Professor of Theology. Main area: Old/First Testament. Other studies: religious dialogue, philosophical hermeneutics, apocalypticism, postcolonial readings, postmodernism, ideological criticism, contextual theology, globalization. Other interests: reformed theology, church related issues. Working experience: church minister (1993-1999), lecturer (1999-now). Education: Duta Wacana Theological College (1983-1988), Glasgow University (1989-1993). Phone: +62817326564 Address: Faculty of Theology, Duta Wacana Christian University. Jl. dr. Wahidin 5 - 25, Yogyakarta 55224. Indonesia
The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better... more The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better knowledge and understanding of the social backgrounds of the events of theBible and its authors, (2) connect biblical study with social sciences in general resultingin the admittance of biblical study as science, (3) insights of ancient civilization, (4) showarchaic types of humanity, (5) theological inspiration for imagining an ideal community,(6) social critique of to the church as well as society. As the study progresses one mayhope that by way of theoritical highlight and comparative study, the lack of informationconcerning the social background of the Bible could gain more clarity. However, thiskind of study needs to be completed with similar study by the interpreters. Understandinga biblical text is not a matter of only discerning the text and its background but also ofdealing with the ideology of the interpreters. Social sciences open a way into theideological inquiry of the readers too.
The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible... more The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible concerning church functionary system is necessary. From the analysis we may come to light as to why there are differences in the interpretation of a function and also the changes of the form of the function in different time and location. It would be clear that the problem of function is inseparable from the interest of the group in which the function is practiced or supported. In the study of the process of production of the bible, it is recognizable that more than one group worked behind the text. This may explain the dynamic differences with regard to the function. The application of functionary system in the church throughout history may tell the same story. Yet, we should go further than recognizing the implication of the interest. The interest does not result in pragmatic play but also lies on the more conceptual or ideological basis. This ideology needs to be closely studied. In this article, there are 3 aspects related to ideology identified in the problem of church functionary system, i.e., the aspect of law going along with justice and thruth; the aspect of equality and lastly, of communication. The final goal is the community in which each of its member enjoys an equals status. The status should not be understood as a static condition but as in communication it always involves two-way process. In order to guarantee the existence of status, the aspect of law, justice and truth should be implemented.
Cases of spirit possession quite often provoke controversy. One of the controversies is about wha... more Cases of spirit possession quite often provoke controversy. One of the controversies is about what or who possesses a possessed person. In the context of Sumba, there is a difference of views between the church and the Marapu religion. The church sees the possessed as evil spirits or satans, while the Marapu religion views it as the spirit of the ancestors. This paper raises that issue from the results of a field study. The research was conducted at the Sumba Christian Church (GKS) of the Wee Rame Congregation which is in the midst of the Wewewa tribe. The method used was a qualitative method with a questionnaire distribution technique to 45 respondents. Dealing with these differences of views, this paper will trace how the Bible describes demons and ancestors. The purpose of the search was to open the door to dialogue between the church and indigenous religions. The dialogue itself is expected to improve the handling of spirit possession cases in the future.AbstrakKasus-kasus kesurupan cukup sering menimbulkan kontroversi. Salah satu kontroversinya adalah tentang apa atau siapa yang merasuki orang yang kesurupan. Dalam konteks Sumba, terjadi perbedaan pandangan antara gereja dan agama Marapu. Gereja memandang yang merasuki adalah roh jahat atau setan, sedangkan agama Marapu memandang hal tersebut adalah roh nenek moyang. Tulisan ini mengangkat masalah itu dari hasil sebuah penelitian lapangan. Penelitian tersebut dilakukan di Gereja Kristen Sumba (GKS) Jemaat Wee Rame yang berada di tengah-tengah suku Wewewa. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan teknik penyebaran angket kepada 45 responden. Berhadapan dengan perbedaan pandangan tersebut, tulisan ini akan menelusuri bagaimana Alkitab menggambarkan setan dan nenek moyang. Tujuan penelusuran tersebut adalah untuk membuka pintu dialog antara gereja dengan agama pribumi. Dialog itu sendiri diharapkan akan memperbaiki penanganan kasus-kasus kesurupan di kemudian hari.
