A Model of Christian Public Theology for Indonesian Society

Abstract

Indonesian society has a strong religious character and lives amidst a diversity of religions and beliefs. However, this reality is also accompanied by various cases of intolerance and violations of freedom of religion and belief, especially against minority groups. This article offers a contribution to Christian public theology based on the neo-Calvinist thought of Abraham Kuyper through the concept of principled pluralism as a framework for responding to the challenges of religious pluralism in Indonesia. This concept consists of two main elements: structural pluralism (sovereignty of the realm), which affirms the autonomy of various social institutions, and confessional pluralism, which recognizes the right of every religious community to express its beliefs in the public sphere. These two elements are used as a hermeneutical lens in understanding Pancasila, particularly the principle of Belief in One Almighty God, as the moral foundation for national life. From this perspective, the state is called to guarantee justice and religious freedom without discrimination, while the church, civil society, and the academic world are encouraged to actively participate in building dialogue, interfaith solidarity, and inclusive public policies. Thus, principled pluralism offers a theological and social foundation for strengthening democratic life that respects diversity in Indonesia.