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Interest in reading the Holy Scriptures is an important aspect of faith formation among Catholic Youth (OMK). However, various challenges, such as busy daily activities and the influence of digital media, have hindered the development of a consistent habit of reading the Scriptures. This study aims to describe the interest in reading the Holy Scriptures among Catholic Youth at Beato Dionisius Sumbul Parish and to analyze the use of the Lectio Divina method in fostering this interest. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving ten informants, consisting of the parish priest, a youth mentor, and members of the Catholic Youth community. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The findings indicate that the interest in reading the Holy Scriptures among Catholic Youth has grown, although it has not yet become a consistent habit. The Lectio Divina method has proven effective in helping Catholic Youth read, understand, reflect on, and internalize the Word of God more deeply through the stages of Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, Contemplatio, and Actio. This method increases their interest in the Holy Scriptures and promotes spiritual growth reflected in their daily lives. Therefore, Lectio Divina can serve as an effective pastoral approach for fostering interest in reading the Holy Scriptures among Catholic Youth.

The study examines John 15:1–8, highlighting its Christological, ecclesiological dimensions, and pastoral implications in a contemporary context, particularly in West Kalimantan. Employing an exegetical approach integrated with theological reflection, the metaphor of the “true vine” is understood as a declaration of Jesus’ identity as the source of authentic life and the relational foundation of the community of disciples. The concept of “abiding” is interpreted as an ongoing existential connectedness with Christ, expressed through practices of faith such as engagement with the Word, prayer, and love. Meanwhile, “bearing fruit” is not merely ethical output but an authentic manifestation of life grounded in this relational union. Furthermore, the study argues that Johannine ecclesiology is organic in nature, portraying the church as a living community deriving its existence from and in Christ, rather than a purely institutional structure. The pastoral implications of this metaphor are significant in addressing local challenges such as individualism, ecological crisis, religious plurality, and the spiritual formation of youth. Using a praxis–reflection–praxis framework, the text is integrated into theological education as a model linking faith reflection with concrete action. The findings affirm that Christ-centered spirituality fosters personal and communal transformation relevant to the contemporary church.

Divorce is an increasing social reality within Christian congregations, including in Indonesia, bringing profound psychological, social, and spiritual impacts while simultaneously presenting serious challenges for the church's pastoral ministry. This article examines the theological foundation and practical approaches in pastoral accompaniment for congregation members experiencing divorce, employing library research methodology within a pastoral theology framework. The study reveals that the church is called to be present not as a judge, but as a healing, supportive, and restoring community. Effective pastoral accompaniment encompasses empathetic pastoral counseling, a compassionate congregational community, intentional attention to affected children, and a long-term restoration commitment rooted in Gospel grace. The church is called to move beyond stigmatization toward genuine acceptance of wounded individuals, reflecting the redemptive love of Christ. This article concludes that the church's response to divorce must balance biblical integrity with deep compassion, affirming both the sanctity of marriage and the dignity of broken individuals. Thus, the church can become a safe space for every congregation member to experience genuine restoration and rediscover hope in Christ.

The wave of digitalization triggers a severe morality crisis among the younger generation through constant exposure to negative content, cyberbullying, and global communication ethics degradation. This descriptive qualitative study aims to analyze the specific internalization of Christian values at GPIB Harapan Kasih Congregation Bekasi to shield youth morality amidst ongoing technological disruption. Employing intensive in-depth interviews and participatory observations, data were analyzed interactively through systemic reduction, structured display, and final verification. The results indicate that the digital morality crisis explicitly manifests as pornography normalization, virtual toxicity, and the severe erosion of academic honesty. In response, pastoral strategies utilizing highly contextualized digital ethics sermons and youth cell groups prove thoroughly effective. The deep internalization of self-control and integrity successfully stimulates a holistic self-censorship mechanism across the youth's cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. This study concludes that consistent accountability-based mentorship effectively transforms Christian youth from passive digital victims into active agents of change within global cyberspace.

