Kognisio

The Impact of Voluntary Offerings on Worship Participation Among Low-Income Congregants

2025-01-17T04:35:48+00:00

This study aims to examine the effect of offering amounts on the attendance of low-income congregants in worship, focusing on the Sion Mandel congregation, whose majority work as farmers and fishermen. The study employed a quantitative method with a survey approach involving 30 respondents and analyzed data using simple linear regression tests through the SPSS application. The results indicate that offering amounts influence worship attendance by 37.7%, while other factors influence 62.3%. The main findings reveal that congregants are more active in participating in worship when offerings are voluntary and do not burden their financial conditions. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding offerings as an expression of gratitude done with joy rather than as an obligation that weighs on congregants. This research concludes that churches need to create inclusive policies in liturgical offerings, consider the socio-economic conditions of congregants, and develop services that support the welfare of low-income congregants. This research contributes to Christian theology by highlighting the importance of balancing the spiritual and social dimensions in church ministry.

"The Meaning of 'Kabash' and 'Radah' in Genesis 1:28

2025-01-18T02:18:58+00:00

This study examines the theological meaning of the commands "subdue" (kabash) and "have dominion" (radah) in Genesis 1:28 and their implications for environmental stewardship and preservation. The primary issue addressed is how these mandates are often misinterpreted as legitimizing environmental exploitation, contributing to the ecological crisis. The study aims to explore the deeper meanings of these terms within the context of the theology of Imago Dei, wherein humans, as God's image and likeness, bear the responsibility of wisely managing the earth. The research employs a qualitative biblical approach, analyzing the biblical text using linguistic, contextual, and ecotheological methods. The findings reveal that the mandates to "subdue" and "have dominion" do not imply domination but rather call humans to act as responsible stewards of God's creation. The study concludes that the biblical teachings remain relevant in addressing global environmental challenges and encourage churches to actively promote and practice ecological responsibility as part of the Christian faith. This research contributes to eco-theology development and opens opportunities for further studies on integrating ecological responsibility into theological discourse and church praxis.

Christian Ecotheology and Environmental Conservation

2025-01-05T14:39:48+00:00

This study examines the ecological and social impacts of the coastal reclamation project in Jakarta Bay, with a focus on applying Christian eco-theology principles in sustainable development policies. The research explores how eco-theology can be a foundation for formulating more environmentally friendly and just policies. The research method employed is a literature review with a qualitative approach. The findings indicate that applying eco-theology principles can encourage more responsible and sustainable environmental management and contribute to the development of Christian theology in the context of the environment. This study concludes that the church plays an important role in shaping its congregation's ecological awareness and advocating for policies that consider ecological balance and social justice. Implementing eco-theology in reclamation policies is expected to create sustainable development that considers the welfare of coastal communities and preserves the environment.

BIBLICAL LITERACY AS A KEY TO THE FAITH DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONGREGATION

2025-01-18T03:34:35+00:00

This study explores the impact of Bible literacy barriers on the congregation's spiritual growth at the Anugerah Bentara Kristus Church, Gosyen Nggolobuton Congregation. The primary objective of this research is to understand how the ability to read and comprehend sacred texts contributes to the development of faith within a religious community. This study, which used a quantitative approach through surveys, involved 31 respondents aged 30 years and above. The findings reveal that Bible literacy barriers significantly affect the congregation's spiritual growth. These barriers limit active engagement in religious activities and hinder the internalization of God's Word, ultimately obstructing faith development. The greater the literacy barriers experienced, the more substantial the negative impact on the congregation's faith. This research highlights the necessity of sustainable Bible literacy programs as a strategic initiative in church ministry to support holistic and continuous spiritual growth.

MAINTAINING DEVOTION IN WORSHIP IN THE DIGITAL ERA

2025-01-02T23:52:05+00:00

This study aims to identify the extent to which smartphone use disrupted the concentration of congregants during worship at the Gereja Protestan Indonesia (GPI) Papua Bethel Fakfak in 2024. The research employed a qualitative method with data collection techniques, including interviews and observations. The results indicate that while smartphones can assist in accessing digital Bibles and liturgy, their use also causes distractions during worship, primarily through notifications and other non-worship activities. In conclusion, using smartphones in worship has both positive and negative impacts, and prudent management is necessary to enhance focus and reverence during services. This study suggests the need for clear guidelines for church leaders in managing smartphone usage so that technology supports, rather than hinders, the congregation's spiritual experience.

ECUMENISM AND INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN INDONESIA

2025-01-23T15:25:25+00:00

This study examines the phenomenon of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue in Indonesia in the postmodern era, focusing on the dynamics in church and community life. The problem is how the ecumenism and interreligious dialogue movements face new challenges in an increasingly complex social, cultural, and political context. This study aims to explore the influence of globalization on ecumenism and interfaith dialogue and analyze its impact on church life in Indonesia. The method used is a literature study, with a thematic analysis approach and theoretical synthesis to identify the main themes in the related literature. The results of the study show that although ecumenism and interfaith dialogue are growing rapidly, there are still challenges in the form of fundamentalism, theological tensions, and exclusivism that narrow the space for dialogue. In conclusion, a more inclusive and responsive approach to religious and cultural plurality is needed to ensure the positive contribution of this movement in a pluralistic Indonesian society