Social Studies:
Being God’s People in the World
Human beings are created in the image of the Triune God—to live in relationship, not in isolation. Therefore, we are present in this world to bring hope, not despair.
The Relational God, the Relational Human
The Triune God is a God who exists in eternal relationship. Humanity, created in the image and likeness of God, is likewise made for relationship—not only with God, but also with others and with the created world.
Without It, one cannot live. Yet whosoever lives only with It, is not human.
Tanpa benda, kita tidak dapat hidup. Akan tetapi, barangsiapa hidup dengan benda saja, dia bukan manusia.
Sociology at the Crossroads of Theology
Sociology discusses human relationships with one another, just as theology discusses humanity’s relationship with God. The two intersect in the understanding that humans are both social and spiritual beings in search of meaning.
Human beings act within society based on the values they hold—whether shaped by culture, faith, or personal experience.
Humans Are Social Being
Term: Homo socius – humans are social beings.
We were not created to live in isolation, nor are we mere objects in this world.
The Bible affirms the importance of relationships:
‘God created man in His own image...’ (Genesis 1:27),
"It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)
Covenant and Transformative Encounter
John Calvin emphasized that human beings are covenantal beings—persons created to live in a holy covenant with God and with others. Relationship is not merely contact, but a transformative encounter.
We are called not merely to meet, but to truly encounter.
A World Full of Social Emptiness
Social problems such as racism, class conflict, economic inequality, and even the crisis of sexual identity reveal a profound spiritual emptiness. Without a relationship with God, humanity loses its true identity and begins to seek substitutes in transient things.
Hope in the Midst of Social Life
Sociology can analyze problems, but it cannot provide a true solution. Only the Gospel can offer eternal hope. That hope has been revealed in the resurrection of Christ—that suffering and evil are not the end of everything.
Social Ethics: Being Salt and Light
As God’s people in the world, we are not called to save the world, but to bear witness that God has provided salvation through Christ. We are present to bring the flavor and light of the resurrection, as a “preview” of the coming Kingdom of God.
Jesus has risen. Therefore, we live and work in this world with the ethics of the resurrection—bringing hope, not mere discourse.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others...”
(Matius 5:14–16)
Penulis: Kevin Nobel, S.Sos., M.A
Start with small steps: listen, care, and respond to the injustices around you with the love of Christ.
Growing in Faith and Character at Sekolah Kristen Calvin