Taflurut Nit: Towards an Inculturated Theology of the Communion of Saints for Kei People in Eastern Indonesia

RELIGION AND SOCIAL COMMUNICATION VOLUME 22, NO. 1 (2024)

ISSN 1686-9184

Author

Longginus Farneubun and Rico Casta Jacoba

Abstract

Ancestor veneration is considered by some to be a primitive custom, outdated, and with no relevance to modern society. In this study, however, the researcher will show that ancestor veneration is alive and practiced in various cultures, especially among Kei people in East Indonesia to this day. This research focuses on ancestor veneration (Taflurut Nit) of the Kei people vis-a-vis the Catholic teachings on the Communion of Saints. Both the Kei ancestors and the Christian saints are revered because they are believed to be role models and wisdom figures for the members of their respective communities. Kei religious and cultural practices that focus on remembering, honoring, and expressing love for their ancestors and the saints have an important role in the lives of Kei Christians. The dissertation uses the process of inculturation to explore the potential of using the practices and beliefs of ancestor veneration among Kei people in re-articulating an aspect of the Christian faith. With the mutual interaction between the Judeo-Christian Tradition on the Communion of Saints and the present experience of ancestor veneration (Taflurut Nit) among Kei people, an inculturated theology for Kei Christians in East Indonesia is being proposed in response to the new evangelization envisioned by the Church.

Keywords

ancestor veneration, kei people, communion of saints, inculturation, culture

References

Barraud, Cécile. Tanimbar-Evav One Society Maisons Tourn for the large. Cambridge dan Paris: Cambridge University Press dan Editions de la Maison des Sciences de l’Homme, 1979.

Bell, Catherine. Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992.

Bevans, Stephen B. Models of Contextual Theology. Manila: Logos Publications, 2003.

Bevans, Stephen B. An introduction to Theology in Global Perspective. New York: Maryknoll, Orbis Books, 2009.

Beyers, Jaco, and Dora N. Mphahlele. “Jesus Christ as Ancestor: An African Christian Understanding,” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 65, no. 1 (2009): 38-42.

Chupungco, Anscar, J. Liturgical Adaptation to Culture (Penyesuaian Liturgi dalam Budaya). Yogyakarta: Kanisius, 1987.

De Mesa, José, M. “Doing Theology as Inculturation in the Asian Context.” In New Directions in Mission and Evangelization, edited by James A. Scherer and Stephen B. Bevans, 411-413. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis, 1999.

De Mesa, José, M. “Contextual Theology from a Cultural Perspective.” In Christian Mission, Contextual Theology, Prophetic Dialogue: Essays in Honor of Stephen B. Bevans, edited by Dale T. Irvin and Peter C. Phan, Part 3 no. 11. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2018.

De Mesa, José, M. Solidarity with the Culture: Studies in theological Re-Rooting. Manila: Maryhill Press, 1987.

De Mesa, José, M. Why Theology is Never Far from Home. Manila: De La Salle University Press, Inc. 2003.

Delehaye, Hippolyte. The Legends of the Saints: An Introduction to Hagiography (1907) (tr. V. M. Crawford). South Bend, Indiana: University of Notre Dame Press, 1961.

Dister, Nico, Syukur, OFM. The Theology of the Trinity in the Context of Mystagog. Introduction into the Mystery of the Triune God, (Theologi Trinitas dalam Konteks Mistagogi. Pengantar ke dalam Misteri Allah Tritunggal). Yogyakarta: Kanisius, 2012.

Eller, Jack David. Introducing Anthropology of Religion. Culture to the Ultimate. New York, London: Routledge, 2007.

Flannery, Austin, ed. Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Postconciliar Documents. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2014.

Gallagher, Michael Paul, S.J. Clashing Symbols: An Introduction to Faith and Culture. London: Darton Longman Todd Ltd, 1997.

Haripranata, H., S.J. Ceritera Sejarah Gereja Katolik di Kei, Tanimbar dan Irian Barat 1888-1920. Yogyakarta: Gunung Sopai, 2017.

Heuken, Adolf. 150 Tahun Serikat Jesus Berkarya di Indonesia. Jakarta: Cipta Loka Caraka, 2009.

Houlden, Bdk. Leslie, ed. Jesus in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia, Volume One: A-J. Santa Barbara, California: ABC CLIO, 2003.

Jebadu, Alex. “Bukan Berhala! Penghormatan Kepada Para Leluhur.” Maumere: Penerbit Ledalero, 2009.

Keene, Michael. Yesus. Yogyakarta: Kanisius, 2007.

Paulus II, Paus Yohanes. Redemtoris Mater (March 25, 1987), #38. Accessed January 15, 2024. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031987_redemptoris-mater.html.

Pobee, John S. “Persecution and Martyrdom in the Theology of Paul.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement Series 6. (1985): 107-118.

Rahner, Karl. trans. William V. Dych. Foundations of Christian Faith: An Introduction to the Idea of Christianity. New York: Crossroad, 1996.

Ramsey, Boniface. “Martyrdom.” In The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, edited by Michael Downey. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 1993.

Riyanto, Armada. “Sketches of Models of the Interrelation of Philosophy and Theology.” In A New Theology for Indonesia (Sketsa Model – model Pertautan Filsafat dan Teologi, dalam Berteologi Baru Untuk Indonesia), edited by Rober1t Pius Manik. Yogyakarta: Kanisius 2020.

Rizzi, Marco. “Origen on Martyrdom: Theology and Social Practices.” In Origeniana Nona: Origen and the Religious Practices of His Time (Papers of the 9th International Origen Congress Pecs, Hungary, 29 August – 2 September 2005), edited by G. Heidl and R. Somos. Leuven: Uitgeverij Peeters, 2005.

Segal, Alan. Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion. New York: Doubleday, 2004.

Shorter, Aylward. Toward a Theology of Inculturation. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock Publisher, 2006.

Vatican Council II. Gaudium et Spes. In The Documents of Vatican Council II, edited by James H. Kroeger. Philippines: Paulines, 2011.

Wilson, Stephen. Saints and Their Cults, Studies and Religious Sociology Folklore and History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1983.

PAGES 139-168

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62461/LFRJ110523

Submitted: 10.18.2023; Accepted: 11.5.2023; Published: 1.31.2024