Kajian Atas Gereja Pentakosta-Kharismatik di Jawa, Indonesia: Sebuah Tantangan

Abstract

Using a recent case study, I am going to show which realities might demand adjusting research methods during every step of ethnographic field research. I am going to show that one can not be equipped with all research methods in advance. I will demonstrate via the progression of my own research why it is necessary to continuously adjust research methods to the broader situation even if it might be quite difficult. The case I present is taken from my most recent research amongst members in charismatic Pentecostal churches on Java, Indonesia. The relationship between my informants and me is evaluated. In my case study, it was necessary to recognize the importance of the cultural peculiarities of the Javanese language, in spite of the fact that Indonesian was spoken. Also the urban research field demanded special methodology. And last, but not least, the pressure informants put on the researcher by treating her as a possible proselyte demanded an unexpected sensitive approach.

Keywords

• research methodology
• Charismatic Christians
• Pentecostal Church
• proselytizing
• spiritual healing
• Java
• Indonesia