TheIKNPost.com — Meet JK, Pastor Gilbert Apologizes & Clarifies the Viral Zakat Lecture
Pastor Gilbert Lumoindong, who is known as a spiritual figure in Indonesia, apologized to the Indonesian people for the commotion caused by his lecture which caused controversy regarding prayer and zakat in Islam.
The apology was conveyed by Pastor Gilbert after a meeting with the Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council, and former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, at his residence in South Jakarta on Monday (15/4).
He emphasized that the entire context of his lecture was not revealed in the video that went viral on social media, giving rise to misunderstandings.
“With all humility, I apologize for the commotion that occurred,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert explained that the video of his lecture which was spread on social media had been taken in fragments so that it did not include the complete explanation he delivered.
He emphasized that he had no intention of degrading Muslims through his lecture.
“The full explanation is that this is an internal reflection of Christians, where I state that Muslim worship, for example, has a higher intensity,” he explained.
However, Gilbert emphasized that the lecture was actually intended for his church’s internal congregation. However, because of online congregations, these lectures are available on platforms such as YouTube, even though they are not intended for the public.
Meanwhile, Jusuf Kalla (JK) considered that the viral lecture video was intended to insult Islam, stating that there was an alleged video editing that sparked controversy.
“So for all Muslims who have seen the video, don’t view the video as definitive. “There is a context that needs to be understood, and editing that can greatly influence the interpretation,” said JK.
JK also emphasized that Pastor Gilbert had apologized sincerely and without coercion, and hoped that Muslims would be willing to accept the apology.
Previously, Pastor Gilbert went viral on social media because of a video clip of his lecture comparing zakat in Islam with the practice of giving in Christianity. However, Gilbert emphasized that the comparison was not meant to be derogatory, but rather to highlight the differences in worship practices between the two religions.
Controversy also arose because in the video, Gilbert demonstrated a prayer-like movement while commenting about the physical limitations in carrying out this movement.
It is hoped that Pastor Gilbert’s apology and clarification can ease tensions and improve relations between religious communities in Indonesia.
Meet JK, Pastor Gilbert Apologizes & Clarifies About Viral Zakat Lecture – Our Daily
