The Internalization and Interpretation of Bible Teaching through the Tradition of Picking Up Nutmeg seed in the booi Congregation

Abstract

This article shows the meaning of the Bible-based ecclesiastical teachings as the Word of God in an effort to fulfill the needs of the poor in the congregation of Booi village through the tradition of picking up the nutmeg seeds. The fulfillment of the needs of the congregation of the country Booi is sourced from nutmeg (nutmeg seeds and flowers/nutmeg). The result shows that although nutmegs have very high economic value and are the main source of income for Booi congregation, evidently they always leave nutmegs to “poor people” (widows and orphans) when harvesting. This behavior allows every member of the congregation to continue to survive in an effort to meet the needs of their life even though the dusun (farmland) is not theirs. In addition, this phenomenon also provides opportunities for the development of rural community industries. The tradition of picking up nutmeg seeds is also influenced by the process of internalization and interpretation of Christian teachings depicted in the Book of Deuteronomy. For Deuteronomy, knowing and loving God means loving others and being fair to them. Deuteronomy 24:19-21, clearly shows concern to the poor and becomes the law for the life of the people. “When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands (NIV).” This law is intended to the landowner so as to enable the poor to survive without asking for mercy. Keywords— internalization, interpretation, tradition of picking up nutmeg seeds