Journal Of Spirituality And Practical Theology

The Concept of Ịgbandụ in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria: A Discourse Analysis

Maria Nneka Agbasianya — 2025-07-30

Religious practices and the adoption of Christianity absorbed and replaced a great deal of previous traditional practices, but some remained. This study examined how the arrival of Christianity affected the practice of Igbandu in Nnewi. Igbandu in Nnewi is about people using blood, oil, salt, hot drinks, kola nuts, etc. to make covenants. This study is hinged on the observation that although attempts have been made to explore the resilience of Igbo cultural practices in spite of the impact of Christianity, there is a dearth of studies on the resilience of Igbandu, especially case studies dealing with specific localities. Existing literature has not adequately explored the impact of Christianity on the concept of Igbandu, precisely in Nnewi. In this study, the literature was extended to investigate the phenomenon of Igbandu in Nnewi. This is a qualitative study that adopted a phenomenological design. It also made use of historical and sociological approaches to examine the different dimensions of the impact. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources and analysed descriptively. Some informants were selected purposefully due to their knowledge about the phenomenon of Igbandu in Nnewi. It was found that Igbandu was not affected by Christianity but rather adopted Christian practices. It was largely due to the understanding that Igbandu promoted transparency, truth, and togetherness more than it discouraged them. Additionally, conventional religious analysts have focused on the harmful effects of certain traditional practices, arguing that their adoption into Christian practices nullifies what they preach as Christians, which is that light and darkness cannot coexist together. The issue with this perspective, however, is that it ignores the role Igbandu has played in shaping our culture and traditions. Conclusively, the positive impacts of Igbandu have made people more transparent and accountable to one another and promoted togetherness

Pelayanan Pastoral Terhadap Pemindahan Jenazah Ke Patane dalam Konteks Budaya Toraja dan Iman Kristen: Studi Kualitatif Pelayanan Pemakaman di GBT Sei Menggaris Kalimantan Utara

Endik Firmansah — 2025-07-30

This study explores the service of transferring bodies from the grave to Patane in the context of Torajan culture and Christian teachings. The main focus of this study is on the pastoral decision not to repeat the funeral ritual during the transfer of the body, but to hold a thanksgiving prayer for the completion of the construction of Patane, with the main aim of providing comfort to the bereaved family. This approach is analyzed through a study of Torajan cultural values that respect the funeral process as an important part of the human life journey, the history of funeral traditions in Christianity, and biblical interpretations of funerals and transfers of bodies, including the practice of Jesus' burial and the transfer of Joseph's body. This study also examines theological views on the meaning of death, burial, and respect for the body in the context of local culture. By understanding these dynamics, this study seeks to show how pastoral care can adapt to local culture without ignoring the values of Christian faith. The results of this study are expected to contribute to church services, especially in accompanying grieving families in the midst of a cultural context rich in tradition such as the Torajan community.

The Theological Significance of Pentecost: A Hermeneutical and Dogmatic Approach within the Eastern Orthodox Tradition

Andrew Lucas Tjong — 2025-07-30

This study examines the theological significance of Pentecost through a hermeneutical and dogmatic approach within the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Methodologically, it integrates a hermeneutical reading of Acts 2:1–13 with a doctrinal and liturgical-spiritual analysis rooted in the dogmatic theology and liturgical heritage of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The findings reveal that Pentecost is not merely a historical event, but a mystical and sacramental reality continuously experienced in the liturgical life of the Church. The descent of the Holy Spirit is interpreted as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the transformation of the apostolic community, a universal missionary mandate, and the realization of mysterion (divine mystery) through the sacraments and worship. Thus, Pentecost becomes a convergence of Scripture, doctrine, and liturgy, offering a dynamic and Christocentric vision of the Spirit-filled life in the Church.

Kontribusi Model Kepemimpinan dan Pengajaran Hamba Tuhan Tentang Memberi Berdasarkan 2 Korintus 9:6-15 terhadap Pengabdian Jemaat GPdI Kecamatan Loli, Kabupaten Sumba Barat

Yohanes Lende Phote — 2025-07-30

This study aims to analyze the contribution of leadership models and pastoral teaching on giving—based on 2 Corinthians 9:6–15—toward the devotion of the congregation in GPdI (Pentecostal Church in Indonesia), Loli Subdistrict, West Sumba Regency. A quantitative approach was employed using simple and multiple linear regression techniques, with data collected from 113 respondents through questionnaires. The analysis results indicate that both individually and simultaneously, the leadership model (X1) and teaching (X2) have a significant influence on congregational devotion (Y), with R² values of 0.855, 0.866, and 0.872, respectively. These findings demonstrate that 85–87% of the variance in congregational devotion is influenced by exemplary leadership and teaching on giving based on biblical principles. The study affirms that leadership and instruction rooted in love, integrity, and spiritual responsibility play a crucial role in shaping a congregation characterized by sacrificial commitment, faithful worship, and active participation in ministry. This research offers both theological and practical contributions for developing ministry strategies that are contextually relevant to the local GPdI setting.

Mewujudkan Kasih Kristus dalam Keberagaman Agama: Pendekatan Teologi Agama-Agama

Ester Widiyaningtyas — 2025-07-30

Religious diversity is a social and theological reality that demands contextual and transformative reflection of Christian faith. This article aims to explore how Christ's love can be realized in a pluralistic life together through the approach of theology of religions. Using qualitative-reflective methods and literature studies, this study examines three main approaches in theology of religions, namely exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism, and their implications in building interfaith relations. The love of Christ, which is universal and transformative, becomes the ethical and spiritual foundation in presenting sincere, just, and peaceful interfaith dialogue. This article concludes that amidst the complexity of pluralism, the church and Christians are called to bear witness with active love, which not only respects differences, but also brings about restoration and social justice. This research is expected to provide a theological contribution to the development of a more inclusive paradigm of interfaith relations based on divine love.