Becoming Deu-Hu-Moid

A Process Theological Address on Human Existence and Our Relationships with Humanoids in the Society 5.0 Era

Authors

  • Evans Sagala Sekolah Tinggi Teologi HKBP Pematangsiantar
  • Frans Best Soma Marpaung Sekolah Tinggi Teologi HKBP Pematangsiantar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46567/ijt.v14i1.701

Keywords:

Becoming Deu-Hu-Moid, process theology, humanoid, Society 5.0, creatio continua, transhumanism

Abstract

The emergence of humanoid technologies in the era of Society 5.0 raises new theological questions concerning the relationship among God, humanity, and artificial beings. This article proposes Becoming Deu-Hu-Moid as a constructive theological model for interpreting this relationship. Drawing on Catherine Keller’s theology of becoming and the doctrine of creatio continua, the study examines the presence of humanoid technologies within the ongoing dynamism of creation. The article argues that humanoids should not be understood as spiritual subjects or as substitutes for human relationality with God. Rather, they function as limited relational participants whose instrumental capacities may enrich pastoral practices and support the church’s participation in the missio Dei. Within this construction, the relationship among Deus (God), Hu (humanity), and Moid (humanoid) may be imagined as a co-creative relational network emerging within the open and dynamic process of becoming, while remaining attentive to the ambiguities and limits of humanoid technological mediation

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Author Biographies

Evans Sagala, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi HKBP Pematangsiantar

Evans Sagala received his Bachelor of Theology degree from HKBP Theological Seminary in Pematangsiantar. He will continue his studies in the Master of Theology program at Jakarta Theological Seminary. His research interests focus on constructive theology, particularly process theology.

Frans Best Soma Marpaung, Sekolah Tinggi Teologi HKBP Pematangsiantar

Frans Best Soma Marpaung, Ph.D., is a lecturer in Systematic Theology at the HKBP Theological Seminary in Pematangsiantar. He received his Ph.D. from Yonsei University in the Republic of Korea. He is also a senior fellow at the Spatial Ethnography collaborative network. In addition to his academic activities, he serves as a writer and trainer at Rihand Creative, a counseling and educational institution that guides, educates, and empowers children, youth, parents, and professional groups.

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Published

2026-07-31

How to Cite

Sagala, E., & Marpaung, F. B. S. (2026). Becoming Deu-Hu-Moid: A Process Theological Address on Human Existence and Our Relationships with Humanoids in the Society 5.0 Era. Indonesian Journal of Theology, 14(1), 52-80. https://doi.org/10.46567/ijt.v14i1.701

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