Makna Upacara Mangongkal Holi dalam Perspektif Kekristenan (1 Korintus 15:52-54)

Abstract

This study examines the importance of the Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the Batak Toba community and its connection to the Christian perspective found in 1 Corinthians 15:52-54. Mangongkal Holi is a sacred ritual where the bones of deceased ancestors are exhumed and reburied in a permanent location, symbolizing respect and reverence for the ancestors. The Batak Toba people believe that performing this ceremony brings blessings such as health, prosperity, and peace, reinforcing the relationship between the living and the deceased. The research explores the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the ritual, contrasting it with the Christian concept of resurrection, which emphasizes eternal life through God's grace rather than ancestral worship. The paper underscores the intersection of traditional practices and Christian teachings, highlighting the significance of ancestor veneration in Batak Toba culture and the Christian understanding of resurrection and eternal life.