PASCA : Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Agama Kristen

Book Review: Untuk Mengenang Perempuan Itu: Rekonstruksi Teologis Feminis tentang Asal-usul Kekristenan

Naysalmin Lumbaa — 2026-05-31

The book “In Memory of Her” by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza explores feminist theology and employs a feminist historical hermeneutic to recover the history of early Christianity. Fiorenza critiques the androcentric perspectives that dominate biblical interpretation and the reception of historical sources. She argues that readings exposing patriarchal bias are necessary to restore women’s roles within ecclesial narratives. Through a more egalitarian historical reconstruction, she highlights the contributions of women in the Jesus movement and the growth of early Christian communities—contributions that have long been marginalized. Her discussion of gender equality, particularly regarding the interpretation of Galatians 3:28, demonstrates that Christian teachings can be understood in a liberating and inclusive way. Although Fiorenza focuses on the context of the early church, she also questions modern patriarchal church structures and encourages transformative practices toward a more egalitarian community. Her method is unique in that she reconstructs church history through feminist hermeneutics. This distinguishes her work from Rosemary Radford Ruether, who develops an inclusive framework of liberation theology and ethics, and from Kwok Pui-lan, who analyzes colonial and racial power dynamics in biblical studies. This work makes a significant contribution to feminist theological studies. It creates space for a more egalitarian understanding of Christian history and the role of women in church tradition through an interdisciplinary approach integrating theology, history, and gender studies.

Book Review: Pembentukan Karakter Melalui Teks-Teks Harta Dalam Amsal 10:1-22:16

Feriyanto Adolof — 2026-05-31

The book Pembentukan Karakter Melalui Teks-Teks Harta dalam Amsal 10:1–22:16 by Farel Yosua Sualang explores in depth the relationship between wealth and character formation based on biblical wisdom. The primary focus of the book is Proverbs 10:1–22:16, a section containing Solomon’s teachings on the importance of managing wealth wisely. In an increasingly materialistic world, this work offers a theological perspective that wealth is not an ultimate goal but rather a means of reflecting integrity, wisdom, and obedience to God. The author discusses several major themes, including human responses toward wealth, the purpose of wealth in the light of wisdom, the characteristics of wise individuals in managing possessions, and personal evaluations of material ownership. In addition to providing practical applications, the book seeks to correct misinterpretations of Proverbs through an exegetical approach that carefully considers the nature of wisdom literature. One of the major strengths of this book lies in its profound theological analysis, systematic academic methodology, and its relevance to contemporary Christian life. The discussion demonstrates that wealth management is not merely about economic matters but also concerns the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life. Nevertheless, the book still has several limitations. Its highly academic language may be challenging for general readers, while its exclusive focus on Proverbs 10:1–22:16 limits broader exploration of themes of wealth in other biblical texts. Overall, this book makes an important contribution to theological and Christian ethical studies, particularly to understanding the relationship among wealth, character formation, and Christian spirituality.

Kepo Digital as a Distortion of Curiosity: A Theological Reconstruction Based on Biblical Wisdom

Iman Kristina Halawa — 2026-05-31

The phenomenon of digital kepo reflects a distortion of curiosity within contemporary social media culture. Curiosity, which fundamentally functions as a human capacity for seeking knowledge and meaning, is often transformed into the consumption of sensationalism, gossip, and social judgment. This study aims to reconstruct the phenomenon theologically through the concept of biblical wisdom (ḥokmâ) as a foundation for Christian digital ethics. The study employs a qualitative approach, using a normative-theological hermeneutical method, to analyze Proverbs 2:1–6, James 3:5–6, and Ephesians 4:29. The findings reveal that digital kepo constitutes a form of curiosity that has lost its moral and spiritual orientation because it is detached from divine wisdom. In contrast, biblical wisdom directs curiosity toward truth, love, and moral responsibility. This study proposes Christian Digital Wisdom as an ethical paradigm for reflective and spiritually formative digital communication practices.

