Te Deum (Jurnal Teologi dan Pengembangan Pelayanan)

Collective Repentance Narrative in 2 Chronicles 12:1-12

Anon Dwi Saputro — 2026-06-30

This study aims to reconstruct the narrative and theological dimensions of 2 Chronicles 12:1–12 and to examine their relevance for a Christian leadership paradigm. While previous scholarship has highlighted the pedagogical and theological functions of Chronicles, the theme of collective repentance and its implications for Christian leadership have received comparatively limited attention. This research employs a qualitative method utilizing narrative criticism. The findings reveal a consistent narrative-theological pattern: pride leads to downfall, prophetic rebuke prompts reflection, collective repentance invites divine mercy, and communal restoration becomes the ultimate goal. This pattern underscores that Christian leadership is grounded in humility, openness to prophetic correction, and responsibility toward the community. Based on these findings, the study proposes a Chronicler’s leadership model consisting of four key elements: responsible authority, openness to prophetic rebuke, collective repentance as a response to crisis, and communal restoration as the ultimate purpose of leadership.

Quality Culture and Participatory Christian Leadership in Addressing the Literacy Crisis in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)

Yuliana Boiliu — 2026-06-30

The literacy crisis in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) reflects structural challenges that extend beyond low reading interest, encompassing educational, social, cultural, and economic factors. Limited access to reading materials, disparities in teacher capacity, linguistic transitions, and inadequate digital infrastructure continue to hinder literacy development. This study examines how the integration of Total Quality Management (TQM) and participatory Christian leadership can strengthen literacy initiatives in NTT. TQM provides a systematic framework for continuous quality improvement through planning, implementation, evaluation, and stakeholder involvement. Complementing this approach, participatory Christian leadership fosters collaboration among principals, teachers, parents, and local communities in developing culturally relevant and community-based literacy programs. The synergy between quality culture and participatory leadership promotes sustainable, low-cost, and context-sensitive literacy interventions. The study concludes that improving literacy in NTT requires not only educational resources but also organizational transformation, community participation, and collaborative leadership to achieve inclusive and sustainable educational development.

Digital-Era Spirituality

Ridwan Henry Simamora — 2026-06-30

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed not only social and economic life but also the spiritual practices of contemporary society. This study examines the emergence of digital spirituality and its influence on Christians’ understanding and experience of faith in the digital era. Using a descriptive method with a library research approach, the study explores the opportunities and challenges of spirituality within digital contexts while highlighting technology’s role as a medium for spiritual formation. The findings indicate that social media functions not only as a tool for ministry but also as a theological and existential space that shapes how Christians understand, experience, and express their faith. Consequently, churches are encouraged to develop a contextual, critical, and transformative digital spirituality that enables technology to support discipleship, character formation, and the strengthening of Christian communities while maintaining the authenticity of faith in an increasingly digitalized world.

The Spectrum of Christological Syncretism in Asia Minor after the Council of Nicaea (AD 325–451)

Hendi — 2026-06-30

Abstract

This study examines Christological syncretism in post-Nicene Asia Minor (AD 325–451), moving beyond the traditional orthodoxy–heresy dichotomy. Using an interdisciplinary library research approach, it synthesizes textual evidence, including patristic writings and hagiographies, with archaeological evidence such as architecture, funerary art, and amulets. The findings demonstrate that Christological syncretism functioned along a dynamic spectrum rather than as a single phenomenon. Three operational levels are identified: conscious adaptation, in which pre-Christian forms were reinterpreted without altering Christian doctrine; pragmatic fusion, where Christ’s name and power were incorporated into local ritual practices; and conceptual assimilation, in which Christ’s nature was redefined through regional cultural narratives. The study concludes that syncretism was not merely doctrinal deviation but a significant mechanism of inculturation. By proposing a spectrum model of Christological syncretism, this research offers a nuanced analytical framework for understanding the diversity of lived Christianity in Late Antiquity.

