efforts if they are not oriented toward God. This study seeks to explore the meaning of human transience in this passage and assess its theological significance for contemporary life. A qualitative approach with biblical hermeneutics is employed, considering historical, literary, and theological dimensions. The analysis indicates that the metaphor of the “shadow” illustrates human fragility, while the depiction of life’s futility critiques the human tendency to find purpose solely in worldly endeavors. Despite this, Psalm 39 ultimately directs readers toward hope in God, portraying Him as the ultimate source of true meaning. In a modern, materialistic context, this message continues to be relevant as a reminder of human dependency on God and the limitations of human life. Therefore, the transience of life does not signify the end of existential purpose but rather opens the way to deeper spiritual insight and the strengthening of faith.

Divorce has become an increasingly common reality in Christian family life and poses serious challenges for the church in carrying out pastoral family ministry. Theologically, divorce stands in tension with Christian ethics, which views marriage as a sacred and covenantal institution established by God. This article aims to analyze Christian ethics regarding divorce from a biblical theological perspective and to examine its implications for family ministry within the context of Ketapang, West Kalimantan. This study employs a qualitative research method with a theological-normative and contextual approach through a literature review of biblical texts, theological books, and scholarly journals. The findings indicate that Scripture affirms marriage as God’s ideal will, while divorce is understood as a consequence of human sinfulness and relational brokenness. In the context of Ketapang, social, economic, and cultural factors contribute significantly to the vulnerability of families to divorce. Therefore, the church is called to develop a contextual family ministry that not only upholds Christian ethical norms but also embodies love, justice, forgiveness, and restoration for broken families. This article emphasizes that Christian ethics concerning divorce must be practiced pastorally and transformatively within the life of the local church.

This study examines the Common Dange Mess at the Parish of Santo Antonius Padua Mendalam as a manifestation of the inculturation of Catholic faith with the Dayak Kayan culture. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the meaning and relationship between the Church altar and the Lasah as symbols of liturgy and culture. The altar remains the sacramental center of the Eucharist, while the Lasah channels prayers, offerings, and local cultural identity, forming a harmonious dialogue without altering theological meaning. Cultural elements such as language, songs, dances, traditional attire, and ritual symbols are purified and aligned with the liturgy, ensuring that all offerings are directed to God. The findings indicate that the Common Dange Mess strengthens the faith of the Dayak Kayan community, preserves cultural identity, and affirms the practice of contextual theology, in which the proclamation of the Gospel is realized contextually, dialogically, and complementarily with local traditions, making this celebration a mature model of inculturation centered on Christ.  

Puja Semadi and Shalat Istikharah are common religious practices. Puja Semadi is performed by Buddhists, while Shalat Istikharah is performed by Muslims. Both are done to ask for guidance from God. However, a few people do not understand correctly how to do it and as a result some people experience confusion and still doubt in obtaining the desired guidance. This research aims to find out how Puja Semadi in the lokapala fiber, and how the meaning of shalat istikharah as a request for guidance. This research uses qualitative methods and in-depth interviews with religious experts who understand shalat istikharah. Data were collected through text analysis and interviews, and analyzed using qualitative analysis with its procedures. The data on Puja Semadi was taken from the transliteration of ancient manuscripts. Initially, the Javanese script was transliterated into Latin and then translated into Indonesian. Based on the results of the research, Puja Semadi in the lokapala fiber is done through meditation in a place called pemujaan. While shakat istikharah is done anytime and anywhere as long as the place is clean and pure. The results of this study can help readers to understand how the explanation of Puja Semadi and Shalat Istikharah.

Puja Semadi and Shalat Istikharah are common religious practices. Puja Semadi is performed by Buddhists, while Shalat Istikharah is performed by Muslims. Both are done to ask for guidance from God. However, a few people do not understand correctly how to do it and as a result some people experience confusion and still doubt in obtaining the desired guidance. This research aims to find out how Puja Semadi in the lokapala fiber, and how the meaning of shalat istikharah as a request for guidance. This research uses qualitative methods and in-depth interviews with religious experts who understand shalat istikharah. Data were collected through text analysis and interviews, and analyzed using qualitative analysis with its procedures. The data on Puja Semadi was taken from the transliteration of ancient manuscripts. Initially, the Javanese script was transliterated into Latin and then translated into Indonesian. Based on the results of the research, Puja Semadi in the lokapala fiber is done through meditation in a place called pemujaan. While shakat istikharah is done anytime and anywhere as long as the place is clean and pure. The results of this study can help readers to understand how the explanation of Puja Semadi and Shalat Istikharah.

