Jurnal Koinonia: Fakultas Filsafat Universitas Advent Indonesia

“Every Creature of God is Good”

Elijah Baidoo — 2024-12-30

False teaching in the Ephesian Church was alarming. The tone of 1 Timothy 4:1–5 shows Paul's seriousness about these false teachings, which could ruin his Ephesus ministry. Paul stated that the Holy Spirit gives end-time deception warnings. The nature of the false teachings has puzzled Paul's readers. The study investigates the nature of the false teaching, the use of βρωμα, and Paul's meaning of ὅτι πᾶv κτίσμα θεοῦ καλὸν. Paul's handling of the Ephesian church's false teaching has also been analyzed in modern Christianity. The following key difficulties were addressed through lexico-syntactical and theological study.The study concludes that the erroneous doctrine was asceticism, which posited that the material world was evil and excessive engagement with it could jeopardize one's salvation. In the Ephesian church, this doctrine was situated in a setting where certain members believed that marriage or the consumption of food could impede salvation. Consequently, they adopted fasting and celibacy as methods for attaining salvation. They asserted that self–restraint was the most reliable means of achieving salvation. According to Paul, the truth, as the gospel of Christ, which false teachers forsook, remains the reliable path to salvation. Paul teaches that God created everything for a purpose; thus food and marriage should be gratefully accepted and followed according to the Bible. Paul does not say in the verse that clean and unclean meat are no longer distinguished in Christianity. To stay truthful, scripture must guide our doctrines and practices.

Interrogating The Experiences Of The Girl Child In Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps In Benue State And What Faith-Based Organizations Can Do

FAVOUR UROKO — 2024-12-30

The aim of this study is to examine the experiences of girls living in IDP camps in Benue State, Nigeria, and what FBOs could do to ameliorate their sufferings. The conflict in Benue State has occurred between the Fulani pastoralists, or herdsmen, and the indigenous people of Benue and it has led to the displacement of thousands of girls. Literature has not yet addressed the experiences of girls in internally displaced camps and the work of faith-based organisations in the various camps. Three camps in Benue State were chosen by the researchers. They are the Makurdi, Guma, and Agatu camps. Thirty (N = 30) in-depth interviews (IDI) with female IDPs in Benue State were conducted by the researchers. The participants were purposively selected. A semi-structured interview was adopted, and the data was analysed using content analysis. Emergent themes include the environment of the girl child in IDP camps, reasons for the abuse of the girl child in IDP camps, and impacts of the abuse on the girl child in IDP camps. Girls in Benue State's internally displaced people’s camps endure appalling living conditions, including little access to basic amenities, a high risk of sexual exploitation, and few options for employment and education.

Exploring Contemporary Theodicies

Exson Eduaman Pane — 2024-12-30

The journal article titled "Exploring Contemporary Theodicies: Fresh Insights on the Problem of Evil in an Unjust World" investigates the problem of evil and injustice from a multidisciplinary perspective. The study reviews classical theodicies like the Augustinian, Irenaean, and Leibnizian approaches, which attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with an all-powerful, benevolent God. It also explores modern theodicies, including process theology, the free will defense, soul-making theodicy, and open theism, offering alternative explanations for the problem of evil. Additionally, the article incorporates psychological, sociological, and ethical perspectives to address the social and individual dimensions of evil and injustice. The findings emphasize the importance of deeper theological reflection, the inclusion of interdisciplinary insights, and the promotion of social justice. They also stress the cultivation of compassion, empathy, and the nurturing of faith and hope. The study calls for further research on topics such as comparative theodicies, the lived experience of evil, intersectionality, and theological perspectives on structural injustice. Ultimately, this research provides fresh insights into the problem of evil, fostering ongoing dialogue in theology, philosophy, and interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on justice, love, and mercy.

Covenant and Salvation in the Old Testament

Freddy Manurung — 2024-12-30

This research examines the role of the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic covenants in the Old Testament as key mechanisms for salvation. Derived from the Hebrew term berith, a covenant is a divine agreement establishing a relationship between God and His people. Each covenant plays a pivotal role in salvation history, revealing God's character and redemptive plan. The Abrahamic Covenant promises land, descendants, and blessings, forming the foundation of Israel's identity. The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, provides the Law as a guide for righteous living. The Davidic Covenant guarantees an eternal kingdom through David’s lineage, pointing to the messianic hope. Despite their importance, there is limited research on the covenants as interconnected aspects of salvation. This study addresses key questions regarding their theological implications and relevance for modern discussions on salvation. Using qualitative methods, the research analyzes key Old Testament passages and secondary sources to explore their historical context, themes, and salvation implications. The findings reveal that these covenants illustrate God's relational approach to humanity, emphasizing grace, faith, and obedience. Understanding these covenants is essential for grasping salvation in both the Old and New Testaments. This study highlights the interconnectedness of the covenants, deepening our understanding of God's redemptive plan and its impact on contemporary theology.