International Journal of Indonesian Philosophy & Theology, 2021
This article discusses how inter-religious studies is conducted in Indonesia. A case in point is ... more This article discusses how inter-religious studies is conducted in Indonesia. A case in point is Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS). As one of the founders, Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW), has its own contributions for ICRS. The Faculty of Theology that plays the actual role as UKDW’s representation in ICRS has made ICRS a continuation of its existence as theological education. In this article, I will describe the link between theology and inter-religious studies as far as the Faculty of Theology UKDW is concerned. Rather than hindering the progress of inter-religious studies as some might worry, theology is in fact can be a significant part of inter-religious studies.
Reading scriptures or a scipture interreligiously has not quite often been done inIndonesia, desp... more Reading scriptures or a scipture interreligiously has not quite often been done inIndonesia, despite the fact the country has been known as a place for many religions. Thisarticle is intended to show how such readings can be done. It is also suggested that thatkind of readings should be more encouraged, especially in the academic field. Three waysof reading al-Qur’an and Alkitab (the Bible) will be displayed, i.e., reading a shered storywritten in both scriptures, reading interculturally involving Islam and Christiancommunities, and, reading Alkitab from the perspective of a Moslem painter. This effortrelates not only Islam and Christianity but also religion and art. The readings have ahermeneutical basis which is not the same as the classic historical criticism. In historicalcriticism the task of the interpreter is just to excavate the meaning from the historicalbackgrounds of the text. The finding is not up to the interpreter but to the historicity liesbehind the text. Recent deve...
The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better... more The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better knowledge and understanding of the social backgrounds of the events of theBible and its authors, (2) connect biblical study with social sciences in general resultingin the admittance of biblical study as science, (3) insights of ancient civilization, (4) showarchaic types of humanity, (5) theological inspiration for imagining an ideal community,(6) social critique of to the church as well as society. As the study progresses one mayhope that by way of theoritical highlight and comparative study, the lack of informationconcerning the social background of the Bible could gain more clarity. However, thiskind of study needs to be completed with similar study by the interpreters. Understandinga biblical text is not a matter of only discerning the text and its background but also ofdealing with the ideology of the interpreters. Social sciences open a way into theideological inquiry of the readers too.
The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible... more The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible concerning church functionary system is necessary. From the analysis we may come to light as to why there are differences in the interpretation of a function and also the changes of the form of the function in different time and location. It would be clear that the problem of function is inseparable from the interest of the group in which the function is practiced or supported. In the study of the process of production of the bible, it is recognizable that more than one group worked behind the text. This may explain the dynamic differences with regard to the function. The application of functionary system in the church throughout history may tell the same story. Yet, we should go further than recognizing the implication of the interest. The interest does not result in pragmatic play but also lies on the more conceptual or ideological basis. This ideology needs to be closely studied. In this article, there are 3 aspects related to ideology identified in the problem of church functionary system, i.e., the aspect of law going along with justice and thruth; the aspect of equality and lastly, of communication. The final goal is the community in which each of its member enjoys an equals status. The status should not be understood as a static condition but as in communication it always involves two-way process. In order to guarantee the existence of status, the aspect of law, justice and truth should be implemented.
When poverty is so predominant, any religion should face it as a challenge for it to find the way... more When poverty is so predominant, any religion should face it as a challenge for it to find the way to overcome the uggliest yet the longest problem of humanity. Religion may not ignore it with reason that material matters are not theirs. In fact, religion has been inseparable from economy since the very beginning of its existence. With regards to Christianity, in the time of Roman Empire, modern colonial time, even recently, its life has been closely connected with economy. On the other hand, Christianity has yet to prove itself as a religion which can make use of economy to free people from poverty. This article offers a spiritual path embedded within Christianity which might bring the needy to regain their own dignity which has been robbed by those who have made them incessantly living in poverty. This can keep the hope in the middle of the failure of Christianity to perform a transformative model of diakonia
Problems, Practice, and Education. Proceedings of the Regional Conference of the International Association for the History of Religions. Yogyakarta and Semarang, Indonesia. September 27th - October 3rd, 2004.
