cover
Contact Name
Bhanu Viktorahadi
Contact Email
torahadi@unpar.ac.id
Phone
+6285222088088
Journal Mail Official
focus@unpar.ac.id
Editorial Address
Jl. Nias No.2, Babakan Ciamis, Kec. Sumur Bandung, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia 40117
Location
Kota bandung,
Jawa barat
INDONESIA
Focus
ISSN : 27226336     EISSN : 27233855     DOI : Prefix 10.26593
FOCUS or FOCUS: Theological Studies is an open-access journal covering multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and trans-disciplinary studies of religion in the field of theology. Theology is a field of study that examines logically the doctrines of faith in religions that are connected to the context of the problems of contemporary society in this world. This theological study, first, is transformative theology which is empirical scientific reflection. Second, it is contemporary theology that has an actual and solution role in contemporary social reality. Therefore, the focus and scope of publication of FOCUS are based on rigorous research, accountable methodologies, and new findings based on good scientific ethical standards in the disciplines of the study of religions in the field of theology.
Articles 16 Documents
Search results for , issue "Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus" : 16 Documents clear
Rahmat Panggilan Misioner dalam Sakramen Penguatan:: Berdasarkan Penerima Sakramen di Paroki Mariae Beatae Virginis Katedral Bogor Tirtowijoyo, Gerald Prayugo
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.8438

Abstract

This study aims to explore and analyse the grace of the missionary calling within the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on the lived experiences of Confirmation recipients at the Parish of Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV) Cathedral in Bogor, West Java. Employing a qualitative approach, the research involved in-depth interviews and questionnaires distributed to parishioners who had received the Sacrament of Confirmation, particularly among adolescents and adults. The findings reveal that the Sacrament of Confirmation is perceived not merely as a significant milestone in one’s Catholic faith journey, but also as a powerful impetus for active participation in missionary and ecclesial service. Recipients of the sacrament recognise their responsibility to bear witness to Christ through the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This study affirms that the Sacrament of Confirmation holds profound relevance in fostering and strengthening the missionary spirit among Catholics, especially adolescent and adult recipients in the BMV Cathedral Parish of Bogor. The practical implications of these findings are expected to assist the Church in designing more effective accompaniment and formation programmes to nurture and sustain the missionary vocation of those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Living the Values of Mercy: Moral and Social Development in Indonesian Pesantren through the Yellow Book Tradition Kodir, Abdul; Shahruddin, Mohd Solahuddin
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9285

Abstract

Pesantren, as a traditional Islamic educational institution, not only transfers religious knowledge but also instills moral and social values ​​that are in line with the principles of compassion, justice, and concern for others and the universe. The yellow book, as the main source of learning in pesantren, has a major role in translating the values ​​of Rahmatan Li al-Ālamīn into daily life practices. Through the teaching of fiqh, tasawuf, and other teachings, students not only understand religious theory but are also taught to practice these values ​​in their social interactions. The application of the concept of Rahmatan Li al-Ālamīn is also reflected in social life in pesantren, where students are taught to live together in harmony, help each other, and respect differences. Social activities carried out by pesantren, such as providing assistance to the community, show that this value of compassion applies not only to relationships between individuals but also to relationships with society at large. In addition, literacy in yellow books also makes a big contribution to the development of the character of students, by teaching moral and ethical values ​​that are in line with the principle of Rahmatan Li al-Ālamīn.
Between Love and Affection: Rahmatan Lil Alamin as a Transformative Axiological Framework in Global Education Mokhtar, Ahmad Baha' bin; Rahman, Mohammad Taufiq
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9286

Abstract

This study explores the paradigm of Rahmatan Lil Alamin as a transformative axiological framework for reorienting global education in an era marked by instrumentalism, ecological crisis, and moral disintegration. Employing a descriptive qualitative method with a philosophical and interpretive literature-based approach, the paper critically examines how Islamic values of universal compassion, justice, and ethical responsibility can enrich and redirect the purpose of education beyond utilitarian ends. The findings reveal that when Rahmatan Lil Alamin is integrated into educational thought and practice, it enables the emergence of a holistic pedagogy that cultivates not only intellectual competence but also moral sensibility, ecological awareness, and spiritual depth. This paradigm positions education as a moral and civilizational project—one that fosters the formation of ethically grounded individuals committed to the common good. Rather than treating education as a neutral mechanism for economic mobility, Rahmatan Lil Alamin recasts it as an ethical vocation rooted in values that transcend religious, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries. The study contributes to the contemporary discourse on Islamic philosophy of education by constructing an integrative, value-based, and globally relevant framework for building an impactful, compassionate, and sustainable model of higher education.
Reflexive Fieldwork Practices in a Sacred Context: Researching the Baduy Religious Landscape Kusmayani, Anisa Eka Putri; Elfrida, Tuti
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9307

