Abstract:Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 presents a fundamental and provocative theological statement about the reality of death as an inevitable fate for all humanity, without distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. This discourse…
se explicitly challenges the retributive ethical framework that assumes a linear relationship between morality and reward, while also revealing the existential absurdity of humans who often seek meaning through fragile worldly achievements. This study aims to interpret the pericope through an existential and contextual theological approach, focusing on its theological relevance in addressing the crisis of spirituality and ethics in modern culture dominated by ambition for power, economic exploitation, and the marginalization of transcendental values. Utilizing a reflective-critical hermeneutical method, this study argues that awareness of mortality should not lead to ontological despair, but rather serve as a starting point for forming a more authentic, relational, and ethical orientation to life. Death in this text functions as an epiphanic moment that unveils human limitations while reorienting existential focus toward God and social responsibility. The novelty of this research lies in its prophetic reading of a wisdom text that has often been interpreted pessimistically, highlighting its potential as a theological critique against modern nihilistic and anti-spiritual ideologies. This study contributes to the development of a contextual theological framework capable of constructively and transformatively responding to the crisis of meaning and ethics in contemporary society.
Abstract:Youth represent a socio-psycho-spiritual entity undergoing a critical transitional phase, characterized by identity crises, value disorientation, and pressures from secular-cultural influences. Within the framework of Christian…
ristian pastoral theology and pedagogy, faith formation serves as a strategic mechanism to cultivate integrative spiritual maturity, encompassing cognitive (doctrinal understanding), affective (spiritual affection), and conative (practical orientation) dimensions. This study analyzes the effectiveness of Bible Camp as an experiential learning-based faith formation model in the spiritual development of youth. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, the research explores the contribution of Bible Camp to the internalization of theological values, the construction of religious identity, and the strengthening of faith community cohesion. The findings indicate that Bible Camp activities—such as hermeneutic study, collective worship, existential reflection, and group dynamics—result in significant faith transformation on both personal and communal levels. This process aligns with Streib’s faith development theory and Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, which emphasize cognitive reconstruction through reflective experience within a social context. Bible Camp effectively mediates the transition from conventional faith to reflective and dialogical faith, while enhancing youth’s spiritual competencies in confronting the complexities of contemporary reality. The findings reinforce the assumption that faith formation in interactive non-formal settings is more effective than conventional instructional approaches in producing theological and ethical paradigm shifts. Therefore, Bible Camp is positioned as a relevant and contextual ecclesiological instrument in the recontextualization of Christian faith education. This model functions not only as a venue for individual spiritualization but also as a catalyst for the formation of resilient, participatory, and transformative Christian character within a pluralistic socio-religious ecosystem. Recommendations are directed towards institutionalizing Bible Camp as a systemic strategy for youth faith formation in the mission of the contemporary church.
Abstract:This study develops an interdisciplinary theological framework that integrates collective memory, a theology of woundedness, and local wisdom as epistemological and pastoral strategies for engaging with social trauma inscribed…
cribed in the communal body of postcolonial and post-conflict societies in Indonesia. Collective memory, as examined by Halbwachs, Assmann, and Volf, is not construed as a mere aggregation of historical facts but as a cultural construction that shapes theological identity through performative, ritualistic, and narrative social processes. The theology of woundedness, informed by the works of Rambo, Moltmann, Jones, and Brock, resists binary categorizations between suffering and salvation, positioning wounds instead as loci theologici—revelatory spaces wherein the Holy Spirit dwells amidst unhealed wounds as a manifestation of divine solidarity and the possibility of redemption. Employing a qualitative-descriptive methodological framework and contextual hermeneutics, this research investigates local narratives, healing rituals, customary symbols, and inculturated liturgies among Christian communities in Ambon, Poso, and East Nusa Tenggara. The findings suggest that local wisdom functions not merely as a cultural instrument but also as a sacramental medium through which the Spirit operates incarnationally. The integration of these three dimensions demonstrates that post-traumatic restoration cannot be reduced to psychological or therapeutic pastoral practices alone; rather, it demands a theologically transformative, contextually rooted, and dialogical articulation of the wounded social body. Within this construct, the Church is envisioned as an anamnetic community that employs collective memory as a praxis of salvation, regards local culture as a spiritual body, and embraces woundedness as a participatory locus within the salvific narrative. Accordingly, this study contributes a novel paradigm for contextual theology and pastoral praxis in multicultural societies marked by the legacy of historical suffering and the urgent need for reconciliation grounded in justice and memory.
