Purnama Pasande, Jhon Efendi Bungalan, Elsye Evasolina Tulaka, Joddiar Septyanto, Desry Narliany Linggamo

PENDEKATAN TEOLOGI AGAMA-AGAMA TERHADAP RITUAL PONGONSONG BIHING DI SUKU SALUAN KRISTEN

Introduction

pendekatan teologi agama-agama terhadap ritual pongonsong bihing di suku saluan kristen. Analisis teologis ritual Pongonsong Bihing suku Saluan Kristen. Mengkaji ketegangan tradisi leluhur dan ajaran Kristen, artikel ini menemukan nilai sosial adat dapat diakomodasi demi harmoni antaragama.

Abstract

This article discusses the Pongonsong Bihing custom, a cultural practice of the Saluan tribe in Central Sulawesi performed in the context of death and the mourning period. This tradition arises from the belief that the spirit of the deceased can disrupt festivities if not honored through specific rites. Within the Christian Saluan community, this practice creates tension between ancestral traditions and Christian theological teachings regarding the state of the soul after death. Using a qualitative approach and a literature review, this article analyzes the Pongonsong Bihing custom based on a theological approach to religions. The study shows that although the aspect of belief in spirits conflicts with Christian doctrine, the social values such as respect, solidarity, and empathy within this custom can be accommodated ethico-theologically. This article also emphasizes that an inclusive approach to local culture can strengthen inter-religious harmony in Indonesia's multicultural society..

Review

This article, "PENDEKATAN TEOLOGI AGAMA-AGAMA TERHADAP RITUAL PONGONSONG BIHING DI SUKU SALUAN KRISTEN," offers a timely and relevant exploration of the intricate relationship between indigenous cultural practices and religious doctrine within a specific Indonesian context. Focusing on the Pongonsong Bihing custom of the Saluan tribe, the authors effectively highlight the tension arising from beliefs concerning ancestral spirits and Christian eschatology within the Christian Saluan community. The study's use of a qualitative approach and a theological approach to religions provides a suitable framework for analyzing this complex cultural-religious interface, positioning it as a significant contribution to understanding religious acculturation and adaptation. The core strength of this research lies in its nuanced identification of the conflict points and, more importantly, its proposed resolution. While acknowledging the direct theological conflict between belief in disruptive spirits and Christian teachings on the post-mortem state of the soul, the article adeptly shifts focus to the underlying social values embedded within the Pongonsong Bihing custom. The emphasis on respect, solidarity, and empathy as accommodable ethico-theological elements presents a pragmatic pathway for reconciliation. This move from purely doctrinal confrontation to an ethical and social integration is particularly insightful, offering a model for how indigenous traditions can be reinterpreted and affirmed within a dominant religious framework without compromising core theological tenets. The article's assertion that such an inclusive approach can foster inter-religious harmony further elevates its broader societal relevance. Overall, this article makes a valuable contribution to the fields of cultural anthropology, religious studies, and practical theology, particularly concerning the dynamics of syncretism and religious adaptation in multicultural societies. Its exploration of the Pongonsong Bihing custom serves as a compelling case study, demonstrating the potential for an ethico-theological framework to bridge apparent divides between tradition and modernity, and between local beliefs and global religions. While the abstract effectively outlines the findings, the full paper likely offers a deeper dive into the specific challenges and nuances of implementing such an accommodation. This work is highly commendable for its sensitive yet rigorous analysis, offering important insights for religious leaders, anthropologists, and policymakers seeking to navigate cultural diversity and promote social cohesion in Indonesia and beyond.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.