Mesale Solidarity in the GKST Damai Sawidago Congregation

A Study of Social Theology

Abstract

The Mesale culture among the Pamona-Poso people is a cultural heritage from their ancestors that needs to be preserved. It contains a philosophy about living together and supporting each other's future. The social principle is cooperation to help the weak and those in need of assistance which are then organized into a productive working group arrangement in each of these individuals and families. Mesale is a social community that operates on the same work system. Seeing the values contained in it has a great social spirit so it is very appropriate to be used as a reflection in a non-profit social organization. This article also attempts to implement the sociologist of religion Emile Durkheim's views regarding solidarity. The basis of the research was the GKST of the Damai Sawidago Congregation, with a research method using a qualitative descriptive method which was conducted by interviewing the Mesale culture and for the effectiveness of the process the interviews were conducted in two categories, namely for ordinary people and local religious shops. This paper sees that it is very relevant if the Mesale Culture is seen as a social theology-based community that needs to be preserved and it is time to be managed professionally. This article contributes by showing that Mesale is not merely a cultural practice of mutual cooperation, but a form of social theology and solidarity that can strengthen fellowship, welfare, and collective service within GKST Damai Sawidago.