Abstract:The participation of women in various spheres of life has witnessed significant progress; however, it is undeniable that patriarchal culture remains deeply entrenched and continues to reproduce discriminatory practices and…
nd violence against women, including through religious interpretation. In many instances, religion inadvertently reinforces gender inequality through scriptural interpretations that are predominantly shaped by male perspectives and patriarchal structures. Therefore, a hermeneutical approach is required, one capable of deconstructing such biases and rearticulating the voices of women in a just manner. This study aims to interpret Song of Songs 3:1-5 through the lens of feminist literary criticism, specifically employing the “woman as reader” approach developed by Elaine Showalter. This approach emphasizes the experiences, voices, and agency of women as subjects within the text. Through the stages of interpretation, narrative deconstruction, and critical evaluation, the analysis reveals that the female character in this passage is portrayed as an autonomous individual who demonstrates initiative and actively expresses her love and longing. This representation subtly challenges patriarchal constructions that traditionally position women as passive objects in gender relations. On the other hand, the text also opens a reflective space to examine how women, consciously or unconsciously, may contribute to the perpetuation of systems that oppress them. Consequently, a feminist reading of Song of Songs not only unveils the emancipatory potential within the biblical text but also offers a critical and transformative hermeneutical framework. This represents an effort to reclaim a gender-just theological space and to reimagine sacred scripture as a site of both spiritual and social struggle toward justice and equality.
Abstract:This study examines the effectiveness of the Presbyterian-Synodal system of church governance in shaping an inclusive, participatory, and contextual ministry within the Indonesian Protestant Church in Papua (GPI Papua).…
Employing a qualitative approach and contextual case study, the research focuses on the relationship between church governance structures and Papuan communal culture, which emphasizes deliberation, egalitarianism, and communal living. The findings indicate that, in principle, the Presbyterian-Synodal system possesses the potential to accommodate the collective character of Papuan society and to support congregational participation in ecclesiastical decision-making processes. However, implementation at the local level faces several challenges, including inconsistent understanding of ecclesiastical roles and responsibilities, limited human resource capacity, and misalignment between synodal policies and the contextual needs of congregations. These issues reveal a gap between the theological-structural design of the system and the pastoral realities on the ground. Therefore, this study recommends institutional renewal based on local contexts, the development of transformative church leadership models, and the strengthening of ecclesiological education rooted in Papuan cultural and social dynamics. Theoretically and practically, this research contributes to the development of contextual ecclesiology and church management in multicultural settings, emphasizing the importance of synthesizing Reformed theology with local values. As such, this study not only offers a constructive critique of current church governance practices but also opens space for reflection and innovation, enabling the church to become more relevant, just, and empowering in addressing contemporary challenges and contextual realities.
Abstract:Christian Religious Education within the family is currently confronted with significant challenges arising from social change, the rapid advancement of digital technology, and the declining involvement of parents in nurturing…
turing their children's faith. These conditions highlight the need to reconstruct the spiritual responsibility of Christian parents so that the family may once again serve as the primary center of faith formation. This study aims to analyze the essence of Christian parents' spiritual responsibility from theological and pedagogical perspectives, explain its implementation in Christian Religious Education within the family, and examine its implications for the development of children's faith, character, and spirituality. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a library research method. The findings reveal that parents' spiritual responsibility is manifested through exemplary living, faith-based communication, spiritual discipline, and sustainable family relationships. The study also proposes a conceptual model consisting of four main components: theological foundation, pedagogical relationship, family spiritual practices, and children's character transformation. It is concluded that reconstructing parents' spiritual responsibility strengthens the family as the primary context of Christian Religious Education while fostering synergy among families, churches, and educational institutions. The novelty of this study lies in integrating theological and pedagogical perspectives into a contextual, dialogical, participatory, and transformative model for reconstructing the spiritual responsibility of Christian parents.
Abstract:Indonesia's religious and cultural diversity necessitates the strengthening of religious moderation capable of maintaining a balance between religious commitment and respect for pluralism. This study aims to analyze the…
concept, implementation, and relevance of M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia during the period of 1983-2025. The research employs a historical method with a qualitative approach through the stages of heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography, focusing on M. Quraish Shihab's scholarly works and relevant academic literature. The findings reveal that M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought has developed consistently through a dialogue between the Qur'an, the tradition of Qur'anic exegesis, and the realities of Indonesia's pluralistic society. The concept of wasathiyyah is understood as a principle of balance grounded in justice, public benefit (maslahah), and respect for human dignity. Its implementation is reflected in Tafsir Al-Misbah and his other scholarly works, which contextualize Qur'anic teachings within the spheres of social life, education, and nation-building. This study concludes that M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought constitutes a significant intellectual foundation for strengthening religious moderation in Indonesia. The novelty of this research lies in its historical reconstruction, which comprehensively integrates the evolution of the concept, implementation, and contribution of M. Quraish Shihab's inclusive thought throughout the 1983-2025 period.
