X
Lecturer: PROF ADRIAN DAISLEY
Schedule: Day / Time 20.00 WIB INDONESIA / 08.00 PM


COURSE MATERIAL: GLOBAL THEOLOGY
 
Study Program: Bachelor of Global Theology
Institution: PDKS ROS PBX ALEXANDRINA VICTORIA II INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Author: Prof Dr HRH Princess Donna Dayu Kencana Soekarno SH BSc S.Psi LLB LLM PhD


 
 
 
CHAPTER I: COURSE DESCRIPTION
 
1.1 Definition of Global Theology
 
Global Theology is a branch of theological study that examines Christian faith in the context of cross-cultural, international, and socio-political relationships worldwide. This course emphasizes the understanding that Christian faith is not bound to a single culture or region, but possesses universal dimensions that need to be interpreted and applied contextually across different parts of the world.
 
1.2 Learning Objectives
 
- To understand the basic concepts of theology from a global and cross-cultural perspective.
- To analyze contemporary issues that are subjects of theological debate at the international level.
- To examine the relationship between theology and law, politics, society, and global technology.
- To develop critical and objective thinking skills in responding to various theological viewpoints.
- To apply theological principles in real-life contexts, including within the Indonesian setting.
 
1.3 Scope of Material
 
- Contextual Theology and Inculturation
- Public Theology and the Relationship between Religion and State
- Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism
- Digital Theology and Technological Challenges
- Christian Ethics in Global Issues (sexuality, human rights, environment)
- Canon Law and International Regulations
- Case Studies on Viral Theological Issues
 
 
 
CHAPTER II: DISCUSSION OF MATERIAL
 
2.1 Theology in the Context of Globalization
 
Globalization has significantly changed how humans interact, communicate, and perceive the world. In a theological context, this raises questions such as:
 
- How are Christian teachings communicated and understood in an increasingly diverse society?
- Is there a "universal theology" applicable everywhere, or does every culture have its own way of interpreting faith?
- How can the church maintain doctrinal authenticity while remaining open to the dynamics of the times?
 
2.2 Contemporary Issues in Global Theology
 
Key topics discussed include:
 
- Sexuality and Family: Debates regarding marriage, same-sex unions, and gender roles within the church.
- Technology and Faith: The use of AI in ministry, the impact of social media on spirituality, and digital ethics.
- Religious Freedom and Human Rights: The relationship between the right to worship and state laws, as well as issues regarding religious defamation.
- Revivalism: Phenomena of religious movements spreading rapidly through social media.
- Interfaith Relations: How the church interacts with followers of other religions in a pluralistic society.
 
 
 
CHAPTER III: LEGAL ANALYSIS AND LEGAL BASIS
 
3.1 Concept of Law in Theology
 
From a Christian perspective, law is understood as:
 
- Divine Law: God’s commandments found in the Bible, which serve as the foundation for morality and ethics.
- Ecclesiastical Law: Regulations established by church institutions to govern worship, ministry, and relationships among members.
- State Law: Regulations applicable in a country that must be obeyed by citizens, including Christians, as long as they do not conflict with faith principles.
 
3.2 Theological Legal Basis
 
- The Bible: As the primary source of faith and doctrine, including verses regarding justice, love, obedience to authority, and social responsibility.
- Church Doctrine: Teachings agreed upon by councils or church bodies at the national and international levels.
- Church Tradition and Experience: Spiritual heritage and practices developed throughout history.
 
3.3 Legal Analysis of Case Studies
 
Below is the legal analysis of the 5 viral case studies presented:
 
 
 
CASE 1: “He Gets Us” – Jesus Campaign at the US Super Bowl
 
Legal Analysis:
 
- Advertising and Tax Law: The campaign was funded by a non-profit foundation with tax-exempt status. Questions arose regarding whether using funds for large-scale commercial advertising aligns with the foundation's religious objectives.
- Freedom of Expression vs. Ethics: Although protected by free speech laws, the ambiguous messaging and association with organizations holding specific political views raised ethical and transparency concerns.
- Church Law: Does this method align with biblical principles of evangelism, or does it commercialize the faith?
 
