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The use of hermeneutics in Qur'anic studies has long generated debate among Muslim scholars. Some view hermeneutics as a methodological tool that can bridge the historical distance between the revealed text and contemporary life, whereas others regard it as an epistemological threat that may weaken the authority of the Qur'an. This article aims to analyze the arguments of both proponents and critics and to identify possible areas of convergence. Using a descriptive-analytical approach and library research, this study examines relevant works by scholars who support and oppose the application of hermeneutics in Qur'anic interpretation. The findings show that proponents, such as Fazlur Rahman, Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, and Mohammed Arkoun, argue that hermeneutics can enrich interpretive methods and help contextualize meaning. Conversely, critics, such as Adian Husaini and scholars who emphasize the authority of established tafsir traditions, argue that hermeneutics emerged from the problems of Biblical interpretation and therefore cannot be applied directly to the Qur'an, which is believed to retain its authenticity. The study concludes that the debate stems from different theological assumptions about text, revelation, and interpretation. It recommends the selective adaptation of hermeneutics as a supporting analytical tool, not as a replacement for the science of tafsir.

This study is motivated by the author’s interest in the concept of God’s faithfulness (khesed) as revealed in the book of Hosea, which portrays God’s steadfast love through the marriage of Hosea and Gomer. Gomer represents Israel, the unfaithful spouse, while Hosea embodies God’s enduring love despite betrayal. Contemporary family life faces numerous challenges, including infidelity, economic hardship, incompatibility, and divorce problems also affecting Christian families in the Toraja Church congregation of Tabang. This study aims to describe the hermeneutics of khesed in the book of Hosea and its practical theological implications for families in that congregation. A qualitative research method was employed, incorporating library research, field research, and interviews with six informants. The findings reveal that khesed refers to an act of faithfulness rooted in obedience to previously agreed vows, commitments, and principles. The practical theological implication is that every Christian family is called to reflect God’s faithfulness by remaining loyal to their spouse, to others, and to God in every dimension of life.

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.

This study aims to analyze Catholic marriage in the perspective of Martin Buber's dialogical philosophy, particularly the concept of “I-Thou,” as an integrative and applicable approach to building family life. Catholic marriage is understood as a sacrament that is monogamous and indissoluble, based on the Holy Scriptures, Church teachings, and the Code of Canon Law. However, various contemporary challenges such as communication crises, technological developments, and internal family conflicts demand a renewal of the way of understanding husband-wife relationships in a more dialogical and personal manner. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature approach, descriptive-analytical in nature, through content analysis and hermeneutics of relevant primary and secondary sources. The results of the study show that the integration of the “I-You” concept in Catholic marriage affirms the husband-wife relationship as an encounter between subjects who are equal, dialogical, and reciprocal. This model places marriage as a responsibility for unity, a practice of dialogue for the bonum coniugum, and a communion that reaches its peak in a relationship with God, so that sacramental teachings are concretely realized in the dynamics of family life.

The study of Islamic manuscripts contributes to understanding the development of thought, values, and social practices in Muslim communities, especially when texts are viewed as cultural artifacts. This research examines the Eid al-Adha sermon manuscript from the private collection of Mgs. Muhammad Jufri using a philological approach combined with value and da'wah analysis. The method is qualitative, applying philological stages such as inventory, description, transliteration, and textual criticism to produce a reliable text edition close to the original form. The analysis is strengthened by hermeneutics and da'wah studies to interpret meanings, values, and messages contextually. The findings show that the manuscript has a structured sermon format consisting of opening, main content, and closing, with strong rhetorical and religious functions. The text contains core values such as tawhid, obedience, sacrifice, social solidarity, and morality, as well as da'wah messages emphasizing piety, qurban practice, ukhuwah, and social awareness. Although limited by the absence of data regarding authorship and transcription time, the manuscript remains relevant as a source of Islamic values. This study shows that combining philology with interpretive approaches can enrich textual meaning and support Islamic studies development in contemporary society and strengthening cultural understanding among modern Muslim communities today worldwide context.

This study aims to analyze the novel Laskar Pelangi by Andrea Hirata using a critical hermeneutic approach developed by Jürgen Habermas. The focus of this research is to uncover the critical meaning contained in the novel as a reflection of social reality, especially in the field of education. The method used is descriptive qualitative research with data collection techniques through literature studies and text analysis in the form of excerpts in novels. The results of the study show that the novel Laskar Pelangi not only presents an inspiring story, but also contains criticism of the education system in Indonesia which is still colored by inequality and injustice. In the aspect of communicative action, it was found that there was a dialogical interaction between teachers and students as well as the value of solidarity and strong struggle. However, in the aspect of communication distortion, there is injustice in access to education and a lack of space for poor groups to voice their interests. In addition, the analysis also reveals the existence of ideology and domination, especially economic dominance over education and social systems that oppress the lower groups. On the other hand, the emancipatory interest in this novel is reflected through education as a tool of liberation and the struggle of its characters in fighting against limitations. Thus, this study concludes that the novel Laskar Pelangi has an important role as a social criticism medium that is able to build readers' critical awareness of the reality of education and social inequality that occurs in society.

