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Interreligious Engagement Between Indigenous Religion and Christianity Within the Huaulu Community in Maluku
Full text linkThe arrival of Western Christianity in the archipelago, alongside European expansion, solidified Christian dominance and asserted superiority over indigenous religious practices. European supremacy did not merely bolster this dominance but also fueled theological narratives that portrayed indigenous religions as “dark” and “heretical,” necessitating their conversion to Christianity. This framework shaped interfaith discourse, marginalizing indigenous religions and excluding them from meaningful engagement. This article aims to analyze the socio-religious engagement between the adherents of Memaham (an indigenous religion) and Christians in the context of interreligious relations. This research was conducted within the Huaulu indigenous community, North Seram District, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province. This study employs a participatory qualitative research methodology, using interviews and observations as data generation methods. The findings reveal that Memaham, as the indigenous religion of the Huaulu, experienced a complex and dynamic engagement with Christianity, such as harmonious collaboration, ongoing negotiation, and even direct confrontation. Those findings provide an empirical contribution to interreligious relations within a postcolonial context, by aiming to avoid the romanticization often oriented towards harmonious relationships
From Guest to Host Religion: The Transformation of Islam In Papua
No full textThis article examines the dynamics of Islamic da’wah in Papua, highlighting historical challenges and contemporary transformations within a social, political, and cultural context. This study uses a qualitative approach with historical and social analysis through a review of literature, Islamic organizational documents, and narratives from Papuan Muslim figures. The results show that although Islam was the first Abrahamic religion to arrive in Papua, its spread was hampered by the influence of colonialism and the dominance of Christian and Catholic missions, which relegated Islam to a minority position with an exclusive image. However, over time, Islamic da’wah has undergone significant transformation, particularly through educational and empowerment initiatives undertaken by organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, and the Papuan Muslim Council. These changes have fostered the emergence of educated and influential Papuan Muslim figures and strengthened awareness of Islamic identity as an integral part of Papuan culture. These findings confirm that Islamic preaching based on a cultural approach and social empowerment is more effective in transforming the old narrative of Islam as a “newcomer religion,” toward recognizing it as a legitimate part of Papuan identity. Going forward, ethnographic-based research is needed to capture the pulse of Papuan Muslims at the grassroots level and understand Islam as growing from within, not simply coming from the outside
Migration, Balik-Islam, and Identity Formation of Muslims in Palawan of The Philippines
Full text linkSince the 1970s, Muslims in Mindanao, Philippines have had a conflict with the government. The religious-based conflict not only caused deaths but also forced people to migrate from Mindanao. One of the targeted places was Palawan Island. It is situated in the southwest of the Philippines – rather far from any other islands in the Philippines. It is then called “The Last Frontier”. This research focuses on studying the reasons for their migration to Palawan, Philippines and keeping their Islamic identities from 1970 to 2001. This research uses a socio-historical and socio-anthropological approaches. Survey methods and structured interviews are utilized to complete the literature study as primary or secondary sources. The theory of migration conflict from Nancie L. Gonzalez is used to analyse the migration in Palawan whereas for the analysis of the identity establishment, the theory of collective identity is utilized. As a result, the migration of the Muslims of Palawan, Philippines in 1970-2001 was a complex and recurrent event. The motive of the migration was the conflict in Mindanao resulting in economic opportunities in Palawan. As for the identity establishment, building the mosque became a symbol and a starting point for the Muslim migrant in Palawan. They had shared meaning in the phenomenon of Balik-Islam and their sense of belonging to Palawan as an Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) via plebiscite–referendum for integration into Muslim Mindanao or not
Prophethood in Abrahamic Traditions: A Comparative Analysis
No full textAbrahamic Religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are all prophetic religions. These religions share a common lineage of prophets with shared prophets. Prophets are the medium of communication between the divine and humanity. Although the faiths share the same lineage of prophets, starting with Adam, the description of the prophetic institution varies significantly in terms of the prophetic mission, authority, and finality. The paper aims to explore the prophetic mission of the Abrahamic religions, the link connecting them on a common platform, and the differences in the understanding of the prophethood in the three faiths. A systematic comparative framework is needed to explore shared roots and distinctive developments. The paper examines the concept of prophethood in the three faiths. It utilizes primary texts alongside secondary scholarship to identify the similarities and differences in the prophetic mission and its legacy, employing a comparative-theological approach. Judaism holds its roots in the teachings of Moses, Christianity in the teachings and resurrection of Jesus Christ, whereas Islam derives from the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad. The three religions share a standard list of prophets with significant differences in the concept. It intends to evaluate and draw a comparison of the shared notions and differences between these faiths
Church and Youth Resilience to Substance Abuse: Assessing Church Responses, Challenges and Gaps
Full text linkRealising the fundamental role of the church in youth development and social work, the study investigates the responses, challenges and gaps in combating youth substance abuse by the church. It highlights the need for holistic interventions while emphasising the need for mental health resilience. The study employed a qualitative approach, combining document analysis and review of literary materials to assess church and substance abuse among youth, especially cases studied in the Philippines and Kenya. The findings indicate that the church’s interventions in youth substance abuse include moral teachings, awareness raising and support project activities. The study also underscores the importance of family dynamics in developing resilience against substance abuse. The major challenges faced by the church concerning youth substance abuse and promoting resilience include poverty and peer pressure, which hinder the youth’s desire to undergo interventions. Moreover, cultural stigma and denial from the parents or guardians block the youth from seeking help. Cultural belief systems also disrupt family connections, further underlining the need for robust support systems. An enormous gulf exists between the church and the youth, which undermines any preventative measures that might be undertaken. The research proffers useful pointers for policymakers, church leaders, and social workers regarding the lifestyle aspects that link faith, culture, and youth substance addiction. It recommends that the church customise its approaches to address the specific challenges faced by young people struggling with substance abuse, focusing on health, healing, and resilience, aligning with the challenges faced by different youths and the need for urgent attention
