Manna Rafflesia

ARGUMENTASI FILSAFAT-TEOLOGIS TERHADAP MAKNA ELEMEN ROTI DAN ANGGUR PERJAMUAN KUDUS DALAM SEJARAH GEREJA

Sostenis Nggebu — 2026-04-29

The problem of this article discusses the meaning of the elements of the Holy Communion that have developed in church history. There are diverse views on the elements of the Lord's Supper that influence the doctrine of the Lord's Supper. The purpose of this discussion is to explain the philosophical and religious views of the Eastern world surrounding the concept of the elements of the Holy Communion. The method used is literature study. As a result, the meaning of the elements of the Lord's Supper has been influenced by Eastern philosophies and religious views in the early church period, so it is often seen as a change in substance (transubstantiation). The church serves holy communion to reflect faith in remembering Christ's sacrificial work on the cross for the forgiveness of sinners. Believers should be awakened to remember the great work of Christ who was willing to sacrifice for the sake of His people. So every time the congregation receives Holy Communion it should be greeted with faith and receive the service of bread and wine as a symbol of God's presence in the midst of His people. In conclusion, the Holy Communion element is only a sign of faith to remember Christ's work for the salvation of His people, and not as the real body and blood of Christ.

PERAN HUKUM TAURAT DALAM PERJANJIAN BARU: SUATU PENERAPAN BAGI GEREJA DAN ISRAEL

Samuel Lengkong — 2026-04-29

The Old Testament and the New Testament are two sides of a continuous history. However, Ephesians 2:15 states that the Law has been abolished. Meanwhile, Matthew 5:17 states that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law. This study uses a qualitative research method with a literature study approach, where library data is reviewed and analyzed to obtain a hypothesis or concept to obtain objective results. The purpose of this study is to discover the actual facts regarding the statement that the Law has been abolished and the implications of the Law for the church and the nation of Israel. The findings in this study are that the Law has been replaced and perfected through the work done by Jesus Christ. The Law is a history of God's faithful love and serves as a warning for both Israel and the Church. The application of the Law for both the church and Israel must be based on faith, love, and Jesus Christ.

POLA DAN DINAMIKA PENGINJILAN RASUL PAULUS: STUDI TEMATIK BIBLIKAL BERDASARKAN KISAH PARA RASUL

Iwan Setiawan — 2026-04-29

Evangelism was preaching the Good News about Christ. Preaching the Gospel is the responsibility of every believer and church. The church still has not fulfilled its mandate to make disciples. Most churches already know that they must preach the Gospel to all people who do not believe, but they only know but do not try to go to preach the Gospel, so preaching the Gospel is not the main thing.This research aimed to find the basis, area, strategy, principles and impact of evangelism contained in the Acts of the Apostles. The research method used is a qualitative approach with an analytical description method, explaining it in a hermeneutic way. The research results are: The research results obtained based on the book of Acts of the Apostles regarding evangelism were the basis of the apostle Paul's evangelism, namely the inclusion of the holy spirit, the Bible or the gospel of Christ, the commandment or great commission. area of evangelism, exemplary for evangelism, Paul’s evangelism strategy was preaching among his tribes, telling the chronology of the salvation of the Israelites, going to areas, and forming an evangelism team. Principles of Evangelism and Impact of Evangelism

MALEAKHI 3:6-12 DAN PRAKTIK PERSEPULUHAN DI GEREJA: SUATU KAJIAN TEOLOGIS

Robi Prianto — 2026-04-29

The tithe practices in Indonesian churches are comprised of at least two views, namely those that mandate and those that do not mandate the offering. Churches that mandate the tithe offering are often based on the text of Malachi 3. The same text can also be a means of threat to those who do not give tithes, because the text writes about the curse that occurs as a result of disobedience. At the same time, there are also many opinions that underlie the non-obligation of the practice. Through exegetical methods, the writer found that the tithe practice encounters many difficulties in being applied according to regulations that are in accordance with the Bible. However, the tithe practice is actually a faith practice based on the main law, which is loving God and one another. The offering is not to obey religious regulations but as evidence of obedience to God and love for others. At the same time, this evidence of love can be based on the reality of the deepening socio-economic gap in Indonesia. Tithing can be applied to try to bridge the existing gap.