Legal Basis:
 
- Bible: Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission), 2 Corinthians 8:21 (Honesty and Transparency).
- US State Laws regarding non-profit organizations and advertising regulations.
 
 
 
CASE 2: “ChatGPT Writes Sermons” – AI Replacing Pastors?
 
Legal Analysis:
 
- Copyright Law: AI generates text based on existing data, which may potentially infringe upon the copyrights of original authors or preachers.
- Pastoral Professional Ethics: Does using AI without informing the congregation violate the duty of honesty and authenticity in ministry?
- Church Law: Some denominations have issued statements restricting or prohibiting the use of AI in sermon preparation, arguing that preaching is an expression of personal faith and the leading of the Holy Spirit that cannot be replaced by machines.
 
Legal Basis:
 
- Bible: 1 Timothy 4:13 (Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture), 1 Peter 5:2 (Be shepherds of God’s flock... eagerly).
- Church regulations regarding pastoral duties and authority.
- International copyright laws.
 
 
 
CASE 3: “Pope Francis Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples” – Fiducia Supplicans 2023
 
Legal Analysis:
 
- Canon Law: The document Fiducia Supplicans distinguishes between "spontaneous blessings" and the "Sacrament of Marriage." This represents a reinterpretation of existing norms without changing the fundamental doctrine that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.
- State Law: The legal status of same-sex couples varies across nations, and the church must adapt its pastoral care while upholding its doctrines.
- Principles of Justice and Love: The debate centers on balancing moral teachings with an inclusive pastoral approach.
 
Legal Basis:
 
- Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church.
- Documents of Vatican II regarding the Church in the modern world.
- Bible: Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:22-33 (Regarding marriage), Matthew 9:13 (Mercy and compassion).
 
 
 
CASE 4: “Asbury Revival 2023” – Spiritual Awakening Viral on TikTok
 
Legal Analysis:
 
- Public Assembly Law: Holding non-stop services for days requires compliance with regulations regarding venue permits, safety, and public order.
- Social Media Law: Broadcasting worship content online must respect participants' privacy and ethical standards for sharing religious information.
- Theological Validity: Does this phenomenon meet the criteria for authentic revival according to church teachings, or is it merely an emotional trend?
 
Legal Basis:
 
- Bible: Acts 2:1-4 (Pentecost), 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (Test everything).
- State laws regarding freedom of assembly and expression.
 
 
 
CASE 5: “Quran Burning in Sweden & Church Response”
 
Legal Analysis:
 
- Freedom of Expression vs. Blasphemy: Sweden does not have specific blasphemy laws, but such acts can be prosecuted as "incitement against an ethnic or religious group" if they are deemed hateful and provocative.
- International Law: Human Rights principles protect both freedom of religion and freedom of expression, but both rights have limits to ensure they do not violate the rights of others.
- Church Responsibility: How should the church respond to acts that offend other religions based on principles of love, justice, and dialogue?
 
Legal Basis:
 
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
- Swedish Law on freedom of expression and hate speech.
- Bible: Romans 12:18 (Live at peace with everyone), Galatians 6:10 (Do good to all people).
 
 
 
CHAPTER IV: CONCLUSION
 
Global Theology provides a broad and deep understanding of how Christian faith interacts with an ever-changing world. Through the analysis of various contemporary issues, we see that theology is not merely theoretical but has practical implications in social, legal, and cultural life.
 
Key conclusions include:
 
1. Theology must be contextual, capable of speaking to specific societal conditions without compromising core truths.
2. The relationship between theology and law is inseparable; the church must obey state laws while upholding faith principles.
3. Dialogue and openness are essential when facing cultural and religious diversity.
4. Technology and social media present new opportunities and challenges that require wise and ethical responses.
5. Every global issue has local dimensions, making it important to understand their application in Indonesia, specifically in Surabaya.
 