From the beginning of creation, God had forbidden the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, warning that anyone who ate it would face death. However, this warning was ignored when Eve, tempted by Satan's persuasion, chose to disobey God's command. This action led to sin, as it reflected a wrong decision and went against God's will. Originally, Adam and Eve lived in a state of holiness and freedom from sin. God Himself stated that humans were created in His image and likeness, meaning they possessed a purity and nobility that reflected His love. However, their decision to eat the forbidden fruit removed that purity. As a result, humans were separated from God's holiness and fell into sin. This is the basis for the teaching affirmed in Romans 3:23, which states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This wrong choice had profound consequences, illustrating the importance of obedience to God's commands for maintaining purity and an intimate relationship with Him.

This paper explores the role of Mary as a model of salvation in Catholic faith, focusing on the understanding of Mariology within the cultural context of the Ende-Lio people in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Mary is regarded not only as the Mother of Jesus Christ but also as an example of faith marked by humility, obedience, and hope. Her humility and willingness to accept God’s will, especially in the Annunciation, serve as a concrete inspiration for Catholics to respond faithfully to God’s call. Within the Ende-Lio culture, which values loyalty, solidarity, respect for ancestors, and harmony with nature, Mary becomes a figure closely connected to daily life. Devotions such as the rosary, pilgrimages to Marian grottoes, and the celebration of the Marian months highlight Mary’s living presence in both the faith and cultural traditions of the community. Thus, Mary serves as a bridge between the Gospel and local culture, revealing a Church that is rooted in its own soil yet remains faithful to Christ. This reflection affirms that contextual faith is a living faith deeply rooted in local culture while open to the saving work of God.

This study examines the local wisdom values of the Javanese and Batak ethnic groups in maintaining harmony between humans and nature, as well as their relevance to shaping the spirituality of Generation Z. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a library research approach. Data were obtained from books, scientific articles, and previous studies. The findings show that Memayu Hayuning Bawana and Habonaron Do Bona both emphasize balance and harmony among humans, nature, and God. These values can be applied by Generation Z to develop ecological spirituality rooted in local wisdom and aligned with modern challenges. This study contributes to strengthening the spiritual identity of young generations in the digital era through the revitalization of local wisdom values, The younger generation can find a more holistic and harmonious life guide, while strengthening their spiritual identity amidst the currents of globalization and digitalization. This research contributes to efforts to shape the character and spirituality of an environmentally conscious young generation, based on local wisdom.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This research analyzes the concept of Īmān (faith) according to Abū al-Mu'īn al-Nasafī (1027-1114 CE) in his work Al-Tamhīd fī Uṣūl al-Dīn. The study stems from the intellectual unrest and Fitnah that affected the Māturīdiyyah school in Mawarannahr, prompting al-Nasafī to become a key defender of the faith. The study utilizes library research with a descriptive-analytical and qualitative approach, analyzing both primary data from al-Nasafī’s work and secondary theological literature. The findings reveal al-Nasafī's views on Īmān: First, faith is a conviction of truth (Yaqīn) established in the heart towards God. Second, verbal affirmation and actions are symbolic and necessary for Islamic law but do not represent the essence of faith, which lies in the heart. Third, he rejects equating faith with deeds ('Amal), asserting that deeds and conviction are distinct, with conviction being stable and permanent, unlike actions. Al-Nasafī critiques earlier views, like those of al-Raqashī and others, who equated faith with mere verbal affirmation, deeming such views as hypocritical (Nifāq). His approach integrates reason ('Aql) and revelation (Waḥy), employing both Qur'anic texts (Bayānī) and rational arguments (Burhānī) to explain faith.