Christianity In Indonesia Research Articles

Syncretism: The Strongholds of Tradition, Teaching, and Legend

The world of Christianity in Indonesia has a complicated history and culture. The Indian sub-continent, Arab and Chinese traders, European colonialism, and American interests have influenced the indigenous culture over centuries and developed complicated relationships within the country. This complex mixture makes Indonesia unique to the rest of Southeast Asia—possibly the rest of the world—and raises challenges to spreading the gospel. Indonesian Christian denominations face those challenges when encountering the gospel with different cultures around Indonesia. There is a constant tension of assimilation between local culture and the gospel. This tension pressures pastors to take compromising actions at a level that is sometimes dangerous because they have crossed the boundaries of contextualization and are trapped in syncretism.

Fish in Faith: Exploring Symbol as Survival Strategies in Christianity

This study explores the history of one of the important symbols in the Christian tradition, namely the history of the fish symbol. This study argues that the fish symbol is one of the survival strategies for Christians to survive and contest with other groups in the socio-religious context at that time. Thus, this study formulates research questions such as how is the history of fish in the Christian tradition? How does the fish symbol become a medium of survival and resistance? Does the fish symbol have any relevance in the history of Christianity in Indonesia? This research uses literature study, which means relying on written literature discussing fish symbolism in Christianity's history. The results of this study indicate that the symbolization of fish in Christian history can not only be seen from the theological aspect but also from the socio-historical aspect as a survival strategy. Furthermore, the research material is structured with the following framework: the first part discusses the history and meaning of the fish symbol as a savior and unifier in ancient Christianity; the second part discusses the symbolic significance of fish as the spread of Christianity in Indonesia; the third part, symbolism as a strategy to survive both in the form of acculturation and religious-cultural identification in the context of religion and culture. In short, the symbolism of fish in the Christian tradition is very complex, containing theological content and historical-social-cultural. By understanding how symbolization works in religious traditions, we, therefore, can understand how religion in all its aspects developed from the past to the present, and also to the future.

Seeking The Authentic Christianity: A Prologue on Coptic Orthodox Christianity in Indonesia

<p>The history of Christianity in Indonesia is inextricably linked to that of Western colonialism. Due to this historical fact, Christianity has been stigmatized in Indonesian mainly by Muslim society as a colonial religion. This stigma later emerged in a number of Indonesian Christian communities. This study will look at the development of Coptic Orthodox Christianity in Indonesia through the lens of a religious purification movement. This study employs a sequential mixed research method that includes interviews, questionnaires, observation, and documentation. This study show that the conversion of mainstream Christians to Coptic Orthodox Christianity arose from a perception that mainstream Christianity was impure, too westernized, and did not conform to the identity of Indonesians as Easterners. This study ends with a conclusion that the presence of the Coptic Orthodox Christian community in Indonesia was exacerbated by an identity crisis, moral criticism, and rejection of the truth system in mainstream Christianity, as well as a desire to return to authentic Christianity.</p>

Islam Nusantara: An integration opportunity between Christianity and culture in Indonesia

The integration or inculturation of religion and culture has been massively and controversially discussed despite being successfully presented by Islam Nusantara. Therefore, this study attempts to delve into the possibilities of integrating Christianity into the culture of Indonesia by seeking the Islam Nusantara experience. The study employed a qualitative method, using literature, articles, books and related references, and attempted to reconstruct the Islamic dimension concerning inculturation. Subsequently, the opportunity for Christianity will be displayed and formulated to establish a hospitable religion. This will offer a chance to improve and develop its identity regarding integration into the local culture by respecting without destroying, contextualising without syncretising and negotiating without compromising.Contribution: This article contributes to the ongoing debates on culture and Christianity in Indonesia. Islam Nusantara offers an opportunity and example of how religion and culture should collaborate. The expectation is that the collaboration will display a solid formation to other contexts in Asia or Africa that could arrange a fruitful conversation between culture and Christianity.

TEOLOGI POLITIK YESUS: SUMBANGSIH MATERI BAGI MATA KULIAH PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DI POLITEKNIK AMAMAPARE TIMIKA

The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a contribution to the Christian Education Course at the Politeknik Amamapare Timika. The method used in this research is library research and through hermeneutic-exegesis approach. This research involves the researcher fully to obtain a complete understanding of the intent conveyed by the writer of the scriptures regarding the context that gives meaning by using the processes of text analysis, narrative analysis, and theological meaning. The results show that Jesus' political theology departs from the theme of the Kingdom of God, which is presented on earth as a system of political thought and action that is balanced by every Christian. In its realization, truth and justice have always been the foothold and the Greatness of God is the main goal of various forms of power in the world which is driven by a high dedication to carrying out political duties in helping others who are experiencing difficulties because of feelings, sympathy and empathy on the basis of true love for social problems, characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a framework of thought and framework The socio-political role of Christianity in Indonesia is oriented towards the general welfare, synergizing religion and state which rejects state religion and state religion, theocracy in democracy, guarantees human rights, rejects discrimination, and realizes laws that do not impartial and uncompromising.