KONTROVERSI PENAFSIRAN “SESUATU YANG ILAHI MUNCUL DARI DALAM BUMI”:KAJIAN HERMENEUTIK BERDASARKAN 1 SAMUEL 28:13

Aska Aprilano Pattinaja — 2026-04-29

The interpretation of the phrase “a divine being coming up out of the earth” has long been a subject of debate among biblical scholars, particularly due to the use of the term ’ĕ·lō·hîm in the sense of “divine.” The diversity of interpretations has often obscured the original meaning of this phrase. This study aims to examine and provide a clear and comprehensive interpretation of the phrase. Employing a hermeneutical approach through literature study, this research identifies two key findings: first, from a historical-cultural perspective, the term ’ĕ·lō·hîm in this context does not refer to the LORD (YHWH), but can also denote other divine or supernatural beings, including deities or objects of worship; second, within the biblical framework, anything associated with the LORD is not depicted as emerging from the earth, but rather from above (heaven), symbolizing the divine realm.The novelty of this study lies in addressing the interpretive gap concerning the meaning of “the divine” in 1 Samuel 28:13. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of biblical studies, particularly in clarifying and evaluating various interpretations of this narrative.

EUTIKHUS YANG TERTIDUR, MATI DAN BANGKIT: PEMBACAAN NARASI KISAH PARA RASUL 20:7-12 MELALUI TEORI OPOSISI NASKAH DAN HUMOR

James A. Lola — 2026-04-29

This study aims to identify and explain the dimensions of humor in the narrative of Eutychus in Acts 20:7–12 and to demonstrate its theological function within the framework of Luke's theology. It uses narrative analysis and a textual opposition approach, a hermeneutical model that emphasizes the identification of tension between normal expectations and narrative reality as a source of humor. The analysis was conducted through a literal reading of the narrative structure, situational irony, and wordplay. The results of the study show that the humor in this passage is consciously constructed through the opposition between the meaning of Eutychus' name (“fortunate”) and his tragic experience, the irony of Paul's long sermon that ended in the death of the listener, and the sudden reversal from tragedy to consolation through resurrection. The humor in this narrative can be seen as a narrative strategy by Luke to teach the theological value of resurrection over death as an important value in Christianity. The use of a textual opposition approach to this text provides an additional alternative for reading and studying the interpretation of scriptural texts, especially narrative texts, to identify nuances of humor, while also showing that humorous narratives can be one model for explaining Christian theological teachings.

PENERAPAN AMANAT AGUNG DALAM KONTEKS KEMAJEMUKAN INDONESIA: SUATU PENDEKATAN INKLUSIF-TRANSFORMATIF

Hikman Sirait — 2026-04-29

Indonesia is a country with a highly diverse population. However, intolerance and radicalism frequently lead to horizontal conflicts. The aim of this research is to apply the Great Commission as a relevant framework for developing the Gospel message so that it may be accepted by Indonesia’s vast and diverse population. Employing a qualitative method with a literature review and descriptive data analysis approach, it can be concluded that Indonesia’s diversity does not render the Gospel unacceptable or a failure; but rather that the Gospel can be accepted in their own respective ways; thus, the integration of the Gospel and contextualisation must be harmonised so that the Gospel message aligns with cultural and ethnic contexts, whilst deep social ministry will facilitate serving as a bridge for those wishing to proclaim the Gospel to Indonesia’s diverse society.

THE COMMA JOHANNEUM: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ITS TEXTUAL AUTHENTICITY AND THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Edi Purwanto — 2026-04-29

The Comma Johanneum (1 John 5:7–8) has been the subject of significant debate within biblical studies and theology due to its explicit reference to the Trinity and its contested textual authenticity. This study critically examines the textual, historical, and theological dimensions of the Comma Johanneum through a comprehensive literature review. The research explores its presence in later Greek manuscripts, its prominence in the Latin tradition, and its role in Trinitarian theology. While opponents argue that the passage is a later interpolation based on its absence in early Greek manuscripts and its probable origin as a marginal gloss, proponents emphasize its doctrinal clarity, early usage by church figures, and inclusion in the Textus Receptus and the King James Bible. This study synthesizes these perspectives to affirm the Comma Johanneum’s theological significance while addressing the challenges posed by textual criticism. Ultimately, the research highlights the enduring relevance of the Comma Johanneum in discussions of Scripture preservation, doctrinal authority, and Trinitarian theology.

