Jurnal Teologi Vocatio Dei

Kebebasan Sejati: Membaca Ulang 1 Korintus 7 melalui Lensa Paradoks Stoa

Alan Kusuma Banjarnahor — 2026-03-31

This article explores Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 7:22a regarding enslaved persons as “free,” which appears to reflect and simultaneously modify a Stoic paradox. This exploration highlights the relationship between Pauline thought and Hellenistic philosophy, particularly within the context of the first-century Corinthian community. The study employs a qualitative literature-based method using comparative textual analysis of the biblical text, Pauline terminology, and relevant Stoic philosophical sources, while also considering the social and pastoral context of the Corinthian church. The findings indicate that Paul does not simply reject Stoic thought but adapts and reconfigures it to emphasize divine calling as the foundation of Christian identity and genuine freedom. This modification serves to challenge the Corinthian tendency to privilege social status or specific ascetic practices as the highest moral good. Accordingly, the study demonstrates that Paul’s understanding of freedom and moral growth is grounded in faithfulness to divine calling within the diversity of the Christian community.

Pengaruh Pelayanan Peter Hinrich Johannsen di Seminari Pansurnapitu terhadap Modernisasi Akal Budi Masyarakat Batak 1877-1898

Yakub Pangihutan Silaban — 2026-03-31

This study analyzes the impact of Peter Hinrich Johannsen's missionary service at the Pansurnapitu seminary on the process of intellectual modernization of the Batak people in the period 1877-1898. By using modernization theory, this study examines the transformation of Batak community education from the previous traditional pattern that was generally based on oral (turiturian) to a more systematic formal education. The research method used is historical analysis through a qualitative approach from primary and secondary reference sources relevant to education in Batak land. The significant impact of P.H. Johannsen's service can be seen from the high enthusiasm of the Batak people to send them to school, which also changed the perception of education from being a mere thing among the Batak people, to something that is desired and very valuable in the future. The Pansurnapitu seminary led by P.H. Johannsen was not only limited to producing servants in the church, but also became a stepping stone for the emergence of an educated society that contributed to the advancement of the Batak people's mindset. P.H. Johannsen's service and dedication at the Pansurnapitu Seminary made a transformative contribution to the modernization of Batak intellectuals and paved the way for more advanced and refined intellectuals. The Pansurnapitu Seminary serves as concrete evidence of the effectiveness of evangelism in modernizing and advancing education in Batak lands.

Happiness in God: Alur Pemikiran Filsafat Teologis tentang Kebahagiaan

Andre Thesalonika — 2026-03-31

Happiness is one of the fundamental themes of human life, yet in the modern context it is often reduced to a subjective experience and material satisfaction. This article aims to examine the concept of happiness through a dialogue between philosophy and Christian theology, placing happiness in relation to suffering, faith, and eschatological hope. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive method with a literature review approach, encompassing etymological and terminological analysis, textual analysis of the Old and New Testaments, reflections on the thought of philosophers and theologians, and contextualisation within the tradition of the Batak Protestant Christian Church (HKBP). The findings indicate that happiness in the Christian faith is not understood as the absence of suffering, but rather as a condition of life rooted in a right relationship with God. Suffering is understood as part of the process of faith formation and the sanctification of life. True happiness finds its fulfilment in God as the summum bonum and is realised in the eschatological hope of eternal life. Thus, Christian happiness is a relational and transcendental reality that is relevant to the life of the church and believers amidst a modern world that tends towards materialism.

Tanah Terkutuk dan Bumi yang Menangis: Tinjauan Ekoteologi Menurut Kejadian 4:1-16

Daniel Razsekar Panjaitan — 2026-04-05

This study offers an ecotheological reflection on Genesis 4:1–16, interpreting the story of Cain and Abel as both a moral and ecological crisis. Using a biblical theological approach with narrative and reflective exegesis, the research explores the relationship between human sin, moral violence, and the suffering of creation. The Hebrew interplay among adam (human), dam (blood), and adamah (earth) reveals a deep kinship between humanity and the soil, showing that the earth acts as a moral agent protesting against violence and injustice. Cain’s act of shedding blood defiles the ground, turning the fertile adamah into a witness and judge of human wrongdoing. This rupture anticipates the “groaning of creation”, which finds its fulfillment in the reconciling blood of Christ that restores both humanity and the cosmos. The study concludes that violence against fellow humans is simultaneously violence against the earth, calling the church to participate in the Missio Dei for ecological justice and the restoration of creation.

Keywords: Ecotheology; Cain and Abel; Ecological justice; Genesis; Biblical Theology

Musik dan Seni sebagai Medium Liturgis untuk Kemuliaan Allah: Pendekatan Teologi Liturgi terhadap Kajian Soli Deo Gloria

Steven — 2026-03-31

Music and art play a vital role in Christian worship, not only guiding the congregation's praise during worship, but also as a means of expressing faith and glorifying God. However, amidst the changing times and modern worship styles, the challenge is how to keep artistic expression in worship focused on God, not merely as a performance or entertainment. This study examines music and art as liturgical media through a liturgical theology approach, emphasizing the principle of Soli Deo Gloria that everything in worship must be directed to the glory of God. Through a literature review, this study also shows that every form of art in worship, whether music or visual symbols, must have a strong theological foundation. Through this, the church is encouraged to develop a contextual and creative liturgy, while maintaining the spiritual meaning and correct direction of worship. The hope is that music and art will not only be a vehicle for beautifying worship, but will truly bring the congregation closer to God.