TEOLOGI POLITIK YESUS: SUMBANGSIH MATERI BAGI MATA KULIAH PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DI POLITEKNIK AMAMAPARE TIMIKA

The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a contribution to the Christian Education Course at the Politeknik Amamapare Timika. The method used in this research is library research and through hermeneutic-exegesis approach. This research involves the researcher fully to obtain a complete understanding of the intent conveyed by the writer of the scriptures regarding the context that gives meaning by using the processes of text analysis, narrative analysis, and theological meaning. The results show that Jesus' political theology departs from the theme of the Kingdom of God, which is presented on earth as a system of political thought and action that is balanced by every Christian. In its realization, truth and justice have always been the foothold and the Greatness of God is the main goal of various forms of power in the world which is driven by a high dedication to carrying out political duties in helping others who are experiencing difficulties because of feelings. sympathy and empathy on the basis of true love for social problems. Characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a framework of thought and framework The socio-political role of Christianity in Indonesia is oriented towards the general welfare, synergizing religion and state which rejects state religion and state religion, theocracy in democracy, guarantees human rights, rejects discrimination, and realizes laws that do not impartial and uncompromising.

TEOLOGI POLITIK YESUS: SUMBANGSIH MATERI BAGI MATA KULIAH PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DI POLITEKNIK AMAMAPARE TIMIKA

The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a contribution to the Christian Education Course at the Politeknik Amamapare Timika. The method used in this research is library research and through hermeneutic-exegesis approach. This research involves the researcher fully to obtain a complete understanding of the intent conveyed by the writer of the scriptures regarding the context that gives meaning by using the processes of text analysis, narrative analysis, and theological meaning. The results show that Jesus' political theology departs from the theme of the Kingdom of God, which is presented on earth as a system of political thought and action that is balanced by every Christian. In its realization, truth and justice have always been the foothold and the Greatness of God is the main goal of various forms of power in the world which is driven by a high dedication to carrying out political duties in helping others who are experiencing difficulties because of feelings. sympathy and empathy on the basis of true love for social problems. Characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a framework of thought and framework The socio-political role of Christianity in Indonesia is oriented towards the general welfare, synergizing religion and state which rejects state religion and state religion, theocracy in democracy, guarantees human rights, rejects discrimination, and realizes laws that do not impartial and uncompromising.

TEOLOGI POLITIK YESUS: SUMBANGSIH MATERI BAGI MATA KULIAH PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN DI POLITEKNIK AMAMAPARE TIMIKA

The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a contribution to the Christian Education Course at the Politeknik Amamapare Timika. The method used in this research is library research and through hermeneutic-exegesis approach. This research involves the researcher fully to obtain a complete understanding of the intent conveyed by the writer of the scriptures regarding the context that gives meaning by using the processes of text analysis, narrative analysis, and theological meaning. The results show that Jesus' political theology departs from the theme of the Kingdom of God, which is presented on earth as a system of political thought and action that is balanced by every Christian. In its realization, truth and justice have always been the foothold and the Greatness of God is the main goal of various forms of power in the world which is driven by a high dedication to carrying out political duties in helping others who are experiencing difficulties because of feelings. sympathy and empathy on the basis of true love for social problems. Characteristics of Jesus' Political Theology as a framework of thought and framework The socio-political role of Christianity in Indonesia is oriented towards the general welfare, synergizing religion and state which rejects state religion and state religion, theocracy in democracy, guarantees human rights, rejects discrimination, and realizes laws that do not impartial and uncompromising.

The Struggle of NZV in Spreading the Gospel in Garut, West Java, Indonesia, in the Early 20th Century

Based on a widely accepted view, the spread of Christianity in Indonesia was backed up by Dutch intervention. This article argues that the assumption is not entirely right. In some regions, the Dutch colonial and European settlers paid little attention to Christian missions. Garut, for example, was a city in the Priangan Residence that served as an economic center for the Dutch. Islamic influence was very strong in Garut. Therefore, when the NZV reached Garut in 1899, it received no support from the Dutch colonial administration. The effort to spread Protestant Christianity was initiated by the Chinese people. The strong Islamic influence in Garut became the main barrier preventing people's conversion to Christianity. Even though at the beginning of the 20th century there was no direct resistance, but secretly the Islamic leaders fought back by building negative perceptions of both the Netherlands and Christianity by labeling them as kafir and unclean.