Anthropocentrism has received many challenges since the publication of the famous article by Lynn... more Anthropocentrism has received many challenges since the publication of the famous article by Lynn White, Jr. in 1967. Yet, since then there has been no significant changes with regard to human attitude towards nature. Human beings still perceive nature as their tool whose existence is to serve their own interests. When the COVID-19 pandemic hits the world, the anthropocentrism is once again challenged. It should be a good opportunity to change the anthropocentrism. The novel corona virus has made people look powerless. It is just a tiny thing, but it has caused a great impact on human life. Despite the fact that the virus often outsmarts human beings, there is no sign that human beings want to admit their weakness. Through reading some biblical stories: the creation of human beings, the naming of animals, Job and the lamb in the Book of Revelation this article wants to deconstruct the view that sees human beings as superior to others in nature. This reading will use posthumanism as ...
DISKURSUS - JURNAL FILSAFAT DAN TEOLOGI STF DRIYARKARA, 1970
Abstrak: Artikel ini merupakan analisis terhadap hubungan antara Israel dan bangsa-bangsa lainnya... more Abstrak: Artikel ini merupakan analisis terhadap hubungan antara Israel dan bangsa-bangsa lainnya dengan menggunakan pemikiran tentang “liyan.” Dalam masyarakat multikultural kehadiran liyan tidak terhindarkan dan menuntut tanggapan yang sungguh-sungguh. Keadaan ini pada gilirannya akan menciptakan ambiguitas, sebagaimana yang dialami oleh Israel. Penemuan arkeologis akhir-akhir ini membuktikan bahwa hubungan antara Israel dengan bangsa-bangsa lain ternyata tidak seperti yang dilukiskan oleh Alkitab. Israel bukanlah sebuah bangsa yang pada suatu masa datang ke Kanaan yang sudah berpenduduk, tetapi mereka muncul secara bertahap dari antara bangsa Kanaan sendiri. Maka, Israel memiliki banyak kesamaan dengan bangsa-bangsa lain itu. Pada pihak lain, Israel juga menumbuhkan sebuah ideologi yang lama-kelamaan akan membentuk mereka menjadi sebuah bangsa. Telah disarankan agar hubungan antara Israel dengan bangsa-bangsa lain itu dipandang sebagai hubungan interkultural. Meskipun pandangan i...
The book of Hosea is one among a few books in the First Testament that gives rise to the diversit... more The book of Hosea is one among a few books in the First Testament that gives rise to the diversity of interpretations. The text contains some language problems which prevent clear meaning. Its use of pornographic imagery as metaphor for the wrong doers has also provoked disagreements among the interpreters. Scholars throughout the ages have tried to look for the best way to receive the disturbing metaphor. By relating the Book with some historical circumstances, the metaphor is understood as representation of an historical reality, namely, the unfit leadership of the Israelite and Judahite communities. According to this interpretation, the use of sexual imagery should not bother the readers as it merely serves to convey the harsh criticism towards the community leaders who brought the society into chaos. However, feminist interpreters do not agree with such kind of interpretation. In their view, unravelling the ideology that allows such the use of metaphor that denigrate woman is th...
The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better... more The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better knowledge and understanding of the social backgrounds of the events of theBible and its authors, (2) connect biblical study with social sciences in general resultingin the admittance of biblical study as science, (3) insights of ancient civilization, (4) showarchaic types of humanity, (5) theological inspiration for imagining an ideal community,(6) social critique of to the church as well as society. As the study progresses one mayhope that by way of theoritical highlight and comparative study, the lack of informationconcerning the social background of the Bible could gain more clarity. However, thiskind of study needs to be completed with similar study by the interpreters. Understandinga biblical text is not a matter of only discerning the text and its background but also ofdealing with the ideology of the interpreters. Social sciences open a way into theideological inquiry of the readers too.