ANALISIS TEOLOGI PASTORAL KHOTBAH DALAM KITAB KISAH PARA RASUL: SUATU IMPLIKASI BAGI HAMBA TUHAN

Jonidius Illu — 2026-04-29

This article arises from a pastoral concern regarding the need for sermons that are not only theologically informative but also pastorally edifying in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Employing an exegetical and pastoral theological approach, this study analyzes several key sermons in the book of Acts—particularly those delivered by Peter (Acts 2), Stephen (Acts 7), and Paul (Acts 13 and 17)—to explore principles of effective Gospel communication for today’s ministers. The findings reveal that apostolic preaching emphasized not only doctrinal teaching but also served as a pastoral act characterized by boldness, contextual sensitivity, and a call to repentance and confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The main conclusion of this study is that preaching in the context of Acts functions as a means of grace that strengthens faith, renews life, and equips the church to follow Christ. The novelty of this article lies in its integrative emphasis on the homiletical and pastoral dimensions of apostolic preaching and its relevance for ministers today who long to serve faithfully to the Gospel with sensitivity to the needs of souls.

ETNOTEOLOGI DIGITAL DAN AREOPAGUS MODERN: KAJIAN KISAH PARA RASUL 17:22-28

Febriaman Lalaziduhu Harefa — 2026-04-29

This study is motivated by the gap between the massive dynamics of digital transformation and the church’s mission practices, which have not yet fully integrated local culture into the digital sphere in a theologically reflective manner. Although Acts 17:22-28 demonstrates how Paul utilized Greek cultural symbols at the Areopagus as a starting point for proclaiming the Gospel, scholarly exploration of the application of this principle within the framework of digital ethnotheology remains relatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the concept of digital ethnotheology as a model for integrating local culture in the development of contextual mission in the digital era, based on an exegetical reflection on Acts 17:22-28.The method employed is qualitative research with a descriptive-analytical approach through a literature review of contextual theology, missiology, and cultural digitalization. The findings indicate that digital space can be understood as a “modern Areopagus,” providing strategic opportunities for the church to communicate the Gospel through narratives, symbols, art, music, and ritual expressions rooted in local culture. The discussion affirms that the Gospel does not abolish culture but transforms it, while also highlighting theological challenges such as the potential for syncretism and the hegemony of digital globalization.

SINERGI PERAN GEREJA DAN KELUARGA DALAM MENGHADAPI PHUBBING SERTA KECANDUAN GADGET PADA GENERASI ALPHA DI ERA DISRUPSI

Irene Christanti Hutabarat — 2026-04-29

The era of digital disruption poses serious challenges to the formation of faith and character in Generation Alpha, who have been familiar with technology since birth. Gadgets and the internet, which initially served as tools for education and communication, have now often become sources of dependence, affecting their social and spiritual interaction patterns. Similarly, the widespread phenomenon of Phubbing, which is the act of ignoring real relationships in favour of virtual interactions,is evidence that gadget addiction not only damages communication between peers but also erodes the quality of family relationships and the spiritual life of the alpha generation. The purpose of this study is to examine the integration of the roles of the church and family in dealing with Phubbing and gadget addiction among Generation Alpha. Using a qualitative method with a literature study approach, it can be concluded that Phubbing and gadget addiction are serious phenomena that threaten the quality of Generation Alpha's social and spiritual relationships, so that the church is called to be present as a koinonia community that strengthens spirituality amid the tide of disruption. The family, as the basis of Christian faith and character education, has the primary responsibility for shaping a balanced spiritual habitus and digital ethics. The integration of the roles of the church and family in facing these challenges has significant practical theological implications for the character formation of Generation Alpha so that they remain rooted in the Christian faith while being adaptive to the digital age.