This research aims to examine how the functions of Christian counseling (preventive, curative, developmental, and pastoral) can be integrated into the practice of Christian Religious Education as an effective strategy to support adolescents’ faith development. The background of this study arises from the fact that adolescents experience a crisis of faith that is not only related to theological aspects but also affects their psychological and emotional well-being. On the other hand, christian religious education practices in schools often remain focused on the transfer of doctrinal knowledge without being balanced by adequate personal guidance. This study applies a qualitative method through literature review and conceptual analysis of christian counseling theory, theories of adolescent faith development, and pedagogical practices in christian religious education. The findings indicate that integrating Christian counseling functions into the design of christian religious education learning can create a dialogical, reflective, and pastoral classroom atmosphere, providing opportunities for adolescents to develop spiritual discernment, self-awareness, and the ability to make responsible moral decisions. This article discusses the relevance of counseling to adolescents’ spiritual development, the characteristics of their faith development, the challenges of implementing counseling in Christian educational institutions, and the design of learning based on dialogue, reflection, and mentoring. In this way, the integration of christian counseling in christian religious education is considered a holistic approach that enriches the meaning of faith education and supports adolescents’ faith growth in a contextual, profound, and sustainable manner.

This article examines the influence of cell group (komsel) leadership, Christian lifestyle, and discipleship on the growth of the congregation at Christian Ministry Church (CMC) Jakarta. Employing a quantitative correlational design with 140 respondents, the study operationalizes three independent variables (X₁ = cell leadership; X₂ = lifestyle; X₃ = discipleship) against the dependent variable (Y = congregational growth). Pearson correlation analysis reveals significant correlations between cell leadership and lifestyle (r = .800, p < .01) and between cell leadership and discipleship (r = .591, p < .01), whereas direct correlations with Y were non-significant individually. Multiple regression yielded R = .752 and R² = .566, indicating that collectively the three predictors account for 56.6% of variance in congregational growth. These findings reinforce the argument that organic church growth is multidimensional and that the synergistic interaction of cell leadership, moral integrity, and discipleship constitutes a coherent growth ecosystem. Theological and pastoral implications are discussed within frameworks of contemporary missiology and cell ecclesiology.

This article examines the impact of dehumanization in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the formation of the personality of future priests in light of the teachings of Pastores Dabo Vobis, particular number 43-44, as well as from Philosophical and theological perspectives. The development of AI brings significant changes in the way human think, relate, and build their self-identity. On the one hand, AI offers great opportunities to support intellectual formation through access to information, pastoral simulations, and digital learning. However, on the other hand, the dominance of technology has the potential to cause dehumanization, namely a reduction in the quality of interpersonal relationships, the depth of reflection and sensitivity. This study employs a literature review method, examining relevant theological, philosophical, and scientific literature. The findings indicate that excessive reliance on AI can disrupt the development of the human dimension in seminarians, particularly regarding affective maturity, relational competence, and the integrity of personal identity. From a philosophical perspective, humans are understood as free, rational, and relational beings; thus, reducing humans to mere components of an algorithmic system contradicts their very nature. Meanwhile, theology affirms human dignity as the Imago Dei, which cannot be replaced by technology. Therefore, a critical and prudent formation approach is required, one that positions AI as an aid, not a substitute for human relationships.

Artikel ini membahas pentingnya teologi kasih dan pengampunan dalam pendidikan Kristen, dengan fokus pada penerapannya dalam pembelajaran holistik. Teologi kasih dan pengampunan, yang merupakan inti ajaran Kristus, menawarkan dasar yang kuat untuk membentuk karakter dan nilai-nilai dalam pendidikan. Melalui pendekatan pastoral, artikel ini mengkaji bagaimana nilai-nilai kasih dan pengampunan dapat membimbing proses pembelajaran yang tidak hanya mencakup aspek intelektual, tetapi juga moral, spiritual, dan emosional siswa. Penulis juga menyoroti pentingnya membangun hubungan yang penuh kasih antara pendidik dan peserta didik untuk menciptakan lingkungan pendidikan yang inklusif, penuh empati, dan mendukung perkembangan holistik individu. Artikel ini berargumen bahwa penerapan teologi kasih dan pengampunan dapat memperkuat pendidikan Kristen sebagai sarana untuk membentuk pribadi yang utuh dan berkarakter Kristus.

