Studia Philosophica et Theologica

Kant’s Moral Principles as Guidelines in Addressing the Issue of Cyberbullying

Fransiskus Bala Kleden, Silvester Ule, Emanuel Rizan Pryatno — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Cyberbullying has become a very crucial problem along with the increasing use of digital media in Indonesia. Its problem generally targets children and teenagers as the most dominant victims. This research attempts to explore the polemic of cyberbullying and offers Immanuel Kant’s moral principles as the main guideline in responding to it. In completing this article, the author used the qualitative-descriptive method with literature studies and interviews. The author first describes the case study of cyberbullying and analyzes that problem. To respond to this phenomenon, the author presents Immanuel Kant’s moral principles and draws their relevance for responding to cyberbullying cases. The research results state that, according to Kant, efforts to combat cyberbullying crimes are a categorical imperative that cannot be rejected by anyone. Cyberbullying can be stopped by strengthening moral principles in humans,which are the principles of universality, humanity, and moral autonomy. These three principles can be implemented into concrete virtues such as the internalization of individual responsibility, the formation of character education appropriate to the contextual digital era, and the implementation of practical moral values in life. These virtues invite people to respect the dignity and autonomy of others, which directly challenges the practice of cyberbullying. By having and doing this, humans are trained to sharpen their moral sensitivity in treating others while being wise and responsible in using existing technological media.

Cultural Transformation through Contextual Mission Approach in the Digital Age

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Cultural transformation in today's global society brings both challenges and opportunities for the implementation of contextual mission, especially in the digital era. Cultural contexts influenced by globalization and technological advances demand missiological strategies that are able to adapt to the changing dynamics of society. Digitalization creates new spaces for cross-cultural interaction, but also introduces complexities such as changing cultural identities, weakening traditional values, and increasing secularism. This research aims to analyze the main challenges facing contextual missions in the digital age, including the technology gap, the diversity of cultural interpretations, and the need for more inclusive dialogue. It also highlights opportunities such as increased access to communication, the potential of global networks, and the formation of digital communities that support spiritual and social transformation. This research utilizes a qualitative-descriptive approach with a literature study data collection method that contributes to the development of missiology discourse by offering a conceptual framework for contextually relevant missions in the digital age. The research results provide new insights for practitioners and academics in responding to contextual needs through a more creative, inclusive, and technology-based approach. With this transformation of understanding, contextual mission can play a more effective role in building cross-cultural relationships, supporting social change, and creating spiritual significance.

Christmas Grotto As An Art For Experiencing Divine Humility

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The installation of a Christmas grotto must begin with a process of meaningful reflection. Without it, such construction may become a hollow and repetitive act. The witness of Scripture must be re-reflected upon so that foundational norms are retrieved, thus ensuring the significance and value of the art continue to offer spiritual benefit to the faithful, and that the art itself maintains its place, is preserved, and passed down. This reflective qualitative study attempts to rearticulate essential Catholic principles that should be present in devotional art surrounding the Christmas Liturgy, so that the artistic expression may be properly and fruitfully carried out. This literature review is grounded in sources considered reliable within Catholic circles. Each source certainly holds varying degrees of influence. We hope this reflection aids readers in reassessing sufficient considerations in realizing devotional Christmas artwork. The key principle to uphold: the Catholic Church uses human art as an auxiliary means to proclaim the Good News in a more beneficial manner for humanity, without obscuring the core message. Therefore, as a means, the Christmas grotto/stall is necessary.

Jesus Christ as Social Philosopher: The Inclusive Sociability and Its Implications for Christians in Indonesia

Otniel Aurelius Nole, Adlan Christember Molewe — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In a nation of diverse beliefs like Indonesia, there can never be enough discourse on articulating ways to pursue peace. This article proposes that reimagining Jesus Christ as a social philosopher with inclusive sociability is crucial in motivating Christians’ social attitudes in public spheres in Indonesia. As the central figure of the Christian faith, this constructive imagination is particularly relevant in Indonesia, where the “what would Jesus do” religiosity is prominent. To analyse and construct Jesus as a social philosopher with inclusive sociability, this article utilises two approaches: content analysis and conversation analysis. The research finds that, as a social philosopher, Jesus exhibits a capacity for critical reasoning accompanied by a humanising attitude. This is evident in how He interacts across cultures, accepts sociocultural differences, and embodies unconditional love, unlimited forgiveness, and selfless humility. This research presents a critical model for Indonesian Christians to pursue friendships and relational harmony amidst differences, based on an ethic of empathy.