This study aims to examine Deuteronomy 22:13-30 using a hermeneutic approach and relate it to the current level of awareness of early marriage among Christian congregations. The method used was a qualitative literature study, with the Bible as the primary source, supplemented by various related theological literature. The results indicate that this section of the text contains important theological values, such as holiness, justice, responsibility, and respect for human dignity, especially women, in the context of marriage. Although this text originates from the patriarchal culture of ancient Israel, its principles remain relevant in today's context. Regarding the phenomenon of early marriage, it was found that this practice often occurs without adequate preparation, whether emotional, spiritual, or economic, and thus risks causing various problems in the household. Therefore, the church has a responsibility to raise congregational awareness through faith formation, premarital education, and contextual pastoral care. This study confirms that marriage is a life calling that requires maturity and serious commitment, not simply a solution to social problems.

This study seeks to interpret the meaning of the lyrics in the song “Ada Titik‑Titik di Ujung Doa” by Sal Priadi through Schleiermacher’s hermeneutic approach. The song reveals a subtle spiritual dimension by means of metaphor and poetic language, portraying prayer as a personal, reflective, and hope‑laden form of inner conversation amid the uncertainty of life in the post‑pandemic era. By adopting a qualitative interpretive method, the research examines the song lyrics through Schleiermacher’s two principal dimensions: grammatical interpretation and psychological interpretation. The analysis shows that prayer in this song is not merely a conventional religious ritual, but an existential expression of human beings facing loss, isolation, and unfulfilled hopes. The phrase “titik‑titik di ujung doa” functions as a symbolic space of incomplete psycho‑spiritual longing, in which prayer is understood as an open, fragmented, and repetitive process, as well as a medium for reconciling with the past and seeking forgiveness for both oneself and others. Within Schleiermacher’s hermeneutic framework, the interpretation of these lyrics suggests that prayer in contemporary Indonesian pop music serves as a representation of human resilience, personal, reflective, and subtly critical of the notion that divine response must always be complete and perfectly resolved.

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 aims to: 1) describe the classical interpretation of QS. An-Nisa' [4]:9, particularly the concept of protecting descendants (khaufu 'ala al-dzurriyah); 2) explain the moral message of QS. An-Nisa' [4]:9 regarding parental responsibility through Abdullah Saeed's contextual hermeneutical framework; 3) demonstrate how a reinterpretation of QS. An-Nisa' [4]:9 can provide a new, more positive, and more balanced perspective on the childfree phenomenon in contemporary society. This research adopts a qualitative method grounded in library research. The data sources include classical and contemporary tafsir works, the writings of Abdullah Saeed, thematic literature on family studies, and academic references discussing the modern emergence of the childfree phenomenon. The analysis applies a contextual hermeneutical approach that emphasizes reading the Qur'anic verse through its historical setting, universal moral values, and relevance to contemporary social realities. This approach enables an integrated understanding between the fundamental message of the verse and present-day ethical challenges. The findings reveal that classical interpretations of QS. An-Nisa' [4]:9 focuses on the protection of orphans and the obligation to prevent descendants from falling into states of weakness. The moral message of the verse, viewed through Abdullah Saeed's framework, directs attention to the heavy moral responsibility of raising children, which requires comprehensive readiness. The reinterpretation of the verse highlights that the childfree choice does not inherently conflict with Islamic values, as this decision may arise from moral responsibility to avoid producing descendants who may be at risk of weakness, as warned in the verse. This perspective encourages society to view childfree choices more positively and aligns them with the Qur'anic objective of safeguarding the well-being and strength of future generations.

This study examines the integration of hermeneutic learning and systematic theology in science-based discipleship based on the concept of the Kingdom of God. The background of this research is the gap between the theological understanding of the Kingdom of God and the practice of digital discipleship which tends to be pragmatic and lacks a strong doctrinal foundation. This study uses mixed methods with a sequential explanatory design, which combines a survey of 50 respondents from pastors, lecturers, teachers, and students, as well as in-depth interviews to strengthen quantitative findings. The results of the study showed a very positive response to the integration of the values of the Kingdom of God and the use of science and technology in discipleship, especially in the aspects of digital ethics, love, responsibility, and the formation of Christian character. However, the understanding of hermeneutics and systematic theology still needs to be strengthened so that theological depth is not reduced by digital media and rapid technological flows. This research produces an integrative conceptual model of digital discipleship based on the Kingdom of God that combines hermeneutics as the basis for biblical interpretation, systematic theology as a doctrinal framework, and science and technology as a means of contextual and sustainable faith transformation.

