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This article aims to explain the theological meaning and implications of the word "worship" (προσκυνέω/proskuneō) in Matthew 2:2 in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its relevance to the worship practices of the church today. This study uses a qualitative method with a contextual-historical analysis approach to the biblical text, supported by a review of theological literature related to worship in the Christian tradition. The results of the study indicate that proskuneō does not only refer to an act of reverence, but also contains the meaning of acknowledgment of divine authority, an attitude of humility, and a deep spiritual commitment. In the context of Matthew 2:2, the actions of the Magi represent theological, relational, and transformative worship. These findings confirm that true worship involves acknowledging God's sovereignty, a readiness for sacrifice, and an openness to renewal of life. The practical implication for the church today is the need to enrich the understanding and practice of worship that goes beyond the liturgy, but is manifested in personal intimacy with God, acts of social benevolence, and service that reflects a God-fearing life. This article contributes to a biblical understanding of worship and its application in the context of the believer's spiritual life.

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.

This study aims to analyze the participation of the faithful in the Sacrament of Penance and to identify the pastoral challenges influencing its practice in the Vicariate of West Sulawesi, Archdiocese of Makassar. Theologically, the Sacrament of Penance serves as a means of reconciliation that restores the relationship between humanity, God, and the Church. However, in contemporary contexts, its practice encounters various social, psychological, and pastoral dynamics. This research employed a descriptive quantitative approach involving 267 respondents from four parishes through questionnaire distribution. The data were analyzed using percentage-based statistics to map participation frequency, spiritual motivation, level of understanding, post-sacramental experiences, and perceived obstacles. The findings indicate that although most respondents demonstrate strong theological understanding, sincere spiritual motivation, and positive spiritual experiences after receiving absolution, participation remains largely seasonal and periodic. The principal challenges include psychological factors such as shame and anxiety, structural limitations related to schedule and accessibility, and formative deficiencies such as insufficient ongoing catechesis. The study concludes that the primary issue is not a crisis of faith in the sacrament itself, but a gap between theological awareness and concrete practice, thus calling for more dialogical, communicative, and contextual pastoral renewal.

Artikel ini bertolak dari kenyataan bahwa banyak umat telah mendengar sabda Allah dalam Liturgi dan pengajaran Gereja, namun belum sepenuhnya menghidupinya dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Situasi ini menegaskan pentingnya katekese sebagai proses pembinaan iman yang berkelanjutan, yang tidak hanya menekankan aspek pengetahuan, tetapi juga penghayatan dan perwujutan iman dalam tindakan nyata. Tulisan ini bertujuan merefleksikan katekese sebagai jalan pembinaan iman umat yang menuntun dari sabda menuju kehidupan. Fokus kajian artikel ini adalah peran katekese dalam membantu umat dewasa mengintegrasikan sabda Allah kedalam realitas hidup sehari-hari, baik dalam keluarga, pekerjaan, maupun kehidupan sosial. Metode yang digunakan adalah refleksi teologis pastoral dengan pendekatan kualitatif melalui studi literatur gereja dan pengalaman hidup umat. Pendekatan ini menekankan ketertarikan antara pewartaan sabda, pendampingan iman, serta partisiasi aktif umat dalam proses pembinaan. Hasil refleksi menunjukkan bahwa katekese yang kontekstual, dialogis, dan berpusat pada sabda Allah, mampu menumbuhkan iman yang lebih dewasa, sadar, dan tanggung jawab. Melalui katekese, umat tidak hanya memahami ajran iman secara intelektual, tetapi juga didorong untuk menghidupinya dalam sikap kasih, pelayanan, dan kesaksian di tengah masyarakat. Pembinaan iman yang berkelanjutan menjadi sarana penting untuk membentuk umat yang tangguh dalam menghadapi tantangan zaman dan tetap berakar pada nilai-nilai injil. Dengan demikian, katekese sebagai jalan pembinaan iman memiliki peran strategis dalam menjembatani sabda Allah dengan kehidupan konkrit umat. Pembaharuan metode dan pendekatan katekese yang relevan dengan konteks umat masa kini sangat diperlukan agar proses dari sabda menuju kehidupan dapat berlangsung secara nyata, mendalam, dan berkelanjutan dalam kehidupan Gereja. Kata kunci: katekese, sabda Allah, pembinaan iman, umat dewasa, kehidupan kristen

