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  A Pastoral approach in comforting the bereaved from the Toba Batak perspective : a case study

  (Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, 1994-05) Pardede, Albert James

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  This research is a pastoral-theological case study from Toba Batak perspective. The case story happened in Balige, Indonesia, and describes an old man with a prolonged grief reaction after the sudden death of his wife. The main pastoral-theological issue in the case is: How might a pastor effectively help a person with overwhelming grief over the loss of a loved one? The purpose of the study is twofold: (1) to give guidance to the pastor and the parishioner in answering the normal questions of the grieving person regarding the problem of suffering and (2) to identify effective ways to comfort the bereaved. The study involves the following procedures: (1) description, (2) analysis, (3) Biblical-theological interpretation, and (4) pastoral action. Part I includes two chapters which present the case and give an introduction to the research. The introduction explains the background of the Batak tribes, pastoral-theological issues, methodology, delimitation of the study, presuppositions, descriptive outline, and significance of the study. Part II presents three chapters devoted to analyzing the case through the socio-cultural, religious, and psychological dynamics. The Toba Batak customs and practices in dealing with the grief are remarkable and valuable, if performed with heartfelt sympathy and understanding. The cultural religious concept on suffering and death is securely adapted by the Toba Batak Christianity. The concept of predestination and immortality of the soul are generalIy believed. The funeral ceremony has meaning in helping the bereaved to accept the reality of death. Fart III discusses in three chapters the pastoral theological issue in the case story through a Biblical-theological interpretation. The Bible speaks of suffering as originated by Satan, but God overrules the evil for the benefit of his people. God allows Satan to exercise his power but in a limited way. The people of God will never suffer in vain. An exalted purpose underlies every experience of suffering endured by a child of God. God is the father of all comfort. To comfort the bereaved is a holy calling. The pastor and the parishioner may use the cultural rituals and the funeral ceremonies effectively to bring comfort. Moreover, the pastor should be able to utilize the Biblical techniques in helping the bereaved one to cope with grief. The pastor is often the only one in the Toba Batak society to whom peopre can turn to for professional help. People expect a professional pastoral professional approach to comforting the bereaved. Part IV describes the result of the study with summary, conclusions, and applications to the ministry. Pathological grief can be prevented and decreased by applying heartfelt cultural and church ceremonies, and by professional application of pastoral approaches based on Biblical principles. The bereaved can come out of the grief experience stronger in faith and more capable of comforting others who are experiencing bereavement.

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  A Pastoral approach in comforting the bereaved from the Toba Batak perspective : a case study

  (Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, 1994-01) Pardede, Albert James

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  The expression "eternal gospel" (Rev 14:6), a New Testament hapax legomenon, has been interpreted variously by the scholars. Some interpret it as parallel to the "gospel of Christ"; others understand it as a unique and different gospel. The purpose of this study is to provide, through a comprehensive exegetical analysis, what John meant by his use of the expression "eternal gospel." Such an approach provides a firm basis for defining the meaning of the expression intended by John. Chapter 2 explores the meaning of the Greek word eiayyblt ov , "gospel" ; and ai 6vr o6 , "eternal" in extra-Biblical and Biblical literature. The word ericryySl.tov, which primarily means "good news," appears significant in the context of a conflict as "a good news of victory." The word al dlvr oq , "eternal," is used to point both to the ancient past or to a remote future and bears the temporal sense of continuity and permanence. The exegesis of Rev 14:.6-13 indicates that the context of this passage is the final conflict between evil powers and God's people. Christ has assured the victory of His people through his sacrificial death. The remnant is called to endure sufferings while proclaiming for the last time the "eternal gospel," and Christ will come soon to complete His victorious act to save His people. Three symbolic angels announce the "eternal gospel" through proclamations centered around the message of judgment and victory. The first angel announces the coming of the hour of judgment and delivers three commands for repentance and salvation. The second angel assures victory and deliverance. The third angel warns the world about the danger and awful consequences of rejecting Christ's redemptive work. These messages are completed with a challenge for endurance and faithfulness and a promise of reward for well doing. The research closes with a conclusion that the "eternal gospel" is the ancient good news of salvation, victory, and deliverance of God's people from the evil powers through Christ. First announced in Eden (Gen 3:15), it has been and still is continually valid throughout time in the history of the world, and soon it will reach its final completion at the end of time when Christ will come to reward and to judge the world.

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