The Dayak Tribe's Bonum Commune Crisis: Traditional Farming Versus Modern Economic Activities

Alphonsus Tjatur Raharso, Rafael Isharianto, Mikael Ardi — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research highlights the local wisdom of the Dayak people of Kalimantan in clearing agricultural land. The tradition of farming for hundreds of years has built bonum commune and become an index of happiness for the Dayak community. However, local wisdom has been marginalized by a very progressive national development program, thanks to the support of technological advances and market needs. This research confronts the traditional way of Dayak communities with the modern plantation industry in managing forests. The two ways are evaluated ethically-morally, using literature studies in the perspective of ecological ethics. The research found that the Dayak custom of farming, which is full of socio-religious values, is carried out by burning a limited and measurable area of forest. After harvesting, the field area is reforested. In contrast, extensive and aggressive deforestation, without the prospect of reforestation, is carried out by oil palm plantation companies, both government and private. The current development program prioritizes oil palm plantations, and prohibits the Dayak tradition of farming. This is destroying the sociocultural life of the Dayak people that has been lived for hundreds of years. This research proposes that in carrying out macroeconomic activities in Kalimantan, government or private companies still accommodate local wisdom, and carry out locality-based development strategies. Meanwhile, Dayak communities need to adapt by carrying out microeconomic activities in accordance with applicable laws using ecological technology, while maintaining their socio-religious values.

The Challenge and Relevance of The Vow of Obedience Today: Reflection on Spirituality Based on Constitution of the osf Reute Sibolga Congregation

Rosidawati Ros Tumanggor, Arnold Suhardi, Onesius Otenieli Daeli — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Vows are promises that religious individuals make to remain faithful to God, including the evangelical counsels of obedience, chastity, and poverty. These vows are fundamental to spiritual life and must be actively lived. The vow of obedience is meant to help individuals faithfully follow God's will freely and responsibly, expressed through mission work, communal living, and service to the Church. However, living out this vow today is challenging due to societal changes and the fast-paced, individualistic nature of modern life. Thus, the vow of obedience needs to be revisited to ensure it stays true to the principles in the OSF constitution and is not diminished by changing times. It also represents a commitment to social responsibility in the context of globalization and technological advancement. This article uses qualitative research through literature study to examine the challenges and deeper understanding of the vow of obedience in the OSF congregation. In conclusion, the vow of obedience remains relevant today and is a source of strength for religious individuals in fulfilling their calling. Religious individuals today are called to be humble and ready to be sent.

Synodality and Kerygma: Women's Involvement In Evangelization In St. Pius X Bengkayang Parish, West Borneo

Cristin Natalia Rasid, Sumodiardjo Iskandar, Herwindo Chandra — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Women are an integral part of the Church. Their involvement has a significant influence in pastoral work. However, the role of women is often still faced with a patriarchal culture that favors men. The Church continues to struggle with the issue of gender equality and is increasingly opening up space for the role of women. This study aims to analyze the involvement of women in the pastoral work of the Church, especially in the field of kerygma or proclamation, and how their role can be strengthened in the context of synodality. The main focus of this research is to understand the attitude of the Church that is necessary for women to actively participate in pastoral work, especially in the task of proclamation. The method used was a combination of descriptive quantitative and qualitative phenomenology. The research respondents were women who are members of the WKRI (Catholic Women of the Republic of Indonesia) categorical group of St. Pius X Parish, Bengkayang, West Borneo. From the results of the research, the Church's inclusive and supportive attitude is key to increasing women's active participation. The Church needs to implement policies related to women, conduct ongoing coaching and training, change women's mindset, and provide time flexibility. The results of this study can enrich the theory of synodality and feminism in religious contexts, as well as encourage Church pastoralists to implement programs that involve women and build collaboration with external parties.

The Impact of Post-Modernism and of Post-Truth on Indonesian Society and the Christian Mission: a Philosophical-Theological Perspective

Sermada Kelen Donatus, Charles Virgenius Setiawan — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The background of writing this article was author’s presentation of the topic during the symposium of Asia-Pacific Association of Mission Researchers (ASPAMIR) held in Widya Mandira Catholic University, Kupang, NTT, Indonesia, on 22^nd-25^th, 2022 under the main theme of the symposium “Post-Modernism and Post-Truth and the Christian Mission”. The author is a member of this association, and the purpose of bringing this topic in the journal of Studia philosophica et theologica is to introduce the meaning of post-modernism and of post-truth with their impact on Indonesian society and to interpret the Christian mission by doing the narrative theology in accordance with the present situation and condition of Indonesian society. The method the author has used is to show up the empirical facts produced by the impact of post-modernism and of post-truth on Indonesian society and to deepen these empirical facts under the light of philosophical theological views. The result of elaborating this topic is found in the last part of the article concerning an effort to respond on the saving power of God working in the midst of Indonesian society nowadays