Reclaiming Jesus as source of peace in Luke 12:49–53 through the perspective of religious pluralism in an Indonesian context

Yohanes Parihala,Busro Busro

doi:10.4102/hts.v76i4.6088

Abstract

The reality of religious pluralism such as that possessed by the Indonesian people could be an opportunity to knit a peaceful togetherness, or it could be a threat and a trigger for conflict. One threat to the diversity of religions stems from religious teachings that tend to be exclusive in nature by emphasising the justification of one’s own religion and viewing different religions as a challenge, even as the enemy. In the teachings of every religion, there are sacred texts, which, if read literally, can be texts of terror that give rise to permissive attitudes towards various acts of violence, hatred and hostility in the name of religion. This research aims to find the theological vision of the Gospel of Luke 12:49–53 and to explain its relevance in relation to the reality of religion and peace in the context of the pluralistic society in Indonesia. This research uses qualitative research methods through a literature study approach. The data analysis uses half of the historical criticism method, which starts from the translation of the text with our criticism of the sources behind the text, and then moves to an analysis of the historical context as the background of the text. Furthermore, exegesis is done to explore the meaning of Luke 12:49–53. Contribution: This article contributes to developing the contextual hermeneutics of the text Luke 12: 49–53 and reclaiming Jesus as the source of peace which inspires the peaceful relationship between religions in the context of religious pluralism such as in an Indonesian context.

Highlights

In the context of religious pluralism such as in Indonesia, efforts to build harmony between religions are very important
We found that religion can conduct interpretation of the sacred religious texts involving the pluralist perspective such as in the pluralism in Indonesian
The theological vision of the Gospel of Luke 12:49–53 is to preach about the presence of Jesus as an imminent eschatological event, igniting the fire of the purification of life, presenting separation as a human response to both those who accept and reject his presence

Summary

Introduction

In the context of religious pluralism such as in Indonesia, efforts to build harmony between religions are very important. The presence of religions can provide positive energy for developing the nation or alternatively can trigger problems that lead to religious conflict (Miharja & Mulyana 2019:121). John Titaley explained that ever since the proclamation of independence on 17 August 1945, Indonesia has struggled with the problem of identity. Indonesia is known as a nation that consists of many traditional societies with great social, cultural and religious diversity. Many questions arise regarding the nature of this nation and its future. The struggle to keep it as a nation-state that started with its independence is not over yet (Titaley 2002). Religions play an important role – to determine the future of the nation and to build social harmony in a pluralistic society.

Objectives

Conclusion