Children’s Character According to Batak Culture and the Bible: A Sociotheological Approach

Desy Mariana Purba, Riris Johanna Siagian

Abstract


This study aims to analyze the understanding of children’s character in Batak culture and the Bible through a sociotheological approach. The research is based on the reality that Batak culture, which is rooted in a patrilineal system, places male children as heirs of the clan and centers of family honor, while female children tend to be positioned as secondary. Methodologically, this study employs a qualitative approach through literature review of Batak customary texts, the Holy Scriptures, and sociological theories of religion from Karl Marx, Max Weber, Émile Durkheim, and Peter Berger. Sociotheological analysis is conducted to connect the biblical theological perspective with the socio-cultural realities of Batak society. The results show that the Bible affirms the equal dignity of every child as the image of God (Imago Dei) and rejects gender discrimination. Cultural values such as sahala (moral authority) and hasangapon (honor) can be theologically reinterpreted into the character of Christ, which is grounded in humility, justice, and service. Thus, the sociotheological approach helps Batak society transform the paradigm of cultural inheritance into faith inheritance that shapes children to possess good, just, and faithful character.


Keywords


Sociotheology, Child, Batak Culture, Imago Dei, Faith Education

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22841617

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