The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible... more The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible concerning church functionary system is necessary. From the analysis we may come to light as to why there are differences in the interpretation of a function and also the changes of the form of the function in different time and location. It would be clear that the problem of function is inseparable from the interest of the group in which the function is practiced or supported. In the study of the process of production of the bible, it is recognizable that more than one group worked behind the text. This may explain the dynamic differences with regard to the function. The application of functionary system in the church throughout history may tell the same story. Yet, we should go further than recognizing the implication of the interest. The interest does not result in pragmatic play but also lies on the more conceptual or ideological basis. This ideology needs to be closely studied. In this article, there are 3 aspects related to ideology identified in the problem of church functionary system, i.e., the aspect of law going along with justice and thruth; the aspect of equality and lastly, of communication. The final goal is the community in which each of its member enjoys an equals status. The status should not be understood as a static condition but as in communication it always involves two-way process. In order to guarantee the existence of status, the aspect of law, justice and truth should be implemented.
Cases of spirit possession quite often provoke controversy. One of the controversies is about wha... more Cases of spirit possession quite often provoke controversy. One of the controversies is about what or who possesses a possessed person. In the context of Sumba, there is a difference of views between the church and the Marapu religion. The church sees the possessed as evil spirits or satans, while the Marapu religion views it as the spirit of the ancestors. This paper raises that issue from the results of a field study. The research was conducted at the Sumba Christian Church (GKS) of the Wee Rame Congregation which is in the midst of the Wewewa tribe. The method used was a qualitative method with a questionnaire distribution technique to 45 respondents. Dealing with these differences of views, this paper will trace how the Bible describes demons and ancestors. The purpose of the search was to open the door to dialogue between the church and indigenous religions. The dialogue itself is expected to improve the handling of spirit possession cases in the future.AbstrakKasus-kasus kesurupan cukup sering menimbulkan kontroversi. Salah satu kontroversinya adalah tentang apa atau siapa yang merasuki orang yang kesurupan. Dalam konteks Sumba, terjadi perbedaan pandangan antara gereja dan agama Marapu. Gereja memandang yang merasuki adalah roh jahat atau setan, sedangkan agama Marapu memandang hal tersebut adalah roh nenek moyang. Tulisan ini mengangkat masalah itu dari hasil sebuah penelitian lapangan. Penelitian tersebut dilakukan di Gereja Kristen Sumba (GKS) Jemaat Wee Rame yang berada di tengah-tengah suku Wewewa. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan teknik penyebaran angket kepada 45 responden. Berhadapan dengan perbedaan pandangan tersebut, tulisan ini akan menelusuri bagaimana Alkitab menggambarkan setan dan nenek moyang. Tujuan penelusuran tersebut adalah untuk membuka pintu dialog antara gereja dengan agama pribumi. Dialog itu sendiri diharapkan akan memperbaiki penanganan kasus-kasus kesurupan di kemudian hari.
International Journal of Indonesian Philosophy & Theology, 2021
This article discusses how inter-religious studies is conducted in Indonesia. A case in point is ... more This article discusses how inter-religious studies is conducted in Indonesia. A case in point is Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS). As one of the founders, Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW), has its own contributions for ICRS. The Faculty of Theology that plays the actual role as UKDW’s representation in ICRS has made ICRS a continuation of its existence as theological education. In this article, I will describe the link between theology and inter-religious studies as far as the Faculty of Theology UKDW is concerned. Rather than hindering the progress of inter-religious studies as some might worry, theology is in fact can be a significant part of inter-religious studies.
