Collecta: Journal of Theology and Christian Tradition

Iconodule, Worship of Idols?

2025-03-22T15:32:54+00:00

This paper examines the common presumption that iconodulia, or religious devotion to icons, in Eastern Orthodox Churches constitutes idolatry. While often misinterpreted as worship of inanimate objects, Eastern Orthodox theology upholds that iconodulia aligns with apostolic tradition and does not violate the biblical prohibition against graven images (Ex. 20:4-5; Deut. 5:8-9). This study explores the historical and theological development of Eastern Orthodox theology of icons, focusing on Byzantine iconoclasm (726-843). I structure the discussion into five sections: the historical background of Byzantine iconoclasm, the first wave of iconoclasm, the Second Council of Nicaea, the second wave of iconoclasm, and a theological analysis of iconodulia’s compatibility with apostolic tradition. The findings suggest that iconodulia, distinguished from idolatry through the concepts of proskunesis, latreia, eidolon, and eikon, coheres with Christian prohibition against idolatry. Thus the paper reaffirms iconodulia as a legitimate expression of Christian spirituality rooted in apostolic teaching.

Offering in the HKBP Church Liturgy

2025-03-22T12:09:05+00:00

This article aims to examine offerings with cashless methods such as QRIS, which are starting to be used as a more practical alternative. In this digital era, it offers convenience for congregations in giving offerings, especially for those who cannot physically attend church. However, this innovation also challenges maintaining the spiritual essence of offerings. Offerings are not just economic transactions but part of worship that reflects sincerity, trust, and commitment to faith. Therefore, a balance is needed between adapting to technological developments and preserving theological values in offering practices, especially HKBP. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature study approach and observations of changes in offering patterns in today's HKBP church. The results of this article show that cashless offerings are a continuation of traditional offering methods but have not been able to replace the current method.

Worship as Identity

2025-03-22T15:54:53+00:00

This article examines Hebrews 10:19-25 as a theological basis for understanding worship as a Christian identity. This text shows that worship is not just a rite or custom but rather the core of Christian life that connects people with God and each other. If worship is only understood as a routine without discernible impact on daily life, then the church risks losing its role as a community that brings social transformation and justice. With a critical interpretation approach and exploration of the liturgical context in the letter to the Hebrews, this paper highlights the importance of ‘liturgy after liturgy’ as an embodiment of faith. It is not only a sacramental celebration in the church but has continuity in daily life through acts of love, justice, and solidarity. The concept of ‘Lex Orandi, lex credendi and lex agenda’ underlines how Christian faith is lived holistically through prayer, belief and action that influence each other as an identity in worship.

The Presence of Women Pastors in Church Ministry

2025-03-22T11:45:51+00:00

The rejection of female pastors in the Indonesian Lutheran Christian Church (GKLI) reflects gender inequality legitimized by church doctrine, patriarchal culture, pressure from clergy families, and internal policies influenced by external partners. Although GKLI ordained female pastors in 1992, this practice was discontinued. This study employs a qualitative, descriptive-analytical approach, collecting data through literature studies and interviews. The analysis applies Johan Galtung’s theory of violence and peacebuilding and Michael Walzer’s distributive justice to identify the factors hindering women's participation in ecclesiastical leadership and how structural violence manifests in church policies. The findings reveal that restricting women's roles in GKLI is not merely an ecclesiastical decision but also a form of structural violence that reinforces gender subordination. This study underscores the need for a more inclusive, just, and contextually relevant church policy revision while proposing reconciliation and transformation as a strategy for fostering peace through the acceptance of female pastors. Consequently, GKLI can better reflect the values of love, justice, and equality in its theological praxis while ensuring sustainable peace and gender justice within the church.

An Analysis of the HKBP Church’s Stance on Peraturan Pemerintah No. 25 Tahun 2024

2025-03-22T12:11:10+00:00

The “Red Carpet” for religious civil society organizations (CSOs) in the politics of the mining business has recently sparked controversy. This issue arises from a government policy that grants mining permits to religious organizations, with the government arguing that this policy will enhance public welfare through these organizations. This article analyzes the potential threats to democracy and environmental exploitation underlying this policy. The study employs a literature review method, drawing on academic research and ecclesiastical documents examined through the lens of democratic and eco-theological values. This research finds that granting religious organizations control over the mining business process significantly threatens democracy and risks triggering horizontal conflicts. The author reflects on the HKBP’s consistent opposition to this policy as a response aligned with democratic principles and the eco-theological spirit, mirroring Jesus's political approach. In contrast, PBNU’s favorable response to the policy appears to be driven by more pragmatic considerations, particularly the economic self-sufficiency of religious organizations. These findings serve as a reference for re-evaluating the moral virtues of religious organizations, which should safeguard their followers' trust.