Peran Gereja Dalam Menanggapi Kemiskinan Jemaat

Abstract

The role of the Church in the midst of the poverty of the congregation members is an important issue to discuss because the problem of poverty is not only a local problem, but is a problem that is being wrestled with by the church at large. The purpose of this study is so that the church can register God in the midst of the world and can play a role in helping the problem of poverty of the congregation. This study uses a qualitative descriptive analysis method, and borrows or uses the thoughts of Karl Max. The calling of the Church should be to voice injustice and oppression of the rights of the poor. The Church is present to side with the weak, helpless, poor, uneducated and marginalized. The Church also needs to continue to voice its prophetic criticism without discrimination against various abuses of power, injustice, deprivation of community rights, oppressive systems and human poverty. The spirituality and religiosity of the congregation must also reach a social piety, where the spiritual energy possessed by the congregation is able to encourage its concern for various problems of the life of the congregation or society. The cross must be understood as a reflection of Christ's suffering and death on the cross, but at the same time it must be able to open the eyes and ears to the suffering, misery and hope of humans for their dignity and worth as God's creatures (humans).