Resistance of Traditionalist Islam To the Influence of Transnational Movements Within Campus Environment
Full text linkThis study aims to analyze the efforts of traditionalist Islamic groups within Indonesian universities to counter the growing influence of transnational Islamic movements. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study provides a comprehensive examination of the dynamics between transnational movements -such as Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, Jamaah Tarbiyah, and Jamaah Salafi- and traditional Islamic organizations, notably Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the Indonesian Islamic Student Movement (PMII), within the context of the University of Yogyakarta. The findings reveal that transnational Islamic movements have strategically utilized existing campus infrastructure to expand their influence. The ideological contestation is accompanied by movement-based tensions, as traditionalist groups actively resist the growing presence of these transnational actors. The study concludes that universities play a critical role in mitigating radicalism by engaging constructively with the ideological frameworks of transnational Islamic movements
Lilen San Juan: The Light Of Social Cohesion and Religious Moderation
No full textThe rituals and the symbols embedded therein serve as markers of national identity and sources of inspiration for harmony within Indonesia’s multi-religious society. The researcher posits that the San Juan ritual and its accompanying symbols function as mediums for fostering social cohesion and hold significant implications for the promotion of religious moderation in Indonesia. This study seeks to explore the spiritual significance of the San Juan ritual as a contribution to the formation of a cohesive society grounded in the principles of religious moderation. The study adopts an anthropological and sociological approach. Data were obtained through field observations and structured interviews with 25 informants, including cultural leaders, religious leaders, government officials, educators, and youth. The data were analyzed in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and data verification, utilizng two analytical techniques—descriptive analysis and content analysis. The analysis of the rituals, their symbols, and the behavior of ritual participants is key to understanding the social structures and processes, as well as the broader social phenomena at play. This study finds that, in light of Victor Turner’s theoretical framework, the San Juan ritual—especially the candle (lilen) as its central symbol—serves both to reinforce the identity of the San Juan community and to act as a conduit for fostering social cohesion that supports religious moderation in Indonesia. This implicational meaning also contributes to the scholarly discourse in the sociology and anthropology of religion
The Theology of The Body as A Pastoral Approach to Preventing Juvenile Delinquency
No full textTheology of the Body is a theological and philosophical reflection that seeks to help adolescents understand their identity as human persons created in the image and likeness of God. This study aims to examine the Theology of the Body and deepen understanding of the meaning of the human body and the value of human dignity in adolescent life, based on the teachings of Pope John Paul II. The method used is library research, involving the collection of relevant literature, critical reading, and the analysis of academic sources. The findings suggest that a comprehensive understanding of the Theology of the Body can foster a greater respect for the dignity of the human person and an increased awareness of the purpose of creation. In practical terms, these insights may be applied through character education programs rooted in the spirituality of the body within Catholic schools, pastoral accompaniment for adolescents that emphasizes the body as a gift, and the development of catechetical modules that integrate Theology of the Body with contemporary issues such as pornography, premarital sex, and identity crises. The scholarly contribution of this study lies in its formation of a theoretical framework that supports further development in the fields of theology, philosophy, and moral education for youth. Moreover, this study provides space for interdisciplinary dialogue between theology and the social sciences in addressing the complexity of juvenile delinquency in a more holistic and contextualized manner
Biblical Leadership Spirituality in Developing the Quality of Catholic Education
Full text linkCatechists preach the Bible through the practice of catechesis. The proclamation is carried out in a methodical and organic manner. Catechist actors, in particular, focus on evangelizing the general public, both clergy and laity. In the real-world development of the Christian faith, laypeople who become catechists have a complicated responsibility. Because they are directly involved in the lives of the people, they are at the forefront of the ministry work. They are also, in another sense, among people who share God's word with others. The lay catechists' experiences in life have become so ingrained in people's lives. The realities of today are extremely diverse. Even though they live in a time of globalization and modernity, there are still a lot of areas in which civilization has not been particularly developed. Border areas are in many cases being ignored, like places that are sometimes still harder to get to than the development of government centers, like roads that are hard to get to. Catechists face difficulties in providing services due to the scattered location of their service stations. To continue serving under the most difficult circumstances, the catechists need a spiritual spirit to support their efforts in developing religious education in this global world
Religion and Philanthropy: Islamic Teaching During the Israel-Palestine Conflict
No full textReligious teachings are essential to note in seeing the phenomenon of massive Islamic social movements that occur around the world and awareness of a humanitarian movement based on dogmatic values and moral foundations. Previous studies have not explored the aspect of religious teachings on Islamic social movements in the context of armed conflict, so this research must be carried out. Previous studies have focused more on antitheses to misinterpretations of Islamic teachings and less on accommodating philanthropic perspectives in war analysis and macro implications in the digital age. This study covers the interpretation of Islamic teachings that encourage philanthropy, Islamic social movements, and morality-based solidarity in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The desk research method is used to collect data through the Quran, Hadith, social media, and library research. The stages of analysis include the interpretation of the postulates that encourage philanthropy, the perspective of social movements, and fundamental moral theories to provide a holistic picture of the phenomenon of Islamic philanthropy in the digital era. The findings of this study include the conclusions of Islamic religious teachings that invite Muslims to do philanthropy, the internalization of religious teachings as a driver of Islamic social movements, and moral encouragement that influences an actor’s action in doing philanthropy. The resulting recommendations involve the collaboration of state institutions with all levels of society to ensure security and increase legitimacy in conducting fundraising and providing assistance to victims of armed conflict in Palestine