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:Ancient Israelite tradition reflects a patriarchal social structure that positioned men at the center of social, legal, and religious authority, resulting in limitations on women’s rights and roles, including access to inheritance…
inheritance law. This article addresses theological and juridical issues concerning the mechanism of legal change through the narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:1-11, which constitutes a significant turning point in Israelite legal tradition. The research problem focuses on the lack of attention in previous studies to the theological meaning of God’s decision in Numbers 27:7, as earlier research has tended to emphasize socio-cultural aspects, contextual relevance, or purely linguistic analysis. This study employs a qualitative approach based on a literature review, utilizing Hebrew textual exegesis, analysis of Israel’s patriarchal context, and a critical reading through the lens of feminist theology. The findings indicate that the daughters of Zelophehad’s claim was not merely a response to a legal vacuum, but a conscious action that positioned women as active subjects in the process of legal formation. God’s decision affirming their claim underscores divine justice that transcends the limitations of the patriarchal system and corrects institutionalized structural injustice. The conclusion affirms that this narrative presents God as the source of justice who sides with the restoration of the dignity of marginalized groups and opens space for women’s participation as agents of legal change. The novelty of this study lies in its theological interpretation that positions women not only as recipients of inheritance rights, but as pioneers of legitimate and divinely recognized legal transformation. These findings contribute to the development of feminist theology and Old Testament legal studies, while also providing a reflective foundation for gender equality discourse in contemporary theological and religious practice across cultures.
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: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: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 paper aims to delve deeper into the concept of the leadership of Jesus Christ and analyze it is implications in the contemporary context, particularly within the church environment. From the research findings, it is…
found that the leadership of Jesus not only served as a model for His followers in His time but is also relevant and crucial to be applied in the context of Christian leadership today. This study highlights several key aspects of Jesus leadership, including His character, spirituality, and service. Jesus character in leadership inspires exemplary traits of love, devotion, humility, and integrity, forming the foundation for effective and positively impactful leadership. Furthermore, spirituality of Jesus in leading is reflected in His steadfastness in prayer and in His understanding and teaching of Scripture. Jesus service as a leader demonstrates His commitment to selflessly serve with love and prioritize the needs of others over His own. Through a qualitative approach, this research takes the Evangelical Fellowship Church of Eliezer in a specific region as a case study to illustrate how the application of Jesus leadership principles can yield positive social transformation in a church context. The findings of this research provide significant implications for contemporary church leaders to emulate Jesus leadership in serving the people with love, leading by example, and preparing the next generation grounded in spiritual values and integrity.
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:Abstract Digitalization has had a significant impact on various aspects of life, including in the realm of business and religious practices. This research focuses on Christian evangelism in the digital era, where technology…
ogy has become an integral tool for spreading religious teachings. Digitalization allows churches and religious organizations to leverage social media, websites, podcasts, and other online platforms to reach a wider audience, significantly younger generations increasingly connected to technology. This research uses literature analysis methods and phenomenon observation as the primary approach. The research results show that digital evangelism effectively reaches a broader audience but is also faced with challenges, such as the risk of spreading misinformation or religious extremism. The importance of ethical responsibility in using technology is highlighted, with the need for churches and spiritual leaders to develop discipleship strategies that are contextual and responsive to current developments.