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The study examines the symbolic meaning of the “Bread of Life” in John 6 through an exegetical-theological approach, using intertextual and narrative-semiotic perspectives. It uncovers the dynamics of Johannine Christological revelation, which moves from miracle as sign, through theological discourse, and culminates in the sacramental understanding of the Eucharist. The Gospel of John is read as a text that employs symbolism and patterns of misunderstanding to lead readers from a literal reading toward deeper faith in Jesus as the source of true life. In this framework, the “Bread of Life” functions not merely as metaphor but as a revelatory symbol integrating Christological, soteriological, and ecclesiological dimensions. Findings show that this symbol is rooted in Old Testament motifs such as manna, Exodus, and wisdom, reinterpreted Christologically in Jesus. The feeding miracle points beyond physical sustenance to divine revelation, culminating in the statement “I am the Bread of Life.” John 6:51b–58 intensifies this sacramental meaning, forming the basis for Eucharistic theology, where participation in Christ’s body and blood signifies existential communion with God. The study concludes that John integrates Christology and sacramental theology, portraying faith as movement from sign to reality, recognition to participation, and revelation to communion with Christ.

Traditional wedding rituals constitute intangible cultural heritage rich in symbolic meaning, serving to strengthen social solidarity and transmit cultural values. The massive penetration of modernization and digitalization has created new pressures for the Bugis-Makassar community in maintaining this heritage. This study analyzes the transformation of Bugis-Makassar traditional wedding rituals in South Sulawesi within the digital era context, focusing on how the community negotiates their cultural identity between the forces of tradition and modernity. Using a critical ethnographic approach with a multiple case study design grounded in Bhabha's concept of the third space, the study involved 42 informants from three groups: young couples (digital generation, aged 22–35), parents/family (middle generation, 40–60), and customary elders (to panrita lopi/bissu, 65+) in Makassar City, Bone Regency, and Wajo Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation in 12 wedding ceremonies, and social media content analysis. Results reveal three main transformation patterns: (1) digital spectacularization—rituals adapted for social media consumption; (2) reflective selectivity—young couples actively choosing which traditional elements to retain; and (3) procedural hybridization—the integration of customary procedures with contemporary elements. These transformations are colored by intergenerational contestation that generally ends in compromise between demands for customary completeness and the aesthetic preferences of the younger generation. The study concludes that this transformation is not merely a loss of tradition, but a creative form of identity negotiation in which the Bugis-Makassar community actively reconstructs the meaning of siri' (self-esteem/dignity) and pesse (solidarity) within the changed socio-cultural landscape. The findings imply the need for cultural preservation policies that understand change as inherent to living culture, and open avenues for longitudinal studies on the intergenerational transmission of cultural values.

D Dowry (mahar) is an obligation of a groom to his bride in Islamic marriage, symbolizing respect and responsibility. In the Buton community, mahar also develops as a customary tradition known as boka, which carries both symbolic and socio-cultural meanings. This study aims to analyze the concept of mahar according to the Shafi’i school of law and its implementation in Taduasa Village, South Buton Regency. This research uses a qualitative method with data collection techniques including interviews, documentation, and literature review. The findings show that mahar is viewed as a symbol of respect for women and is determined based on lineage and social status. According to the Shafi’i school, such practices are permissible as long as they are based on mutual agreement and do not burden the groom. However, excessively high dowry amounts in some cases may hinder marriage. This study concludes that the mahar tradition in Taduasa Village remains consistent with Shafi’i principles but should be adjusted to the Islamic values of ease and public welfare.

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the ways in which faith is experienced, particularly in the lives of adolescents. From the perspectives of digital religion and mediatization of religion, digital space is no longer merely a medium, but has become a cultural arena that actively shapes religious practices and meanings. The study aims to analyze these dynamics, especially within the context of Generation Alpha, by examining the opportunities and challenges that emerge in the lived experience of faith in the digital age. The findings indicate that digital environments offer creative, participatory, and contextual opportunities for evangelization, enabling young people to engage actively in constructing their religious experiences. However, this dynamic is inherently ambivalent, as it also risks reducing the meaning of faith to symbolic, instant, and less sacramentally grounded experiences, detached from the communal life of the Church. Furthermore, the formation of religious identity in digital spaces tends to be fluid and performative, potentially leading to superficial relationships and fragmented identities. Therefore, technologically mediated religious experience should be understood as a bridge, rather than a substitute, for authentic faith encounters. The Church is thus called to adopt adaptive and reflective pastoral approaches, positioning media as a means of fostering communio without obscuring the essence of faith. An integrative approach through the synergy of Church, family, and educational institutions is essential to balance digital literacy and spiritual depth, ensuring that adolescent faith continues to grow reflectively and remains rooted in real-life experience.