Penelitian ini mengkaji makna kematian dan kehidupan kekal dalam iman Katolik berdasarkan perspektif teologi eskatologi dan Kristologi sesuai dengan ajaran dogma Gereja Katolik. Tujuan penelitian adalah menjelaskan pemahaman kematian menurut ajaran resmi Gereja Katolik, sebagaimana tertuang dalam Katekismus Gereja Katolik, dokumen Konsili Vatikan II, dan ensiklik kepausan, serta relevansinya bagi kehidupan pastoral umat pada masa kini. Metode yang digunakan adalah kajian pustaka yang bersifat teologis-normatif dengan sumber utama Kitab Suci, dokumen Magisterium, dan literatur teologi yang relevan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam iman Katolik, kematian dipahami sebagai peralihan menuju kehidupan kekal bersama Allah, bukan akhir dari eksistensi manusia. Wafat dan kebangkitan Yesus Kristus menjadi fondasi dogmatis harapan keselamatan umat beriman. Ajaran tentang pengadilan khusus, api penyucian, surga, dan neraka merupakan bagian integral dari iman Katolik yang memiliki implikasi pastoral yang kuat: memberikan penguatan iman, harapan, dan penghiburan bagi umat dalam menghadapi penderitaan dan kematian. Simpulan penelitian menegaskan bahwa pemahaman teologis yang benar tentang kematian dan kehidupan kekal perlu terus diwartakan agar umat mampu menghayati hidup dalam iman, harapan, dan kasih.

This study examines eschatology within the framework of Catholic faith as a reflection of faith and hope of salvation, not merely as a depiction of the end times. The background highlights the need to avoid reducing eschatology to a sole event of judgment day, by emphasizing the close relationship between eschatology, Christology, and soteriology, as well as the role of faith in the daily life of Catholic believers. The aim of the study is to articulate eschatology as an integrative framework that connects faith, hope, love, sacraments, liturgy, and inculturation in the Church’s praxis, and to consolidate the active participation of the faithful in the Kingdom of God, which has been initiated but not yet completed. The research method is descriptive-analytical literature review, comparing the views of experts, the Church Magisterium, and contemporary liturgical and theological documents to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework. The main findings indicate that Catholic eschatology functions as a moral and spiritual engine: (1) it integrates the “already and not yet” in the experience of faith; (2) it links eschatological hope with the actions of love, justice, and social liberation; (3) it bridges private faith with sacramental practice and inculturation. Theological and pastoral implications include strengthening faith formation, participation in liturgy, and an imaginative response to present-day social and environmental challenges. This narrative affirms a living, inclusive, and relevant eschatology for the Church’s life of faith in the contemporary era.

Penelitian ini mengkaji kisah perjumpaan Yesus dengan pemuda kaya dalam Injil Matius 19:16–30, Injil Markus 10:17–31, dan Injil Lukas 18:18–30 dalam perspektif teologi perdamaian dan keadilan sosial. Latar belakang penelitian ini bertolak dari realitas ketimpangan sosial-ekonomi yang semakin meningkat di era modern, yang ditandai oleh kesenjangan antara kelompok kaya dan miskin serta kemiskinan struktural yang terus berlangsung. Dalam konteks tersebut, kisah Yesus dan pemuda kaya dipahami tidak hanya sebagai ajaran moral mengenai keterikatan terhadap harta, tetapi juga sebagai kritik profetis terhadap struktur sosial-ekonomi yang tidak adil. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kepustakaan (library research) dan hermeneutika kontekstual. Data primer diperoleh dari teks Alkitab dalam ketiga Injil Sinoptik, sedangkan data sekunder berasal dari buku, jurnal ilmiah, dan literatur teologi yang relevan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsep shalom dalam teologi perdamaian mencakup keadilan relasional, kesejahteraan sosial, dan solidaritas terhadap kaum marginal. Perintah Yesus kepada pemuda kaya untuk menjual hartanya dan membagikannya kepada orang miskin menunjukkan bahwa iman Kristen tidak dapat dipisahkan dari tanggung jawab sosial. Kekayaan dipahami sebagai stewardship yang harus digunakan demi kesejahteraan bersama. Penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa gereja dipanggil untuk menjadi agen transformasi sosial melalui praksis keadilan, pemberdayaan ekonomi, pendidikan perdamaian, dan solidaritas sosial di tengah masyarakat Indonesia yang plural dan masih menghadapi ketimpangan sosial-ekonomi.