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an important stage in shaping a child's personality and character. At this point, the story serves as the primary tool for conveying principles, ethics, and the meaning of life. However, the process of interpreting stories often overlooks cognitive aspects and lacks focus on children's character development. The purpose of this article is to study how hermeneutic principles are used in early childhood education, with a particular emphasis on how stories function as a tool for shaping children's character. The hermeneutic method allows educators to interpret stories contextually, dialogically, and reflectively. This allows children to understand and internalize the principles contained in the story. This research utilizes a qualitative-descriptive literature study on hermeneutic literature, character education, and early childhood pedagogy. The results indicate that hermeneutics, employing principles such as the hermeneutic circle, dialog of meaning, and contextualization of stories, significantly enhances honesty, empathy, responsibility, and religious attitudes in early childhood. Thus, hermeneutics is not only relevant in adult text research, but also effective as a pedagogical method in teaching early childhood.

The process of Christian Religious Education for early childhood must be aligned with children’s cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development. One of the main challenges in this learning process is interpreting biblical stories accurately while maintaining simplicity and relevance for young learners. This study aims to examine the role of hermeneutics in understanding and interpreting biblical narratives used in Christian Religious Education for early childhood. The research employs a qualitative approach through a literature review of hermeneutical studies, biblical texts, and scholarly works on early childhood Christian education. The findings indicate that narrative hermeneutics enables educators to interpret biblical texts contextually while translating theological messages into pedagogically appropriate stories for children. Through a hermeneutical approach, learning becomes more meaningful, reflective, and transformative, fostering deeper spiritual understanding in early learners. Furthermore, hermeneutics helps educators bridge the gap between the theological content of the Bible and the everyday experiences of Christian children. In conclusion, hermeneutics functions as a strategic tool in delivering biblical messages in ways that are developmentally appropriate, spiritually enriching, and relevant to the lives of early childhood learners within Christian education contexts.

This study reexamines Genesis 26:12–13 to illuminate the hermeneutical tension between the original meaning of the Hebrew term זָרַע (zāraʿ) and the interpretive patterns characteristic of the Prosperity Gospel. Through a historical-critical approach combined with narrative analysis, the study demonstrates that Isaac’s act of sowing must be understood as an actual agrarian activity undertaken within conditions of crisis and limitation, and grounded in the initiative and faithfulness of God. The findings indicate that the blessing Isaac received was never intended as a universal, reproducible formula but as a theological declaration of divine care within a history marked by uncertainty. In contrast, the Prosperity Gospel employs a hermeneutic that is predominantly literal and selective in its use of texts while disregarding their contexts, thereby reshaping the covenant narrative into a reductive pattern of guaranteed prosperity. This analysis shows that such reading not only shifts the theological focus of the text but also obscures the dynamics of faith, obedience, and grace that form the heart of the narrative. The study affirms the necessity of a more critical and responsible hermeneutic and argues that recovering the historical context and narrative structure serves as an essential theological corrective to Prosperity Gospel readings that detach the text from its original context.

This study discusses the learning process of Christian Religious Education (CRE) for early childhood based on a hermeneutical approach as a pedagogical strategy for fostering children’s faith from an early age. Early childhood is a critical stage in faith development; therefore, learning methods must be not only informative but also transformative and meaningful. This study employs a qualitative method through a literature review, analyzing hermeneutical theories, early childhood development studies, and CRE teaching practices in the Indonesian educational context. The findings indicate that the application of child-centered hermeneutics enables teachers to connect biblical messages with children’s concrete experiences through storytelling, visual media, role-playing, and multisensory activities appropriate to children’s world. Contextual, simple, and creative interpretation of biblical texts helps children internalize faith values more deeply and practically. This study emphasizes the importance of strengthening teachers’ competencies through practical hermeneutics training and implementing developmentally appropriate learning approaches. Thus, hermeneutics functions not only as a tool for interpreting biblical texts but also as a pedagogical process that holistically shapes children’s faith development.  

In early childhood education (ECE), the integration of hermeneutics provides opportunities for students to cultivate positive character rooted in moral values and broaden their understanding of the meaning of stories. Hermeneutics is not only used to interpret texts; it is also a dialogical approach that encourages children to think about meaning, characters, values, and moral messages thru questioning, interpreting, and connecting stories to everyday life. The purpose of this article is to explain the concept of hermeneutics in early childhood education, how it can be applied in story-based learning, and how it impacts children's character development. The study shows that hermeneutics enhances early critical literacy, empathy, self-control, and moral choices. This article provides new guidance for educators on how to design story-based learning, which is a significant interpretive process and more than just knowledge transfer. This article provides new guidance for educators on how to create story-based learning, which is an interpretive process essential for character development, not just knowledge transfer.

