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CHILDFREE VERSUS GOD'S MANDATE: A CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PROCREATION AND THE FAMILY Martin Hasonangan Silaen; Riris Johanna Siagian
International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research and Technology (IJSET) Vol. 4 No. 11 (2025): OCTOBER
Publisher : RADJA PUBLIKA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.54443/ijset.v4i11.1241

Abstract

This paper first examines the phenomenon of childfree as a modern lifestyle choice that challenges traditional theological views on God's mandate to multiply and fill the earth (Genesis 1:28). This phenomenon emerged as a reflection of changing values ​​in global society that increasingly emphasize individual autonomy, gender equality, and responsibility for social and ecological crises. In this context, childfree views are often considered contrary to God's will, while on the other hand, they can be understood as a form of ethical awareness of life, the environment, and human relationships. This study explores the theological meaning of procreation in the Christian faith not only as a biological act, but also as human participation in God's creative work, manifested through love, responsibility, and service within the family community. God's mandate to multiply is reinterpreted not merely as a literal command, but as a call to nurture life and build relationships that reflect God's love. The childfree lifestyle choice needs to be viewed through a dialogue between the biblical text and the modern human context, so that the church can present a relevant, inclusive, and liberating understanding. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a theological and contextual literature review to analyze the relationship between childfree, God's mandate, and family theology from a contextual perspective.
THE CHURCH AS AN AGENT OF POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION: A CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGICAL APPROACH IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Wilson Afandi Siahaan; Riris Johanna Siagian
International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research and Technology (IJSET) Vol. 4 No. 11 (2025): OCTOBER
Publisher : RADJA PUBLIKA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.54443/ijset.v4i11.1242

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the church as an agent of political transformation through a contextual theological approach in contemporary society. Politics is not merely understood as a struggle for power but as an ethical means to realize justice, welfare, and the common good. From the perspective of Christian theology, the church's involvement in politics is part of its faith calling to manifest the signs of the Kingdom of God in the world. The church should not be trapped in pragmatic political practices but is called to play a prophetic role of rebuking injustice, defending the oppressed, and serving as the moral conscience of the nation. Through a contextual theological approach, the church can read the signs of the times and respond to socio-political realities with Gospel values ​​such as love, justice, and peace. The political transformation promoted by the church focuses on shifting the paradigm from politics of power to politics of service. The church is called to build a political ethic rooted in faith, strengthen Christian participation in the public sphere, and cultivate awareness that faith must be embodied in social praxis. In the context of a modern, pluralistic, and complex democracy, the church is expected to be a space for dialogue, a defender of justice, and a critical partner to the government in pursuing the common good. Thus, the church is not merely a spiritual entity but a transformative public force that brings the values ​​of the Kingdom of God into national life in a concrete, prophetic, and civilized manner.
GOD'S PRESENCE AMID WOMEN'S MARGINALIZATION AND SUFFERING: A CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON GENDER AND GOD'S JUSTICE Gomgom Simorangkir; Riris Johanna Siagian
International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research and Technology (IJSET) Vol. 4 No. 12 (2025): NOVEMBER
Publisher : RADJA PUBLIKA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.54443/ijset.v4i12.1256

Abstract

This study highlights God's presence amidst the marginalization and suffering of women, particularly in the context of Batak culture, which remains steeped in patriarchal values. Using a qualitative approach and a contextual theology paradigm, this study reinterprets women's experiences as a locus theologicus to understand God's justice and provision. Women's marginalization is evident in various social, customary, and ecclesiastical aspects, where women are often positioned as "controlled" and denied full space in decision-making. Yet, Scripture demonstrates that God sides with the oppressed and upholds justice for marginalized groups. The story of Hagar, Jesus' ministry to the Samaritan woman, and the testimony of the resurrection entrusted to women affirm God's liberating presence and the restoration of human dignity. In light of the Holy Spirit's work, the church is called to transform gender relations equitably, transcending the boundaries of cultural patriarchy. Contextual theology serves as a critical tool for rereading Batak customs, particularly dalihan na tolu, so that their values ​​are lived out in the spirit of equality and justice in the Gospel. Thus, God's presence is not merely a theological discourse, but is evident in the solidarity, struggle, and liberation of women from oppressive social structures. The church is expected to be a prophetic community that presents signs of God's justice in an inclusive and transformative way in society.
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN POVERTY IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF GUSTAVO GUTIÉRREZ'S LIBERATION THEOLOGY Hanna Masta Pasaribu; Riris Johanna Siagian
International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research and Technology (IJSET) Vol. 4 No. 11 (2025): OCTOBER
Publisher : RADJA PUBLIKA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.54443/ijset.v4i11.1266

Abstract

This paper explores the issue and role of the church amidst poverty. Poverty is a crucial social issue that the church focuses on in its efforts to present the gospel and the kingdom of God. This paper uses the thoughts of Gustavo Guititerrez as a surgical tool to examine how the church should carry out its social function in addressing the issue of poverty. Poverty is seen as arising from structural injustice, and therefore the church must be present as part of its social responsibility. Therefore, Guititerrez offers a Liberation Theology perspective that synthesizes faith and action. This paper is qualitative in nature with a literature study approach. Therefore, data was obtained through a review of journals and books directly relevant to this research. This study found that the church must be present amidst the issue of poverty. The theological basis of the church's responsibility towards poverty lies in the recognition that God is on the side of the poor. The church is called to be a community of liberation—a fellowship that speaks not only of love but also lives in solidarity with the poor. According to Gutiérrez, the church's social service must be transformative, not merely charitable.
FROM EXCLUSIVE TO INCLUSIVE-CULTURAL: DECOLONIZATION OF THE CHURCH'S MISSION TO CULTURE AT HKBP PARSAORAN DAME Hana Masta Pasaribu; Riris Johanna Siagian
International Journal of Social Science, Educational, Economics, Agriculture Research and Technology (IJSET) Vol. 4 No. 12 (2025): NOVEMBER
Publisher : RADJA PUBLIKA

