Symbolic and Theological Meanings of Boras Sipir Ni Tondi: A Contextual Approach to Christian Religious Education in the Batak Community

Abstract

This study examines Boras Sipir Ni Tondi, a sacred cultural symbol of the Batak community which literally means “rice that restores the soul,” often used in traditional rituals as a medium of spiritual healing, blessing, and communal solidarity. The research addresses the growing theological tension and cultural disconnection among Batak Christian youth who are caught between ancestral heritage and the normative teachings of Christianity. The objective of this study is to explore the symbolic and theological meaning of Boras Sipir Ni Tondi and to develop a contextual approach for its integration into Christian Religious Education (CRE). Using a qualitative research approach with library research methods and contextual hermeneutic analysis, the study draws on theological literature, cultural anthropology, and scriptural narratives. The findings reveal that Boras Sipir Ni Tondi holds profound symbolic meanings aligned with Christian concepts of restoration, spiritual renewal, and divine grace. When interpreted theologically, this symbol can serve as a pedagogical tool to bridge faith and culture, especially through reflective learning models, contextual liturgies, and integrative teaching strategies. The study proposes that by embracing culturally meaningful symbols within the framework of biblical theology, CRE can foster spiritual identity that is both rooted in tradition and transformative in faith. It concludes that a critical and theologically grounded inculturation of local symbols enhances the relevance of Christian education, enabling learners to embody faith that is contextually aware, spiritually alive, and culturally rooted.