This research aims to analyze how Paul's approach to slavery conflicts in his letter to Philemon can contribute to contemporary efforts to address modern-day slavery in East Sumba, Indonesia. Conversely, the context of slavery in East Sumba can also enrich the understanding of the text of Philemon. This study emphasizes a two-way dialogue between text and context.
The reading of Philemon takes into account the recent developments in scholarship on this epistle, particularly in understanding how the social and cultural world of Paul's time shaped the background of the letter, including the complex Roman slavery system. The main focus is on how Paul’s vision of the abolition of slavery through a redefined relationship between Philemon and Onesimus as “brothers” in Christ engaged with a reality in which the structural elimination of slavery was not yet possible. Paul offered a vision of an alternative community yet did not directly confront the existing social structures.
In a similar vein, in East Sumba, Indonesia, hereditary slavery continues under the traditional Marapu system, posing a similarly urgent issue. Although slavery has been legally abolished, the practice persists due to the strength of customary structures, power imbalances, and limited access to education and justice. The conflict between masters and slaves represents an acute social and theological concern.
By using a contextual biblical interpretation approach, this research critically rereads the letter to Philemon while also elevating the voices of victims and local communities as dialogical partners in the interpretive process. The aim is to construct a transformative and context-sensitive interpretive framework that promotes justice and reconciliation.
More about this Research Project
Start/end Date
1st September 2024 – 1st September 2025
Team
Leader: Vincent Kalvin Wenno
Supervised by: Prof. Peter-Ben Smit (supervisor) and dr. Suzan Sierksma-Agteres (co-supervisor)
Fund
Beasiswa Indonesia Bangkit Scholarship, a joint program of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Finance through LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education).