This study analyzes the formation of a digital brand community through Persib Bandung fan interactions on social media. The research aims to examine how content distribution, message functions, and engagement patterns contribute to the construction of collective identity and digital rituals among supporters. Using a qualitative-interpretative content analysis supported by quantitative descriptive data, this study analyzes 418 posts published on Persib Bandung's official Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X/Twitter, and YouTube accounts from November 27 to December 10, 2025. The findings reveal that Persib Bandung generated 29,543,663 total interactions, with Instagram and TikTok emerging as the most affective platforms for engagement. Non-match content (41.4%) and emotional or motivational messages (40.2%) dominate communication. Despite high public engagement, no evidence of two-way talkback from the official account was found, indicating a predominantly one-way communication model. The study concludes that Bobotoh function as a digital brand community characterized by collective identity, digital rituals, loyalty, symbolic ownership, and co-creation of brand meaning through measurable public interactions. This research contributes to the understanding of sports communication and digital brand communities in emerging football markets.

The concept of mahabbah (divine love) is one of the pinnacles of achievement in the Sufism tradition that marks the existential closeness between man and God. In the context of prophetic literature, this concept is not only present as an individual spiritual experience, but also undergoes a transformation into a communicative aesthetic and ethical discourse. This study aims to examine the transformation of the concept of mahabbah in Kuntowijoyo's poems by placing them in a prophetic literary framework that emphasizes the dimensions of transcendence, humanization, and liberation. The method used is literary hermeneutics with an interpretive approach to uncover the layers of symbolic meaning in the text. The data is in the form of selected poems that represent the themes of spirituality, Divine love, and human relationship with God. The results of the study show that the concept of mahabbah in Kuntowijoyo's poems undergoes a transformation from the concept of classical Sufism which is esoteric in nature to a more contextual and communicative symbolic expression. This transformation is seen through the use of symbols of love, longing, sincerity, and sacrifice that represent not only man's vertical relationship with God, but also a horizontal relationship with fellow humans. Thus, mahabbah in prophetic literature does not stop at the mystical dimension, but moves towards social praxisis oriented towards human values. This research confirms that poetry functions as a dialectical medium between spiritual experience and social reality, as well as a means of transforming transcendental values into concrete life.

The phenomenon of emotional healing has become increasingly prominent in popular culture as the younger generation experiences increasing loss, emotional exhaustion, and numbness. Popular music serves as a medium of expression, representing these emotional dynamics through poetic language and symbolic structures. This study aims to analyze the emotional representation of healing in Umay Shahab's song "Perayaan Mati Rasa" using Roland Barthes's semiotic approach. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, analyzing three layers of meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth, through breaking down the lyrics into several lexicons and reading signs. The results show that (1) denotatively, the lyrics construct an emotional arc from inner tension to self-contemplation; (2) connotatively, the use of diction and imagery represents vulnerability, resilience, and emotional reflection; and (3) at the mythical level, the song constructs release as a form of emotional maturity and loss as a process of identity formation. Thus, this song functions as a cultural representation in interpreting the process of emotional healing in popular culture.

This study examines the role of spiritual intelligence in shaping students’ understanding of happiness in the digital era from an Islamic psychology perspective. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research involves university students who actively engage with social media. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal a significant shift in the meaning of happiness, from a substantive and intrinsic concept to a more symbolic and externally driven construct influenced by digital culture and online validation. Nevertheless, spiritual intelligence functions as a reflective and stabilizing mechanism, enabling students to reinterpret happiness as a deeper, more meaningful inner state. From the perspective of Islamic psychology, true happiness (sa’adah) is grounded in closeness to God and the internalization of spiritual values in daily life. This study underscores the importance of spiritual intelligence in addressing psychological challenges in the digital age and fostering a more balanced and authentic sense of well-being among students.

