Theology of disaster: a study on west bandung people’s responses to the potency of earthquake

Abstract

Abstract This article deals with the beliefs living among societies in Indonesia. These beliefs are studied through the responses of West Bandung people to the potency of earthquake. Geographically, West Bandung area is located in the ring of fire where natural calamities potentially could occur. These responses shed light varied beliefs and theological perspectives of people. This study belongs to qualitative research. However, the reseachers also use questionnares, Through data collection and analysis, the researchers conclude that West Bandung people are religious (they see the earthquake by religious meaning and explanation where they regard natural disaster as God’s decree and will, God’s testing, therefore they have to be patient and repent to God). However, they also look it as natural phenomenon which can be observed by scientific approach. In term of Islamic theology, The people are close to tradisional theology, especially Asy’ariyah school of Islamic theology. However, this reseach shows the religious pattern of contemporary Indonesia where the grouping to certain theological school seems irrelevant. Due to the diversity of religious authorities and sources of knowledge, the pattern of religiosity of society is now no longer leading to a particular school of thought, but rather shows a hybrid pattern (hodgepodge).