Abstract:The growing dominance of self-image construction in modern religious practice has diminished the authenticity of faith and shifted moral orientation from God toward public approval, indicating the need for an ethical framework…
mework capable of realigning the direction of Christian witness. This study employs Matthew 5:16 as the basis for reinterpreting the ethics of light as a corrective to performance-oriented religiosity and for formulating principles of sincere, theocentric, and contextually relevant faith testimony. The research utilizes literature review and historical-grammatical exegesis of the key Greek terms φῶς (phōs), καλὰ ἔργα (kalā erga), and δοξάσωσιν (doxasōsin), drawing on academic commentaries and recent scholarly findings. The analysis demonstrates that the ethics of light is not merely a moral exhortation but a participatory ethic that positions human beings as reflectors of God’s love rather than autonomous producers of moral virtue. Authentic good works direct glory to the Father, eliminating the pursuit of social recognition and rejecting religious self-presentation. The concept of hidden righteousness emerges as a theological critique of visual culture that prioritizes visible spiritual performance, affirming instead that genuine piety grows through inner integrity and spiritual perseverance. Its relevance to the digital age is expressed through a form of faith witness that promotes justice, solidarity, and consistent spiritual character within public spaces shaped by identity curation. The study concludes that the ethics of light constitutes a spirituality of witness integrating faith, morality, and social responsibility while offering novelty through a theocentric reinterpretation of the ethics of light as a constructive critique of contemporary religious self-imaging and an ethical paradigm for cultivating authentic Christian faith in the digital era.
Abstract:This study explores the concept of covenant in the Pentateuch through a qualitative-descriptive approach that integrates historical and theological analysis of God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Israel at Sinai. Historical…
istorical findings indicate that the covenantal structures in the Pentateuch correspond to treaty forms common in the Ancient Near East, particularly suzerainty treaties, yet the biblical covenants reveal a fundamental distinction by emphasizing God’s gracious initiative independent of political negotiations or human strategic interests. The theological examination affirms that the covenant is not merely a legalistic contract but a manifestation of God’s relational commitment that shapes the identity of His people as a covenant community grounded in divine faithfulness and promise. The Torah is understood as an expression of faith response arising from this covenantal relationship, rather than a prerequisite for salvation, thereby retaining its significance for the contemporary church as an ethical and spiritual framework guiding Christian praxis, character formation, and communal responsibility amid rapidly evolving social contexts. The integration of historical and theological perspectives demonstrates that the Pentateuchal covenant encompasses intertwined dynamics of grace, obligation, and identity formation, contributing theoretically to Old Testament studies, particularly covenant theology, while offering practical implications for ecclesial faith formation, the strengthening of communal spirituality, and ministry orientation rooted in a holistic understanding of the divine–human relationship. This research underscores the urgency of interpreting the Pentateuchal covenant through an interdisciplinary lens to meet the theological, ethical, and pastoral challenges faced by the church in the contemporary era.
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: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:This paper explores the importance of church leadership strategies in evangelism management and soul-winning, focusing on the application of Biblical principles and practical strategies within the context of personal evangelism.…
ngelism. Based on Jesus command in Matthew 28:19-20, evangelism is a primary task of the church to make all nations His disciples. Evangelism should involve all church members, not just leaders, with appropriate and effective approaches. Both general and personal evangelism methods have their respective advantages and disadvantages and should be carried out with careful planning and clear objectives. This study emphasizes the importance of patience, empathy, and prayer in the evangelism process, as exemplified by Jesus Christ and church leaders. Through the author’s personal experience of successfully baptizing family members after years of evangelism, it is evident that evangelism requires deep personal relationships, as well as consistent patience and commitment. Additionally, the involvement of the Holy Spirit is crucial for guiding and transforming human hearts, making it a key factor in successful evangelism. By implementing strategies based on personal relationships, patience, and prayer, the church can more effectively fulfill Christ’s calling and achieve sustainable spiritual growth and salvation.
