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Ritual as the Primordial Nexus: Bellah's Evolutionary Framework for Social Solidarity and Cultural Identity Ridha Herdiani; Yeni Huriani; Rahimin Abdul Rahim
Jurnal Iman dan Spiritualitas Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Jurnal Iman dan Spiritualitas
Publisher : UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/jis.v6i2.54037

Abstract

The Ritual Roots of Society and Culture of Bellah’s work (2005) in the Handbook of the Sociology of Religion discusses ritual as the foundation of society and culture through an interdisciplinary perspective. Bellah integrates Durkheim’s (1912/1995) theory of collective effervescence, Collins (1998) on the rituals of everyday interaction, Deacon (1997) on the origins of symbolic language, and Rappaport (1999) who divides the meaning of ritual into three levels: low as information, middle as metaphor, and high as unity of self with others. Bellah argues that ritual is not just a religious practice but a basic social action that shapes solidarity, morality, and collective meaning, from human evolution to modern life, including elections and public events. A critical analysis shows the strengths of this article, namely its integration of cross-disciplinary theories, its depth of evolutionary perspectives, and its contemporary relevance. However, there are limitations, including minimal exploration of scepticism, speculative empirical examples, and a focus on the Western context. The application of Bellah’s theory to Indonesian and Sundanese culture is demonstrated through the rituals of Cokaiba Maluku, Seren Taun, traditional weddings, and angklung music, which strengthen mutual cooperation and communal identity. In the context of Islam, worship rituals such as prayer, zakat, fasting, and the pilgrimage align with Bellah’s concept, supported by Qur’anic verses such as Al-Baqarah: 43 and Al-Hujurat: 10, which foster communal solidarity amidst cultural diversity. Overall, Bellah’s theory asserts that ritual is a crucial mechanism for creating social harmony and preserving cultural identity, relevant to the challenges of globalization and secularism. The emphasis on collective meaning and solidarity makes ritual a vital instrument in maintaining social, moral, and cultural balance in contemporary society.
REFLEKSI TEOLOGIS TENTANG CINTA, HASRAT, DOSA, AMPUNAN, DAN KESELAMATAN DALAM LIRIK LAGU METALLICA "THE UNFORGIVEN": SEBUAH PERSPEKTIF TEOLOGI PUITIK Dian Nurrachman; Yeni Huriani; Rifki Rosyad
Epigram Vol 22 No 1 (2025): Vol. 22 No. 1 Tahun 2025
Publisher : Politeknik Negeri Jakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32722/epi.v22i1.8021

Abstract

In today's modern development, poetry has transformed into—and contributed to shaping—songs in popular culture. Song lyrics in popular culture are very similar to traditional poetry, which evolved as a modern expression of a timeless art form. Song lyrics, as an integral part of popular culture, function as a form of storytelling and meaning-making. By retelling human experiences and emotions, they create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, often reflecting themes of hope, despair, love and redemption. These interactions underscore the idea that theology does not stand alone, but is embedded in the cultural and emotional currents that define human existence. In this context, bands like Metallica stand out as profound contributors. Their ability to channel deep personal experiences and universal human themes into their music not only defines their art but also underscores their connection to the spirit of the culture. Metallica is one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, and their lyrics have had a profound impact on the genre. This present research specifically examines the theological reflection of Metallica's song lyrics, which requires an analysis of how Metallica's song lyrics contain elements of theological reflection, especially those related to desire, love, sin, forgiveness, and salvation. Therefore, this present research is more focused on the question of how do Metallica’s song lyrics, especially “The Unforgiven”, reflect theological values in relation to desire, love, sin, forgiveness and salvation. The purpose of this research is to find the theological reflection by taking the object of only song lyrics from “The Unforgiven” which was released in 1991 inside Black Album.