Societas Dei: Jurnal Agama dan Masyarakat

Kritis, Objektif, dan Emansipasitoris

2026-06-15T13:55:29+07:00

This article is grounded in the debate over the role of values in the study of religion. Should religious studies be value-free, as argued by McCutcheon, or is value-neutrality impossible, as Goldstein contends? This research departs from that tension and aims to explore how Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism offers a coherent middle path for the discipline. Employing a qualitative literature-based method, the study examines Bhaskar’s works alongside key texts in critical religious studies. The findings show that identifying the colonial, patriarchal, or class-based contexts in which doctrines or rituals emerged is not a moral or political act, but a scientific consequence of causal investigation. Within a Bhaskarian framework, objectivity does not mean value-neutrality; rather, it is an epistemic process aimed at uncovering the mechanisms that shape religious phenomena. Thus, critique of religion is not moralistic but constitutes a component of scientific objectivation. The study finds that the emancipatory dimension of religious studies arises inherently from successful scientific analysis. When mechanisms of oppression, power relations, or ideological structures are revealed, such knowledge becomes emancipatory by virtue of its explanatory power. These insights demonstrate that religious studies can remain critical and objective without slipping into activism or the illusion of pure neutrality.

Authors Biography, Reviewers, & Author Guidelines

2026-01-17T16:35:55+07:00

Editorial Boards

2026-01-17T16:33:07+07:00

Peace Activist

2026-01-17T16:20:02+07:00

The study of peace and religion cannot be separated from the study of politics because most of us live in countries or political communities, namely, communities that bind citizens and governments, which at least aim to uphold and maintain justice. In other words, peace activists will be involved in politics, both at the operational and ideological levels. The former leads to public policy. Mapping actors and their relationships is a valuable skill for activists as an advanced skill. Afterward, ideology is absolutely essential to study because it is what gives rise to policies that promote peace or, conversely, violence.

Magna Latrocinia di Era Modern

2026-04-30T11:38:05+07:00

Krisis kepercayaan publik yang diakibatkan korupsi sistemik di Indonesia menandakan adanya masalah etis yang fundamental di kalangan pejabat publik. Pendekatan reformasi kontemporer (institusional, sosio-kultural, dan perilaku) cenderung sekuler-rasionalistik dan gagal menjawab pertanyaan teleologis mengenai tujuan hakiki kekuasaan. Untuk mengisi kesenjangan fondasi moral ini, penelitian ini berpaling pada etika politik Patristik. Dengan menggunakan metode studi literatur kualitatif, artikel ini menganalisis konsep oikonomia (penatalayanan) dari Basilius Agung dan iustitia (keadilan) dari Agustinus dari Hippo. Hasil analisis menunjukkan oikonomia Basilius mendefinisikan ulang jabatan sebagai penatalayanan bagi kaum miskin, sementara iustitia Agustinus menetapkan keadilan moral sebagai syarat legitimasi negara. Sintesis keduanya menghasilkan kerangka teo-etis yang mereformasi etos pejabat publik dengan mereorientasi tujuan jabatan dari kekuasaan menjadi pelayanan dan motivasi dari cinta diri menjadi cinta akan keadilan. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa kerangka Basilian-Agustinian menawarkan fondasi etika kebajikan yang melengkapi pendekatan reformasi yang ada dengan menggeser fokus dari sekadar “pejabat bersih” menuju “pejabat luhur” yang berintegritas moral.

Psalms and the Theology of Land

2025-12-17T15:14:51+07:00

Agrarian issues are a serious structural problem in Indonesia, especially through land-mafia practices involving the seizure of indigenous lands, certificate manipulation, and collusion with those in power. In this context, the Book of Psalms offers a relevant theological reflection for critiquing agrarian injustice. This article analyzes the theme of land in several key passages—Psalm 24:1, 37:11, 65:9–13, 85:12–13, 19:1–4, 104, 79, and 137—using a biblical-theological approach. The study finds that, in the Psalms, land is understood not as a commodity but as God’s gift—one that must be managed justly, entrusted to the vulnerable, and cared for in its fertility. This perspective presents a prophetic critique of land-mafia practices that violate principles of justice, rob marginalized communities of their rights, and damage the environment. By positioning the Psalms as voices of prayer, lament, and hope, the article proposes an active role for the church and public theology in advocating for agrarian justice, asserting that resistance to land-mafia systems is an act of faith to preserve the land as God’s possession and as a shared source of life.