This study aims to examine and develop the learning process of Christian Early Childhood Education (ECE) through the application of a pedagogical hermeneutics approach. This approach is employed to interpret and convey Christian faith values in a contextual and pedagogical manner so that they can be meaningfully understood by young children in accordance with their developmental stages. The research adopts a qualitative method using a literature review and hermeneutical analysis of biblical texts, Christian ECE curriculum documents, and relevant literature in early childhood education and Christian theology. The findings indicate that the application of pedagogical hermeneutics enables the integration of faith texts, children’s developmental contexts, and creative as well as reflective pedagogical practices. The resulting learning process goes beyond the mere transmission of religious knowledge and emphasizes character formation, spiritual development, and holistic faith experiences for children. The study concludes that pedagogical hermeneutics can serve as a strong theoretical and practical foundation for developing Christian ECE learning that is contextual, meaningful, and responsive to the developmental needs of early childhood learners.

This paper examines Martin Heidegger’s philosophical thought, focusing on fundamental ontology as an effort to revive the question of the meaning of Being (Sein), which has been neglected in the Western metaphysical tradition. Heidegger criticizes earlier philosophy for concentrating primarily on entities (beings) rather than addressing the essence of Being itself. Through a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, Heidegger introduces the concept of Dasein as the distinctive mode of human existence characterized by reflective awareness of its own being. Dasein is understood as being-in-the-world, meaning that human existence is inseparable from its social, historical, and existential contexts. This paper discusses the existential structures of Dasein, including thrownness, facticity, care, temporality, and the distinction between authentic and inauthentic modes of existence. By emphasizing lived experience, Heidegger’s philosophy offers a profound and dynamic understanding of human existence beyond abstract metaphysical speculation. The paper concludes that Heidegger’s thought remains highly relevant for contemporary society, particularly in encouraging individuals to reflect on self-identity, freedom, and existential responsibility amid the complexities of modern life.

This study discusses the position of women in the creation of humankind based on Amina Wadud's feminist hermeneutics perspective as an effort to critique classical interpretations of the Qur'an that tend to be gender biased. For centuries, the tradition of interpretation dominated by male exegetes has shaped a theological understanding that places women in a subordinate and inferior position, especially in the narrative of human creation. Amina Wadud, as one of the contemporary Muslim feminists, offers a feminist hermeneutics approach that emphasizes the importance of historical context, linguistic analysis, and women's experiences in understanding the Qur'anic text in a more fair and comprehensive manner. This study specifically examines Wadud's interpretation of QS. An-Nisa 'verse 1, which states that humans were created from nafsun wahidah (one soul). Wadud asserts that this concept indicates the equality of origin between men and women, thereby rejecting the patriarchal view that women were created from men's ribs as second-class beings. The research method used was qualitative with a literature study approach, through analysis of Amina Wadud's works and relevant academic literature. The results of the study show that Wadud's feminist hermeneutics not only serves as a critique of classical interpretations that are laden with patriarchal bias, but also provides a strong theological basis for the recognition of gender equality in Islam. This approach opens up space for women to play an equal role in the social, political, and religious spheres. Thus, Amina Wadud's thinking contributes significantly to building a more inclusive, egalitarian, and gender-equitable understanding of Islam in accordance with the universal values of the Qur'an.

State-based conservation in Indonesia often faces institutional failure and social resistance, resulting in continued deforestation. Conversely, Indigenous conservation models in West Java, specifically the Leuweung Larangan (forbidden forest), demonstrate significant ecological resilience. However, the legal standing of these customary practices within Islamic jurisprudence remains under-theorized, creating a dichotomy between Adat (custom) and Sharia. This study proposes a juridical reconstruction of the Sundanese taboo mechanism (Pamali) as Jarimah Ta’zir (discretionary sanction) to strengthen environmental law enforcement. Utilizing a socio-legal approach and ecological hermeneutics, this research analyzes Yusuf al-Qardhawi’s concept of Fiqh al-Bi’ah and Seyyed Hossein Nasr’s sacred science, alongside relevant empirical data on Indigenous forest governance. The findings demonstrate that Leuweung Larangan structurally manifests as Hima Syar’i (sacred protected zone). Operationally, Pamali functions not merely as a cultural myth, but as a preventive legal instrument (Sadd al-Dzari’ah) where environmental violations constitute religious criminal acts. This creates a "Sundanese Eco-theology" model that establishes a double-layered compliance system—social sanctions and theological liability—proving more effective for carbon preservation than state regulations alone. The study recommends integrating this model into the Green Constitution framework to resolve tenurial conflicts and enhance climate resilience.