Journal of Asian Orientation in Theology

Front Matter

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00

Hermeneutics of The Oenames Tribe Regarding Hau Monef as a Symbol of Patriarchal Cultural Religiosity in The Border Region of Indonesia and East Timor

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Each tribe has its own perspective on divinity or the supreme being. Therefore, the procedures for establishing a relationship with the supreme being also differ. Long before Catholicism was introduced by missionaries to the archipelago, traditional communities had unique procedures for establishing a relationship with the supreme being. The method used in this study is the literature method. The author studied library literature and linked it to the traditional practices of the Oenames tribe. The purpose of this study was to examine in greater depth the Oenames tribe's understanding of hau monef as a symbol of patriarchal religiosity. The results of the study show that members of the Oenames tribe believe that hau monef is a symbol of the presence of the Supreme Being through their ancestors. Therefore, whenever tribe members ask for blessings or permission from their ancestors, a ritual is always performed on hau monef. This shows that there is an unbroken relationship between the ancestors and the living members of the tribe. In conclusion, the Oenames tribe has a strong vertical paradigm of the supreme being, which is represented by the symbol of hau monef. Hau monef is a place for prayers and for giving thanks for all the blessings received by tribe members. Hau monef is not just a ritual artefact but a symbol of the presence of the Supreme Being, which Oenames tribe members believe has an impact on their safety and livelihood.

No Price for Grace: Canonical Reflections on Mass Offerings and the Poor

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00

In the evolving context of how the Church administers the sacraments, a profound question arises again regarding the practice of Mass offerings, especially in light of the decree issued by the Dicastery for the Clergy in April 2025. This paper will focus on cc. 848 and 945 §2, which emphasize justice and generosity in accepting Mass intentions, especially from the poor. How are we to respond pastorally to those who truly cannot make an offering? This question touches the core of the priestly vocation today: to embody a Church that stands with the marginalized, while reaffirming the identity of the priest as a servant of mercy, not merely a manager of rites. In the modern pastoral context, where poverty may change in form but never truly disappears, this issue presents both an urgent challenge and an invitation to remain faithful in serving Christ present in the poor.

Sweron as a Model for Integral Ecological Education in Papua: a Contextual Theological Study

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00

This study examines Sweron as a model of integral ecological education in Papua: a contextual theological study. Sweron is a tradition of local wisdom passed down from generation to generation by the Papuan people, especially the Maybrat tribe, which functions as an ecological, social and spiritual mechanism in maintaining a harmonious relationship between humans, nature and God. This study aims to analyse the theological meaning of Sweron and its relevance as a model of integral ecological education amid the global ecological crisis. This study uses Gadamer's hermeneutic phenomenology method. Gadamer emphasises that hermeneutics is not merely a method for interpreting texts, but rather a philosophy of understanding rooted in dialogue between the interpreter and the interpreted reality. Understanding occurs through a process of fusion of horizons, namely the horizon of the researcher and the horizon of the text/subject. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, document study, documentation, and focused discussions with the community, traditional leaders, and those with a sufficient understanding of Sweron.

Data analysis was carried out by combining three main frameworks: first, contextual theology, which views Sweron as a locus theologicus; second, Laudato Si' integral ecology, which emphasises the interconnectedness of the ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions; third, religion-nature-culture, which interprets Sweron as a form of ecological spirituality. The results of the study show that Sweron not only functions as a tradition-based environmental management system, but also contains theological values that affirm humanity's moral responsibility towards nature as God's creation. Sweron represents a model of integral ecology education that is holistic, contextual, and transformative, as a form of respect for nature that needs to be studied ecotheologically. This research contributes to the development of Sweron-based eco-theology by offering a new perspective for the Indonesian eco-theological discourse and enriching the dialogue between ecology, theology and culture in a sustainable manner.

View Church Catholic To Life Political Indonesian Society As Relevance Gaudium et Spess 73-76

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00

Life of Indonesian society still colored by conflict, such as corruption, nepotism, discrimination, SARA politics, and money politics . The purpose of writing is to provide an understanding to every Catholic believer, especially the Indonesian people, to use their reason and conscience in realizing common welfare ( bonum commune ), through politics. The writing method used is a literature review with various references found in books, journals, and documents. Humans are a social society in the image of God and have the dignity of life as a special gift from God. The Catholic Church is present to teach moral principles that must be upheld by the state in carrying out its duties. The state is expected to prioritize justice, truth and common welfare ( bonum commune ) in its policies . Politics is not just a matter of power and policy, but a calling to serve others in creating a better world. Thus, politics becomes a positive means of building a just, peaceful and prosperous society in accordance with the moral and ethical teachings of religion.

Integrating Worship Philosophy into Urban Mission: Motivating the CMC Church Congregation through Worship Education

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00

This study explores the integration of the philosophy of worship within Christian religious education in the church, emphasizing its role as a holistic expression of missional service in urban communities. The primary objective is to demonstrate that worship philosophy—when aligned with mission-oriented and pastorally focused teaching—embodies a comprehensive devotion of believers to God. This devotion is expressed through both worship and acts of service that exemplify Christian values, particularly within the complexities of urban life. Drawing on qualitative analysis of various literature sources, the study investigates how mission-oriented pastoral practices have been implemented in urban contexts, where congregational engagement is often hindered by fast-paced lifestyles and spiritual apathy. Despite these challenges, the research finds that many individuals have been effectively encouraged to re-engage with church life through intentional, spiritually grounded approaches that affirm God as the ultimate source of meaning and direction. The findings highlight that contextually sensitive mission services—especially those that are responsive and pastoral in nature—function as redemptive teaching tools. These approaches reawaken inactive congregants and foster renewed commitment to corporate worship. The study concludes that strategic pastoral outreach and mission care in urban settings can effectively revitalize worship participation and empower believers to live faith-filled, victorious lives

The Eco-Theological Significance of Ata Long: Constructing Local Wisdom as a Response to Indonesia’s Environmental Degradation

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00

Indonesia is experiencing environmental degradation across multiple sectors. This degradation is driven by economic pressures and intensified by an anthropocentric paradigm that places humans at the center of creation. Such a paradigm weakens the spiritual relationship between humans and the natural world. Mitigation efforts often prove ineffective because they overlook local cultural values that sustain ecological balance. This article examines the concept of Ata Long in Manggarai culture as a source of ecological wisdom. The study employs an ethnographic method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and field observations. Informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using a contextual theological approach, which integrates Catholic teaching with the local Manggarai cosmology. The findings show that Ata Long views humans as “guests on earth.” This concept affirms a reciprocal relationship between humans and other creatures. It also rejects human domination over nature. The study further reveals that human well-being is directly linked to environmental sustainability. The ecological-theological values embedded in Ata Long enrich Catholic ecotheology through a relational and inclusive perspective. In conclusion, Ata Long offers a locally rooted theological model that is relevant for addressing environmental crises in Indonesia.

Back Matter

2026-03-03T09:28:46+07:00