"They are Corrupt and Vile"

2025-12-12T15:23:35+07:00

Religious beliefs are often intertwined with emotional responses, particularly toward stimuli perceived as impure or morally deviant. The way individuals internalize religious teachings may shape how they experience emotions like disgust. This study examined the influence of religious orientation–both intrinsic and extrinsic– on disgust sensitivity among adults in the Greater Jakarta area. To explore this, 375 participants (M_age= 32.18, SD = 2.82) were recruited using snowball and purposive sampling methods and completed an online survey. Religious orientation was measured using the Religious Orientation Scale (ROS), while disgust sensitivity was assessed with the Three Domains of Disgust Scale (TDDS). Analysis revealed that extrinsic religious orientation significantly predicted higher levels of disgust sensitivity, and this relationship was more pronounced among women. These findings suggest that individuals who approach religion for instrumental or social purposes may exhibit heightened emotional reactivity to disgust-related stimuli, with gender differences indicating a potentially stronger sensitivity among women.

In Vitro Fertilization Policy in Indonesia Based on Ministry of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2025

2025-11-24T11:08:44+07:00

This article examines the ethical and theological implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the context of Indonesia’s Ministry of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2025 on Reproductive Health. IVF is widely practiced, including among Christians, but raises moral concerns—particularly regarding the status of embryos, the freezing of surplus embryos, and their potential destruction. Using a qualitative approach with normative-comparative analysis, this article analyzes the regulation from a Christian theological perspective and compares it with Germany’s more embryo-protective policies. The theological discussion examines three positions on the moral status of the pre-implantation embryo: non-personal, pre-personal, and personal. Emphasis is placed on the personalist view, which asserts that human life begins at fertilization and must be protected from the earliest stage, i.e., an embryo is already bearer of God’s image (Imago Dei) since the inception. The article proposes an ethical-theological framework for Christian engagement with IVF, including: limiting embryo production to those intended for implantation, avoiding embryo freezing, rejecting embryo destruction, and affirming the theological meaning of children as a fruit of marital love. This work aims to serve as a contextual and responsible ethical guide for churches and Christian leaders in Indonesia.

Theology of Death Based on the Perspective of Metaphysical Anthropology for the Toraja and Javanese Death Ritual Traditions

2025-10-31T17:55:53+07:00

The objective of this study is to formulate a theological framework for the concept of death, utilizing the lens of metaphysical anthropology. This study serves as a scholarly reference on the preservation of death ritual traditions in Indonesia, focusing on those observed by the Torajans and Javanese. The significance of this objective lies in the inclination of the Christian tradition in Indonesia to marginalize indigenous cultural practices. This study employs the primary perspective of Gijsbert van den Brink, which is subsequently subjected to constructive analysis by the perspectives of Tibor Horvath, Robert Setio, Ebenhaizer I Nuban Timo, and Jürgen Moltmann. This study presents a theology of metaphysical anthropology of death, specifically focusing on the concept of posse mori in posse non mori. The objective is to propose a solution to preserve the death ceremonial traditions observed by the Torajans and Javanese.

Pangala Tondok Christology

2025-10-30T14:02:19+07:00

Discussion about Pangala Tondok Christology began when the Torajan Church decided on Tongkonan Sangullele terms for cultural and religious identity. This study aims to foster fruitful discussion regarding Pangala Tondok Christology in Toraja's multireligious setting (interdenominational church and interreligious). Library research is used in this study, and I created a synthesis model based on Stephen B. Bevans. The first outcome is that Jesus Christ can be portrayed as a new Pangala Tondok in an interdenominational church. The Tongkonan offspring descended from him. The Torajan Church promotes an inclusive, modest, amiable, and transparent approach to interreligious discourse, embracing a respectful attitude toward other religions.

Decolonizing Religion

2025-08-12T13:27:09+07:00

The perceived binary between “world religions” and indigenous traditions is a colonial construct. The editorial asserts that dismantling this oppositional framework is essential for decolonizing religion and enabling constructive conversations with local and indigenous episteme and practices. The five articles in this edition demonstrate how engaging with local practices and indigenous knowledge creates space for resilience, relationality, and ecological stewardship. Such a decolonial approach offers a crucial framework for responding to contemporary global problems, including the climate crisis, economic precarity, and systemic injustices. Ultimately, this editorial calls for more holistic religious praxes and alternative socio-ethical imaginaries.