The wave of digitalization triggers a severe morality crisis among the younger generation through constant exposure to negative content, cyberbullying, and global communication ethics degradation. This descriptive qualitative study aims to analyze the specific internalization of Christian values at GPIB Harapan Kasih Congregation Bekasi to shield youth morality amidst ongoing technological disruption. Employing intensive in-depth interviews and participatory observations, data were analyzed interactively through systemic reduction, structured display, and final verification. The results indicate that the digital morality crisis explicitly manifests as pornography normalization, virtual toxicity, and the severe erosion of academic honesty. In response, pastoral strategies utilizing highly contextualized digital ethics sermons and youth cell groups prove thoroughly effective. The deep internalization of self-control and integrity successfully stimulates a holistic self-censorship mechanism across the youth's cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. This study concludes that consistent accountability-based mentorship effectively transforms Christian youth from passive digital victims into active agents of change within global cyberspace.

This study examines the role of social media as a contemporary arena of spiritual warfare and its impact on Christian spirituality amid the growth of digital disinformation. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to identify patterns of religious disinformation and explain their influence on doctrinal understanding, worship practices, and the faith identity of church members. The findings indicate a negative relationship between exposure to disinformation and the depth and consistency of spiritual practices. They also reveal increasing theological confusion and the emergence of digital influencers as “alternative authorities” who shape religious interpretation outside established church guidance. In addition, low levels of media literacy and the church’s limited readiness for digital ministry further heighten believers’ vulnerability to misleading narratives. The study concludes that the digital sphere functions as a strategic field of spiritual warfare requiring an integrated theological, pastoral, and literacy-based response. Recommendations include developing theologically grounded media literacy programs, training digital ministry leaders, strengthening pastoral guidance online, and designing contextual, evidence-based church content for contemporary digital communities across diverse contemporary congregational settings and contexts.

Dualisme yang terjadi antara iman Kristen dan adat Batak sering sekali menjadi suatu hal yang digumulkan, khususnya bagi jemaat HKBP, terkait bagaimana kehidupan sehari-hari terkait kehidupan bergereja dan bermasyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali informasi tentang bagaimana sebenarnya dualisme tersebut dialami oleh jemaat HKBP Karang Bangun Resort Dame serta bagaimana pemimpin gereja menjadi jembatan bagi ketegangan yang terjadi antara aturan gereja dan tradisi adat. Dengan pendekatan yang kualitatif yakni studi pustaka dan wawancara yang mendalam terhadap empat narasumber yaitu: Jemaat, Sintua, Naposobulung/pemudi, dan pemimpin gereja/pendeta. Data ini kemudian dianalisis secara sistematis dengan teori otoritas antara Thomas F. O'Dea dan Max Weber, serta konsep Sahala yang dikaitkan dengan budaya Batak. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa dualisme yang terjadi tidak dianggap sebagai konflik di mana Gereja ditempatkan sebagai prioritas utama. Pemimpin gereja menerapkan tiga otoritas yang diungkapkan oleh Thomas F. O'Dea dan Max Weber, yaitu tradisional, kharismatik, dan legal-rasional , yang dalam tradisi atau budaya Batak seakan-akan perwujudan Sahala. Penelitian ini sendiri seakan-akan menawarkan kontribusi yang orisinal dengan menunjukkan keberhasilan pengelolaan dualisme adat dan Gereja tanpa sistem birokratis.

