Abstract
The ecological crisis in the Indonesian context challenges churches to respond. However, theological perspectives in Indonesia on Christ’s redemptive work are overly anthropocentric and fail to recognise the value of the material world. This thesis aims to explore the connection between cosmological redemption and the goodness of creation, and how this connection can inform Christian ecological concern in the Indonesian context. This thesis argues that Paul’s concept of cosmological redemption is a solid foundation for Christian ecological concern because it points to the goodness of creation, including the material world. In the Indonesian context, this theological perspective is relevant, as it resonates with the Indonesian worldview, which acknowledges the value of the material world.
Applying the fourfold hermeneutical task proposed by Richard Hays—descriptive, synthetic, hermeneutic and pragmatic tasks—this thesis explores, first, the Jewish apocalyptic perspective to demonstrate the hope for cosmic restoration. This is the first foundation for seeing the goodness of the entire creation. Secondly, in exploring the cosmic dimension of redemption in Pauline perspective, this research examines Col 1:15–20, illustrating the connection between redemption and creation. Col 1:15–20 portrays Christ’s redemptive work as bringing restoration for the entire creation, not just humans. This indicates that Christ’s work can provide grounds for the concept of the goodness of creation, since it shows that the entire creation is worthy of redemption.
Thirdly, this thesis utilises Irenaeus’ theology, as presented in his Against Heresies, to bridge the biblical concept of cosmological redemption with the Indonesian context, which acknowledges the value of the material world. Similar to Col 1:15–20, Irenaeus sets forth that redemption is designated for the entire creation, emphasising that the material world is part of Christ’s redemptive work. Fourthly, this research analyses elements of the Indonesian belief system, using the Javanese tradition as an example, to demonstrate a belief in cosmic unity that emphasises the connection among deities, humans, and nature. This belief shapes the Javanese moral worldview that teaches people to maintain the harmony between deities, humans and nature. Memayu hayuning bawana (to beautify the world) is one of the traditions that reflects the relationship between humans and nature.
This research proposes principles essential for addressing Christian ecological concerns in the Indonesian context. These principles are: (1) redefining salvation as something that is designated for the entire creation; (2) understanding Christ as the restorer of creation rather than just the saviour of humanity, (3) including the expectation of future hope as part of Christian ethics, and (4) a connection with one of the Javanese traditions, memayu hayuning bawana, to suggest a Christian calling for caring for creation. The principles can serve as the foundation for Christian praxis that recognises the importance of caring for nature as part of God’s good creation. These principles lead to implications for mission highlighted by this research. Based on the awareness of Christ’s cosmic redemptive work and the goodness of the entire creation, mission focuses not only on human needs but also on the endeavour to restore the environment.