Unraveling Structural Poverty: The Synergy of Contextual Theology and Holistic Mission within the Indonesian Church Context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33856/kerusso.v11i1.608Keywords:
Contextual theology; holistic mission; structural poverty; charitable paradigm; social transformation; Indonesian church.Abstract
Churches in Indonesia often remain trapped in a reactive and superficial charitable paradigm, thereby failing to unravel the structural roots of poverty. Although previous literature has extensively discussed liberation theology conceptually, studies formulating an operational framework that integrates contextual theology and holistic mission practically within the Indonesian context remain highly limited. This article aims to demonstrate the synergy between contextual theology and holistic mission in guiding the church toward a transformative praxis. Employing a qualitative method through a critical literature review, this research synthesizes the thoughts of contemporary theologians and church documents to formulate a novel integration model. The analysis reveals the necessity of a fundamental paradigm shift through two main pillars: (1) contextual theology operating as critical consciousness to dismantle poverty as a structural sin, and (2) holistic mission as an action strategy that integrates advocacy, community empowerment, and policy intervention. This research contributes by offering a concrete, synergistic operational framework that moves from philanthropy to social justice, and from emergency relief to empowerment. In conclusion, reorienting the church's missional identity positioning structural analysis as the foundation for action is imperative for the church to become an effective agent of social transformation in Indonesia.
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