Being an Indonesian Christian: Exploration of a theology of nationalism in the history of the proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945

Despite the fact that the introduction of Christianity in Indonesia coincides with the arrival of Portugal and Dutch Colonialism in the 16th–19th centuries, Christianity in Indonesia could not be claimed as a colonised religion. This study emphasises the importance of Christianity as an integral part of the history of Indonesian nation-building. It also has significance and relevance for Christianity, and how people of different religions should live together in Indonesia. Using historical theology analysis, we argue that being Christian in Indonesia has theological meaning as God’s work in Jesus Christ. God that has called and sent Christians to Indonesia has bestowed independence on the country, as a nation that accepts and recognises all people in their plural existences. At the end of the research, the authors emphasise that by understanding the independence of Indonesia as God’s gift, Christians are to make Indonesia a theatre for glorifying God. They should do it by dedicating themselves to participate in togetherness with all citizens to build and develop this country in all dimensions of life. Therefore, various actions that discriminate against Christians deny the history of Indonesian independence, which accepts and recognises the equality of all citizens as a gift from God.Contribution: This article contributes to constructing a theology of nationalism as a kind of contextual theology, which is based on the particular context of the history of the proclamation of Indonesian independence. It also enriches the interreligious theology from the Christian perspective on Indonesian history.

Batak Christian Protestant Church's View Concerning Ecology


 
 
 
 This paper examines a discussion about ecology focus on Batak Christian Protestant Church's view and action. The study's reason is based on what the church said about ecological problems in their faith declaration. Furthermore, looking Batak Christian Protestant Church (HKBP) litigates connected to ecological action case in Indonesia. Methodology in this research is literary, looking at the book, internet, and faith confession of the HKBP. Gathering the data and then analyze is the approach used to discuss the issue.
 This study traced that the HKBP has mentioned ecology in their faith confession. In their view, HKBP argues that God created man in his residence and place of work in this world (Gen. 2:5-15). Therefore, they oppose any environmentally damaging activities, such as burning and cutting down trees in the forest or wilderness (Deuteronomy 5: 20; 19-20). This creed is based on the Word of God as recorded in the scriptures. They also have been activated to protect nature, for example: develop livestock waste into alternative energy (biogas); planting trees in Peak Dolok, Balige North Sumatera; statings local wisdom. Christianity realizes that ecology issues are also part of their problems. What has been done by the HKBP be a positive thing. This action is a good activity for Christianity in Indonesia. Even though we cannot deny the ecology problem is our common problem.
 
 
 

1942년 이후 인도네시아 기독교 동향 연구 : 개신교와 오순절을 중심으로

In this article, I would like to consider how Protestants was formed in Indonesia after the Japanese occupation in 1942, how it has grown after the independence, and through what process the Islamic conflict has intensified. In addition, I would like to examine the Pentecostal movement, which is vitalizing the growth of Christianity in Indonesia. Japan’s occupation of Indonesia was only three years, but Indonesian Protestant leadership was transferred to the locals and foreign missionaries who had played an absolute role began to be pushed around. And the Protestant Indonesian ethnic group began to respond to the request of a new era of church unity.<BR> Christianity was able to reveal the colors of Christianity in a situation where, after independence, various races had to be embraced, where religion had not yet been fully established, and even in areas where certain religions existed. In addition, the Indonesian government ordered all citizens to choose one of the six religions and list their religion in their IDs in order to break the communist bonds. So, after 1945, there was a massive conversion to Christianity in Indonesia.<BR> However, this trend of growth marks a new phase in the time of President Suharto. By decree No. 70, since 1978, officials from Indonesia have been unable to missionary to Muslims and other religious groups. Muslims continued to increase the Christian population due to illegal missionary activity that violated the law, and the constant conversion to Christianity was accepted as a threat to the Muslim community.<BR> The reason for paying attention to the Pentecostal Church is that the Pentecostal movement plays an important role in growing Christianity in a serious conflict with Islam through the old and new order. After President Soekarno’s resignation, Western evangelicals and Pentecostals focused on reviving Christianity in Indonesia. Consequently, the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia has grown the third since the main Protestant denominations and Roman Catholics since 1970.

Impacts of the Religious Policies Enacted from 1965 to 1980 on Christianity in Indonesia

Abstract Between 1965 and 1980, the Indonesian government issued three religious policies. These had both positive and negative impacts on Christianity in Indonesia. As a positive impact, the Indonesian Council of Churches (DGI) and the Supreme Council of Indonesian Bishops (MAWI) were motivated to work together in lobbying the government. The policies also boosted the growth of local leadership in Catholic churches. However, the policies also brought a negative impact in that it became difficult for churches to obtain an IMB (Building Permit). In mid-eighties, Christianity could still perform religious services in churches without any disturbances, but after the 1990s, churches with no Building Permit were banned by some radical Islamic organizations. Preaching the gospel was considered violation of the law and a Christian could be sent to prison for performing this activity.

