Abstract:The Naketi Rite constitutes a traditional confession practice that has been preserved and transmitted across generations within the Oemofa community and functions to sustain social harmony. Social transformation and shifting…
ting patterns of communal interaction have posed challenges to the continuity and interpretation of this ritual, thereby necessitating scholarly inquiry capable of comprehensively elucidating its significance. This study addresses the question of how the symbolic meanings, social functions, and moral values embedded in the Naketi Rite shape mechanisms of reconciliation and social integration in Oemofa society. A cultural anthropology approach was employed to interpret the ritual practice through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and a review of relevant literature. The findings indicate that Naketi serves as an institutionalized medium for acknowledging wrongdoing, restoring fractured relationships, and reinforcing collective solidarity through mutually recognized symbolic mechanisms. The ritual cultivates values of honesty, responsibility, self-awareness, and commitment to social cohesion, which contribute to the prevention of prolonged conflict. The study concludes that Naketi is not merely a ceremonial expression but an effective cultural institution that mediates social tensions and reproduces the community’s moral order. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative analysis of the symbolic dimension and social function of the Naketi Rite as a locally grounded reconciliation model, offering relevance for contemporary cultural anthropology and discourse on tradition-based conflict resolution.
Abstract:The Natoni tradition, as an oral cultural heritage of the Timorese community, embodies religious and social dimensions that reflect the relationship between Christian faith and local wisdom. However, the currents of modernization…
rnization and shifts in the lifestyle of younger generations have led to a diminishing understanding of its symbols, ritual language, and moral messages, thereby placing its existence at risk of marginalization. This study addresses the question of how the theological meaning and anthropological values of Natoni are understood and actualized within Christian communities, and to what extent this tradition contributes to the formation of faith identity and social cohesion. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the practice and its meanings. The findings reveal that Natoni functions as a contextual medium of prayer, a means of internalizing faith teachings, a bond of communal solidarity, and a vehicle for transmitting values of respect, responsibility, and intergenerational togetherness. The tradition provides an integrative space between incarnational theology and local cultural realities, thereby enriching contextual expressions of Christian spirituality. The study concludes that the revitalization of Natoni requires synergy among the church, traditional leaders, families, and educational institutions to ensure its continued relevance and responsiveness to contemporary challenges. The novelty of this research lies in its simultaneous integration of theological and anthropological analyses of Natoni as a contextual praxis of faith rather than merely a cultural phenomenon, thus offering a conceptual contribution to the development of Indonesian contextual theology.
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: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 development of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has created new opportunities to develop more adaptive learning while enhancing students' digital literacy. This study aims to analyze the implementation of GenAI…
enAI as an adaptive learning medium, its effect on improving digital literacy, and Information Systems students' perceptions of its use. This research employed a quantitative approach using a pre-experimental method with a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The results showed that the average digital literacy score increased from 68.8 to 85.0, representing an improvement of 16.2 points after the implementation of GenAI. The highest improvement was found in the Digital Safety and Ethics dimension with 19 points, followed by Digital Content Creation with 17 points, Information Literacy and Digital Technology Utilization with 16 points each, and Digital Communication and Collaboration with 13 points. The paired sample t-test produced a t-value of 8.45 with a significance level of 0.000, indicating that the implementation of GenAI had a statistically significant effect on improving students' digital literacy. The students also expressed positive perceptions of GenAI because it facilitated their understanding of learning materials, increased learning motivation, and supported more effective completion of academic tasks. This study concludes that GenAI is an effective adaptive learning medium for improving students' digital literacy. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a GenAI implementation model that integrates adaptive learning with the five dimensions of digital literacy among Information Systems students in a comprehensive manner.
Abstract:Contemporary congregational spirituality faces significant challenges due to the rise of individualism, competition, and self-centered orientations that hinder the practice of humility, service, and unity among believers.…
. This condition highlights the importance of a strong theological foundation for cultivating Christ-centered spirituality. This study aims to examine the concept of the ethics of the cross in Philippians 2:5–11 from the perspective of Pauline Christology, identify the ethical values embedded within the passage, and explain their implications for congregational spiritual formation. The study employs a qualitative method with a theological-expository approach through library research and exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:5–11. The findings reveal that the ethics of the cross is rooted in Christ’s self-emptying, His taking the form of a servant, His obedience unto death on the cross, and His subsequent exaltation by God. This ethical framework is expressed through three principal values: relinquishing personal rights and privileges, serving with humility, and demonstrating complete obedience to the will of God. The findings further indicate that congregational spiritual formation should be centered on the transformation of the mind, a life characterized by service, and communal relationships that reflect the character of Christ. The novelty of this study lies in its formulation of the ethics of the cross as a systematic and Christ-centered model of spiritual formation that bridges Pauline Christology and the spiritual development of contemporary congregations.
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:The development of digital technology over the past two decades has revolutionized human communication, social interaction, and the formation of both individual and collective identities in a global context. Digital media…
a no longer merely function as communication tools but have become socio-cultural spaces that actively shape values, norms, symbols, and everyday practices. This phenomenon raises research questions regarding how cultural transformation and identity construction are influenced by the dominance of digital technology, as well as how social media and platform algorithms shape cultural visibility and digital identities. This study employs a qualitative approach through a critical narrative literature review, synthesizing theories of network society, mediatization, cultural globalization, digital capitalism, and digital identity. The analysis focuses on four key issues: cultural digitalization, the role of social media in identity formation, the emergence of hybrid identities, and platform power in determining cultural representation. Findings indicate that digital technology has ambivalent effects: it expands spaces for cultural expression, enhances public participation, and provides opportunities for marginalized groups to represent their identities; however, global platform dominance drives cultural homogenization, identity commodification, and inequitable symbolic representation. The novelty of this study lies in integrating a critical perspective on the influence of algorithms and digital capitalism in identity formation, which has rarely been addressed comprehensively in digital cultural studies. These findings offer theoretical contributions to media and cultural research as well as practical implications for understanding identity representation in the global digital era.