Gerardette Philips
Department of Philosophy, Parahyangan Catholic University Bandung, Indonesia

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The Spirituality of Islamic Beauty Philips, Gerardette
MELINTAS An International Journal of Philosophy and Religion (MIJPR) Vol. 28 No. 3 (2012)
Publisher : Faculty of Philosophy, Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (139.749 KB) | DOI: 10.26593/mel.v28i3.271.255-269

Abstract

Anyone with the knowledge of Islamic culture knows that Islam has produced works of art and incredible architecture - Persian miniatures, the Taj Mahal, mosque, music etc. However, only a few people realize that this rich artistic heritage is rooted in a world view that underlines love and beauty. The relationship between love and beauty is quite clear. We love what we find beautiful. This article offers the meaning of beauty in Islam from the perspective of spirituality as seen in the Quran, Calligraphy, Arabesque, music, mosque, Mihrab, The Alchemy of Light, and finally the concrete expression of this beauty in the life of the human soul. The Prophet said, “God is beautiful and loves beauty.” In understanding the beauty and love in Tawhid, the Oneness of God – “There is no god but Allah,” the hope is that this paper will enable one to know the All Beautiful One - God in various manifestations. If God is beautiful, then nothing is truly beautiful but God. And if God is loving, then nothing really loves besides Allah.
Al-Hakim al Tirmidhi and Teresa of Avila: The Seven Stage Journey of the Soul and Spiritual Direction Philips, Gerardette
MELINTAS An International Journal of Philosophy and Religion (MIJPR) Vol. 35 No. 1 (2019)
Publisher : Faculty of Philosophy, Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (578.535 KB) | DOI: 10.26593/mel.v35i1.4031.1-21

Abstract

The core feature of the spiritual life is human and divine desiring. Understanding and facing our desires as well as comprehending the desires of the Divine, remain a struggle for the human soul. Spiritual directors are likely to spend a considerable amount of time on this struggle and need to develop great skill in recognizing and responding to their directees’ desire for God and in helping them discern and unveil the illusory desires. This article explores the theories and insights of the spiritual stage theory from Islam through Sufism using the psychology of Al-Hakim al Tirmidhi and Christianity through Teresa of Avila, and the spiritual direction best suited for spiritual directees at the different stages. The exchange of both of these approaches presented here can perhaps enrich the spiritual directors’ style to travellers along the spiritual journey who come to them for direction. This mystical spirituality, articulated in Sufism from the Stations (maqamat) of Hakim Al-Tirmidhi and the mansions of Teresa of Avila, though experienced within different spiritual frameworks, brings a commonality in the exchange between them. Their experience of God both as directees and as Shaykh or Spiritual Director has much to offer to present day spiritual directors.
From the Particular to the Beyond: Christian Educator’s Identity Reimagined Philips, Gerardette
MELINTAS An International Journal of Philosophy and Religion (MIJPR) Vol. 40 No. 1 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Philosophy, Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/mel.v40i1.8638

Abstract

One may not have answers to questions regarding identity solely by looking at one’s own self while neglecting its connection to others. Against the background of the more intricate world of today, it is necessary that a spiritual reflection on identity should begin by looking inward, that is, into what is particular in one’s self wherein one can find a connection to God, the Creator who created human beings in his image. This religious truth can manifest through various paths, especially through the particular role of a Christian educator. This article goes through this process of recognising identity in oneself that can move a person beyond personal identity towards relational identity: an awareness of being connected to the whole creation. Only when one has undergone this can one perform the act of crossing borders without doing away with one’s own identity. This article presents a perspective of how identity can be understood differently today.
Fortifying from Radicalism: Campuses' and Students' Efforts in Indonesia and Malaysia Ziaul Haq, Mochamad; Philips, Gerardette; Viktorahadi, R.F. Bhanu; Wibisono, M. Yusuf
TEMALI : Jurnal Pembangunan Sosial Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023): Temali: Jurnal Pembangunan Sosial
Publisher : Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/jt.v6i1.24446

Abstract

The development of radicalism has reached all corners of the world, including the Southeast Asian region. The main target for recruiting radicalism movements is young people, especially students. This paper examines the efforts of campus institutions and students in anticipating the influence of radicalism, especially in the campus environment. The study was conducted on students in Indonesia and Malaysia. The method used in this paper is qualitative, through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD), and document review. This paper finds that students in Indonesia and Malaysia have become aware of the rise of radicalism in their countries, so various responses have been followed to protect themselves from the dangers of this ideology. Efforts undertaken by the campus include a policy of disseminating an understanding of religious or Islamic moderation wasatiyah. Meanwhile, the efforts made by students to fortify themselves include independent efforts through an independent search for knowledge and learning in class, friendship relations, student discussions, and access to social media. All efforts made by campuses and students are part of instrumental actions using campus institutions as bureaucracy. This paper argues that radicalism as a collective action can be anticipated through collective social action, such as by utilizing available instruments.
Community Resistance to Femicide in West Java: Social Responses, Peace Actions, and Opposition to Violence against Women Haq, Mochamad Ziaul; Philips, Gerardette; Djunatan, Stephanus; Napitsunargo, Henrycus; Kurniawan, F.X. Galih; Nazwanindya, Renatha Aisya
Khazanah Sosial Vol. 7 No. 4 (2025): Khazanah Sosial
Publisher : UIN Sunan Gunung Djati

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15575/ks.v7i4.49068

Abstract

This study analyzes how civil society communities in Indonesia—particularly in West Java and Yogyakarta—respond to and resist femicide as the most extreme form of gender-based violence. The research is driven by the growing prevalence of femicide and the absence of legal recognition of its structural and gendered nature in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach and a collective case study design, this study focuses on six grassroots organizations: Sekolah Damai Indonesia Bandung, Perspektif Sosiologi, Iteung Gugat, Youth, Interfaith and Peace (YIP) Center, Puan Hayati, and Srikandi Lintas Iman. Data were gathered through interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The findings reveal that these communities play critical roles not only in advocacy but also in psychosocial support, safe space formation, and the production of counter-narratives that confront patriarchal and symbolic violence. Functioning as cultural, political, and therapeutic agents, they fill the gaps left by institutional inaction. However, the study also highlights structural dysfunction: the burden of advocacy is disproportionately placed on these communities, while systemic failures in law, media, and education continue to normalize gender-based violence. Theoretically, the study integrates Berger and Luckmann’s theory of social construction with Galtung’s concept of structural violence and positive peace to frame femicide as both symbolic and systemic. This research contributes original insights to Indonesian gender studies by mapping community-based resistance to femicide—an area rarely examined—and by emphasizing the urgency of intersectoral policy reform and institutional support.