Abstract:Suffering constitutes an inseparable aspect of the faith journey of believers; however, this reality is frequently misunderstood as a sign of divine punishment or spiritual failure. Such a perception has been further reinforced…
nforced by the influence of prosperity theology, which emphasizes material success, life comfort, and the absence of suffering as indicators of genuine faith. This situation raises a significant theological concern regarding how believers should properly understand and respond to suffering based on the testimony of Scripture. This study aims to examine the attitude that believers should adopt when facing suffering according to 1 Peter 4:12-19 and to elucidate the theological significance of suffering for the Christian life of faith. A qualitative approach employing a biblical–exegetical method is utilized to analyze the text through an examination of its historical, literary, and theological contexts. Data were collected through a literature review of the Bible, biblical commentaries, theological works, and relevant academic journal articles in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the theological message conveyed by the Apostle Peter. The findings indicate that suffering experienced by believers is neither unexpected nor contradictory to faith but rather an integral component of the calling to follow Christ. The Petrine epistle emphasizes that suffering functions as a means of refining faith, a form of participation in the sufferings of Christ, and an opportunity to glorify God through steadfast faithfulness. Believers are therefore called to respond to suffering with spiritual joy, perseverance in faith, and wholehearted trust in the faithful will of God. The study concludes that suffering possesses profound theological significance that shapes spiritual maturity and deepens one’s relationship with Christ. The novelty of this research lies in its reaffirmation of the biblical perspective on suffering as a constructive element of the Christian life, challenging the paradigm of prosperity theology while enriching pastoral understanding of faithful responses to suffering.
Abstract:The Mamat tradition as a betel nut chewing practice within the Timor Lelogama community faces significant challenges due to the forces of modernization, which have the potential to weaken social cohesion and collective identity.…
dentity. This condition raises critical questions regarding how Mamat functions as an effective cultural instrument to maintain unity, nurture solidarity, and preserve noble intergenerational values. This study aims to analyze the role of the Mamat tradition as a living and dynamic cultural system amid ongoing social transformation. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed through observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the symbolic meanings and social functions embedded in the tradition. The findings reveal that Mamat is not merely a habitual practice of betel nut consumption, but a cultural mechanism that strengthens social integration, serves as a medium for conflict reconciliation, and reinforces kinship relations and social respect. The tradition also functions as a vehicle for transmitting cultural values that shape the collective character of the Timor Lelogama community. The novelty of this research lies in its analysis of Mamat as an integrated cultural system encompassing the dimensions of ideas, activities, and cultural artifacts, thereby enriching perspectives on local cultural studies grounded in social practice. The study concludes that preserving the Mamat tradition constitutes a relevant cultural strategy for strengthening social cohesion and sustaining community identity amid the dynamics of globalization.
Abstract:Idealism has made a significant contribution to the development of modern education, particularly in shaping curricula, learning orientations, and the reinforcement of moral values that foster students’ character formation.…
tion. The shift in educational paradigms that increasingly emphasizes intellectual and ethical dimensions demonstrates the relevance of idealist thought as a philosophical foundation that views reality as grounded in ideas, concepts, and rational consciousness. This study addresses the question of how the essence of idealism is philosophically understood and how its implications extend to religion, economics, politics, and education as spheres of human praxis. The research employs a literature review method through critical analysis of various scholarly articles discussing idealism as a philosophical school of thought and its contemporary relevance. The findings indicate that idealism posits ideas as the fundamental reality, while matter is understood as the outward manifestation of deeper inner dimensions such as mind, soul, and values. This perspective affirms that education should not merely focus on material and pragmatic aspects, but rather on the formation of character, morality, and spiritual awareness. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive synthesis between the metaphysical concepts of idealism and their multidimensional application in religion, economics, politics, and education, thereby offering an integrative perspective that underscores the urgency of ideal values in building a civilization grounded in thought and ethics.