Abstract

The growing academic interest in Indigenous communities has led to a surge of studies on the Baduy people in Indonesia. However, many of these studies have been criticized for relying on Western paradigms that misalign with the Baduy’s cosmological, ethical, and relational worldview. This research aims to critically re-examine fieldwork practices in the sacred Baduy context by adopting a decolonial and relational approach that foregrounds methodological sensitivity and epistemic justice. Employing an autoethnographic method, the author reflects on personal experiences conducting collaborative fieldwork with the Baduy community. The study highlights essential elements of Baduy lifeways—including pikukuh, buyut, and principles of asceticism—alongside formal and informal rules that shape engagements with outsiders. The findings underscore the necessity of conducting research that is reflexive and respectful, rooted in the Baduy’s spiritual-relational epistemology. The discussion calls for a rearticulation of research ethics within sacred and Indigenous settings and advocates for pluriversality as a framework to honor diverse ontologies and knowledge systems. This study offers an original contribution by centering Indigenous epistemologies in research methodology and advancing a collaborative model for ethical engagement in sacred landscapes.
The Role of Religion in Building Peace in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Literature Review Sidik, Mohamad Dindin Hamam; Dilawati, Rika
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9350

Abstract

This study aims to systematically examine the role of religion in peacebuilding in Southeast Asia, a region marked by significant religious and cultural diversity as well as recurring ethno-religious conflicts. While religion is often associated with violence, this research highlights its constructive potential by mapping how religious actors, institutions, and values contribute to reconciliation and social cohesion. Employing a qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, this study analyzed 35 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2014 and 2024, selected from databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar. The articles were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria focusing on empirical research dealing explicitly with religion and peace within Southeast Asia. The analysis identified five thematic areas: the role of religious actors, strategies of interfaith dialogue and mediation, integration of local wisdom, institutional and political challenges, and the contribution of religious education. The findings reveal that religious figures—across Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity—have been central in peacebuilding initiatives, particularly when supported by grassroots legitimacy and cultural contextualization. Dialogical approaches, cultural sensitivity, and educational programs emerged as effective mechanisms for fostering tolerance and reconciliation. However, structural challenges, such as state bureaucracy, ideological resistance, and illiberal policies, continue to hinder the full participation of religious actors in formal peace processes. The study underscores the importance of multi-level collaboration and the recognition of religious institutions not merely as symbolic agents, but as strategic partners in sustainable peacebuilding. Its originality lies in its comprehensive synthesis of literature that bridges fragmented local case studies into a regional framework, offering new insights for both academic discourse and policy development on religion and peace in Southeast Asia.
From Kitab Kuning to Digital Content: The Political Theology of BIWALI Pesantren in the 2024 Regional Elections Ahmad, Ikhsan; Haq, Mochamad Ziaul
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9397

Abstract

This study aims to analyze how the traditional pesantren kobong Bintang Sembilan Wali (BIWALI) in Banten reconstructs Islamic political theology through digital media during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. The research addresses the urgency of understanding how religious institutions adapt to algorithmic political communication and navigate the blurred boundaries between dakwah and electoral propaganda. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the study combines online observation of BIWALI’s official social media accounts with literature analysis to examine the epistemological, sociological, and practical dimensions of digital dakwah content. The findings reveal three major insights: first, BIWALI transforms the authority of the kitab kuning into algorithmically shaped visual narratives; second, it uses moral dakwah as a strategic medium for political endorsement; and third, it triggers public polarization that challenges the singular authority of pesantren in digital discourse. These results suggest that pesantren have evolved into active political actors capable of shaping public opinion in the digital sphere. The research contributes to the fields of Islamic communication, digital religion, and political theology by showing how pesantren function as producers—not merely preservers—of Islamic discourse. Its originality lies in exploring pesantren kobong as algorithmic agents that reinterpret religious authority and communication ethics in the age of viral politics, offering a fresh theoretical and empirical perspective to the study of Islamic institutions in contemporary democracy.
Symbolic Modification and Declining Community Participation in Cultural Traditions: A Study of the Ngarot Ritual in Tugu Village, Indramayu, West Java Siga, Willfridus Demetrius; Waruwu, Dominikus; Fransiska, Federika; Joshua, Marchelino
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9400