Identitas-Identitas Teologis Kristen Protestan Indonesia Pasca Orde Baru: Sebuah Pemetaan Awal

Protestant Christianity in Indonesia cannot be inconsistant with the general principle of Protestantism worldwide: sola scriptura. That is why biblical identity is one of the identity markers of Protestant Christians in Indonesia. Also, it is impossible to understand the identity of Protestant Christianity in Indonesia, apart from christology as a marker of the identity in appreciating the second general principle of Protestantism: sola gratia. The unity of God as the trinity has also become another marker of identity. In the past these three identity markers are often seen as distinctive identities to "deny"� theological and soteriological truth claims of local religions and Islam. But the findings of this article show that the development of Protestant Christian theology in Indonesia after the New Order is more open to and dialogical with the theological and soteriological beliefs of local and Islamic religions. Although it must be admitted that in terms of trinitarian identity it still takes time to enter the dialogue with those religious traditions.

The Ministry of Religion and the Rights of the Minority: The Witness of Protestant Christianity in Indonesia

Abstract: The practices of the Ministry of Religion in Indonesia that discriminates against and disregards the freedom and rights of the minority are contradictory to the aspirations of the founding fathers of the nation as declared in the Indonesian Constitution. In order to bridge this gap it is essential to have a critical and reflective study on religion-state relations and the existence of the Ministry of Religion. The study presented in this article will deal with this problem from a historical standpoint and will be based on the underlying principles of Christian witness and thought in Indonesia. It will also recommend some practical strategies in protecting the freedom and rights of the minority in Indonesia.

Babak Baru Ketegangan Islam dan Kristen di Indonesia

Melissa Crouch, Law and Religion in Indonesia: Conflict and the Courts in West Java, (New York: Routledge Contemporary Southeast Asia Series. 2014), xxvi + 214 pages.The effects of Islamization and Christianization have influenced the dynamics of the relationship between Islam and Christianity in Indonesia. For many Muslims, Christianization is perceived as a threat to the future of Indonesian Islam. Christians sense that, especially, the Islamization of public policy, is, likewise, a threat. Law and Religion in Indonesia, written by Melissa Crouch, analyses current data of the relationship between the two largest religions in Indonesia. The book focuses on why tensions between Islam and Christianity—and particularly concerning the issue of Christianization—have emerged as severely as they have since the onset of the democracy period. It analyses how Islamic groups have responded around Christianization. The tensions between the religions have changed with the trend toward the politization of religion. At the same time, the new policy of decentralization has shifted religious-based political competition from the national level to the regions.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v21i3.1221

Between evangelism and multiculturalism: The dynamics of Protestant Christianity in Indonesia

Christianity has experienced rapid growth in Indonesia, particularly the Evangelical and Pentecostal/Charismatic movements, which find fertile ground among the urban middle class. This phenomenon has given rise to fears of Christianisation among the Muslim majority, who perceive the Christian growth as a moral threat. Tensions between Christians and Muslims have been part and parcel of religious developments in Indonesia. The author addresses the ways in which Protestant churches in Indonesia negotiate between evangelism (to fulfil the ‘Great Commission’) on the one hand, and multiculturalism (peaceful coexistence with difference) on the other. The article will examine how Christians in Indonesia navigate through the multicultural environment of otherness, and how they negotiate plurality within Christianity. By highlighting the diversity and dynamics within Christianity, this article provides a new perspective on Indonesian Christians, beyond the popular Muslim perception of Christians as a monolithic and homogeneous group.

Johan Thiessen and Margaretha Alt and the Birth of Pentecostalism in Indonesia

The focus of this paper is on the contribution of Dutch Pentecostal missionaries to the rise of Pentecostalism in Indonesia, then called the Dutch East Indies. The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have become a major stream within Christianity in Indonesia. Up to now no comprehensive and analytical study of the history of these movements has been published. A number of these groups have occasionally issued uncritical descriptions of their denominational history, with little theological and historical analysis. The attention the Pentecostals and Charismatics have received in the more academic works on Christianity in Indonesia is not in proportion to their significance. In all of these publications little credit is given to the role the early Dutch Pentecostal movement played. This paper will present two founding parents: Johan Thiessen and Margaretha Alt.

Schröter, Susanne (ed.): Christianity in Indonesia. Perspectives of Power

Anthropos , Seite 667 - 669

Book Review: A History of Christianity in Indonesia

Book Review: A History of Christianity in Indonesia