This study aims to examine the gastronomy of the traditional culinary dish Ayam Napinadar as part of Batak cultural identity, covering aspects of history, ingredients, processing techniques, cultural values, and preservation challenges. The background of this research is based on the importance of maintaining the sustainability of traditional cuisine amid modernization and changes in consumption patterns. The method used is a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with three informants, namely an MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Eterprises) practitioner, a traditional leader, and a consumer. The results show that Ayam Napinadar has a unique characteristic in the use of andaliman and blood (gota) as its distinctive flavor. Traditionally, the cooking process involves grilling over firewood to produce a characteristic smoky aroma, although it has now shifted to more practical methods without altering the original recipe. From a cultural perspective, Ayam Napinadar holds symbolic meaning as an expression of prayers, blessings, and joy in various Batak traditional ceremonies. However, there are challenges in its preservation, such as the declining participation of younger generations in traditional activities and the increasing influence of modern foods. In conclusion, Ayam Napinadar functions not only as food but also as a medium for preserving cultural values and ethnic identity. This study provides benefits as a basis for developing gastronomic tourism and strategies for preserving traditional cuisine through education, collaboration, and the use of modern promotional media.

Land conversion associated with renewable energy expansion generates profound socio-cultural transformations in agrarian communities. This study aims to analyze how wind power development reshapes agrarian identity, social capital configuration, and the meaning of land within rural society from an anthropology of development perspective. This research applies qualitative literature-based analysis supported by recent peer-reviewed scholarship on land use change, rural transformation, social capital, and political ecology. Conceptual synthesis integrates sustainable livelihood framework, identity negotiation theory, and energy landscape analysis to construct an interpretive analytical model. Findings indicate that agricultural land conversion produces deagrarianization, occupational shifts, and reconfiguration of social stratification. Land is redefined from a genealogical and productive space into infrastructure and investment asset. Social capital grounded in kinship networks, customary institutions, and local organizations functions as a resilience mechanism through risk redistribution, collective solidarity, and participatory negotiation. Energy landscapes restructure symbolic and material relations between community and territory, generating both hybrid identities and conflict dynamics. Inclusive governance determines whether renewable energy fosters adaptive transformation or deepens commodification and exclusion. Renewable energy transition in rural areas requires socio-cultural recognition beyond technical implementation. Integrating local identity, participatory governance, and community ownership strengthens just and sustainable transformation pathways.

This study aims to describe and analyze the understanding of the faithful and the implementation of Eucharistic liturgical gestures at Saint Christopher Parish, Siborongborong. Liturgical gestures such as the sign of the cross, standing, sitting, kneeling, and striking the chest are essential elements of active participation in the Eucharistic celebration. These gestures are not just physical actions but carry profound spiritual significance. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the faithful’s understanding of the symbolic meaning of these gestures remains limited, which leads to a tendency to perform them mechanically without deep spiritual reflection. This lack of understanding results in a disconnect between the physical actions and their intended spiritual effects. Nevertheless, in practice, the faithful generally follow these gestures in accordance with the liturgical norms of the Church. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for continuous and contextual liturgical formation programs. These programs should aim to deepen the awareness and spiritual engagement of the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration, ensuring that the gestures are not just performed but fully understood and internalized.

Environmental damage caused by human activities has become an increasingly pressing global issue. Poetry as a literary work has the power to represent ecological problems symbolically and critically. This study aims to describe the representation of the impact of the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems, namely "Menengajah Ke Atas, Merenungi Ozone yang Tak terlihat" and "Membaca Tanda-Tanda." The analysis is based on Greg Garrard's ecocritical study. This study uses a qualitative method with content analysis techniques. There are two stages of analysis, namely the literal and symbolic meaning of the poems, then an ecocritical interpretation is carried out based on Garrard's categories which include pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, animals, and earth. The results of the study indicate that both poems represent the impact of the environmental crisis through health problems due to pollution and radiation, damage to water and forest ecosystems, climate change, threats to human living space, and the decline in biodiversity. The research findings also show that the most dominant categories are pollution and apocalypse, which confirms that the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems is the result of human behavior that ignores nature. Thus, Taufiq Ismail's poems not only function as aesthetic works, but also as cultural criticism and moral warnings for humanity.