PEMETAAN KARAKTERIRSTIK KEPEMIMPINAN PEMUDA GEREJA DI KOTA MAKASSAR DENGAN PENDEKATAN TRAIT THEORY

Elsa Novitra Ginting — 2026-04-29

Youth are the next generation of the nation who need to be well prepared to become agents of peace and future leaders. The city of Makassar is a multicultural area and is therefore vulnerable to potential friction among social groups if diversity is not managed properly. This condition constitutes the urgency of the present study, namely, to enable church youth to play a strategic role in mitigating potential conflicts and in building bridges of fraternity by developing an appropriate model of self-leadership. This research is important for fostering awareness of the significance of diversity within a multicultural society, so that opportunities for tension and conflict can be minimized. This study aims to develop a leadership model based on Trait Theory in order to enhance the role of church youth in the city of Makassar. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews and observations of church youth. The findings indicate the existence of two types of leadership characteristics among church youth in Makassar. It is expected that this research will contribute to the development of church youth leadership in Makassar in responding to the challenges of diversity.

PEMAHAMAN TEOLOGIS ORANG TUA KRISTEN TENTANG FORMASI IMAN ANAK DALAM KELUARGA DI GEREJA PROTESTAN MALUKU

Christina Metallica Samosir — 2026-04-29

This study examines Christian parents’ perceptions of children’s faith formation within the family as an expression of Christian faith praxis in the context of the Protestant Church of Maluku. The study is grounded in the theological understanding that the family serves as a primary space for nurturing faith across generations within the life of the church. This research employs a qualitative approach using descriptive-analytical methods through interviews and document analysis involving church families. Data were analyzed thematically within the framework of practical theology and family theology. The findings indicate that parents perceive children’s faith formation as a spiritual responsibility closely related to life example, family worship practices, and the internalization of Christian values in daily life. However, contextual dynamics influence these practices, including social change, digital challenges, and limited theological understanding among families. This study contributes to the development of practical theology discourse, particularly in the areas of family theology and intergenerational faith formation within the context of local churches in Indonesia. Theologically, this study reaffirms the importance of the family as an essential space of faith praxis in sustaining church life and shaping the spirituality of younger generations.

MANULANGI: JEJAK SPIRITUAL DALAM TRADISI BATAK YANG MENGINSPIRASI PEMBINAAN IMAN INTERGENERASI

Junjungan Simorangkir — 2026-04-29

The Manulangi tradition in Batak society is a cultural practice that represents children's respect for their parents while strengthening family solidarity. The values in this tradition align with Christian teachings, particularly the command to honor parents (Exodus 20:12). However, most previous studies have emphasized the symbolic and socio-cultural aspects of the Manulangi tradition, resulting in little exploration of its pedagogical potential in Christian faith education. This study aims to reinterpret the Manulangi tradition as a pedagogical medium for intergenerational Christian faith education. The study used a descriptive qualitative method through observation and in-depth interviews with religious leaders, traditional leaders, and village heads in Lumban Suhi-Suhi Village, Pangururan District, Samosir Regency, North Sumatra. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, thematic categorization, and theological-pedagogical analysis with source triangulation validation. The results show that Manulangi functions not only as a traditional tradition but also as a learning space for faith values that enable the transfer of values between generations, such as respect, love, responsibility, and family reconciliation. With a contextual theological approach and adult education, this tradition has the potential to be developed as a pedagogical medium in contextual Christian faith education for the Batak people.

KONSEP ‘MATI SEBELUM WAKTUNYA’ DALAM PENGKHOTBAH 7:17: SUATU TELAAH TEOLOGIS DAN EKSEGETIS

Timotius Bakti Sarono — 2026-04-29

This study aims to explore the meaning of the phrase “to die before one’s time” as found in Ecclesiastes 7:17, within the framework of biblical wisdom literature. The phrase is often understood as the moral and spiritual consequences of a life marked by wickedness and foolishness. This study uses exegetical and semantic approaches to analyze Hebrew root words such as רָשָׁע (rashaʿ) for “wicked” and סָכָל (sakal) for “foolish,” as well as עֵת (ʿet) which refers to “time” or “season.” The results of the analysis show that “to die before one’s time” is not simply a biological event, but a theological expression that implies a discrepancy between God’s will and human life choices. In the Hebrew wisdom tradition, this kind of death is seen as the result of a rejection of the ethical and spiritual values embedded in God’s law. This study also highlights how the doctrine of free will plays a role in determining these existential consequences. Thus, the text of Ecclesiastes 7:17 becomes an important reflection of biblical ethics and spirituality that emphasizes the interconnectedness of moral choices, wise living, and human life time.