Abstract:The Covid 19 pandemic, which has lasted for about three years, has had a significant impact on all aspects of life throughout the world, especially in Indonesia. Every day humans can move quickly and without restrictions,…
, but during the Covid 19 pandemic human movement was limited and restricted by several rules that have been set, including the number of gatherings even in the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic, staying at home or working from home, studying Working from home is mandatory for all levels of society and groups, both in schools, campuses and offices, so that the spread of the Covid 19 virus does not become widespread. This certainly has a significant impact on the speed of the economy, finances and of course the welfare of society. Since March 2022, the poverty rate in Indonesia has increased by 9.54%, and the government is trying to create many programs to eradicate it. This research answers the question: what is meant by poverty? What are the impacts of living in poverty? What is the solution to God’s protection in the post-pandemic extreme poverty phenomenon in Indonesia? The outcomes of using the literature investigate method are listed below: (1) Poverty as a disadvantage to citizens measured in terms of a certain standard of living, which refers to relative poverty designs that carry out similar analyzes in many poor countries. (2) The consequences of living in poverty are worsening health, declining health, and lack of security. (3) Overcoming poverty by enlivening God's protection, namely God's duty to prevent many poor people from becoming protectors of lifestyles, families and church congregations like Christ.
Abstract:This research delves into the prohibition of idol worship in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, with an emphasis on the role of the prophets who emphasized this prohibition. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding…
g of the concept of idol worship prohibition through the qualitative research method of Literature Review. The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, consistently conveys the prohibition of bowing down to worship idols. This activity is considered serious and carries severe consequences, especially for the people of Israel. Violating this prohibition is seen as betrayal to God and has the potential to trigger divine punishment. The theological basis for this prohibition lies in the jealousy of God, which arises when offerings are given to idols. Idol worship is equated with the practices of pagan nations and reflects unfaithfulness to God. This research also describes the history and theology behind this prohibition. Through the perspectives of Brian S. Rosner, E. L. Carlson, and Christie Kusnandar, the research demonstrates how idol worship triggers God's jealous reaction and disrupts the human relationship with Him. This message is strong in the Bible and integrated into Jewish religious teachings. In conclusion, the prohibition of idol worship serves as an important warning to maintain loyalty to God and avoid practices that are inconsistent with faith.
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:The advancement of digital technology has encouraged the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in online counseling services to enhance the accessibility and quality of mental health care. The emergence of AI through…
chatbots, virtual counselors, and digital mental health platforms presents various opportunities, challenges, and ethical implications that require comprehensive examination. This study aims to analyze the opportunities offered by AI, the challenges associated with its implementation, and the ethical implications of its use in online counseling services. The study employed a literature review method with a qualitative approach, examining 15 scientific articles published between 2016 and 2026. Data were analyzed using content analysis through the synthesis of findings from previous studies. The results indicate that AI has the potential to expand access to counseling services, improve service efficiency, support preliminary assessments, and facilitate the delivery of more personalized and data-driven interventions. However, the use of AI continues to face several challenges, including limitations in understanding human emotions and social contexts, the risk of inaccurate responses, algorithmic bias, and the potential for user dependency on technology. The most prominent ethical concerns involve privacy protection, data security, algorithmic transparency, system accountability, and professional responsibility. This study concludes that AI is more appropriately positioned as a supportive tool or co-counselor for professional counselors rather than a replacement for human practitioners. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of the opportunities, challenges, and ethical implications of AI into a comprehensive analytical framework.
Abstract:Daiama Tourism Village in Rote Ndao Regency possesses significant natural and cultural tourism potential; however, its tourism promotion remains suboptimal, resulting in fluctuating tourist visitation rates. This study aims…
ims to analyze promotional activities, identify factors influencing promotional effectiveness, and formulate promotional strategies to increase tourist visits. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method through observation, interviews, literature review, and documentation, supported by interactive data analysis and triangulation techniques. The findings reveal that promotional efforts still rely primarily on annual festivals and direct interpersonal communication without systematic support from planned digital media. This condition has contributed to fluctuations in tourist arrivals, increasing from 587 visitors in 2022 to 711 visitors in 2023, before declining to 503 visitors in 2024 and 468 visitors in 2025. Constraining factors include limited human resources, weak digital media management, and the underdeveloped institutional capacity of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis). The study concludes that promotional strategies should be directed toward digital marketing, strengthening cultural identity and local storytelling, as well as enhancing community and institutional capacity. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a sustainable promotional model that integrates digital marketing, cultural storytelling, community participation, and the strengthening of Pokdarwis institutions in accordance with the characteristics of Daiama Tourism Village as a nature- and culture-based tourism destination.