Abstract:Psalm 15:1-5 presents an ethical framework that integrates ritual piety and social responsibility as an authentic expression of faith before God. This study is motivated by the need to formulate a comprehensive model of…
Christian ethics that emphasizes not only personal morality but also social commitment within the context of practical theology. The central issue examined is how the ethical principles contained in Psalm 15 can be theologically interpreted and operationalized for ecclesial life and social praxis. Employing a qualitative theological method with an exegetical approach to the Hebrew text, this study interprets the ethical structure of Psalm 15 from a theological–moral perspective. The findings reveal three fundamental ethical axes: first, personal integrity, which affirms moral wholeness and a life aligned with the will of God; second, relational ethics, which demands the rejection of slander, injustice, and exploitation as a form of responsibility toward others; and third, moral stability, which is rooted in the holiness of God as the foundation for sustaining an ethical life. Based on these findings, the study develops a biblical ethical model that produces Ecclesial Ethics, embodied in the formation of the congregation’s moral habitus through spiritual discipline, and Social Ethics, defined as a commitment to uphold justice, integrity, and compassion in the public sphere. The novelty of this study lies in its integrative formulation that unites ecclesial and social ethics within a single transformative ethical paradigm. The study concludes that Psalm 15 provides a holistic foundation for Christian ethics in practical theology, positioning worship and social service as an inseparable unity of faith praxis.
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:Kisah Naaman, seorang perwira Aram yang disembuhkan dari penyakit kusta dalam 2 Raja-Raja 5, memperoleh makna teologis yang lebih mendalam ketika Yesus menyebutnya dalam Lukas 4:27 sebagai satu-satunya yang disembuhkan pada…
ada zaman nabi Elisa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelaah hubungan intertekstual antara kedua perikop tersebut melalui pendekatan teologi naratif dan intertekstualitas biblika. Fokus utama diarahkan pada eksplorasi makna teologis dari penyebutan tokoh non-Israel oleh Yesus, sekaligus implikasinya terhadap konsep universalitas anugerah Allah yang melampaui batas etnis, nasional, dan religius. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penyembuhan Naaman bukan sekadar mukjizat fisik, melainkan simbol keterbukaan keselamatan Allah bagi semua bangsa yang bersedia percaya dan taat kepada-Nya. Dengan mengutip kisah Naaman, Yesus menantang eksklusivisme religius yang sering kali membatasi karya Allah hanya pada kelompok tertentu, serta menyatakan inklusivitas misi Kerajaan Allah yang bersifat lintas batas dan transformatif. Narasi ini juga memperlihatkan bahwa karya keselamatan Allah sejak Perjanjian Lama sudah diarahkan pada pemulihan universal, yang mencapai puncaknya dalam pelayanan Yesus Kristus. Dengan demikian, kisah Naaman menegaskan pentingnya gereja masa kini untuk mewujudkan misi yang terbuka, kontekstual, dan inklusif, sebagai respons terhadap kasih karunia Allah yang tidak terbatas oleh kebangsaan, budaya, maupun tradisi keagamaan tertentu.
Abstract:Tulisan ini bertujuan mengkaji kehadiran Allah dalam pengalaman profetik Elia di 1 Raja-raja 19 melalui pendekatan teologis-naratif. Latar belakang penelitian ini muncul dari persoalan krusial: mengapa Elia mengalami keputusasaan…
utusasaan spiritual yang mendalam setelah kemenangan besar di Gunung Karmel, dan bagaimana Allah meresponsnya? Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa kehadiran Allah dinyatakan tidak melalui manifestasi spektakuler seperti api atau gempa, tetapi dalam "suara sepi yang lembut" yang bersifat personal dan pemulih. Kebaruan kajian ini terletak pada penekanan naratif-teologis bahwa kehadiran Allah justru paling nyata dalam keheningan dan kesendirian batin, bukan hanya dalam tindakan-tindakan mujizat. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini menawarkan suatu pemahaman alternatif mengenai cara Allah menyatakan diri dalam konteks penderitaan, trauma, dan krisis iman profetik.
