Abstract:

Modern life offers an opportunity for people to accumulate wealth and enjoy life conveniently. However, it also presents the problem of wealth. First, some activities of creating wealth contribute to global warming and climate change that are dangerous for us and our next generations. Second, it creates a wider gap between the rich and the poor. These global phenomena also happen in Indonesia. Various efforts have been taken, but the problem of income inequality persists. On the other hand, the consumerist lifestyle causes one to be more challenged to share possession with the needy. Moreover, people would be reluctant to relieve the needy when they assume that their poverty is a result of their fault, even their sins.

Luke has various teachings on wealth in his two books. His teachings would contribute to offering insights to solve the problem of wealth. This study examines the relevance of Lukan teachings on wealth and salvation to the Church nowadays. It searches the peculiarity of the Lukan teachings on wealth, explores the motivations of Luke’s teachings on wealth for his community, and analyzes the dynamic salvation of persons who used their possessions for others. This study examines the relationship between wealth and salvation in Luke-Acts through the perspective of Jesus’ programmatic mission (Luke 4:18-19). The passages of Luke’s Gospel are analyzed through redaction critical study, while the passages of Acts are interpreted through narrative criticism.

This study also uses insights from the social scientific studies of the First-Century Mediterranean world. It also concludes that Luke’s teaching on wealth provided an alternative view on wealth to his reciprocal society and invited his community, who has been saved by faith in Jesus, to acknowledge their identity as the disciples of Jesus Christ and to participate in the realization of Jesus’ mission of liberation for all, especially the poor. This purpose is also relevant to the Church nowadays, including in Indonesia. The Christians would be able to participate in this mission when they overcome their greed and enable themselves to share possessions without expectation of something in return. This insight is reflected on to offer solutions to the problem of wealth in Indonesia.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Francis D. Alvarez, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D., Fr. Herbert Schneider, S.J., S.T.D., and Moses Jarvis R. Catan, Ph.D.
Online Moderator: Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., Ph.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners:.Sr. Ma. Anicia Co, R.V.M., S.T.D., Ph.D. (Adviser), Fr. Herbert Schneider, S.J., S.T.D., Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D.