PASCA : Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen

Employer Violence Against Domestic Workers: A Socio-Pastoral Analysis of Power Relations and the Church’s Prophetic Role

Endang Damaris Koli — 2025-11-30

This article analyzes the phenomenon of employer violence against domestic workers in Indonesia as a deeply rooted social issue embedded in the structures of household power. Employing a qualitative socio-theological approach, the study examines five documented cases of employer-perpetrated violence against domestic workers from 2022 to 2025, based on reports from nationally recognized media outlets. The analysis is framed by Pierre Bourdieu’s theories of habitus and symbolic violence, alongside Gustavo Gutiérrez and Allan Boesak’s model of pastoral prophetic theology. The findings reveal that such violence is not merely the result of individual moral failure but rather a manifestation of normalized, structured dominance within domestic spaces. From a theological perspective, this violence constitutes a form of structural sin that calls for a prophetic and transformative response from the Church. The article recommends a pastoral repositioning that goes beyond empathy for victims to include critical engagement with the power dynamics that sustain abuse. This includes ethical education within congregations, the development of penitential liturgies for employers, and the Church’s participation in public advocacy for the legal protection of domestic workers. Ultimately, this study contributes to the development of a contextual pastoral theology in Indonesia that prioritizes human dignity and social justice.

Consumerism And The Environmental Crisis: A Critical Review of Education and Ecological Spirituality in Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si

Felix Riondi Sugar — 2025-11-30

This paper discusses the concept of ‘Ecological Education and Spirituality’ introduced by Pope Francis in his encyclical Luadato Si and its relevance in criticising consumerism in today's world. The development of consumerism in people's lives has been accused of being one of the causes of the environmental crisis, particularly in terms of waste. Therefore, the purpose of writing this article is to remind and correct the pattern of excessive consumerism in modern times based on the perspective of Pope Francis in the encyclical Laudato Si. To elaborate on all of this, the author uses a qualitative research method with literature review as a way to collect data and focuses on document studies. Thus, the material object of this research is consumerism, while the formal object is Pope Francis' perspective in the encyclical Laudato Si. From the study, the author found results that show the relationship between consumerism and life style, the use of social media and gadgets that contribute to changing the socio-economic psychology of society, and the influence of consumerism on the increasing population of waste. In addition, this article focuses on how the concept of ‘Ecological Education and Spirituality’ in Luadato Si can serve as a framework for changing consumptive worldviews, and also offers practical insights that can be adopted in the development of more inclusive and sustainable environmental policies in this modern era.

The Identity Crisis of the Nation of Judah in the Book of Daniel: A Case Study and Its Relevance for Contemporary Pastoral Counseling

Amoli Ndraha — 2025-11-30

The identity crisis experienced by the nation of Judah during the Babylonian exile represents a profound challenge to faith and religious identity. The cultural pressure of Babylon, expressed through the changing of names, the imposition of unclean food, and the demand to worship foreign gods, threatened the continuity of the people’s covenant relationship with God. This study aims to analyze the identity crisis of the nation of Judah in the Book of Daniel and to explore its relevance for contemporary Christians who face the influence of globalization, technological advancement, social media, and secular culture. The research employs a qualitative, historical approach, using secondary data from biblical commentaries, theological journals, and scholarly articles obtained through Google Scholar. The results show that the steadfast faith of Daniel and his companions serves as a timeless model for Christians to maintain spiritual integrity amid modern pressures. Strengthening spiritual discipline, fostering faith communities, and applying pastoral counseling are essential strategies to preserve Christian identity in the age of globalization.

The Meaning of the Phrase “Food and Drink, Festivals, Sabbath Days” Based on Colossians 2:16-17: An Exegetical Study

Moses Sarjono — 2025-11-30

The use of the phrase "food and drink, festivals, and Sabbath days" in the context of the Colossian congregation has been misinterpreted and become a central point of debate regarding the Mosaic Law. Through an analysis of this text in Colossians 2:16-17, it will help address the notion that the dietary laws of clean and unclean foods and the Sabbath were not abolished through Jesus' death on the cross. This exegetical study aims to explore the meaning of the original language, connecting it historically and textually to perspectives on the law under examination. The study results indicate that "food and drink" do not refer to clean and unclean foods, and "Sabbath" does not refer to the weekly Sabbath but rather to the annual Sabbaths, also known as special festival days in the Jewish calendar. This shows that Paul was not emphasizing the abolition of God’s moral law, but was addressing ritual practices that were merely shadows of things to come namely, Christ Himself.

Implementation of Church Unity Based on the Reinterpretation of the Phrase Pasa Oikodomi in Ephesians 2:21

Andris Kiamani — 2025-11-30

This research article aims to reinterpret the true meaning of the phrase πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ (Pasa Oikodomi) in Ephesians 2:21. There are two interpretations in translating the phrase, namely in the literal sense as the temple and in the metaphorical sense as a symbolization of the church as the Body of Christ. If so, what is the true meaning of the phrase πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ (Pasa Oikodomi)? To answer this question, this research is conducted through a specific and comprehensive study of the reinterpretation of the phrase πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ (pasa oikodomi). Based on the use of interpretative qualitative method through hermeneutic process, this article finds that the reinterpretation of the phrase πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ (Pasa Oikodomi) refers to the whole body, and or the whole congregation in the unity of the church. The basic argument of the reinterpretation is that, in the context of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is talking about unity in the body of Christ, namely the church. Therefore, the novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive hermeneutical approach, which affirms the phrase πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ (Pasa Oikodomi) as an affirmation of the unified structure of the church as the body of Christ, rather than merely a symbol of a physical building.

Book Review: Kembali Ke Masa Lalu, Solusi Masa Kini

Davin Giovanni — 2025-11-30

The book “Kembali ke Masa Lalu, Solusi Masa Kini” by Agustinus M.L. Batlajery was born out of concern over two issues: the tendency of contextual theology to disregard the Bible and church tradition, and the threat of radical groups seeking to replace Pancasila as the foundational ideology of the Indonesian state. Batlajery invites readers to learn from the 16th-century church reformation led by Martin Luther and John Calvin, who returned to the sources of Christian faith—namely, the Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers, especially Augustine. The second chapter highlights the importance of a contextual theology that remains rooted in the tradition of faith while being relevant to the realities of society, particularly in Indonesia. In the third chapter, Batlajery offers a solution in the form of the concept of a “Pancasila Renaissance,” a call to return to Pancasila as the foundation of national and societal life. Just as the church reformation was grounded in the past, Batlajery emphasizes that Indonesia’s future must be built by returning to the authentic values of Pancasila.

Book Review: Proverbs And The Formation Of Character

Patrick Byornjovi Lazarus — 2025-11-30

The book Proverbs and the Formation of Character by Dave Bland highlights how the book of Proverbs shapes moral character through practical and relational wisdom. Bland focuses on the often-overlooked section of sentence literature (Proverbs 10–29) and shows that the book of Proverbs has the power to shape virtues such as justice and self-control. With an interdisciplinary approach, he brings together theology, ethics, homiletics, and psychology to show the relevance of Proverbs in modern life. Wisdom in Proverbs is described as the result of a relationship with God and community, and is obtained through dialogue and life experience. Therefore, Dave Bland's critical insight into the character formation of the book of Proverbs in this book is not only oriented toward a dimension of moral rules, but also a process of character growth that takes place through learning adaptation, correction, and openness to guidance from family with community.