By understanding these concepts, students are expected to become church and community leaders who possess broad insight, critical thinking, and act responsibly in both global and local contexts.


CONTINUATION OF COURSE MATERIAL: GLOBAL THEOLOGY
 
 
 
CHAPTER V: THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK
 
5.1 Principles of Global Interpretation
 
In analyzing global issues, students must apply three main principles:
 
- Sola Scriptura: The Bible remains the supreme authority, but its interpretation must consider the original context, culture, and language.
- Contextualization: Presenting eternal truth in forms that are understandable and relevant to modern culture without changing the substance of the doctrine.
- Unity and Diversity: Recognizing that the Church is one body, yet expresses faith differently according to cultural and geographical contexts.
 
5.2 Critical Thinking Method
 
To avoid bias, the analysis uses the following steps:
 
1. Descriptive: What actually happened? (Facts & Data)
2. Hermeneutical: How does the Bible speak to this issue?
3. Comparative: How do theologians from different continents (Asia, Europe, Africa, America) view this?
4. Evaluative: What are the strengths and weaknesses of each argument?
5. Normative: What should be the Christian stance based on faith and reason?
 
 
 
CHAPTER VI: COMPARATIVE STUDY & REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES
 
6.1 Western Theology vs. Majority World Theology
 
There are significant differences in emphasis when viewing global issues:
 
Aspect Western Theology Majority World (Asia/Africa/Latin America) 
Focus Individual rights, freedom, democracy Community, survival, social justice, spirituality 
View on State Separation of Church and State Church interacts actively in society 
Response to Issues More open to change/progress More conservative, maintains tradition 
Example Issue LGBTQ+, Gender Theology Persecution, Poverty, Pluralism 
 
6.2 Global Ecumenical Relations
 
- Role of WCC (World Council of Churches) and Vatican in addressing global conflicts.
- Theology of Religions: Inclusivism, Exclusivism, and Pluralism.
- Religious Freedom: Advocacy for minorities and victims of persecution.
 
 
 
CHAPTER VII: APPLICATION & SYNTHESIS
 
7.1 Synthesis of Law and Theology
 
The relationship between Divine Law and Human Law must be balanced:
 
- Submission: Obey the governing authorities (Romans 13) as long as it does not command sin.
- Prophetic Voice: The Church has the duty to speak out when laws violate human rights or moral principles.
- Citizenship: Being a good citizen while maintaining heavenly citizenship.
 
7.2 Guidelines for Ministers in Global Era
 
1. Intellectual Humility: Acknowledge that no single tradition has a monopoly on truth.
2. Digital Literacy: Understand technology and its impact on faith formation.
3. Diplomatic Attitude: Able to dialogue with people of different faiths and ideologies.
4. Rooted in Identity: Open to the world, but firmly grounded in biblical values.
 
 
 
FINAL CONCLUSION
 
Global Theology is not merely studying theology from a geographical perspective, but understanding how the Gospel speaks to the whole world in its complexity.
 
Through this course, students are expected to realize that:
 
- The Church is a global entity that transcends borders, races, and cultures.
- Issues faced by the Church in one part of the world affect the whole body of Christ.
- Legal and ethical frameworks are necessary tools to maintain order and truth in a changing society.
- The task of theology is not only to preserve tradition but also to answer the challenges of the times with wisdom and courage.
 
Thus, the study of Global Theology equips future leaders to serve not only locally but also to contribute meaningfully to the universal Church.
 
 Here is the further continuation of the material, focusing on Research Methodology, Thesis Guidelines, and Academic References, completing the full academic structure.
 
 
 
CONTINUATION OF COURSE MATERIAL: GLOBAL THEOLOGY
 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN GLOBAL THEOLOGY
 
8.1 Types of Research Approach
 
To conduct proper academic study in Global Theology, students must understand these approaches:
 
- Bibliographical Research: Studying primary sources (Bible, ancient texts) and secondary sources (books, journals).
- Comparative Research: Comparing theological thoughts between different continents, cultures, or denominations.
- Qualitative Research: Interviewing experts, observing church practices, and analyzing social phenomena.
- Case Study Analysis: Deep diving into specific events or controversies as presented in the examples.
 
