JURNAL DIAKONIA

Transhumanisme dan Pemahaman Kekristenan tentang Hak untuk Hidup dalam Wajah Rekayasa Genetika Manusia

Nadia Resiana Simanjuntak — 2025-05-30

This article discusses the perspective of transhumanism and the Christian view of human genetic engineering and the right to life. In this context, there is a gap in thinking between technology and theology. Transhumanism encourages the use of genetic engineering to improve the quality of human life. One of transhumanism's endeavours in the field of biotechnology is genetic engineering to create quality humans by directly manipulating or modifying the genetic material (DNA) of an organism. Meanwhile, Christianity emphasises that creation and the right to life are gifts from God that must be guarded and respected. This research uses a literature study method to explore the origin of humans, the use of genetic engineering, its social impact, and the church's attitude towards transhumanism. The findings show that the use of genetic engineering on humans gives rise to a conflict between human intervention and the will of God, as well as the potential for complex social impacts. Especially when confronted with human identity as a creation, not a creator. The church's response varies but reflects an attempt to mediate the gap between technology and religious belief, often with an emphasis on ethical principles. However, this study will delve deeper into the theory of creation aimed at answering the question of human intervention in God's creation as creator through human genetic engineering. Strengthening this research, therefore, is the need for an in-depth and perspective dialogue between science, religion, and society.

Signifikansi Pendidikan Kristen di Ruang Publik: Sarana Penggembalaan dalam Pembentukan Diri dan Dampak Sosialnya

Yohansen Wyckliffe Gultom — 2025-05-30

This research concludes that Christian education has an important role in the public sphere. As a continuation of Christ's work to make disciples, schools, churches, and families also play a role in continuing the task of Christian education as partners with God. Each party certainly serves according to its respective callings, and as partners of God. The role of Christian education in public spaces includes shepherding students in forming Christian spirituality in society, encouraging the creation of social action, contributing to integrating God's word into society, and encouraging them to be actively involved in civil government or contributing to the country's development agenda. The theological thoughts used in this article include Abraham Kuyper, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Thomas à Kempis, John Owen, and a number of theologians in this century. This research is a type of qualitative research using the literature study method.

Kontekstualisasi dan Implementasi Teologis Salam Horas dan Shalom dalam Persekutuan Gereja Batak Toba

Bonnarty Silalahi — 2025-05-30

Salam merupakan bagian penting dalam budaya dan agama, termasuk horas dalam budaya Batak Toba dan shalom dalam Kekristenan. Horas bukan sekadar sapaan, tetapi juga doa dan harapan akan kesejahteraan serta semangat hidup, sementara shalom menekankan damai sejahtera yang berasal dari Allah. Penelitian ini menganalisis bagaimana kedua salam ini dipahami dan diterapkan dalam gereja Batak Toba melalui pendekatan hermeneutika kontekstual. Dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa horas dapat dipertahankan sebagai identitas budaya tanpa bertentangan dengan nilai Kekristenan, selama maknanya dikontekstualisasi dengan shalom. Gereja Batak Toba dapat mengadopsi keduanya secara harmonis, menunjukkan bahwa iman dan budaya dapat berjalan berdampingan tanpa harus saling meniadakan.

Peran Diakonia Profetik dalam Mengatasi Eksploitasi Penenun Ulos di Kecamatan Sipoholon

Sarah Sinaga — 2025-05-30

The problems experienced by ulos weavers are currently quite concerning. The inequality of the Ulos weavers in Sipoholon Subdistrict, North Tapanuli Regency, face inequality in selling prices that are not proportional to the results and work time. Exploitation by agents who offer low prices is further exacerbated by limited market access and reduced buyers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has a negative impact on the fulfillment of daily needs. This research discusses the impact of price inequality and exploitation on the lives of weavers and the role of the church in overcoming it. Using qualitative methods through literature studies by collecting library data, reading and recording and processing data objectively, systematically, analyzing and critically about ulos cloth weavers in North Tapanuli, especially the Sipoholon sub-district. he results show that Christian theology itself states that justice is important. The church needs to play an active role to fulfill its vocation to give “good news” to the oppressed weavers by helping to release them from the shackles of exploitation through a prophetic diaconal approach that focuses on liberation theology.

Gereja dan Penyandang Disabilitas: Urgensi Gereja dalam Melindungi Nilai Hidup Manusia bagi Penyandang Disabilitas

Yuniar Mariska Simamora — 2025-05-30

This article aims to examine the role of the church in responding to, protecting, and valuing human life, particularly for individuals with disabilities, to ensure that they are not marginalized in church life. The church has a responsibility to ensure that every member of the congregation, including those with disabilities, is treated equally without discrimination. Therefore, it is essential for the church to take concrete steps in creating a warm and inclusive church environment where all members receive fair and compassionate treatment.In this study, the author employs a qualitative research method by analyzing various sources such as books and journals to understand how the church can contribute to raising awareness of the value of life for individuals with disabilities. The study emphasizes that people with disabilities have the same inherent value as others and deserve to be respected. No member of the congregation should be favored or neglected, as before God, every human being holds equal worth.