Model of integration of John Calvin’s theology and Pancasila ideology for religious freedom in Indonesia

Abstract

This article aims to establish an integration model between John Calvin’s theology and Pancasila’s ideology concerning religious freedom and its implementation in an effort to realise complete religious freedom. This objective arises from the observation that religious freedom in Indonesia is still constrained, and there is a lack of literature specifically addressing the integration of Reformed theology with Pancasila ideology regarding religious freedom. To accomplish this goal, the author employs historical-theological methods and analytical-synthetic integration. This research indicates that religious freedom in Indonesia is likely to be fully realised because of the role of Indonesian Christians, whose dual citizenship, dual knowledge and dual power complement rather than contradict one another. John Calvin’s theology enriches the spirituality and morality of religious freedom within Pancasila ideology, while Pancasila ideology provides social, national and state insights to theology.
Contribution: This finding encourages theologians and leaders of various religions to integrate their theological frameworks with the ideology of Pancasila, thereby enhancing their role in promoting religious freedom and advancing the goals of the Indonesian nation.