8.2 Steps in Writing Academic Analysis
 
1. Identification of Problem: Clearly define the issue and the legal/theological conflict.
2. Data Collection: Gathering facts, news reports, official church documents, and legal articles.
3. Exegesis and Hermeneutics: Interpreting biblical texts relevant to the topic.
4. Critical Analysis: Examining arguments from various perspectives without bias.
5. Conclusion and Synthesis: Formulating a responsible and balanced stance.
 
 
 
CHAPTER IX: GUIDELINES FOR THESIS / FINAL PROJECT
 
9.1 Structure of Scientific Work
 
For the final assignment, students are required to write a paper following this standard structure:
 
TITLE PAGE
 
- Title of Study
- Author Name
- Institution
- Year
 
ABSTRACT
 
- Summary of the problem, method, and conclusion in English and Indonesian.
 
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
 
- Background of the Problem
- Problem Formulation
- Research Objectives
- Scope and Limitation
 
CHAPTER II: LANDMARK STUDIES & LITERATURE REVIEW
 
- Review of previous research and major theological opinions.
 
CHAPTER III: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
 
- Biblical Analysis
- Legal Analysis
- Global Contextual Analysis
 
CHAPTER IV: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
 
 
 
9.2 Recommended Research Topics
 
Students may choose topics such as:
 
- The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Theological Education.
- Comparative Study of Blasphemy Laws in Western and Asian Countries.
- The Impact of Social Media on Theological Authority.
- Ecumenical Movements in the Digital Age.
- Human Rights vs. Religious Doctrine: A Global Debate.
 
 
 
CHAPTER X: REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
 
10.1 Primary Sources
 
- The Holy Bible (New International Version, King James Version, etc.)
- Official Church Documents:- Vatican Council II Documents
- Fiducia Supplicans (2023)
- Statements from the World Council of Churches (WCC)
- Confessions and Creeds (Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed)
 
10.2 Key Reference Books
 
- Bosch, David J. - Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission
- Volf, Miroslav - Exclusion & Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Difference, and Reconciliation
- Jenkins, Philip - The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity
- Newbigin, Lesslie - The Gospel in a Pluralist Society
- Cox, Harvey - The Secular City
 
10.3 Academic Journals
 
- International Journal of Public Theology
- Global Christianity
- Journal of African Christian Thought
- Asian Journal of Theology
 
 
 
APPENDIX: ACADEMIC ETHICS AND DECLARATION
 
DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY
"I hereby declare that this paper/submission is the result of my own original work and that I have properly cited all sources used according to academic standards. I understand that plagiarism is a serious academic offense."
 
...................................................

PDKS ROS PBX ALEXANDRINA VICTORIA II INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Faculty of Theology & Law
Academic Year 2025 - 2026
 
 
 
✅ MATERIAL COMPLETED
 

Prepared by:
 
Prof Dr HRH Princess Donna Dayu Kencana Soekarno
SH BSc S.Psi LLB LLM PhD
 

PDKS ROS PBX ALEXANDRINA VICTORIA II INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
© 2026 All Rights Reserved
 
 
 


This site was designed with Websites.co.in - Website Builder

IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER

This website was created by a user of Websites.co.in, a free instant website builder. Websites.co.in does NOT endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, safety, or legality of this site's content, products, or services. Always exercise caution do not share sensitive data or make payments without independent verification. Report suspicious activity by clicking the report abuse below.

WhatsApp Google Map

Safety and Abuse Reporting

Thanks for being awesome!

We appreciate you contacting us. Our support will get back in touch with you soon!

Have a great day!

Are you sure you want to report abuse against this website?

Please note that your query will be processed only if we find it relevant. Rest all requests will be ignored. If you need help with the website, please login to your dashboard and connect to support