Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Indonesian hospitality and biblical theology of hospitality present a challenge for Christians to reflect the hospitality toward others. Social, political and religious aspects impact how Christians should relate to Muslim neighbours. The actual relationship between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia should be considered. But the theological idea of hospitality is the key to discover how both faiths discern hospitality. It is interesting to see the difference of theological ideas between Christianity and Islam regarding hospitality and relate it with the mutual relationship of Christian-Muslim in Indonesia. Islamic teaching speaks about hospitality. On the other hand, the Bible says to show love and hospitality. For instance, Hebrews 3:1-2 (NIV) states, ‘keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it…’. Further, some passages in the Bible speak about the importance of treating neighbours and strangers such as Leviticus 19:33-34 and Genesis 18. The Bible says that strangers should be loved and treated well. It is of note that Hebrews 13:1-3 serves as the starting point to investigate the biblical concept of hospitality. This research aims to examine the biblical concept of hospitality in Hebrews 13:1-3 as a way to help and inform Indonesian Christians about their relation with their Muslims neighbours.