Fundamental Issues in the Dialogue Between the Gospel and Culture: Integrating Academic Theology and Congregational Theology in an Inter-Synodal Discussion on Contextual Theology and the Need for Multicultural Hermeneutics in the Gereja Masehi Injili Timor and Gereja Toraja Mamasa

Abstract

This paper is a result of research and community service that integrates academic theological studies with the church's need for theological principles to examine the relationship between church theology and local culture at the practical level in congregational ministry. It explores the practical theological experiences of the Gereja Masehi Injili di Timor (GMIT) and the Gereja Toraja Mamasa (GTM) in conjunction with academic theological studies. An inadequate understanding of contextualization is considered to be the cause of the lack of development of relevant methods and approaches at the practical level in congregations by church ministers. The discussion, revealed that the primary issue that needs to be addressed is resolving issues of terminology and dogmatics presumption. Using a qualitative analysis method, this study confirms initial needs and can provide suggestions for a methodological design to fulfill the objectives of a future church framework on the contextualization of theology and dialogue between the gospel and culture, particularly in local church organizations with ethnic backgrounds such as both churches. It also reveals the need for an adequate hermeneutic method to ensure the application of scientific principles and practical needs that emphasize dialogue in four contexts.