The proof of the highest Being: An analysis of John Duns Scotus' thought in the context of the beliefs of the Lamaholot people

This research focused on proving God through a dialogue from two different perspectives. One discussed God from the perspective of Medieval Theology, specifically that of John Duns Scotus. The other explored God from the perspective of the local beliefs of the Lamaholot people of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia. Both addressed the same Divine Being or God as believed in a religion, though the expressions differed. According to Duns Scotus, God is a God of love, showing His love through the incarnation of the Son. The incarnation was how God manifested Himself and gave His total love to His creation. In the local beliefs of the Lamaholot people, God was referred to as the Supreme Being, the highest entity to be revered. The God in question was also a God of love, showing His love by creating the universe, humans, and the highest moral order. The dialogue that emerged between faith and culture in this study suggested that the proof of God within the local beliefs of the Lamaholot people was expressed through the cosmic marriage between Lera Wulan and Tana Ekan. This was evidenced by the new life that appeared on earth, interpreted as an act of salvation for human life. In Duns Scotus' thought, the proof of God was understood within the framework of God's infinite love given to His creation, where God appeared and gave Himself completely to creation through Jesus Christ.