Penelitian ini bertujuan merumuskan Model Tridarma Berbasis Panggilan Abraham sebagai paradigma transformasional bagi Perguruan Tinggi Teologi (PTT) di Indonesia. Latar belakang penelitian ini berangkat dari krisis identitas PTT yang sering terjebak dalam dikotomi antara tuntutan akademik dan panggilan gerejawi, sehingga Tridarma Perguruan Tinggi—pendidikan, penelitian, dan pengabdian masyarakat—kerap kehilangan orientasi teologis dan relevansi sosialnya. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan kerangka “Hermeneutika Filosofis-Kontekstual” yang mengintegrasikan studi filosofis dan critical case study pada STT Suwarnadwipa sebagai living prototype. Data penelitian diperoleh melalui analisis teks Kejadian 12:1–3, dokumen institusional, serta literatur teologis dan filsafat pendidikan. Analisis dilakukan melalui “Siklus Interpretasi Tiga Lapis” yang mencakup lapis eksplanatori, komparatif, dan konstruktif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa panggilan Abraham mengandung tiga DNA utama, yaitu divine initiative, costly obedience, dan instrumental blessing, yang dapat menjadi fondasi filosofis-teologis bagi transformasi Tridarma PTT. Berdasarkan sintesis tersebut, penelitian ini menghasilkan tiga pilar utama model, yakni pendidikan sebagai Abrahamic Discipleship, penelitian sebagai Pro Deo et Ethne Inquiry, dan pengabdian masyarakat sebagai Shalom-Based Engagement. Implementasi model pada STT Suwarnadwipa menunjukkan bahwa paradigma Abrahamik mampu mengintegrasikan kesetiaan teologis dengan relevansi kontekstual secara operasional. Penelitian ini berkontribusi secara teoretis melalui pengembangan kerangka “Teologi Dwipa Nusantara,” secara metodologis melalui pendekatan “Hermeneutika Filosofis-Kontekstual,” dan secara praktis melalui penyediaan model operasional yang dapat diadaptasi oleh PTT lain di Indonesia.

Entering the third decade of the 21st century, the church faces the urgency of redefining its existence amidst the shift to a digital ecosystem. This research aims to analyze the synergy between church management and transformational leadership toward the effectiveness of leader multiplication in the Digital 4.0 era. Using a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach through library research, this study explores the integration of modern management theories and theological principles. The findings indicate that church management serves as a vital infrastructure providing operational stability, while transformational leadership acts as a catalyst for innovation and behavioral change in facing VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) conditions. The synergy between these two elements creates a “Digital Shepherding” model, where the digital space is transformed into a theological medium for character formation and spiritual transmission. The study concludes that the effectiveness of leader multiplication is determined by a shift from person-centered leadership to a system-inspired approach that integrates digital capabilities with biblical integrity. Strategic implications suggest that churches must adopt a digital mindset and establish digital leadership laboratories to ensure the sustainability of their mission among Generation Z.

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.  

This study examines the use of YouTube Streaming in large-class Sunday School as a medium for children’s faith education at Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE) Nazaret Palangka Raya. The background of this research is the growing integration of digital media into church education, which brings both opportunities and challenges for children’s spiritual formation. The objective of this study is to describe the implementation of YouTube-based Sunday School and to analyze its benefits and challenges related to children’s participation, understanding of faith, and learning concentration. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving Sunday School teachers and parents. The findings indicate that YouTube Streaming helps maintain continuity of faith education and enhances children’s interest through audio-visual content. However, children’s participation tends to be passive, their understanding of faith often remains at a cognitive level, and their learning concentration is relatively limited. The study concludes that YouTube Streaming functions effectively as a supportive medium but cannot replace direct interaction and relational aspects essential in children’s faith education

