Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah, or KrisMuha, is a term referring to Christian or Catholic believers who sympathize with and have a close connection to Muhammadiyah, one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia.
These variants do not represent a theological blend of Christianity and Islam but rather a sociological variant that emerges from social interaction and education between Christian communities and Muhammadiyah in remote areas of Indonesia.
The Background of the Emergence of Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah
Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah emerged based on research conducted by Abdul Mu'ti, the General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Central Board, and Fajar Riza Ulhaq, the Chairman of the Center for Strategic Studies and Partnerships (LKKS) of Muhammadiyah Central Board. This research was compiled into a comprehensive book titled "Kristen Muhammadiyah: Managing Religious Pluralism in Education," published by Kompas Book Publisher in 2023.
The research describes the situation of tolerance in remote areas of Indonesia, particularly in the 3T regions (Frontier, Remote, and Underdeveloped). The specific areas referred to are Ende in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Serui in Papua, and Putussibau in West Kalimantan (Kalbar).
In these regions, there are Muhammadiyah schools or educational institutions that accept students from various religious backgrounds, including Christians or Catholics.
According to the research, the phenomenon of KrisMuha variants can be explained by the intense interaction between Muslim and Christian students within the educational environment of Muhammadiyah schools. This interaction encompasses teaching and learning activities, extracurriculars, religious practices, social and community engagements, and humanitarian efforts.
Through these interactions and their understanding of Muhammadiyah, Christian students develop sympathy and closeness to the Muhammadiyah movement.
However, it is important to note that these interactions do not erase their identities as devout Christians. They remain steadfast in their Christian values and beliefs. Additionally, they also receive Christian religious education taught by Christian educators, as regulated by Law Number 20/2003 on the National Education System.
Thus, KrisMuha variants are not a theological merger between Muhammadiyah and Christianity but rather an expression of Christian individuals who sympathize with Muhammadiyah.
The Purpose and Benefits of Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah
Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah highlight the role of Muhammadiyah's education in fostering religious harmony and national unity. Muhammadiyah's education not only imparts knowledge and skills but also moral values, ethics, humanity, social justice, democracy, pluralism, and tolerance.
Muhammadiyah's education is also open to accepting students from diverse religious backgrounds without discrimination.
Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah also provide benefits for Christian communities themselves. They can broaden their knowledge and understanding of Islam, particularly Muhammadiyah as one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia.
They can also strengthen their fraternal bonds with Muslim communities without abandoning their own faith. Moreover, they can contribute to the nation-building process through the social and community initiatives carried out by Muhammadiyah.
Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah is a real example of Indonesia's diversity that needs to be preserved and cherished. It serves as evidence that Islam and Christianity can coexist peacefully and harmoniously under the banner of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). It also serves as an inspiration for all of us to respect and appreciate religious differences as a gift from the Almighty.
Conclusion
Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah, or KrisMuha, refers to Christian or Catholic believers who sympathize with and have a close connection to Muhammadiyah. These variants do not represent a theological blend of Christianity and Islam but rather a sociological phenomenon arising from social interaction and education between Christian communities and Muhammadiyah in remote areas of Indonesia.
Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah demonstrate the role of Muhammadiyah's education in fostering religious harmony and national unity. They also bring benefits to Christian communities by expanding their knowledge, fostering fraternal bonds, and contributing to the nation's development through their involvement in Muhammadiyah's social and community initiatives.
Overall, these variants are a testament to Indonesia's diversity, which we must safeguard and preserve. They serve as a reminder that Islam and Christianity can coexist peacefully and harmoniously, underlining the importance of respecting and appreciating religious differences.
Thank you for reading this article, titled "Christian Variants within Muhammadiyah: What Is It and What's the Background?" We hope this article has provided useful insights for those seeking to learn more about this topic.
Source: https://muhammadiyah.or.id/
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