TRANSFORMASI SPIRITUALITAS GEREJA DAN NILAI-NILAI KEKRISTENAN DALAM KONTEKS PELAYANAN DIGITAL BERBASIS TEOLOGI PRAKTIS KONTEKSTUAL

Yohanes Twintarto Agus Indratno — 2026-04-29

Rapid developments in information technology have brought about significant changes in various aspects of human life, including in the practice and expression of church life. Churches that were once centred on physical gatherings now face the challenge of adapting to the dynamics of digital ministry without losing their spiritual essence. This shift requires a new understanding of how Christian values can be authentically lived and realised in a fast-paced and interactive digital space. The emergence of digital churches shows that faith and technology can go hand in hand within a contextual practical theology framework. This study aims to analyse the transformation of church spirituality and how Christian values are recontextualised in digital ministry. The research method used is a qualitative approach with theological literature analysis. It can be concluded that the reconstruction of Christian spirituality in the digital age requires a reflective, critical, and contextual practical theological approach. The digital transformation of the church is not merely technological, but also ecclesiological, as it reshapes the way faith communities relate, worship, and witness. Digital ecclesiology opens up opportunities for the formation of inclusive and participatory faith communities, but at the same time presents challenges to spiritual depth, authenticity of relationships, and spiritual discipline. Therefore, the church needs to manage digital spirituality theologically, ethically, and responsibly.

MISSIO DEI SEBAGAI PERSEKUTUAN RELASIONAL: REFLEKSI MISIOLOGIS DARI YOHANES 17:20–21 BAGI GEREJA MASA KINI

Paulus Purwoto — 2026-04-29

This paper re-examines the concept of Missio Dei as a relational fellowship, starting from a theological study of John 17:20–21. In practice, the understanding of the church's mission is often reduced to mere programmatic activities or efforts to expand church institutions. This perspective has the potential to ignore the relational dimension that is actually the main foundation of the mission itself. This research uses a qualitative approach with theological analysis methods. The review process is carried out through the study of relevant literature and exposition of the biblical text, especially John 17:20–21. The results of the analysis show that John 17:20–21 emphasizes that the sending of the disciples is a continuation of the existing relationship between the Father and the Son. Missio Dei is essentially the church's participation in the relational fellowship of the Triune God. The church is not only called to carry out various mission activities, but also to live out relationships that reflect the character of this divine fellowship. Missiologically, this understanding implies that the contemporary church needs to actualize its calling both relationally and contextually, especially in facing the increasingly plural and dynamic realities of society.

NARASI PENDERITAAN DAN KESABARAN NABI DALAM YAKOBUS 5:10: IMPLIKASI TEOLOGIS BAGI KEPEMIMPINAN GEMBALA JEMAAT

Paulus Kunto Baskoro — 2026-04-29

Pastors are often perceived as problem solvers, yet they are ordinary individuals carrying a sacred calling that demands complete spiritual exemplary. A crucial, often overlooked focus is the perseverance in enduring unexpressed internal suffering. This descriptive qualitative study, utilizing a library research method, aims to analyze the relevance of James 5:10 for contemporary ecclesiastical leadership. Through the exegesis of the text "Take the prophets as an example of suffering and patience," it is found that the suffering of the prophets serves as an essential prototype of exemplary leadership. The research findings indicate that patience (makrothumia) in suffering constitutes a spiritual authority that strengthens the congregation. In conclusion, the effectiveness of pastoral care is measured by the pastor's capacity to persistently manage emotional suffering without compromising integrity. The novelty of this research lies in the context of "unexpressed emotional suffering." This article offers a perspective that emotional resilience and internal patience are essential instruments of transformative leadership in modern ecclesiology.