Abstract:Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji secara ekspositori perikop 2 Raja-raja 6:8-9 untuk memahami strategi Kristen dalam menghadapi konflik. Permasalahan utama yang diangkat adalah bagaimana umat Kristen dapat menyusun strategi…
egi yang berlandaskan pewahyuan dan hikmat ilahi, bukan hanya pada pertimbangan rasional manusia. Teks ini menampilkan dua pendekatan yang kontras: strategi Raja Aram yang mengandalkan perencanaan manusiawi dan strategi Raja Israel yang bertumpu pada pewahyuan Tuhan melalui nabi Elisa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode ekspositori dengan analisis teologis-kontekstual, memperhatikan struktur teks, latar belakang historis, dan pesan teologis yang terkandung di dalamnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi Kristen lahir dari relasi intim dengan Tuhan, kepekaan terhadap suara-Nya, serta ketaatan dalam melaksanakan kehendak-Nya. Strategi ini bukan sekadar respons taktis, melainkan tindakan yang dipimpin oleh hikmat ilahi untuk menghadapi tantangan rohani maupun praktis. Penelitian ini menegaskan relevansi teks 2 Raja-raja 6:8-9 bagi kepemimpinan dan pelayanan Kristen kontemporer, khususnya dalam merespons konflik internal, membangun visi pelayanan, serta mengintegrasikan pewahyuan ilahi dalam pengambilan keputusan strategis. Kebaruan kajian ini terletak pada pendekatan ekspositori yang memadukan dimensi biblika, teologis, dan praktis dalam merumuskan paradigma strategis Kristen yang transformatif.
Abstract:The pastor plays various important roles in the congregation, such as preacher, teacher, priest, administrator, and counselor. Among all these roles, the counselor holds the greatest responsibility. The task of pastoral…
counseling includes providing emotional and spiritual support to the congregation. In addition to helping the congregation overcome emotional, mental, and spiritual issues, counseling also assists them in discovering their identity, life calling, and potential, so that they can develop holistically in life. Pastoral counseling is a form of interpersonal communication that requires the pastor to have good communication skills. The ability to build strong relationships with the congregation significantly influences their spiritual development. Additionally, empathy and compassion are qualities that pastors must possess to support their interpersonal skills. Diagnostic skills are also crucial for a pastoral counselor. With these skills, the counselor can identify the problems faced by the congregation and provide assistance or refer them for further treatment. Interpersonal skills help build open relationships, while diagnostic abilities are essential in identifying the root causes of the congregation's issues. In the diagnostic process, assessment and interpretation skills are vital to understanding the congregation's problems comprehensively—emotionally, mentally, socially, culturally, and spiritually—so that the solutions provided can be effective and accurate. Pastoral counseling plays a significant role in supporting the growth of faith and overall well-being of the congregation.
Abstract:This research investigates the challenge posed by the perceived lack of assertiveness among pastors in disciplining members of the congregation amidst the proliferation of fake news or hoaxes. It delves into the multifaceted…
eted roles of pastors within the church context, the nuanced concept of discipline as it pertains to congregational dynamics, and the pervasive phenomenon of hoaxes in contemporary society. Emphasizing the critical importance of pastors taking proactive measures to address and counteract the dissemination of hoaxes to safeguard the integrity and unity of the church community, this paper employs a comprehensive descriptive research methodology. Through an in-depth exploration of the characteristics and implications of hoaxes, the functions and responsibilities of pastors, and the significance of discipline within the ecclesiastical setting, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the complexities of managing misinformation within religious communities. By synthesizing theoretical frameworks and empirical observations, the paper offers actionable recommendations for pastors to effectively combat hoaxes while fostering an environment of truth, trust, and integrity within the church.