Abstract:Sexual violence can occur in any environment, including the family. Most victims of sexual violence are women. One narrative depicting violence in a family context is the story of Tamar and Amnon in 2 Samuel 13:1-39, which…
ch is part of King David’s family history. The family, which should be a place of refuge, instead becomes an unsafe place. The patriarchal system that gives power to men and places women in a subordinate position is one of the causes. The text of 2 Samuel 13:1-39 is implied in the modern context because the problem of sexual violence in private spaces such as the home is also experienced by women today. A feminist approach is used to draw out women’s values and analyze the structure of the Davidic Kingdom family, identifying the causes and impacts, and how Tamar, as a woman, faced and overcame the moral crisis and sexual violence she experienced. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with a hermeneutic approach, focusing on literature review to discuss related topics. The author found that Tamar, who experienced sexual violence in the family environment, did not receive justice. The cause of violence is the patriarchal system. Power struggles and invalid laws. Tamar did not remain silent but sought justice for herself by communicating her experiences to the public through religious and social symbolism. Learning from Tamar teaches modern women how to speak out about the injustices they experience.
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 aims to analyze the role of post-marital counseling as a pastoral strategy in addressing marital conflicts during the first five years of marriage among congregants of the Bethel Church of Indonesia (Gereja Bethel…
thel Indonesia) Musi Palem Indah, Palembang. The first five years of marriage represent a critical period prone to various issues, such as personality differences, poor communication patterns, financial problems, spiritual crises, and the influence of secular culture. Although the church has implemented a premarital counseling program, data indicate instances of divorce among young married couples due to a lack of continuous guidance. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method using observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires distributed to 25 couples who were married between 2020 and 2025. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing, validated through source triangulation. The findings reveal that the majority of respondents (70–80%) acknowledged that post-marital counseling plays a significant role in resolving household conflicts, fostering healthy communication, and strengthening family spirituality. The key finding of this study is the effectiveness of the MUSI-based pastoral counseling model (Problem, Effort, Goal, Intervention), which is systematic, contextual, and spiritually integrative according to the needs of the local congregation. The study recommends that the church develop post-marital counseling programs as an integral part of pastoral family ministry in a preventive, structured, and continuous manner to strengthen Christian family resilience from the early stages of marriage.
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:The use of the phrase “sit with Me on My throne” has long been debated among scholars regarding whether it should be understood literally or symbolically. Textual analysis of Revelation 3:21 shows that the word “sit” (kathízō,…
t” (kathízō, καθίζω) carries an important meaning in the Book of Revelation. It not only refers to the physical act of sitting but also contains a symbolic aspect: participation in divine authority and governance. This study applies the historical-grammatical method of exegesis to explore the true meaning of this phrase and its relevance to the spiritual life of Christians today. This method focuses on the historical and grammatical context of Revelation 3:21. The findings show that Christ’s promise to those who overcome is not merely about future heavenly honor but also an invitation to share in His mission, authority, and glory. The phrase signifies the restoration of identity and covenantal fellowship between Christ and the victorious believers. It reflects Christ’s exaltation by the Father and shows that the “throne” is not only a symbol of power but also a theological image of shared rule and divine communion. This study affirms that the concept of “sitting with Christ” offers both eschatological hope and present spiritual empowerment. The theology of victory in Revelation encourages perseverance and faithfulness, placing believers within the narrative of divine triumph. Thus, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of New Testament eschatology, Christian discipleship, and the believer’s role in God’s redemptive plan. Revelation 3:21 is a message of promise, restoration, and identity where participation in Christ’s reign is both a future hope and a present reality.
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:This journal discusses the meaning and implications of Genesis 1:1-2 in the context of the creation narrative. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before God’s act of creation. Analysis was carried…
d out on the biblical text and various theologians. The findings show that Genesis 1:1-2 describes an unstructured and empety initial state, which later became the foundation for the creation process. The creation narrative in Genesis 1:1-2 is one of the main foundations of Cristian theology. This research aims to dig deeper into the theological meaning of the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” in Genesis 1:1-2. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before creation, and its implications for understanding God’s power and creativity. This research seeks to clarify various existing interpretations, especially regarding the concept of “tohu wabohu” and its relationship with other creation theories. A close analysis of Genesis 1:1-2 shows that the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” describes an intial state that was unstructured and without form. This condition is not the result of previous destruction, but is a “blank canvas” for God’s creative work. Thorugh His words, God transforms chaos into order, brings light into darkness, and creates everything from nothing. This research provides new contributions, namely: presenting a comprehensive review of various theological views regarding Genesis 1:1-2 including comparisons with other creation theories such as the gap theory, providing a deeper interpretation of the concept of “tohu wabohu” and clarifyng misunderstandings that often occur, highlights the implications of understanding the early conditions of the earth for our understanding of God’s power and creativity and the relationship between creator and creation.