JESUS CHRIST AS A MODEL FOR PEACE LEADERS IN ADVANCING CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION IN THE CITY OF SOLO

Irawan Budi Lukmono — 2026-04-29

As a pluralistic city, Solo is vulnerable to intolerance, violence, and conflict, all of which impact the lives of its residents. Ethnic, cultural, religious, and political divisions are the main causes of ongoing conflicts in Solo, resulting in frequent disturbances almost every year. The purpose of this study is to develop a peace leadership paradigm using Jesus Christ as a model to transform conflict in Solo. This research employs a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological paradigm. Data collection techniques include literature review, interviews, and observation. Domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and thematic analysis were all used in the data analysis process. Based on the example of Jesus Christ, this study produces a peace leadership model aimed at bringing conflict transformation to Solo. Conclusion: In the context of Solo, peace leadership modeled on Jesus Christ is considered appropriate and applicable.

MODEL KESEHATAN HOLISTIK PREVENTIF BERBASIS SPIRITUALITAS DALAM NARASI DANIEL 1:8–15: SUATU KAJIAN TEOLOGIS

Sri Mulyati — 2026-04-29

This study aims to construct a preventive holistic health model grounded in spirituality based on the narrative of Daniel 1:8–15 within the framework of theology of health. Employing a qualitative library research design, this study utilizes canonical theological exegesis integrated with a theological-health hermeneutical approach to examine the relationship between spiritual discipline, self-regulation, and healthy lifestyle practices within the context of covenant identity. The findings reveal that the Daniel narrative presents an integrative and preventive health paradigm through three key dimensions: faith-based ethical decision-making, embodied discipline through dietary practices, and observable physical outcomes. These findings demonstrate that biblical spirituality is not dualistic but is embodied in concrete life practices that shape health-related behavior. Spiritual discipline functions as an internal mechanism of self-regulation that contributes to sustainable healthy living. The novelty of this study lies in the formulation of a preventive theology of health model derived from biblical narrative, which integrates theological, spiritual, and contemporary health perspectives. Theoretically, this study contributes to the development of integrative theology of health, while practically it offers a conceptual framework for faith-based health education and pastoral care in contemporary contexts.

EKSPEKTASI PROFETIK UMAT KRISTEN DI ERA DIGITAL: REINTERPRETASI ESKATOLOGI DALAM BUDAYA MEDIA SOSIAL

Yonatan Alex Arifianto — 2026-04-29

The rise of social media has fundamentally transformed the way the Christian faith is expressed and understood in the public sphere of our time. Christian eschatology and prophetic expectations have undergone a shift in meaning due to the digital logic that emphasises speed, visualisation, and the virality of religious narratives. Consequently, prophetic language, which should shape the hope of faith, is often reduced to sensationalist discourse lacking theological reflection and pastoral discernment. This study aims to reframe Christian eschatology theologically and critically so that it remains relevant and responsible within social media culture. Using a qualitative method with a literature review and theological analysis, it can be concluded that Christian eschatology in both classical and contemporary traditions demonstrates that prophetic expectations are theologically rooted in eschatological hope, which shapes the faith and life orientation of believers. However, within the context of social media as a space for theological mediation, prophetic language undergoes a transformation that often shifts hope into religious sensationalism, which has the potential to weaken the depth of faith reflection. Therefore, a reframing of Christian eschatology is required through theological discernment and pastoral responsibility so that prophetic expectations remain faithful to the Christian faith and biblical values

DIGITAL KERYGMA: REEVALUASI TEOLOGIS DAN STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI VISUAL DALAM MENGHADAPI FRAGMENTASI INFORMASI DI MEDIA SOSIAL

Soewarto Tjokrohandoko — 2026-04-29

The development of the digital ecosystem has reconstructed the information consumption patterns of society, yet church institutions tend to be trapped in the phenomenon of ecclesiological lag. This study aims to critically evaluate the church's technocentric stuttering and formulate theological teaching strategies that are relevant while remaining faithful to the authority of Biblical revelation. Using a qualitative approach with an interpretive netnographic design, this research dissects the dialectic between the production of theological content and the reflective response patterns of audiences on video-based social media platforms. The results indicate that the current use of technology by the church is still pragmatic-instrumental, resulting in a reduction of pedagogical depth amidst information fragmentation. As a theoretical and practical solution, this study offers the Digital Kerygma framework through a Tiered Digital Pedagogy model. This model integrates three fundamental principles: Visual Theology as a hermeneutical tool, Narrative Theology as an existential bridge, and Reflective Fragmentation as a meaning condensation strategy. These findings confirm that the effectiveness of digital theological teaching is not determined by the duration of exposure, but by kerygmatic density, which is capable of transforming information fragments into cognitive initiation toward deep and sustainable spiritual formation.