Environmental damage caused by human activities has become an increasingly pressing global issue. Poetry as a literary work has the power to represent ecological problems symbolically and critically. This study aims to describe the representation of the impact of the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems, namely "Menengajah Ke Atas, Merenungi Ozone yang Tak terlihat" and "Membaca Tanda-Tanda." The analysis is based on Greg Garrard's ecocritical study. This study uses a qualitative method with content analysis techniques. There are two stages of analysis, namely the literal and symbolic meaning of the poems, then an ecocritical interpretation is carried out based on Garrard's categories which include pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, animals, and earth. The results of the study indicate that both poems represent the impact of the environmental crisis through health problems due to pollution and radiation, damage to water and forest ecosystems, climate change, threats to human living space, and the decline in biodiversity. The research findings also show that the most dominant categories are pollution and apocalypse, which confirms that the environmental crisis in Taufiq Ismail's poems is the result of human behavior that ignores nature. Thus, Taufiq Ismail's poems not only function as aesthetic works, but also as cultural criticism and moral warnings for humanity.

This study aims to analyze exegetically and socio-historically the text of Deuteronomy 21:10–14 concerning the treatment of female war captives in ancient Israel. This passage has often been debated as it is perceived to reflect a patriarchal system, thus requiring a comprehensive interpretation to understand its original intent. This research employs a qualitative approach based on library research, utilizing textual exegesis, historical-critical, and literary analysis of the Hebrew text, as well as an examination of the Ancient Near Eastern context. The findings reveal that the legal structure of the text is progressive and regulatory in nature, not legitimizing exploitation but rather restricting male behavior through specific procedures, including a mourning period and a process of social transition for the captive woman. The analysis of Hebrew terminology highlights symbolic meanings related to status transformation, purification, and recognition of the woman's humanity. In its socio-historical context, this law differs significantly from common practices in the Ancient Near East, which often exploited war captives, by imposing limitations on economic and social exploitation and providing a degree of protection. Theologically, the text reflects the function of the Mosaic law as a regulatory framework that introduces justice and humanity within a complex social reality. Therefore, Deuteronomy 21:10–14 is best understood as an ethical effort to limit inhumane practices rather than to endorse them.

This study examines the directing approach in portraying the process of character formation through a video feature titled “Ballet: Repetitive Steps, a Formed Self.” The research is grounded in the phenomenon of instant culture in contemporary digital society, which tends to prioritize rapid outcomes over gradual processes. The objective of this study is to explore how directing strategies can construct repetitive ballet training as a meaningful visual narrative that reflects discipline, consistency, and perseverance. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a practice-based approach, where data are collected through observation, documentation, and the creative production process. The findings indicate that directing elements, including shot composition, rhythm, and audio-visual integration, play a significant role in transforming repetitive movements into a dynamic and progressive narrative. Repetition is not merely presented as a technical exercise but as a symbolic process of character development. The study also reveals that visual storytelling can effectively communicate reflective meanings and engage audiences emotionally. The implication of this research suggests that audiovisual works, particularly video features, can serve as a medium to challenge instant-oriented perspectives by emphasizing the value of process in personal development.

