TEKSTUALITAS DAN KONTEKSTUALITAS DALAM PENAFSIRAN SERTA DAMPAK SOSIALNYA BAGI KEHIDUPAN KONTEMPORER

Abstract

This article examines the debate between textual and contextual approaches in interpreting religious texts and their implications for contemporary social life, particularly within the digital public sphere. Departing from the phenomenon of circulating textual fragments detached from their original contexts, the study highlights how interpretive approaches contribute to the formation of moral legitimacy, discourse polarization, and the quality of social cohesion. The research employs a qualitative method based on a literature review with thematic analysis of works on exegesis, hermeneutics, and social studies from the past five years. The findings indicate that a dominant textual approach without contextual scrutiny tends to produce a narrowing of meaning, labeling practices, and social fragmentation, especially within digital media ecosystems. Conversely, a contextual approach without textual control risks loosening semantic boundaries and weakening normative certainty. The principal finding of this study is the emergence of a pattern of methodological moderation, namely a synthesis between textual discipline and consideration of historical context as well as socio-ethical impacts. This approach is shown to be more constructive in promoting tolerance, cross-group dialogue, and the strengthening of social cohesion. The article offers an analytical framework for assessing the social impacts of interpretation and encourages balanced interpretive literacy in educational and digital spaces.