Penelitian ini mengkaji upaya pemberdayaan terhadap kaum muda remaja di GPT Kristus Kasih Ukui, Kabupaten Pelalawan, Riau, melalui tiga dimensi utama, yaitu pendampingan pastoral, pembinaan rohani, dan pembekalan pelayanan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk memahami sejauh mana gereja lokal memberdayakan kaum muda remaja bukan hanya sebagai objek pelayanan, melainkan sebagai subjek yang dipanggil untuk bertumbuh, melayani, dan berpartisipasi dalam misi Allah. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan jenis kajian teologis deskriptif-analitis. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi partisipan, wawancara purposif terhadap lima kelompok narasumber, pencatatan kehadiran ibadah selama Agustus 2024 sampai Agustus 2025, dan studi kepustakaan. Analisis data mengikuti model interaktif Miles dan Huberman, sedangkan triangulasi sumber digunakan untuk menjamin keabsahan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 46 kaum muda remaja yang terdaftar, hanya 15 orang (32%) yang terlibat aktif dalam pelayanan, sementara 31 orang (68%) belum terlibat sama sekali. Pendampingan pastoral, pembinaan rohani, dan pembekalan pelayanan telah berjalan, tetapi masih bersifat insidental dan belum terintegrasi dalam kerangka pemuridan yang sistematis dan berkelanjutan. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pemberdayaan kaum muda remaja harus dipahami sebagai panggilan teologis gereja dalam terang Efesus 4:11–16, konsep tubuh Kristus, dan missio Dei. Karena itu, gereja perlu menyusun kerangka pemuridan berjenjang yang memadukan ketiga dimensi tersebut secara utuh.

Abstrak: Perkembangan teknologi digital yang pesat telah mengubah lanskap moral generasi muda secara signifikan. Platform digital membuka peluang besar bagi pembelajaran dan komunikasi, namun sekaligus menghadirkan tantangan moral serius seperti relativisme nilai, perundungan siber, kecanduan digital, dan melemahnya spiritualitas. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran gereja dalam merespons tantangan moral generasi digital. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif melalui studi pustaka dengan menelaah literatur teologis, pastoral, dan pendidikan yang relevan dengan budaya digital dan pembentukan moral Kristen. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa gereja perlu mereposisi pelayanannya dengan mengintegrasikan refleksi teologis, literasi digital, dan pendekatan pastoral yang kontekstual. Gereja dipanggil bukan hanya sebagai penjaga moral, tetapi sebagai komunitas transformatif yang membimbing generasi muda untuk hidup secara etis, bertanggung jawab, dan beriman di ruang digital. Artikel ini menyimpulkan bahwa pelayanan gereja yang adaptif dan kontekstual merupakan kunci dalam menghadapi tantangan moral di era digital.

This study aims to analyze the participation of the faithful in the Sacrament of Penance and to identify the pastoral challenges influencing its practice in the Vicariate of West Sulawesi, Archdiocese of Makassar. Theologically, the Sacrament of Penance serves as a means of reconciliation that restores the relationship between humanity, God, and the Church. However, in contemporary contexts, its practice encounters various social, psychological, and pastoral dynamics. This research employed a descriptive quantitative approach involving 267 respondents from four parishes through questionnaire distribution. The data were analyzed using percentage-based statistics to map participation frequency, spiritual motivation, level of understanding, post-sacramental experiences, and perceived obstacles. The findings indicate that although most respondents demonstrate strong theological understanding, sincere spiritual motivation, and positive spiritual experiences after receiving absolution, participation remains largely seasonal and periodic. The principal challenges include psychological factors such as shame and anxiety, structural limitations related to schedule and accessibility, and formative deficiencies such as insufficient ongoing catechesis. The study concludes that the primary issue is not a crisis of faith in the sacrament itself, but a gap between theological awareness and concrete practice, thus calling for more dialogical, communicative, and contextual pastoral renewal.

The study aims to analyze the role of digital media as a distracting factor affecting the faith loyalty of Catholic adolescents in their relationship with God amid religious pluralism in Indonesia. The development of digital media has transformed how adolescents understand, express, and live out their faith, while simultaneously presenting both opportunities and ambivalent challenges. This research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, analyzing various theological, sociological sources, and Church documents. The findings indicate that digital media can serve as a broad and participatory space for expressing faith, but it also has the potential to create distractions in three main dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical. Cognitively, adolescents experience confusion in understanding faith teachings due to the diversity of information available. Affectively, there is a shift in orientation from a relationship with God toward the pursuit of emotional gratification in digital spaces. Practically, there is a decline in engagement in concrete religious practices. Within the context of religious pluralism, this complexity intensifies and influences the formation of adolescents’ faith identity. This study also finds that digital media does not only have negative impacts but also holds positive potential as a means of deepening faith when used critically and reflectively. Therefore, the role of the Church is essential through contextual, dialogical, and integrative pastoral accompaniment combined with critical digital literacy. Through this approach, adolescents are expected to integrate their digital experiences into a more mature, authentic faith life rooted in a deeper relationship with God.