Reading scriptures or a scipture interreligiously has not quite often been done inIndonesia, desp... more Reading scriptures or a scipture interreligiously has not quite often been done inIndonesia, despite the fact the country has been known as a place for many religions. Thisarticle is intended to show how such readings can be done. It is also suggested that thatkind of readings should be more encouraged, especially in the academic field. Three waysof reading al-Qur’an and Alkitab (the Bible) will be displayed, i.e., reading a shered storywritten in both scriptures, reading interculturally involving Islam and Christiancommunities, and, reading Alkitab from the perspective of a Moslem painter. This effortrelates not only Islam and Christianity but also religion and art. The readings have ahermeneutical basis which is not the same as the classic historical criticism. In historicalcriticism the task of the interpreter is just to excavate the meaning from the historicalbackgrounds of the text. The finding is not up to the interpreter but to the historicity liesbehind the text. Recent deve...
The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better... more The use of social science methods in biblical study has produced various contributions:(1) better knowledge and understanding of the social backgrounds of the events of theBible and its authors, (2) connect biblical study with social sciences in general resultingin the admittance of biblical study as science, (3) insights of ancient civilization, (4) showarchaic types of humanity, (5) theological inspiration for imagining an ideal community,(6) social critique of to the church as well as society. As the study progresses one mayhope that by way of theoritical highlight and comparative study, the lack of informationconcerning the social background of the Bible could gain more clarity. However, thiskind of study needs to be completed with similar study by the interpreters. Understandinga biblical text is not a matter of only discerning the text and its background but also ofdealing with the ideology of the interpreters. Social sciences open a way into theideological inquiry of the readers too.
The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible... more The need for a kind of socio-political analysis in order to incur basis principles from the Bible concerning church functionary system is necessary. From the analysis we may come to light as to why there are differences in the interpretation of a function and also the changes of the form of the function in different time and location. It would be clear that the problem of function is inseparable from the interest of the group in which the function is practiced or supported. In the study of the process of production of the bible, it is recognizable that more than one group worked behind the text. This may explain the dynamic differences with regard to the function. The application of functionary system in the church throughout history may tell the same story. Yet, we should go further than recognizing the implication of the interest. The interest does not result in pragmatic play but also lies on the more conceptual or ideological basis. This ideology needs to be closely studied. In this article, there are 3 aspects related to ideology identified in the problem of church functionary system, i.e., the aspect of law going along with justice and thruth; the aspect of equality and lastly, of communication. The final goal is the community in which each of its member enjoys an equals status. The status should not be understood as a static condition but as in communication it always involves two-way process. In order to guarantee the existence of status, the aspect of law, justice and truth should be implemented.
When poverty is so predominant, any religion should face it as a challenge for it to find the way... more When poverty is so predominant, any religion should face it as a challenge for it to find the way to overcome the uggliest yet the longest problem of humanity. Religion may not ignore it with reason that material matters are not theirs. In fact, religion has been inseparable from economy since the very beginning of its existence. With regards to Christianity, in the time of Roman Empire, modern colonial time, even recently, its life has been closely connected with economy. On the other hand, Christianity has yet to prove itself as a religion which can make use of economy to free people from poverty. This article offers a spiritual path embedded within Christianity which might bring the needy to regain their own dignity which has been robbed by those who have made them incessantly living in poverty. This can keep the hope in the middle of the failure of Christianity to perform a transformative model of diakonia
Problems, Practice, and Education. Proceedings of the Regional Conference of the International Association for the History of Religions. Yogyakarta and Semarang, Indonesia. September 27th - October 3rd, 2004.
Anthropocentrism has received many challenges since the publication of the famous article by Lynn... more Anthropocentrism has received many challenges since the publication of the famous article by Lynn White, Jr. in 1967. Yet, since then there has been no significant changes with regard to human attitude towards nature. Human beings still perceive nature as their tool whose existence is to serve their own interests. When the COVID-19 pandemic hits the world, the anthropocentrism is once again challenged. It should be a good opportunity to change the anthropocentrism. The novel corona virus has made people look powerless. It is just a tiny thing, but it has caused a great impact on human life. Despite the fact that the virus often outsmarts human beings, there is no sign that human beings want to admit their weakness. Through reading some biblical stories: the creation of human beings, the naming of animals, Job and the lamb in the Book of Revelation this article wants to deconstruct the view that sees human beings as superior to others in nature. This reading will use posthumanism as ...