This research aims to examine the values contained in Dalihan Na Tolu through the perspective of Christian eschatology and examine its relevance to the mission of the Catholic Church in society. Dalihan Na Tolu as a socio-cultural system of the Batak community contains the values of respect, solidarity, responsibility, and brotherhood which play an important role in building social harmony. This research uses a qualitative method with a library research approach through the collection of data from various books, journals, Church documents, and scientific sources relevant to the research theme. The results of the study show that the values in Dalihan Na Tolu are related to eschatological expectations in the Christian faith, especially in building a life that reflects the love, brotherhood, and fellowship that God wills. In addition, Dalihan Na Tolu also has relevance in the Church's mission as a means of inculturation in the proclamation of the Gospel that is more contextual in the Batak community. Thus, local culture is not seen as an obstacle to faith, but rather as a means that can support the realization of the values of God's Kingdom in common life.

In the face of Indonesia’s escalating family crises amid rapid digital disruption and post-pandemic social recovery, this study proposes a novel “Dual-Ethos Synergy Model” that integrates the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) with the second principle of Pancasila, namely “Just and Civilized Humanity.” The study is grounded in qualitative fieldwork conducted at Gereja Bethel Indonesia Pemulihan Keluarga Allah (GBI PKA). The findings demonstrate that the integration of Christian spiritual values and civic ethics fosters restorative character formation within families and church communities. This synergy produces practical outcomes, including stronger empathy in community service, improved interpersonal relationships, and more constructive conflict resolution practices. Using data gathered through nine in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analysis, the study addresses existing gaps in urban church discipleship by combining spiritual transformation with social responsibility and civic engagement. The proposed model also offers implications for scalable digital-hybrid ministry programs focused on family restoration and contributes to the development of contextual theological praxis within pluralistic and multicultural societies. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

This study examines the theological tension between devotion to God and the influence of mammon within the context of church ministry, as reflected in Matius 6:24. The research aims to analyze how materialism shapes attitudes, motivations, and practices in ecclesiastical service, particularly in relation to financial and administrative responsibilities. The method employed is a literature analysis combined with a phenomenological approach, allowing for an integration of biblical teachings and lived ministry experiences. The findings reveal that mammon is not merely a material entity but a competing spiritual force that demands human loyalty, often subtly influencing the orientation of ministry. Materialism, therefore, emerges as a critical challenge to ministerial integrity, especially in contexts involving financial management. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of theological reflection with empirical ministry experience, emphasizing that integrity in church service is not only tested in spiritual expressions but also in the handling of material resources. This study contributes to practical theology by offering a contextual understanding of how faithfulness to God must be maintained amidst the persistent tension between spiritual calling and material demands.

This article examines pneumatological methods and spiritual practices across three Pentecostal seasons: Classical Pentecostalism, Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic. It highlights the importance of these three movements within the framework of the development of the Pentecostal-Charismatic Church in Indonesia. This research begins with the observation that scholars continue to use the terms Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Neo-Charismatic overlappingly, despite their unique theological and practical emphases. This article presents a critical-comparative literature review on baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and spiritual gifts, forms of spirituality, interdenominational relations, theological risks, and ecclesiological implications. The research finds that Classical Pentecostalism emphasizes baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues as the primary evidence, Charismatics extend Spirit-led activities toward cross-denominational renewal, while Neo-Charismatics place additional emphasis on power, miracles, healing, spiritual warfare, and success in life. The contribution proposed in this article is a theological typology that can be used for critical reading of Pentecostal-Charismatic practices in Indonesia while still appreciating the richness of the experience of the Spirit. This typology can help churches consider experience, Scripture, Christian character, and ecclesiastical institutional accountability in a more balanced way.

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.

Catholic marriage in Indonesia occupies a unique legal position because it is governed simultaneously by state law and canon law. Indonesian positive law recognizes marriage based on religious law and regulates its civil consequences, including divorce. However, Catholic canon law does not recognize divorce as the dissolution a valid and sacramental marriage. This dual legal framework has led widespread misunderstandings among Catholic faithful and legal practitioners, particularly regarding the legal consequences of civil divorce. This study aims to analyze the legal status of Catholic marriage within Indonesia’s dual legal system and examine the juridical implications of civil divorce Catholic marital status under canon law. This research employs normative legal research using statutory, conceptual, and comparative normative approaches. The findings demonstrate that civil divorce functions solely as the termination of civil legal relations under state law and does not dissolve the marital bond according to canon law. The study further reveals that prevailing misconceptions stem from reductive understanding Catholic marriage merely an administrative legal event. This article contributes to legal scholarship by clarifying the normative boundaries between state law and canon law and emphasizes the need for comprehensive legal understanding to prevent recurring juridical misunderstandings in Catholic marriage practices in Indonesia.

