Indonesian Eco-Ecclesiology: Defending Earth Against Ecological damage in Batak Land

Abstract

This study focuses on efforts to build an eco-ecclesiology of liberation in Indonesia. The idea of restoring the earth is based on Leonardo Boff's ecological spirituality and KSPPM's ecological praxis. Ecological damage is a logical consequence of exploitative-destructive attitudes and actions of humans. This study promotes the spirit of defending or protecting the earth from the clutches of ecological destruction in Batak Land, Indonesia. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a comparative study approach on the ecological work of Boff and KSPPM and serves as the basis for the development of liberating eco-ecclesiology. Ecology must become an integral part of Christian theology and it must offer a new perspective on the relationship between humans and the earth. The sacrifice of Christ who was crucified and suffered for the redemption of the world (John 3:16) should be a spirit for the Christian community to initiate strong multi-faith and cultural cooperation to save the earth which has been granted to us. The church is also responsible for building an eco-literacy movement as a manifestation of faith in the context of vast ecological destruction, thus, the church as an ecological community should embrace the earth and the oppressed people through a transformative diaconia which is inspired by the love of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. The church must expand its ministry mandate to answer the struggles of all creation.