Original Research

Christ’s redemption and giwu: Cultural contextualisation in Pamona, Indonesia

Pieter G.O. Sunkudon, Daud Daud, Juanda Juanda, Yewin Tjandra, Selmita Paranoan
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 81, No 1 | a10217 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v81i1.10217 | © 2025 Pieter G.O. Sunkudon, Daud Daud, Juanda Juanda, Yewin Tjandra, Selmita Paranoan | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 04 September 2024 | Published: 17 January 2025

About the author(s)

Pieter G.O. Sunkudon, Department of Research & Development, Faculty of Theology, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Injili Indonesia Palu, Palu, Indonesia
Daud Daud, Faculty of Theology, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Injili Indonesia Palu, Palu, Indonesia
Juanda Juanda, Doctor of Theology Programme, Faculty of Theology, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Injili Indonesia Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
Yewin Tjandra, Faculty of Theology, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Injili Indonesia Palu, Palu, Indonesia
Selmita Paranoan, Faculty of Economy, Universitas Tadulako, Palu, Indonesia

Abstract

This article examines the contextualisation of the concept of Christ’s redemption in Pamona culture in Central Sulawesi, focussing on the practice of giwu as a restorative mechanism against social and ethical transgressions. Giwu serves to restore social balance and relationship with Pue Mpalaburu, the Creator, similar to Christ’s redemption which restores human relationship with God. This research compares the similarities and differences between the two, identifying challenges and opportunities in integrating Christian teachings with giwu practices. With a faithful and global contextualisation approach, the article explores ways to translate and apply the gospel message in the local cultural context, without compromising theological integrity.

Contribution: The results of this study are expected to enrich theological understanding and support the Christian mission within the Pamona community.


Keywords

redemption of Christ; giwu; contextualisation; Pamona culture; Christian theology; social restoration; reconciliation

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Metrics

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