The Holiness of the Church in the midst of Violence in the Church

In the current social situation of ecclesial life, we can find several cases of violence against some parties in the ecclesial community. These cases of violence can happen to children, women, or weaker groups. Indeed, these cases of violence in the Church have their own cultural context and focus of handling. For example, Churches in Europe pay attention to cases of sexual violence against children. Similarly, in Indonesia, various acts of violence in the Church have received attention and a committee has been formed to prevent and overcome them. These cases of violence occur within the Church community and are of concern to the Universal Church. Of course, this goes against the very nature of the Church, which is that it is a sign of salvation for humanity by fulfilling its concrete task of attaining the fullness of life in Christ. Therefore, this situation encourages reflection in the church on the holiness of the Church, the role of the church in proclaiming the kingdom of God,and efforts to overcome this situation.

 

In the book Jesus in the Drama of Salvation, Raymund Schwager explains that the process of creating a new community through Jesus Christ was fraught with conflict and opposition. Jesus began his preaching by presenting the face of God as a merciful Father, even as a love that surpasses human understanding. This image of the Father gives a new character to the relationship between humans and God. In this proclamation, however, Jesus experienced conflict and rejection that led to death. He showed the character of the merciful Father by not repaying his opponents with evil and granting them forgiveness. This attitude of Jesus becomes a purification that allows people to be freed from the tendency to act violently. Thus, in Schwager's thinking, the process of the church's presence as a new community formed by Jesus is not actually free from situations of conflict and violence. Likewise, the church, as God's people, has always struggled with these situations in its development. However, Jesus' attitude in dealing with conflict and violence is a fundamental inspiration for dealing with conflict today, especially in the church. In his reflections, Schwager offers inspiring ideas for church life today to reflect on, overcome, and reduce violence based on the attitude and proclamation of Jesus Christ.

1. How can we understand the idea of the holiness of the Church as the people of God?
2. How can violence occur in the Church as the people of God, and how can it be minimized?
3. How does the church react in the face of violence that occurs within herself and in society?

Literature Review and Analysis: The writer will provide a comprehensive review and analysis of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources will include Raymund Schwager's theological works, focusing on his writings on ecclesiology, sin, soteriology and the Holy Spirit. Secondary sources will include other theological and academic writings on the church and violence.

 

Ambrosius Lolong

Ambrosius.Lolong(at)student.uibk.ac.at