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of modification on the declining community participation in the Ngarot ceremony in Tugu Village, Lelea Subdistrict, Indramayu Regency. Ngarot is an agrarian tradition that emphasizes the regeneration of cultural values through the active involvement of youth. Unlike Lelea Village, which has preserved the symbolic structure and educational function of Ngarot, Tugu Village has undergone format changes—such as the removal of agricultural training, the addition of religious recitations (pengajian), and entertainment—that have led to a disorientation of meaning and decreased engagement among younger generations. This study employs a qualitative approach using a descriptive-interpretative method. Data were obtained through interviews, observation, and document analysis, and were analyzed thematically and reflectively. The findings reveal that modifications that disregard the cultural structure of meaning can trigger symbolic alienation, interpretive conflict between cultural and religious narratives, and a sustainability crisis in traditional practices. The original contribution of this research lies in mapping the relationship between local policy, symbolic transformation, and cultural participation. This study recommends a contextual meaning-based preservation model and active youth engagement as an alternative approach to sustaining traditions amid ongoing social change.
Integration of Amaedola in Pastoral Context of the Catholic Church in Nias, Indonesia Hulu, Stefanus Deliati; Daeli, Onesius Otenieli
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9410

Abstract

This study aims to reaffirm the relevance of amaedola, a traditional proverb of Nias which is rich ofethicsand moral values, as a means to form a humanistic, integrative, and dignified character. Despite its deep cultural significance, amaedolais increasingly neglected, particularly among younger generations who are more captivated by the allure of global culture. The rapid flow of information and modern technology has further eroded interest in local wisdom. This research employs a qualitative methodology with an ethnographic approach. Data were collected through literature review, interviews, and direct observation in local communities. The findings reveal that amaedolaserves as an effective medium for pastoral engagement in Nias, as its messages and meanings are embedded in the communal psyche and resonate with the lived experiences of the people. These values facilitate a more accessible embodiment of faith and spirituality through existing cultural traditions. The study implies that integrating amaedolainto pastoral practices not only enhances cultural sensitivity in ministry but also contributes to the preservation and revitalization of Nias’ indigenous wisdom. The originality of this research lies in its contextual theological approach, which bridges local culture and pastoral praxis in a manner that affirms indigenous identity and spiritual development.      
Rahmat Panggilan Misioner dalam Sakramen Penguatan:: Berdasarkan Penerima Sakramen di Paroki Mariae Beatae Virginis Katedral Bogor Tirtowijoyo, Gerald Prayugo
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.8438

Abstract

This study aims to explore and analyse the grace of the missionary calling within the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on the lived experiences of Confirmation recipients at the Parish of Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV) Cathedral in Bogor, West Java. Employing a qualitative approach, the research involved in-depth interviews and questionnaires distributed to parishioners who had received the Sacrament of Confirmation, particularly among adolescents and adults. The findings reveal that the Sacrament of Confirmation is perceived not merely as a significant milestone in one’s Catholic faith journey, but also as a powerful impetus for active participation in missionary and ecclesial service. Recipients of the sacrament recognise their responsibility to bear witness to Christ through the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This study affirms that the Sacrament of Confirmation holds profound relevance in fostering and strengthening the missionary spirit among Catholics, especially adolescent and adult recipients in the BMV Cathedral Parish of Bogor. The practical implications of these findings are expected to assist the Church in designing more effective accompaniment and formation programmes to nurture and sustain the missionary vocation of those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Living the Values of Mercy: Moral and Social Development in Indonesian Pesantren through the Yellow Book Tradition Kodir, Abdul; Shahruddin, Mohd Solahuddin
FOCUS Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Focus
Publisher : Parahyangan Catholic University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26593/focus.v6i1.9285

Abstract

Pesantren, as a traditional Islamic educational institution, not only transfers religious knowledge but also instills moral and social values ​​that are in line with the principles of compassion, justice, and concern for others and the universe. The yellow book, as the main source of learning in pesantren, has a major role in translating the values ​​of Rahmatan Li al-Ālamīn into daily life practices. Through the teaching of fiqh, tasawuf, and other teachings, students not only understand religious theory but are also taught to practice these values ​​in their social interactions. The application of the concept of Rahmatan Li al-Ālamīn is also reflected in social life in pesantren, where students are taught to live together in harmony, help each other, and respect differences. Social activities carried out by pesantren, such as providing assistance to the community, show that this value of compassion applies not only to relationships between individuals but also to relationships with society at large. In addition, literacy in yellow books also makes a big contribution to the development of the character of students, by teaching moral and ethical values ​​that are in line with the principle of Rahmatan Li al-Ālamīn.

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