Abstract
This study is based on the hardship and humiliation that have long been experienced by the Kaunan, the lowest caste families in Toraja Society (Indonesia). They have been excluded in many specific events and rituals in society as well as in the church. This is even exacerbated by the prohibition of intercaste marriages, as they are considered as “pollution” towards the upper ones. However, some of them have started to cross the boundaries by marrying the upper, as well as performing some rituals depending on their financial capability after gaining money from their work. However, this perspective needs to be clarified, as competing on behalf of showing economic aspects and search for prestige is at the same time failure itself, as it is only a repetition of another form of wicked behaviors. Nonetheless, their courage and steadiness to be involved in intercaste marriages needs to be supported, especially by strengthening it through theological perspectives, which is eventually the aim of this article. Their courage to cross the boundaries can be seen as resistance to the oppressions they have been experiencing, and this resistance should be seen as a necessity in confronting the unjust paradigm and behaviors. By interviewing the Kaunan or the lower caste families, this paper has found how they also long for freedom for themselves, questioning theologically how they should perceive the loving and just God in an unjust society and congregation. Therefore, this research gives their voices a space to be a source for contextual theology.
Presenters
Elim Wilsen TarukStudent, PhD, Protestantse Theologische Universiteit (PThU Amsterdam), Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Kaunan, Caste System, Toraja, Resistance, Contextual Theology
