Constructing A Contextual Theology of Death: An Existential Hermeneutical Dialogue Between Psalm 90 and Rambu Solo' in Toraja

Abstract

This study examines the meaning of death through an existential hermeneutical dialogue between Psalm 90 and the Torajan funeral tradition of Rambu Solo'. While Psalm 90 presents death within the theological horizon of God's eternity, human finitude, and the pursuit of wisdom, Rambu Solo' interprets death as a communal and cultural reality that strengthens solidarity, preserves collective memory, and affirms social identity. Employing a qualitative approach, this study integrates Martin Heidegger's existential hermeneutics and Paul Ricoeur's narrative hermeneutics to interpret the biblical text and engage it critically with the lived experience of Torajan culture. Data were obtained through biblical and literature analysis, supported by contextual observations and interviews to enrich the hermeneutical dialogue. The findings reveal significant points of convergence between Psalm 90 and Rambu Solo', particularly in their shared recognition of human mortality, the importance of communal reflection, and the ethical value of solidarity. At the same time, the dialogue exposes theological tensions concerning the source of hope, the role of ancestral traditions, and the potential for syncretistic interpretations. Based on these findings, the study proposes a contextual theology of death in which Scripture remains the primary theological norm while local culture provides the existential context for embodying biblical truth. The study further argues that existential hermeneutics offers an effective framework for fostering constructive dialogue between Christian theology and local culture, contributing to both contextual theological scholarship and culturally sensitive Christian funeral ministry in Toraja.