Indonesia is a country rich in cultural diversity, one of which is Javanese culture which is full of philosophical values ​​and symbolic meanings in every practice, including in the traditional wedding procession. One of the important rituals in Javanese traditional weddings is the Panggih Manten ritual, which represents the meeting between the bride and groom with various symbols of life, hope and blessings. Along with the development of the times and the flow of modernization, people's understanding of the philosophical meaning of the ritual has shifted. Some people still carry out this tradition as a hereditary custom without understanding the values ​​contained in it, even giving rise to debates regarding its suitability with Islamic teachings. This study aims to analyze the practice of the Panggih Manten ritual in Javanese traditional wedding traditions and review its suitability with the 'Urf argument in Islamic law. The research method used is qualitative with a juridical-normative approach, while the research location was carried out in Pengkol village, Mantingan District. The results of the study show that the Panggih Manten ritual is basically acceptable in Islamic law as long as it does not conflict with the principles of sharia. Based on analysis from the perspective of al-'urf, several aspects of the Panggih Manten ritual, such as muter asem (the act of making offerings), and the belief in disasters, contain elements that are inconsistent with Islamic law and could potentially lead to idolatry, thus being categorized as al-'urf al-fāsid. Therefore, the Panggih Manten tradition can be preserved through reinterpretation of its meaning and the elimination of elements that contradict Islamic teachings, thus aligning it with Islamic principles.

This study is motivated by the limited public understanding of the symbolic meaning of properties used in the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang, where most audiences merely enjoy the performance without recognizing the cultural values embedded within it. This research aims to examine and explain the symbolic meanings of the properties used in the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang as performed at Sanggar Seni Kaloka Pemalang. The method employed is a descriptive qualitative approach using semiotic analysis based on Charles Sanders Peirce, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that the performance structure of the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang consists of three main parts: the opening, the core, and the closing, supported by various elements such as theme, movement, performers, makeup, costume, musical accompaniment, stage setting, and properties. The semiotic analysis reveals that the symbolic meaning of the properties can be understood through the relationship between representamen, object, and interpretant. The main property, the irus (ladle), functions as a symbol that not only represents the act of scooping Grombyang soup but also carries a belief-related meaning as a bringer of fortune in trading activities. In conclusion, the properties in the Grombyang Dance of Pemalang serve not only as aesthetic elements but also as a medium of symbolic communication that reflects cultural, social, and belief values within the community. Therefore, they are important to be preserved and more deeply understood by the public.

Fahombo (Hombo Batu) is a cultural heritage of the South Nias people that not only displays visual beauty and symbolic meaning, but also contains educational values for character building for the younger generation. This study aims to explore the pedagogical aspects contained within it while examining its relevance to the integration of arts and culture in holistic learning in the modern era. A qualitative approach with descriptive methods was chosen to understand the meaning, function, and educational messages that are alive and passed down through this cultural practice. Data collection was conducted through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving traditional leaders, parents, and actively participating youth. Analysis was carried out through stages of reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions by applying triangulation of sources and techniques to ensure the validity of the findings. The results of the study indicate the existence of character-building values such as courage, discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and social solidarity. Furthermore, this activity reflects a comprehensive learning process because it involves the physical, mental, emotional, social, and cultural dimensions in an integrated manner. These findings confirm that local wisdom can be utilized as a relevant contextual learning resource to develop a holistic education model that is adaptive to current developments while rooted in cultural identity.

The tradition of marriage gift money (uang hantaran) in the Malay community of Melibur Village, Talang Muandau District, Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province, remains a customary practice preserved as a symbol of respect for the bride’s family and a sign of the groom’s seriousness. However, over time, its meaning has shifted toward materialism, as the amount is often determined by social status, educational background, and family prestige, potentially causing economic burdens, psychological pressure, delays, and even the cancellation of marriages. This study aims to describe the practice of uang hantaran and formulate an Islamic legal reconstruction of the tradition in accordance with the principle of simplicity. This research is a field research employing a qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and were analyzed descriptively and analytically using the maslahahmursalah approach in Islamic law. The findings indicate that the practice of uang hantaran in Melibur Village is still maintained as part of local custom; however, its implementation has shifted from a symbolic function to a materialistic one, resulting in economic pressure on the groom’s family, psychological burdens on prospective spouses, and delays in marriage. From the perspective of maslahahmursalah, uang hantaran may be categorized as maslahahhajiyyah when determined flexibly and without imposing hardship, but it becomes mafsadah when the amount is excessive and causes harm. Therefore, the reconstruction of Islamic law regarding this tradition emphasizes that uang hantaran is not a legal requirement for marriage but rather a complementary customary practice whose determination should be based on deliberation, mutual consent, economic capability, and the principle of simplicity (taysir), so that it does not hinder the objectives of marriage in Islam.

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.