BONAFIDE: Jurnal Teologi dan Pendidikan Kristen

The Prophet Micah’s Critique of Nepotism: A Hermeneutical Perspective on the Theology of Social Justice

Saut Maruli P. Panggabean — 2025-12-29

This article examines the Prophet Micah’s critique of nepotism through the lens of social justice theological hermeneutics. The historical background of eighth-century BCE Judah reveals systemic abuses of power, land confiscation, and political patronage that undermined the social order. Micah exposes this corruption through sharp prophetic rhetoric, portraying leaders as betrayers of their divine mandate. This analysis finds that modern nepotism shares structural similarities with the injustices of Micah’s era, namely the erosion of meritocracy and the weakening of social solidarity. The novelty of this research lies in positioning nepotism as an independent theological category within the interpretation of the Book of Micah. The research results affirm that the struggle against nepotism encompasses three crucial dimensions: (1) as an ethical agenda in social life; (2) as a prophetic calling to embody God's justice (mishpat) in the public sphere; and (3) as a theological calling to restore the integrity of public spirituality centered on faith loyalty and the rejection of exclusive privileges. Consequently, this article grounds Micah's message as an instrument of socio-political transformation relevant to the context of modern leadership in Indonesia.

Beautifying Or Destroying: An Analysis of The Theology of The Body and Perspectives on Make-Up for Generation Alpha

Elsadai Sofiana Kawengian — 2025-12-29

This research explores the phenomenon of make-up usage among generation alpha children, who are growing up amidst intense digital culture exposure, examined through the lens of the Theology of the Body. As a generation exposed to social media from an early age, generation alpha faces the pressure of digital beauty standards that risk shifting the understanding of the body from a sacred subject to a mere aesthetic object. Using a descriptive-qualitative analysis method through theological and sociological approaches, this article examines whether early-age make-up use serves as a means of self-expression that beautifies or instead damages the meaning of the body as Imago Dei (Image of God). The analysis shows that the Theology of the Body views the body not merely as outward matter but as a sacrament reflecting the divine presence. Therefore, the use of make-up for generation alpha requires balanced pastoral guidance and theological education to maintain the integrity of bodily dignity, ensuring that outward beauty does not overshadow the essence of the body as a holy gift from God.

Incarnational Missio Dei: a Theological Framework for Holistic Cross-Cultural Mission in Indonesia

Sostenis Nggebu — 2025-12-29

The concept of Missio Dei is rooted in the mission of the Triune God who sends and calls the Church to participate in the work of redemption and restoration of the world in a cross-cultural and holistic manner. However, within Indonesia’s pluralistic context, there remains a theological need to articulate a contextual understanding of Missio Dei, particularly in relation to reaching marginalized and unreached people groups. This study aims to explicate the theological foundations of Missio Dei and to formulate incarnational and holistic principles as a conceptual framework for mission that is relevant within Indonesia’s socio-cultural plurality. Employing a qualitative-descriptive approach through a literature-based study in theology and missiology, this research involves theological-conceptual analysis, critical examination of incarnational principles grounded in the kenosis of Christ, holistic principles oriented toward shalom, and contextual interpretation within the Indonesian setting. The findings indicate that Missio Dei must be understood through an incarnational approach that emphasizes contextualization of the Gospel and respect for local epistemologies, as well as a holistic approach aimed at the restoration of the totality of human life. This study contributes by offering an incarnational-holistic theological framework as a reflective foundation for the development of ethical, contextual, and transformative cross-cultural mission praxis in Indonesia.

Analysis of Christian Religious Education Learning Based on Song and Music at SMA Negeri 10 Latuhalat, Ambon City

Rudy Zelfianus — 2025-12-29

Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Christian schools often relies on a cognitive approach that is less able to involve the emotional and spiritual dimensions of students, so that the strengthening of Christian values is limited. This study aims to examine the effect of music-based learning on strengthening Christian values in students at SMA Negeri 10 Latuhalat, Ambon City. With a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that music is effective in strengthening the understanding of the values of love, forgiveness, and humility, as well as encouraging students' emotional and spiritual growth. In addition, music-based activities increase students' active participation, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and encourage changes in students' attitudes to be more caring, honest, and humble. The implications of these findings indicate the importance of a music-based approach in PAK learning to enrich affective learning models and support creative and spiritual education policies in Christian schools.

An Ecclesiological Analysis of the Effectiveness of Pastoral Visitation in Promoting the Qualitative Growth of the Congregation

Manna Y. Sanderan — 2025-12-31

Church growth is often viewed only from a quantitative aspect; however, the true success of ministry lies in the spiritual quality of the congregation, which is influenced by the active role of the pastor. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of pastoral visitation as a supporting factor for church growth amid changing times that demand an increase in the quality of shepherding ministry. Using a qualitative approach with the library research method, grounded in Rawambaku’s theoretical framework and supported by phenomenological observation, this research explores literature related to the interaction between pastor and congregation. The findings show that the effectiveness of visitation is determined by the pastor’s integrity and attitude of service, which include a servant’s heart, love, and exemplary character in embracing the spiritual needs of the congregation. Through regular visitation, pastors can understand the real condition of the congregation, provide relevant motivation, and restore relationships that directly impact the improvement of both the quality of faith and the quantity of church members. It is concluded that pastoral visitation is an effective strategy to stimulate church growth because it fosters personal spiritual maturity and ensures that every soul is nurtured according to the truth of God’s Word.