Misi gereja tidak hanya terbatas pada penginjilan dan pelayanan sosial, tetapi juga mencakup pendidikan. Pendidikan Agama Kristen menjadi alat penting dalam mewujudkan misi tersebut. Tujuan dari Pendidikan Agama Kristen bukan sekadar menanamkan nilai keimanan, tetapi juga sebagai manifestasi nyata dari misi gereja di dunia. Artikel ini memahami misi gereja sebagai pemberitaan Injil, pemuridan, dan pelayanan kasih yang dapat direalisasikan melalui pendidikan, terutama melalui karakter dan spiritualitas peserta didik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan memahami misi gereja dalam konteks pendidikan agama Kristen dengan metode studi pustaka dan analisis data deskriptif. Hasil studi pustaka menunjukkan bahwa makna misi gereja dalam konteks pendidikan agama Kristen dipengaruhi oleh peranan pendidikan agama Kristen dalam mendukung misi tersebut.

This study examines the relationship between Dayak cosmology and Christian spirituality through the inculturation of the Munjong tradition within Catholic Dayak Tobak communities in Dusun Batu Besi, Desa Sejotang, West Kalimantan. As a post-harvest thanksgiving ritual, Munjong embodies a symbolic framework reflecting the interconnectedness of humans, nature, ancestors, and Jebata within the Dayak worldview. The tradition functions not only as a religious expression but also as a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering social cohesion. Within a predominantly Catholic context, Munjong has undergone reinterpretation, aligning with Eucharistic spirituality as the Church’s central expression of gratitude. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach combined with symbolic interaction analysis, this study shows that the religious values embedded in Munjong, including: gratitude, petitions for protection, and veneration of ancestors as spiritual mediators, correspond with Catholic teachings on divine providence, the communion of saints, and the sacredness of creation. The local Church recognizes Munjong as a cultural practice suitable for inculturation, provided it aligns with Christian doctrine, thereby offering opportunities for contextual liturgy and catechesis. The findings suggest that Munjong can serve as a bridge between faith and local culture while simultaneously reinforcing cultural identity and deepening the spiritual life of the community. The result of this study contributes to the discourse on inculturation, contextual pastoral practice, and strategies for sustaining indigenous traditions amid social change.

Penelitian ini mengkaji simbol air dalam Injil Yohanes sebagai bahasa wahyu yang mengungkapkan identitas ilahi Yesus dalam kerangka pneumatologi. Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah adanya kecenderungan studi sebelumnya yang menafsirkan simbol air secara parsial, baik sebagai simbol sakramental maupun metafora spiritual, tanpa melihat keterkaitannya secara menyeluruh dalam struktur naratif Injil Yohanes dan tradisi Yahudi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menunjukkan bahwa simbol air merupakan struktur teologis yang mengintegrasikan kristologi, dan pneumatologi  Yohanes. Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis studi kepustakaan, melalui analisis teologis-intertekstual terhadap teks-teks Yohanes yang berkaitan dengan simbol air serta hubungannya dengan Perjanjian Lama dan tradisi Yahudi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa simbol air berkembang secara progresif dari makna literal menuju simbol kehidupan ilahi dan Roh Kudus, serta mencapai klimaks dalam peristiwa penyaliban sebagai pencurahan Roh dan kelahiran Gereja. Dengan demikian, air berfungsi sebagai medium pewahyuan yang tidak hanya menjelaskan karya keselamatan, tetapi juga mengungkapkan identitas Yesus sebagai sumber kehidupan ilahi. Implikasi penelitian ini menegaskan bahwa pneumatologi Yohanes pada dasarnya merupakan ekspresi kristologi dalam bahasa simbolik.