Gereja, Homo Digitalis, dan Kebenaran

Tanggung Jawab Misiologis Gereja di Ruang Digital

Abstract

The development of digital technology has created a major transformation in the way humans interact, leading to the emergence of homo digitalis, individuals whose existence depends on digital activities. This paper explores how this change affects the meaning of truth, where information often takes precedence over a deep search for truth. In the digital space, truth is often measured by performance or impact, which creates challenges for the church in maintaining its missiological integrity. Based on the ideas of F. Budi Hardiman, Jonas Kurlberg, and Jay Y. Kim, this paper discusses how the church should respond to this challenge by becoming an authentic agent of truth and community. Hardiman emphasizes the need to understand how technology changes the perception of truth, while Kurlberg highlights the importance of the church as a counterweight to ethical values in the midst of rampant disinformation. Kim underscored the essence of physical interaction to sustain true church community, although digital technology can be a valuable supporting tool. In conclusion, churches need to combine the use of technology with analog practices that emphasize physical presence and spiritual values, ensuring the relevance of the church's mission in the digital age is maintained.