Freedom and responsibility:An Analysis Christian responsibility in society as seen in the writing of Paul and in comparison with batak customary law

Abstract

The title of this thesis is "Freedom And Responsibility" with subtitle "An Analysis of Christian Responsibility In Society As Seen In The Writings of Paul and In Comparison Batak Customary Law". The concern of this thesis is the actual responsibilities of a Christian in his existence and service in society according to the concept of Christian freedom, which is freedom in Christ. The purpose of writing this thesis is to provide guidance for Christians so that they may be able to take initiative and make decisions on the different problems which arise in their life as members of society (according to Christian, freedom and responsibility, especially in connection with different laws, norms, regulations and customs the practiced in a society. In writing this thesis I have used the research method based on library research method based on library research. In this effort, I have done research on Paul's concept of Christian freedom and responsibility using the seven letters of Paul namely Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Thesalonians and Philemon. Research has also been done on several books which discuss Batak (Karo and Toba) customary law in connection I with preparing a reflection chapter for this thesis that is Christian freedom and responsibility in relation to ethnic customary law, particularly Batak customary law. Thus, this thesis is the result of library research on the letters of Paul and Batak customary law. In the Second Chapter, I discuss theologically the basic principle of Christian responsibility first as based on man's knowledge of God and his will according to the expression of God's will through the universe, conscience, law, and the manifestations of God's wrath. Then from the particular Cristian viewpoint, that is God's action for salvation in Jesus Christ as the action which has provided righteousness, peace and freedom. In Chapter III of this thesis, I discuss Paul's view on Christian freedom and responsibility in relation to the life of Christians together in a congregation. Paul advises the congregation to control themselves so that their freedom in Christ is always used for their common benefit. Freedom of Christians is limited by considerations of love for the brotherhood, solidarity for the weak, and the unity of the church. In Chapter IV of this thesis, I discuss Paul's view on Christian freedom and responsibility in relation to social life. Paul believes that love should not only be practiced within the church, but also outside. Since Christians still live in this world (even though Christians do not come from the world), their life and attitude should not be conformed to the world. Therefore Christians are expected to be transformed and to live in the world as transformed people. In Chapter V of this thesis, I discuss Christian freedom and responsibility in relation to ethnic customary law, particularly Batak (Karo and Toba) customary law. As long as the customary law supports a life full of love and peace for the society, Christians have the responsibility to obey, to develop, and to maintain the practice of the customary law However, if the customary law does not support a life full of love or does not bring peace for the society, Christians are allowed to disobey the customary law. Since the Batak customary law is closely related to the ethnic beliefs of Batak, not only should the customary law which conflicts with Christian faith be dropped by Christians, but other customs (such as the Batak tradition of cooperation, or at having a long discussion to reach a consensus) should also be tested transformed and developed by Christians so that customary law will not only be good ethnically but also universally. Chapter VI of this thesis is conclusion of the work.