MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SUKABUMI – The term ‘Kristen Muhammadiyah/Krismuha‘ (Muhammadiyah Christians) went viral on social media, leading to widespread misunderstandings among netizens.
The Chair of the Muhammadiyah Institute for Strategic Studies and Partnerships and co-author of a book entitled ‘Kristen Muhammadiyah: Mengelola Pluralitas Agama dalam Pendidikan‘ (Kristen Muhammadiyah: Managing Religious Pluralism in Education), Fajar Riza Ul Haq, said that the misconception arose due to unfamiliarity with complete contents of the book.
“Since they haven’t read the book, they assume that Kristen Muhammadiyah is a new religion or syncretism. This book discussion aims to clarify the idea of Kristen Muhammadiyah,” said Fajar at the book review at the Hall of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi on Thursday (15/6).
The book, co-authored with the General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu’ti, delves into a sociological phenomenon rather than a theological one. The research presented in the book focuses on documenting the unique tolerance found in Muhammadiyah educational institutions in Eastern Indonesia.
“Since they haven’t read the book, they assume that Kristen Muhammadiyah is a new religion or syncretism. It explores the interaction among individuals of different religions in Muhammadiyah schools, where non-Muslims are regarded as part of Muhammadiyah,” said Fajar.
The practice of tolerance, observed in Muhammadiyah educational institutions, extends beyond Eastern Indonesia to other regions, including Kalimantan, as an inclusive approach to education lies at the core of Muhammadiyah’s principles.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Council for Church Cooperation (BKGS) of Sukabumi Pastor Kristianto acknowledged its portrayal of positive instances of tolerance in Muhammadiyah educational institutions. It aims to foster the development of shared tolerance.
According to Pastor Kristianto, Muhammadiyah stands out as an Islamic organization that has successfully managed religious pluralism in Indonesia with wisdom and dedication, making it a potential role model for other religious organizations.
“As a pastor, I wholeheartedly encourage the youth in the Church to embrace the spirit of emulating what Muhammadiyah has achieved, ensuring that we do not leave Muhammadiyah on its own to promote tolerance,” said Pastor Kristianto, who also became a speaker in the book discussion.
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