The Reasons Why the name "Allah" Should not be Used in the Indonesian Bible
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The debate surrounding the use of the name "Allah" in the Indonesian Bible is a complex and multi-faceted issue that intersects theology, history, language, and culture. The term "Allah," widely recognized as the Arabic word for God in Islam, has become the subject of intense discussion, particularly among Christian communities in Indonesia. While some argue that using "Allah" in the Bible would foster greater understanding and inclusivity, others believe it poses significant theological, cultural, and historical risks. This book seeks to explore why the name "Allah" should not be used in the Indonesian Bible, drawing on historical, linguistic, and doctrinal perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Historically, "Allah" is a term that originated in pre-Islamic Arabia, where it was used to refer to a high god in a polytheistic pantheon. With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, "Allah" became exclusively associated with the Islamic understanding of the one true God. This historical backdrop creates a significant challenge when attempting to use "Allah" in Christian contexts, where the term may inadvertently blur important distinctions between the God of the Bible and the God of Islam. This distinction is especially crucial for maintaining the integrity of Christian theology, which centers on the concept of the Trinity—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a belief fundamentally different from Islamic monotheism.
Linguistically, the word "Allah" carries connotations and meanings that may not align with the biblical understanding of God. The Bible's original languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—each have specific terms for God, such as "Elohim" and "Yahweh," which reflect unique theological ideas. Translating these terms into "Allah" could result in a loss of theological richness and precision. The use of "Allah" in the Bible, while linguistically plausible in some contexts, risks miscommunicating the distinctiveness of the Christian faith.
Moreover, culturally, Indonesia's Muslim-majority population closely associates "Allah" with Islam. In such a context, using the same term for God in the Christian Bible may create confusion and even conflict. It could be perceived as an attempt to merge two separate faith traditions, leading to theological confusion, misinterpretations, and the potential for interfaith tensions. The Christian community in Indonesia has historically used terms like "Tuhan" (Lord) and "Allah Bapa" (God the Father) to distinguish their understanding of God from the Islamic conception.
This book will explore these issues in depth, presenting 20 chapters that cover the theological, linguistic, historical, and cultural aspects of this debate. It will offer insights into the implications of using "Allah" in Christian texts and highlight the importance of preserving the distinct identity of the Christian faith. Through this examination, readers will gain a deeper understanding of why the name "Allah" in the Indonesian Bible is a contentious issue that requires careful consideration of both the faith's doctrinal integrity and the broader cultural context.
Ultimately, the aim is not to dismiss interfaith dialogue or cooperation but to preserve the uniqueness of each faith's expression of God. By addressing the complexities surrounding the use of "Allah," this book will provide a thoughtful framework for understanding the importance of maintaining theological clarity and cultural respect in Bible translation.