Authors Biography, Reviewers, & Author Guidelines

2025-08-06T16:07:46+07:00

Editorial Boards & Contents

2025-08-06T15:32:00+07:00

Transformative-Contextual Theology of I Wayan Mastra in the Development of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali (GKPB) from the 1970s to the 1990s

2025-08-07T17:32:46+07:00

This study examines the transformative-contextual theology model developed by I Wayan Mastra in revitalizing the Protestant Christian Church in Bali between the 1970s and 1990s. Using historical methods, transforming contextual theology into praxis necessitates the leaders' presence, who are grounded and reflective within their context. They are characterized by three qualities: first, existential sensitivity to the social context in which they operate, as defined in Paulo Freire's concept of conscientization; second, a willingness to be shaped through “candidate training”—both in academic and non-academic spheres—which produces innovative, open, critical, and practical individuals; and third, an inner drive rooted in compassion (splagcnizomai) that motivates leaders to act concretely amid crisis.

The Mastra’s methodological framework demonstrates a systematic and visionary approach. Starting from the root causes’ identification, a transformative vision emerges: (1) the core values’ formulation as a catalyst for social transformation; (2) theological renewal through hermeneutical decolonization; and (3) holistic praxis that addresses spiritual, cultural, educational, and economic dimensions. Implementing these practices includes contextualizing the Gospel, strengthening human resources through vocational and formal education, and empowering the congregation economically based on local potential. Thus, this theological model is reflective and operational in striving for human integrity and community liberation.

Comparative Study of Torah Law and Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 2 of 2015 concerning the Protection of Domestic Workers

2025-08-04T16:43:39+07:00

Domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable groups to exploitation and structural violence in modern society. Although Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 2 of 2015 has established basic protections for domestic workers, this legal protection does not yet have adequate legal force. This situation is worsened by the fact that the Draft Law on the Protection of Domestic Workers has not yet been passed, despite being delayed since 2004 (more than 20 years). On the other hand, the Torah in the Bible contains provisions regarding slaves. Although rooted in an ancient social system, it embodies principles of justice and compassion that were radical for its time. Therefore, this article presents a comparison between the provisions regarding slaves in the Torah Law and modern regulations regarding domestic workers through a theological ethical approach. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate that principles, such as liberation, respect for human dignity, and protection of vulnerable groups, contained in the Torah Law, can serve as a reflective foundation for the struggle for social justice for domestic workers in Indonesia. In addition, this study emphasizes the significance of structural and spiritual reform of the domestic work system through a transformative faith approach.

The Stories of Death in Abangan

2025-07-28T13:03:11+07:00

This study examines the construction of death myths through eschatological concepts within the religious beliefs of the Abangan Javanese community, a subcultural group with a syncretic religious orientation rooted in Kejawen traditions. The primary issue addressed is the scarcity of scholarly attention to how localized eschatological narratives shape alternative interpretations of death, which are often overlooked by dominant religious paradigms. Employing a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach, this research is grounded in theoretical frameworks of eschatology and religiosity to analyze how the abangan community constructs meaning around death. The findings reveal that death is not solely understood as a personal or moral endpoint but is perceived as the result of broader socio-religious dynamics, environmental conditions, and interactions with unseen entities. These interpretations reflect a unique epistemology that challenges normative theological discourses and affirms the validity of local spiritual worldviews. This study contributes to eschatological scholarship by highlighting the interpretive richness of indigenous belief systems and addressing the ongoing marginalization of religious knowledge within broader academic and theological discussions.

Agama Konghucu Is A Religion

2025-07-28T13:03:11+07:00

This research examines the formation of Agama Konghucu identity during the New Order era, as reflected in Confucian publications (Gentrika and Genta Rohani). Given that identity is relational, the construction process involved identifying the community itself and the perceptions of others, including those of religions and governments. Despite the government's control over the press and media during the New Order, Gentrika and Genta Rohani persistently worked to construct an Agama Konghucu identity. Employing Critical Discourse Analysis, as developed by Fairclough, as the methodology, this article aims to investigate the construction of Agama Konghucu identity discourses in the Confucian community that were published and distributed during the New Order. This thesis uses Bourdieu's perspective on language in power relations, which is integrated into the methodology. Finally, this research concludes that Confucian media play a significant role as an agent and a medium in the construction process by incorporating specific language practices.