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.54443/ijset.v4i12.1310

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamics of the church's decolonization of Batak culture in the context of the HKBP Parsaoran Dame congregation, as a theological effort to free itself from the hegemony of Western theology that historically shaped the colonial mission paradigm. To date, the church's mission has often operated within a dualistic framework that separates the Gospel from custom, faith from culture, and the sacred from the profane, thus creating epistemological tension between Christian faith and local cultural identity. Three theoretical frameworks are used: A. Afaradi's decolonial theology on epistemic liberation from Western domination; Homi K. Bhabha's concept of hybridity and third space, which explains the process of negotiating the meaning of faith in a cultural context; and Robert Sibarani's idea of ​​Dalihan Na Tolu as a source of Batak ethics and spirituality. HKBP Parsaoran Dame is experiencing a mission paradigm shift toward an inclusive, dialogical, and collaborative approach. This process of integration between faith and culture produces a form of religious hybridity that affirms the rootedness of Christian faith in Batak values ​​without losing its universal dimension. Theologically, mission decolonization is understood not merely as the replacement of Western symbols with local elements, but as an epistemic and spiritual liberation that places local culture as the locus theologicus of the space where God is presented and experienced through the language, symbols, and values ​​of society. This research emphasizes that a decolonized church is a church that is culturally rooted yet remains universal in the love of Christ, and makes the values ​​of marsiadapari (mutual cooperation) and marsilupahon (mutual support) the foundation of contextual, liberating, and transformative mission practice. This paper was developed with a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews and participatory observation, this research combines contextual theology and decolonial theory as the basis for analysis.
Dialog Gereja-Gereja dalam Merawat Alam Tanah Batak untuk Membangun Kesadaran Lingkungan dan Kolaborasi Antar Umat Ben Sitompul; Bona Ventro Simatupang; Eryn Napitupulu; Niar Sagala; Syerafin Silaban; Riris Johanna Siagian
Atmosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, Budaya, dan Sosial Humaniora Vol. 3 No. 3 (2025): Agustus : Atmosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, Budaya, dan Sosial
Publisher : Universitas Palangka Raya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59024/atmosfer.v3i3.1537

Abstract

The worsening ecological crisis, such as the floods that hit Parapat, demands a serious response from various elements of society, including religious institutions. This article highlights the role of the Church, particularly Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP), in caring for nature in Tanah Batak as a form of faith and social responsibility. Using theological and socio-cultural approaches, this study analyzes the contribution of HKBP teachings and Pope Francis' call in the encyclical Laudato Si' to the ecological awareness of the people. It emphasizes that the HKBP doctrine of the wholeness of creation and community-based ecological movements can be transformative solutions to environmental degradation. Through a case study of flooding in Parapat, this article demonstrates the urgency of church involvement in ecological advocacy and environmental education, and the importance of synergy between faith, Batak culture, and concrete action for the sustainability of God's creation. The HKBP's teachings on the wholeness of creation align closely with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls for a radical shift in how humanity perceives and interacts with nature. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life, the HKBP doctrine encourages its followers to view environmental stewardship not only as a moral obligation but as an essential expression of faith. This view aligns with Pope Francis' call for an "ecological conversion," urging individuals and communities to recognize their role in caring for God's creation. Through the case study of flooding in Parapat, this article illustrates the real-world implications of ecological negligence and the importance of church involvement in ecological advocacy. The HKBP, along with other religious and community-based movements, can spearhead efforts to integrate environmental education into their teachings and local initiatives.
Manusia Menurut Teologi John Wesley dalam Membangun Toleransi dan Solidaritas Gereja Methodist Indonesia (GMI) di Wilayah I Hutauruk, Runggu; Pintor Marihot Sitanggang; Riris Johanna Siagian
Majalah Ilmiah METHODA Vol. 15 No. 2 (2025): Majalah Ilmiah METHODA
Publisher : Universitas Methodist Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

The doctrine of the Imago Dei is a fundamental Christian concept regarding human beings, which can be generally divided into three categories: capacity, function, and relationality, which distinguishes them from other creation. Capacity concerns the inherent abilities of humans, such as reason, emotion, and will. Function concerns humans as social beings and as stewards of themselves, others, and other creations. Relationality addresses the relationship with God as the source of life, both physical and spiritual. In relation to other creations, the Bible teaches that humans are noble creatures, given the image of God and stewardship over nature and other creations. Human dignity and worth are due to the image of God within them. This is a crucial concept for human dignity and human rights. In John Wesley's doctrine, man as the Imago Dei consists of a natural image; a political image; and a moral image. The natural image of God in man includes free will, intellect, and eternity. God gave man free will, but this free will is responsible, unlike the free will of animals, where humans can distinguish between right and wrong while animals cannot. Therefore, human freedom of will demands responsibility. Then, humans are given an intellect that exceeds that of other creations of God on earth. Humans with their intellect (reason) can understand the truth.