DISKURSUS - JURNAL FILSAFAT DAN TEOLOGI STF DRIYARKARA, 1970
Abstrak: Artikel ini merupakan analisis terhadap hubungan antara Israel dan bangsa-bangsa lainnya... more Abstrak: Artikel ini merupakan analisis terhadap hubungan antara Israel dan bangsa-bangsa lainnya dengan menggunakan pemikiran tentang “liyan.” Dalam masyarakat multikultural kehadiran liyan tidak terhindarkan dan menuntut tanggapan yang sungguh-sungguh. Keadaan ini pada gilirannya akan menciptakan ambiguitas, sebagaimana yang dialami oleh Israel. Penemuan arkeologis akhir-akhir ini membuktikan bahwa hubungan antara Israel dengan bangsa-bangsa lain ternyata tidak seperti yang dilukiskan oleh Alkitab. Israel bukanlah sebuah bangsa yang pada suatu masa datang ke Kanaan yang sudah berpenduduk, tetapi mereka muncul secara bertahap dari antara bangsa Kanaan sendiri. Maka, Israel memiliki banyak kesamaan dengan bangsa-bangsa lain itu. Pada pihak lain, Israel juga menumbuhkan sebuah ideologi yang lama-kelamaan akan membentuk mereka menjadi sebuah bangsa. Telah disarankan agar hubungan antara Israel dengan bangsa-bangsa lain itu dipandang sebagai hubungan interkultural. Meskipun pandangan i...
The book of Hosea is one among a few books in the First Testament that gives rise to the diversit... more The book of Hosea is one among a few books in the First Testament that gives rise to the diversity of interpretations. The text contains some language problems which prevent clear meaning. Its use of pornographic imagery as metaphor for the wrong doers has also provoked disagreements among the interpreters. Scholars throughout the ages have tried to look for the best way to receive the disturbing metaphor. By relating the Book with some historical circumstances, the metaphor is understood as representation of an historical reality, namely, the unfit leadership of the Israelite and Judahite communities. According to this interpretation, the use of sexual imagery should not bother the readers as it merely serves to convey the harsh criticism towards the community leaders who brought the society into chaos. However, feminist interpreters do not agree with such kind of interpretation. In their view, unravelling the ideology that allows such the use of metaphor that denigrate woman is th...
Buku pengantar filsafat keilhaian atau filsafat teologi yang berisi beragam konsep tentang Tuhan ... more Buku pengantar filsafat keilhaian atau filsafat teologi yang berisi beragam konsep tentang Tuhan dan persinggungannya dengan sains. Buku yang ditulis di masa pandemi COVID-19 ini banyak berisi contoh-contoh reaksi agama terhadap virus yang telah mengubah kehidupan manusia itu.
This paper was presented in the 2nd Biennial PCINU the Netherlands, 2019. It is meant to highligh... more This paper was presented in the 2nd Biennial PCINU the Netherlands, 2019. It is meant to highlight much debated concept of deradicalization. It uses mass media coverage as formal object of study. This study finds there no agreement on how deradicalization should be understood and acted out, also who should take the role as the actor. In the meantime, some members of the society have in fact already tried to engage in the action of deradicalization. This paper reveals a businessman who has relentlessly worked to bring moderate ideas to the public through his business process and products.
This key-note speech paper for Society of Asian Biblical Studies Meeting in 2018 was intended to ... more This key-note speech paper for Society of Asian Biblical Studies Meeting in 2018 was intended to address the issue of often conflictual relationship between Christianity and local traditions in Asia. One of the traditions is ancestral veneration. Using Bakhtian idea this paper proposes a better look on the issue from a dialogical standpoint.
Uploads
Papers by Robert Setio