The Meaning of Pistis Christou (Faith/Faithfulness of Christ) Based on Romans 3:22 and 26: A Lexical and Grammatical Study of the Subjective Genitive

Renaldi Daniel Malingkas — 2026-05-31

This article examines the meaning of the phrase pistis Christou in Romans 3:22 and 26 through lexical, grammatical, and hermeneutical analysis to determine whether the genitive construction refers to human faith in Christ (objective genitive) or Christ’s faithfulness to God (subjective genitive). Employing a qualitative library research method, the study applies exegetical steps including historical, literary, and theological contextual analysis; syntactical examination of Koine Greek; and semantic investigation of pistis in the Septuagint and Pauline writings. The findings indicate that the semantic field of pistis is best understood as “faithfulness” or “allegiance” rather than merely cognitive belief, and syntactically, the genitive pistis Christou favors a subjective reading. Within Paul’s theological framework, this interpretation emphasizes that justification is grounded not in human faith but in Christ’s faithfulness and obedience to the Father, culminating in His death on the cross. This conclusion shifts the soteriological focus from an anthropocentric to a Christocentric paradigm, consistent with Romans 5:19, which affirms that through the obedience of one man, many will be made righteous. Thus, salvation is presented as God’s act of grace, actualized through Christ’s faithfulness, while human faith functions as a participatory response to Christ's completed redemptive work.

The Influence of Dalihan Na Tolu Philosophy as A Batak Moral System on the Implementation of Christian Character from Sahala's Perspective

Michael Theofilus — 2026-05-31

This research was conducted to understand the relationship between the Dalihan na tolu culture and the Christian faith amid ongoing debates within the Batak Christian community over the role of culture in believers' lives. The research was conducted in the city of Pekanbaru among HKBP clergy, consisting of pastors, church teachers, elders, prospective pastors, and prospective deacons. This study employed a qualitative approach, using open-ended interviews with informants to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model, with the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study indicate that dalihan na tolu is understood as a moral system of the Batak Toba community that serves to maintain social harmony through the values of mutual respect, appreciation, and strengthening brotherhood. Dalihan na tolu is also viewed as connected to Christian values, particularly in teachings of love, respect for others, and a peaceful life. However, the practice of dalihan na tolu must still be carried out proportionally so that respect for culture doesn’t evolve into syncretism. This study provides a novel perspective by positioning dalihan na tolu not only as a customary and moral system of the Batak people but also as a space for dialogue between Batak Toba culture and the formation of Christian character through the sahala perspective. Thus, this study demonstrates that local culture can serve as a medium for character building and growth of Christian faith when interpreted critically, contextually, and theologically.

Paul's Apologetic and Missionary Statements: Understanding Paul's Motives for Writing the Letter to the Romans

Fredy Fredy — 2026-05-31

Paul had a specific motive for writing to the church in Rome. This motive is often misunderstood, and the letter to the Romans is viewed merely as a lengthy and comprehensive theological exposition. This paper aims to elucidate Paul’s motive based on Romans 15:22–33, which reveals the purpose behind his writing. This study employs a qualitative method using a Textual Exegesis approach supported by Rhetorical Analysis (specifically deliberative/persuasive rhetoric). The research focuses on reinterpreting Paul’s motive for writing the letter to the Romans. It examines two dimensions—apologetics and mission—which are not commonly combined in a single text. A sequential analysis of the motives behind the writing of the Letter to the Romans was found: to explain Paul’s hope of making Rome a base for his mission; to refute the charge of antinomianism against him by directing aid to Jerusalem; and to involve the Roman church in the mission by asking them to pray for key matters.

Center of Creation’s Balance: A Rhetorical Criticism of the Role of Human La’abod in the Ecology of Psalm 104:14-23

David Martin Doli Sitorus — 2026-05-31

This study analyzed Psalm 104:14-23 using rhetorical criticism and semantic analysis, focusing on the concept of human la’abod within the context of creation ecology. Psalm 104 depicted a harmonious world in which humans, animals, plants, and the environment operated within a rhythm established and sustained by God. Verses 14-23 occupied a central position in a concentric structure, emphasizing the balance of creation and the role of humans as participants rather than rulers. Semantic analysis of the term la’abod highlighted that human activities cultivating the land, processing agricultural produce, and working did not signify domination over creation but reflected participation in God’s ongoing sustenance. These findings had theological and ecological implications, promoting the transformation of faith awareness into concrete actions to care for the environment while rejecting anthropocentric views. Psalm 104 presented a theological vision that positioned humans within the ecological balance of creation, as a responsibility continuously upheld under God’s providence.