Abstract:The phenomenon of low congregation involvement in the preaching and intercessory prayer segments indicates structural and conceptual weaknesses in church worship management, which impact the quality of the congregation’s…
�s spiritual participation. Although physical attendance is maintained, the apparent spiritual absence, reflected in passive behavior or the departure of congregants during crucial liturgical moments, reveals a management failure to holistically integrate liturgical, theological, and pastoral aspects. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with data collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews to examine the role of management in designing, implementing, and evaluating worship services that facilitate meaningful spiritual engagement. The analysis confirms that weak liturgical formation, the absence of a structured participatory evaluation system, and a less dialogical pastoral approach are dominant factors contributing to low congregation participation. Worship management that is purely administrative and procedural without reinforcement of the spiritual dimension contributes to a less transformative worship atmosphere. This study recommends reforming worship management through strengthening liturgical education, innovating more participatory and contextual forms of worship, and establishing worship evaluation teams involving leadership and congregants collaboratively and sustainably. The novelty of this research lies in emphasizing worship management not merely as a technical-administrative process but as a means of dynamically and contextually shaping the congregation’s spirituality, thereby providing a conceptual contribution to developing an adaptive and transformative worship management model within the modern church environment.
Abstract:Students at the Theological Seminary (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi, STT) of GPI Papua bear a dual identity, not only as prospective church ministers but also as individuals with personal aspirations concerning academic achievement,…
ment, social mobility, and future professional paths. The tension between vocational calling and personal ambition constitutes an existential challenge that influences the construction of motivation, spirituality, and life orientation among theology students. This study aims to analyze the dialectical dynamics between these two dimensions and to examine how local Papuan cultural values shape students’ interpretations and efforts to harmonize them. The research problem stems from a lack of integrative theological understanding of personal ambition within the context of vocational ministry. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to identify meaning structures, internal conflicts, and integration strategies employed by the students. The findings reveal that personal ambition is not necessarily antithetical to the calling of ministry; rather, it can serve as a constructive force when interpreted through a reflective spirituality grounded in contextual theology. Ambitions guided by Christian values can enhance ministerial capacity and foster authentic personal growth, whereas unmanaged ambition tends to lead to spiritual fragmentation. This study contributes a scientific model of integration between spiritual, personal, and cultural dimensions within theological formation. It recommends a reformulation of curriculum and spiritual formation strategies that are contextual, dialogical, and oriented toward the development of a holistic and culturally relevant vocational identity.
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: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:Congregational growth and spiritual development of church members are the primary goals of every religious community. However, the challenges faced by the church today are not solely limited to spiritual aspects but also…
consider management aspects that support healthy and sustainable growth. This paper aims to investigate the implementation strategies of church management theory as an effort to advance congregation growth and enhance individual spiritual quality. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, allowing researchers to delve into the complexity of social situations influencing church growth. By combining data from various sources, including books, scholarly articles, and academic journals, the author presents key principles of church management theory, such as shared leadership, humility, and resource management effectiveness. Furthermore, this paper discusses factors influencing congregational growth, including the significant role of prayer, discipleship, fellowship, and testimony in shaping enthusiastic and committed communities. By applying appropriate strategies supported by strong leadership, churches can achieve meaningful and spiritually significant growth, strengthening the foundation of faith and expanding their influence in society. Thus, this paper provides a comprehensive view of the importance of integrating management theory within the church context and offers practical guidance for churches to reinforce growth and spiritual development efforts.
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:This study is grounded in the importance of recognizing local wisdom-based educational practices that continue to exist amid the forces of modernization and globalization. The research problem focuses on how ethnopedagogical…
ical practices are implemented by the stone carving community in Muntilan, Magelang Regency, as an alternative educational model capable of transmitting knowledge across generations in a sustainable manner. The study employs a qualitative approach using a case study method to explore community-based learning processes through family apprenticeship, direct observation, and practical experience that integrates technical skills, aesthetic sensitivity, spiritual values, and Javanese philosophy. The findings reveal a distinctive learning ecology that emphasizes the internalization of tacit knowledge, character formation, and the close relationship between learning processes and socio-cultural life. The community also demonstrates adaptive resilience through its ability to adopt innovation without abandoning core cultural principles. The conclusion confirms that ethnopedagogical practices among the Muntilan stone carvers represent an effective and relevant contextual education model to support the preservation of intangible cultural heritage while addressing the challenges of modern education. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of ethnopedagogy with traditional craft practices as a holistic and sustainable non-formal education system, as well as its contribution to the discourse on decolonizing education and strengthening culturally based vocational education policies.