Abstract:This study examines the transformation of digital marketing communication that positions visual elements as the primary component in event promotion on social media, particularly Instagram. This shift is driven by changes…
s in audience behavior, which has become more responsive to visual stimuli than to textual information. The research problem focuses on how visual elements are constructed as an effective persuasive communication strategy to capture attention, evoke emotions, and influence audience perceptions and interests through the peripheral route based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model framework. The study employs a qualitative approach using content analysis of 11 Instagram posts from @colorrunfestivalid selected through purposive sampling, supported by observation and interviews. The findings indicate that visual dominance reaches 82%, characterized by the use of bright colors, expressions of happiness, and interactive activities that effectively generate emotional appeal and rapid audience engagement. Most audiences pay greater attention to visuals than to text and demonstrate a willingness to participate after viewing the experiential representations presented. The psychological effect of fear of missing out further reinforces this response. The persuasion process is found to occur predominantly through the peripheral route, marked by low cognitive elaboration and a high reliance on visual cues. The study concludes that visuals function as the primary determinant of effective digital persuasive communication, as they simultaneously construct meaning, emotion, and experiential expectations. The novelty of this research lies in affirming visuals as the core of digital persuasion strategies through the integration of emotional, social, and psychological dimensions, while also reinforcing the dominance of the peripheral route as a key mechanism in contemporary media consumption.
Abstract:The phenomenon of infidelity within families constitutes a significant social issue, as it not only undermines spousal relationships but also leaves enduring psychological wounds on children who witness it, particularly…
women entering early adulthood when they begin to establish romantic relationships. This study focuses on how early adult women interpret their experiences of witnessing paternal infidelity and the implications of these experiences for trust, commitment, emotional dynamics, and partner selection processes. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed to explore the subjective experiences of three early adult women aged 20-22 who encountered such events during adolescence. The findings indicate that these experiences are interpreted as traumatic, giving rise to anxiety, fear of betrayal, and difficulties in developing trust, while simultaneously fostering heightened vigilance and selectivity in choosing partners, with an emphasis on loyalty, communication, and emotional security. The emerging psychological dynamics include trust issues, a tendency to avoid conflict, and a strong need for emotional stability, which are addressed through conscious efforts to build healthier relationships characterized by open communication and effective emotional regulation. The study concludes that the subjective meaning-making of paternal infidelity plays a crucial role in shaping relational patterns, perceptions of romantic relationships, and partner selection decisions among early adult women. The novelty of this research lies in its emphasis on the meaning-making dimension, which not only reveals psychological impacts but also highlights resilience and the transformation of traumatic experiences into a foundation for more adaptive and constructive relationships.
Abstract:This study examines the resolution of non-performing financing in Islamic financial institutions, which have experienced significant growth but are confronted with increasing risks of non-performing financing (NPF) that…
may undermine institutional stability and public trust. The research problem focuses on the suboptimal mechanisms for resolving problematic financing, the existence of a gap between legal norms and their practical implementation, and the lack of integration of philosophical approaches within the framework of Islamic economic law. This study aims to analyze resolution mechanisms from the perspective of Islamic economic law, identify the factors contributing to the normative–practical gap, and formulate a more comprehensive and equitable resolution model. The method employed is normative juridical, utilizing statutory and case approaches, with secondary data analyzed qualitatively through deductive reasoning. The findings indicate that the resolution of non-performing financing is still predominantly characterized by restructuring measures that are administrative in nature and fail to address root causes, while litigation pathways remain relatively ineffective due to procedural and substantive constraints. The disparity between legal norms and practice suggests that legal implementation has not fully reflected the principles of substantive justice. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of reconstructing resolution mechanisms through the integration of normative, empirical, and philosophical dimensions. The novelty of this research lies in the development of a maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah-based resolution model that offers a holistic approach oriented toward justice, public welfare, and the balance of interests, thereby providing more effective, contextual, and sustainable solutions within the Islamic financial system in Indonesia.