Kognisio

ECOLOGICAL CRISIS IN ACEH AND SUMATRA:

Imanuel Teguh Harisantoso — 2026-03-10

This research seeks to interpret Genesis 2:4–17 through an eco-ecclesiological perspective as a form of theological response to the increasingly alarming environmental crisis, particularly in the regions of Aceh and Sumatra. Various issues such as deforestation, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation demonstrate the disharmony in the relationship between humans and nature, which is rooted in an anthropocentric worldview. This study employs a literature review method with a descriptive-analytical approach and an ecological hermeneutical framework, referring to the thoughts of several environmental theologians. The results of the study show that Genesis 2:4–17 emphasizes the fundamental interconnectedness between humans and the soil (adamah), and places humans as stewards who are called to care for and preserve creation, rather than as rulers who act arbitrarily. By reconstructing the paradigm from anthropocentrism toward a participatory relationship, the church is encouraged to make ecological concern part of its identity and the practice of its faith

The Impact of Boarding Education on the Character Formation of Students at Star's Lub Theological Seminary

Aderilin Ande — 2026-03-10

This study aims to analyze the influence of boarding education on the character formation of students at the Star’s Lub Theological Seminary. Boarding education is understood as a holistic formation model that not only emphasizes academic aspects but also integrates students’ moral, spiritual, and social dimensions. The study employed a quantitative associative approach, with boarding education as the independent variable and student character as the dependent variable. Data were collected through questionnaires and direct observation of resident students, then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to test the relationship between variables. The findings reveal that boarding education has a significant positive influence on students’ character formation, particularly in aspects of discipline, responsibility, leadership, and social concern. These results highlight the strategic role of the boarding system as an integral component of theological education in developing faithful, responsible, and service-oriented leaders. The practical implication of this study is the need for theological institutions to develop an integrated, contextual, and continuous boarding formation model that supports the spiritual and moral growth of future church leaders.

THEOLOGY OF HOPE AND THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN RESPONDING TO SOCIAL CRISES

Olga Walangitan — 2026-05-20

Contemporary social crises have generated various humanitarian problems such as uncertainty of life, poverty, social conflict, individualism, and crises of meaning that affect society in multidimensional ways. In this context, the theology of hope holds significant relevance as a Christian response to the realities of suffering and social uncertainty. This study aims to analyze the concept of the theology of hope from a Christian perspective and its relevance to the role of the church in responding to contemporary social crises. This research employed a qualitative method with a library research approach through the examination of various academic sources, including theological books, journal articles, and other scholarly literature relevant to the research topic. The findings reveal that Christian hope is not merely optimism about the future, but a faith grounded in God’s salvific work through Jesus Christ and possesses a transformative dimension within social life. The theology of hope provides spiritual strength, builds resilience, restores the meaning of life, and encourages social solidarity amid societal crises. Furthermore, the church plays an essential role as a representation of God’s hope through pastoral ministry, social diaconal services, assistance for suffering communities, and active involvement in promoting justice, love, and humanity. Therefore, the theology of hope serves as both a spiritual foundation and a praxis of faith that is relevant for the church in addressing contemporary social crises in a contextual and transformative manner.

A DISCOURSE ON THE ADAPTATION OF THE CHURCH'S MISSIONAL SERVICE WITHIN A PASTORAL FRAMEWORK IN THE POSTMODERNISM ERA

Lucky Malonda — 2026-05-23

This study examines the transformation of pastoral ministry within the dynamics of the postmodern era, characterized by globalization, technological disruption, and the digital revolution. Employing a qualitative approach with thematic analysis of contemporary pastoral theology literature, this research aims to integrate four major contextual dimensions—globalization, postmodernism, disruption, and digitalization—into a comprehensive analytical framework while offering a transformative pastoral response. The findings indicate that in the postmodern context, the adaptation of mission and pastoral practice is an inevitable necessity. This study contributes novelty by integrating these four dimensions simultaneously and formulating a pastoral hospitality model as a theological-practical response. In conclusion, postmodernism does not require the church to abandon its traditions but rather encourages creative and contextual renewal. Innovations in ministry—through dialogical approaches, narrative methods, and digital technologies—must remain rooted in the core message of the Gospel: love, forgiveness, redemption, and hope. In this regard, the church is called to become more open, inclusive, and reflective, no longer exclusive, but a welcoming community where all people can grow in faith. Thus, pastoral ministry in the postmodern era remains relevant without losing its fidelity to its theological calling.

The Perceptions of the Tenmas Mandok Congregation regarding the Benefits of the Banggai Language in Sermons for the Internalization of Faith

Mardiaril Thia — 2026-03-25

The use of local languages in preaching as a form of contextualized ministry faces challenges due to varying levels of language proficiency among congregants, which relates to how they understand and internalize the conveyed message. Therefore, this study aims to describe congregants’ perceptions of the benefits of using the Banggai language in sermons, particularly in relation to their understanding and spiritual experience of faith within the Tenmas Mandok congregation, a local church in Central Sulawesi. Indonesia. This study employs a quantitative method with a descriptive approach, involving 78 respondents selected proportionally. Data were collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the assistance of SPSS software. The findings indicate that congregants have a positive perception of the use of the Banggai language in sermons, reflected in cognitive understanding, emotional and spiritual engagement, behavioral responses, and attitudes toward cultural preservation. The Banggai language is perceived to help congregants better understand and remember sermon content, enhance emotional involvement, and relate to increased attention and participation in worship. Additionally, the use of the local language is viewed as an important means of maintaining the cultural identity of the congregation. Thus, the use of the Banggai language in preaching can be understood as a relevant contextual practice in church ministry, both in enriching the faith experience and in supporting the preservation of local culture..