MAKNA TEOLOGIS AZAZEL DALAM IMAMAT 16: ANALISIS RITUAL PENDAMAIAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF PERJANJIAN LAMA

Rinto Francius Sirait — 2026-04-29

The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 occupies a central position in the Israelite cultic system as a means of restoring the relationship between YHWH and His people. One of the most problematic elements in this ritual is the identity and function of Azazel, which only appears in this context and opens up a wide range of interpretations. The ambiguity of Azazel's meaning creates hermeneutical tension because it has implications for the understanding of sin and the value of atonement. In ancient Israeli liturgical practice, the symbols of the wilderness and the goat for Azazel continue to spark debate. This indicates the need for an integrative reading of the atonement ritual. This study aims to analyse the theological meaning of Azazel in Leviticus 16 as a symbol of chaos subject to the sovereignty of YHWH. The method used is a literature study with a grammatical-historical exegetical approach. The results of the study show that Azazel in Leviticus 16 cannot be reduced to a mere demonological figure or a topographical reference, but rather a cosmological symbol that connects the spiritual dimension, liminal space, and the reality of sin. The ritual of transferring sin through goats to Azazel reveals a mechanism for eliminating impurity from the community to a realm of chaos that lies outside the sacred order. Through this structure, Levitical theology affirms that all space, including marginal areas, remains under the absolute sovereignty of YHWH, so that atonement is understood as a comprehensive cosmic restoration.

MEMBANGUN SENSE OF COHERENCE ANAK DIFABEL: PERSPEKTIF TEOLOGI IMAGO DEI BERDASARKAN KEJADIAN 1:26-27

Zinzendorf R A Dachi — 2026-04-29

Children with disabilities have difficulty actualizing themselves in independence and interacting with their peers. Life experiences involving emotions such as self-actualization, understanding the meaning of life and readiness to interact with physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities often cause children to become easily angered and emotionally unstable. Negative reactions from the environment and discriminatory treatment make children with disabilities tend to withdraw, leading to a negative self-concept, feeling stupid, strange, and useless. According to Aaron Anthonovsky's solutogenesis theory, this can be restored if children with disabilities have a strong sense of coherence. This study aims to find out how to build a sense of coherence in children with disabilities from a theological perspective. A descriptive qualitative method with a literature study approach was carried out to examine aspects of the sense of coherence and theological principles from the teaching of humans as the image and likeness of God in Genesis 1:26-27. The findings obtained that the aspects of understanding, manageability, and meaningfulness which are components of the sense of coherence can be strengthened through teaching humans as the image and likeness of God to build a sense of coherence in children with disabilities. The novelty of this research lies in the reconceptualization of the identity of children with disabilities from merely being objects of service to becoming subjects who have a strong sense of coherence based on the theological understanding of imago Dei.

DEKONSTRUKSI NARASI PENAKLUKAN: KONSTRUKSI MODEL MISI INKLUSIF BERBASIS MISSIO DEI DALAM BINGKAI INKLUSIVITAS BUDAYA NUSANTARA

Noh Ruku — 2026-04-29

This article critically examines the transformation of Christian mission paradigms from expansion-oriented approaches toward dialogical and relational models within the plural context of the Indonesian archipelago. The study addresses the gap between global developments in missiology and the lack of contextual mission models rooted in Nusantara’s socio-cultural realities. Using a qualitative theological literature review and conceptual analysis, this research engages key frameworks such as missio Dei, contextual theology, and interfaith dialogue. The findings demonstrate that contemporary mission should be understood as participatory involvement in God’s redemptive work through relational presence, cultural embodiment, and social engagement. Based on this analysis, the study proposes an inclusive mission model grounded in local culture, consisting of three dimensions: incarnational, dialogical, and transformational. This model provides a theological and operational framework for churches in Indonesia to develop culturally sensitive mission practices, foster interreligious relationships, and actively contribute to social transformation within plural societies. The novelty of this study lies in its systematic integration of global missiological discourse with the socio-cultural context of Nusantara.