The Theological Dimensions of the Old Testament
Love, Forgiveness, and Social Justice as the Foundation of Christian Discourse for Religious Moderation
Keywords:
love, forgiveness, social justice, Old Testament, religious moderation, Christian contribution.Abstract
This article investigates the theological dimensions of love, forgiveness, and social justice in the Old Testament as a Christian contribution to the advancement of religious moderation in Indonesia’s pluralistic society. Using a historical-theological approach and biblical hermeneutics, it examines key texts from the Law and the Prophets to elucidate the covenantal meaning of ḥesed (steadfast love), sālaḥ (forgiveness), and mishpat with tsedaqah (justice and righteousness). The findings highlight that these values, deeply rooted in Israel’s ethical tradition, continue to serve as a transformative moral foundation for social harmony. The novelty of this research lies in its Christocentric synthesis, presenting Old Testament ethics not as static moral codes but as fulfilled in Christ—thereby offering a dynamic theological framework for Christian engagement in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. These principles empower Christians to uphold their faith while fostering justice, reconciliation, and tolerance in a diverse religious landscape.
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