Leuit Badui

2025-07-28T13:03:12+07:00

This article examines leuit as a symbol of aesthetics, food security, and spirituality in Badui community in Banten. This research is motivated by the need to explore the multifunctional role of leuit in the cultural and daily life of the Badui community in depth. The main objective of this research is to analyze how leuit functions not only as a granary, but also as an aesthetic representation and center of spirituality. The methodology used includes a qualitative approach through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and literature study to obtain comprehensive data. The results show that leuit has an important role in the food security of Badui community through sustainable and efficient storage. In addition, leuit also contains deep spiritual meaning and serves as a symbol of Badui cultural identity. This research underscores the importance of leuit preservation as part of the cultural heritage that supports the sustainability of the Badui community and provides insight into the contribution of traditional cultural practices in facing global challenges.

Authors Biography, Reviewers, & Author Guidelines

2024-12-31T11:51:35+07:00

Editorial Boards & Contents

2024-12-31T11:44:00+07:00

The Influence of External Elements on The Human Decision-Making Process

2024-12-27T09:01:11+07:00

This paper is a critical analysis of two important texts in two cultural traditions, namely the story of “The Fall” in Genesis chapter 3 in the Judeo-Christian tradition and “Sang Durjodana Arsa Ngasoraké Pandawa sarana Prang Dadu” in the Mahabharata epic in the Javanese tradition, Sadjarah Pandawa Korawa, by Raden Tanojo. The analysis process of juxtaposing the two texts will use the characterization method that focuses on the speech and actions performed by the serpent and Sengkuni as a representation of external elements that are capable of influencing human actions. Both are portrayed as intelligent and cunning, and they use their cunning to tempt other characters, Eve and Yudhistira, to sin or mistake. In addition, a text reading of the Book of Genesis can provide a perspective that not everything has to end with war and violence in the Mahabharata. Also, a text-reading of the Mahabharata can provide a perspective that humans must dare to bear their faults instead of running and hiding as told in the Book of Genesis.

Abangan, Kejawen, and the Dream Sellers in Coastal Java

2024-12-31T10:37:57+07:00

This study explores the socio-cultural dynamics of Javanese coastal communities, emphasizing the existence of their indigenous traditional beliefs: Javanism (Kejawen) with its unique spirituality and Abangan, which practically reflects Islam in a syncretic form blending Javanese culture and Sufism. The research focuses on six regions: Subang, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Rembang, Tuban, and Pasuruan. Using Spradley’s domain, it examines the spiritual frameworks and practices of Kejawen and Abangan, including distinctive traditions such as mysticism and cultural titles. Participatory observations reveal that Kejawen and Abangan communities continue to preserve their beliefs, actively practising them while shaping a communal identity that strengthens social bonds. Ironically, some deviant practices, such as shamanism, charms for wealth, and occultism, are often associated with these groups. The findings also highlight the critical role of religious moderation in safeguarding traditional practices, addressing misuse of beliefs, and promoting harmony. This study offers valuable insights into the resilience of Javanese culture amidst the dynamics of contemporary society.

The Response of Christian Youth to Interfaith Scriptural Reasoning:

2024-11-19T09:33:28+07:00

The reading of Scripture is susceptible to interpretation and can offer constructive values, but it can also lead to self-exclusion and destructive actions. Traditionally, the reading and interpretation of Scripture have been an internal activity within each religious community. However, in Yogyakarta, Scriptural Reasoning activities are being organized by the Young Interfaith Peacemaker Community (YIPC) Indonesia, involving participants from diverse religious and belief backgrounds. This research examines the response of Christian Youth engaged in Scriptural Reasoning activities, specifically focusing on how they create a welcoming space for the presence of the other. The research will employ an analytical descriptive method, with data gathered through participatory observation, interviews with respondents selected via purposive sampling, and the collection of relevant literature and documents. Respondents will include organizers of Scriptural Reasoning activities and Christian participants. The data will be analyzed using Marianne Moyaert’s concept of hermeneutic hospitality. This study highlights the significance of hermeneutic openness as an expression of hospitality within the Christian community and the importance of creating space for interreligious dialogue. Reading sacred texts can also help prevent conflicts of religious sentiments based on scriptural interpretation.

