Teologi Air Mata
Jejak Air Mata dalam Sejarah Gereja dan Relevansinya bagi Pertobatan Masa Kini
Keywords:
Tears , Sejarah Gereja, Pertobatan, Anugerah, SpiritialitasAbstract
This article examines the theological meaning of tears in the context of repentance through a literature-based study of early church traditions, especially the teachings of the Desert Fathers, Ephrem the Syrian, and Augustine of Hippo. Using a historical-theological and reflective approach, it argues that tears are not emotional weakness but spiritual signs of encountering God's holiness and love. In both Eastern and Western Christianity, tears are seen as a “second baptism” and an integral part of ascetic and liturgical practices, especially during penitential seasons like Lent. The article also explores the contemporary pastoral relevance of tears amid a culture that often suppresses emotion and separates faith from inward experience. By incorporating insights from Indonesian theological literature, it offers a perspective that integrates affective spirituality with holistic faith formation. The theology of tears emerges as a path to healing, renewal, and deeper intimacy with God in an age of spiritual busyness and superficiality.
Abstrak
Artikel ini mengkaji makna teologis air mata dalam pertobatan melalui studi pustaka atas tradisi gereja awal, khususnya ajaran para Bapa Padang Gurun, Efrem orang Siria, dan Agustinus dari Hippo. Dengan pendekatan historis-teologis dan reflektif, artikel ini menunjukkan bahwa air mata bukanlah kelemahan emosional, melainkan tanda spiritual dari perjumpaan dengan kasih dan kekudusan Allah. Dalam tradisi Timur dan Barat, air mata dikenal sebagai “baptisan kedua” dan bagian penting dari askese serta liturgi, terutama di masa tobat seperti Prapaskah. Artikel ini juga menyoroti relevansi pastoral air mata di tengah budaya modern yang kerap menekan ekspresi emosi dan memisahkan iman dari pengalaman batin. Dengan menambahkan perspektif dari literatur teologi Indonesia, artikel ini menawarkan integrasi antara spiritualitas afektif dan formasi iman yang holistik. Spiritualitas air mata menjadi sarana pemulihan dan pendalaman relasi dengan Allah dalam dunia yang cenderung dangkal secara rohani.
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