Principles of Spiritual Guidance for the Restoration of Students Involved in Promiscuity

Frendi Erixson Siahaan — 2026-07-08

Artikel ini mengkaji pendekatan bimbingan rohani yang dilakukan Kristus dari kisah berdasarkan Yohanes 8:10-11 sebagai pemulihan moral siswa yang terjerumus dalam pergaulan bebas. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif melalui studi literatur dan analisis eksegetis Yohanes 8:10-11 untuk memahami relevansi prinsip kasih dan penerimaan Kristus dalam konteks bimbingan. Pembahasan meliputi kondisi siswa yang terjerumus dalam pergaulan bebas, prinsip bimbingan rohani dalam kekristenan, pentingnya bimbingan rohani dalam pemulihan individu, kajian eksegesis Yohanes 8:10-11, prinsip pendekatan bimbingan rohani dalam Yohanes 8:10-11 serta implementasinya bagi pemulihan siswa yang terjerumus dalam pergaulan bebas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa prinsip pendekatan yang Kristus lakukan dapat memberikan landasan teologis yang kuat dalam bimbingan rohani. Implementasi prinsip ini memerlukan penyediaan sarana dan prasarana yang memadai, serta pengembangan program bimbingan yang komprehensif. Dengan demikian, pendekatan ini diharapkan dapat mendukung pemulihan moral siswa dan membantu mereka kembali ke jalur yang benar.

Constructing Ecological Theology from the Halmahera Tradition of Rain Relocation

Marthen Dominggus Boediman — 2026-06-30

This study explores the potential of the rain-shifting tradition of the Halmahera people as a source for developing a contextual ecotheology within the Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with customary leaders, church leaders, and community members, observations of cultural practices, and a review of literature on local cosmology and ecological theology. The findings show that the rain-shifting practice reflects an ecological understanding of the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and the Divine, while emphasizing human responsibility for maintaining the balance of creation. Ritual symbols used in the practice represent local perceptions of cosmic harmony and environmental stewardship. This tradition provides valuable resources for theological reflection and the development of a contextual ecotheology in Halmahera. The study therefore recommends integrating these ecological values into GMIH’s theological reflection and praxis to strengthen ecological awareness amid contemporary environmental challenges.

Religious Ambivalence and Christian Social Movements

Yohanes Hasiholan Tampubolon — 2026-06-30

This article examines the ambivalence of religion in Christian social movements through an analysis of previous studies conducted in Latin America, South Africa, the Philippines, and other contexts. The analysis demonstrates how Christian symbols and religious practices simultaneously function as forces of emancipatory liberation and as mechanisms for legitimizing the status quo. The study employs a critical interpretive review of the literature on Christian-based social movements across diverse historical and geographical settings. The findings identify three principal mechanisms underlying the ambivalence of Christianity: internal struggles over religious meaning, historical transformations driven by political and economic crises, and the influence of actors' positions within social hierarchies in shaping progressive or conservative orientations. Periods of crisis tend to strengthen Christianity's emancipatory potential through grassroots communities, whereas alignment with dominant social classes encourages accommodation to existing political and social structures.

The Internalization of Christian Ethical Values in Christian Religious Education

Operahmat Halawa — 2026-06-30

This study analyzes the role of Christian Religious Education teachers in internalizing Christian ethical values among eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 03 Sogaeadu. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through observations, interviews, and documentation. The participants consisted of Christian Religious Education teachers, the principal, and students. Data were analyzed inductively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that teachers play a significant role in internalizing Christian ethical values through role modeling, habituation, guidance, and contextual learning. However, the effectiveness of this process is constrained by instruction that remains content-oriented, inconsistent teacher role modeling, the influence of digital technology and peer environments, and limited collaboration between schools and families. The study concludes that successful internalization of Christian ethical values requires the synergy of teachers, schools, families, and the broader social environment to foster students' holistic character development.