Israel Then and Now

2024-10-29T16:56:57+07:00

Chosen people is a term often applied to Jews. However, the post-New Testament church considered Israel’s peoplehood to have ended, a theological assumption that has only been corrected since the mid-20th century. The present article re-examines the concept of the chosen people biblically. The Deuteronomic language for the election of Israel is their deliverance from Egyptian slavery to become a nation of Yahweh’s worshipers (‘ebed peoplehood). However, the Sinaitic Covenant required Israel to be more than that, namely to be a special people, an exemplary peoplehood (s^egullā peoplehood). The reality of ‘ebed peoplehood is unconditional and its basis is solely the God-factor, His love and fidelity (Deut. 7:6-8). On the contrary, the reality of s^egullā peoplehood is conditional and its basis is Israel-factor, their seriousness in keeping the covenant (Ex. 19:5-6), which then turned out to fail except for the remnant. However, Israel's failure paved the way for an expanded peoplehood, which includes non-Jews en masse, while the mass salvation of the Jews is an eschatological reality (Rom. 11:25-26).

(Social) Justice in Biblical Theology Persepective

2024-11-18T14:12:48+07:00

The struggle to bring about social justice is sometimes suspected of being a form of cultural Marxism. Is this view representative from a Christian theological perspective? Of course, the answer given will depend on our understanding of social justice itself. Thus, we need to look at several passages of Scripture to get a more balanced picture of this.

From Dominance to Advocacy

2024-10-29T16:56:58+07:00

In the study of citizenship in Indonesia, the term majority-minority is well recognized. This paper aims to challenge the power dynamics behind the majority-minority discourse in Indonesia. Discussions about minorities, which were initially intended as a means of advocacy, have transformed into a tool of domination. In the context of Identity Politics in the latter half of the 20th century, minorities were associated with the defense of Black people in the United States, as well as gay and lesbian communities, and Native American groups. In Indonesia, however, the discourse on majority and minority has shifted to
numerical considerations. This discourse is evident in conversations about citizenship in Indonesia, particularly regarding religious backgrounds, leading to the terms majority religion and minority religion. Using the Netnography method, this research explores various ways of interpreting the term minority within Indonesian society. This study employs Pierre Bourdieu's theory of Symbolic Violence as its analytical framework. From this perspective, it is revealed that the prevailing discourse is not about majority-minority but rather the process of minoritization. This paper proposes a counter-current logic. The prevailing logic of domination associated with the term minority is encouraged to revert to the advocacy logic that originally inspired it.

Authors Biography, Reviewers, & Author Guidelines

2024-05-22T17:11:31+07:00

Editorial Boards & Contents

2024-05-22T17:10:30+07:00

Reinterpreting the First Principle of Pancasila through John Calvin's Political Thought

2024-05-30T14:43:31+07:00

This editorial is a small step in an effort to reinterpret the first principle of Pancasila from the perspective of John Calvin's political thought. This effort was motivated by various acts of religious intolerance in Indonesia. This setting cannot be separated from the structural factors surrounding it: government intervention in internal religious affairs. Therefore, a reinterpretation of the first principle is urgently needed because this reinterpretation of the principle of Belief in One God can guarantee freedom of religion and the role of religion in the public sphere. In this way, religion can become a liberating force capable of creating democratic social and political life.

Post-Conflict Discriminatory Narratives in Christian Communities

2024-05-21T15:45:15+07:00

The 1999 conflict in Maluku left scars that lasted 20 years after the conflict. This phenomenon is directly reflected in the narratives of post-conflict society, which are still prevalent in daily conversations. During their 20 years of surviving in Ambon as refugees, the Kayeli community had various experiences forms (violent and peaceful ones). The struggle of the Kayeli refugees reflects the damages created by conflict in communal relations a year after the war's end. This condition has not been sufficiently discussed in studies of post-conflict society. This paper aims to describe the struggle of the refugee community as a vulnerable group of people living with narratives of violence in the post-conflict in Ambon. This paper is based on in-depth interviews with 8 informants from the Kayeli refugee community to collect the data in 2023. The results reveal that the conflict experiences depicted in this group illustrate discrimination and struggle in communal relations in new areas where they were resettled from their war-torn villages. This paper describes the refugees' responses to conflict narratives based on their Christian beliefs. This is how the refugee community continues to live their lives by coping with the discriminating narratives in their new community.