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the ways in which faith is experienced, particularly in the lives of adolescents. From the perspectives of digital religion and mediatization of religion, digital space is no longer merely a medium, but has become a cultural arena that actively shapes religious practices and meanings. The study aims to analyze these dynamics, especially within the context of Generation Alpha, by examining the opportunities and challenges that emerge in the lived experience of faith in the digital age. The findings indicate that digital environments offer creative, participatory, and contextual opportunities for evangelization, enabling young people to engage actively in constructing their religious experiences. However, this dynamic is inherently ambivalent, as it also risks reducing the meaning of faith to symbolic, instant, and less sacramentally grounded experiences, detached from the communal life of the Church. Furthermore, the formation of religious identity in digital spaces tends to be fluid and performative, potentially leading to superficial relationships and fragmented identities. Therefore, technologically mediated religious experience should be understood as a bridge, rather than a substitute, for authentic faith encounters. The Church is thus called to adopt adaptive and reflective pastoral approaches, positioning media as a means of fostering communio without obscuring the essence of faith. An integrative approach through the synergy of Church, family, and educational institutions is essential to balance digital literacy and spiritual depth, ensuring that adolescent faith continues to grow reflectively and remains rooted in real-life experience.

Artikel ini bertolak dari kenyataan bahwa banyak umat telah mendengar sabda Allah dalam Liturgi dan pengajaran Gereja, namun belum sepenuhnya menghidupinya dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Situasi ini menegaskan pentingnya katekese sebagai proses pembinaan iman yang berkelanjutan, yang tidak hanya menekankan aspek pengetahuan, tetapi juga penghayatan dan perwujutan iman dalam tindakan nyata. Tulisan ini bertujuan merefleksikan katekese sebagai jalan pembinaan iman umat yang menuntun dari sabda menuju kehidupan. Fokus kajian artikel ini adalah peran katekese dalam membantu umat dewasa mengintegrasikan sabda Allah kedalam realitas hidup sehari-hari, baik dalam keluarga, pekerjaan, maupun kehidupan sosial. Metode yang digunakan adalah refleksi teologis pastoral dengan pendekatan kualitatif melalui studi literatur gereja dan pengalaman hidup umat. Pendekatan ini menekankan ketertarikan antara pewartaan sabda, pendampingan iman, serta partisiasi aktif umat dalam proses pembinaan. Hasil refleksi menunjukkan bahwa katekese yang kontekstual, dialogis, dan berpusat pada sabda Allah, mampu menumbuhkan iman yang lebih dewasa, sadar, dan tanggung jawab. Melalui katekese, umat tidak hanya memahami ajran iman secara intelektual, tetapi juga didorong untuk menghidupinya dalam sikap kasih, pelayanan, dan kesaksian di tengah masyarakat. Pembinaan iman yang berkelanjutan menjadi sarana penting untuk membentuk umat yang tangguh dalam menghadapi tantangan zaman dan tetap berakar pada nilai-nilai injil. Dengan demikian, katekese sebagai jalan pembinaan iman memiliki peran strategis dalam menjembatani sabda Allah dengan kehidupan konkrit umat. Pembaharuan metode dan pendekatan katekese yang relevan dengan konteks umat masa kini sangat diperlukan agar proses dari sabda menuju kehidupan dapat berlangsung secara nyata, mendalam, dan berkelanjutan dalam kehidupan Gereja. Kata kunci: katekese, sabda Allah, pembinaan iman, umat dewasa, kehidupan kristen

Penelitian ini mengkaji makna kematian dan kehidupan kekal dalam iman Katolik berdasarkan perspektif teologi eskatologi dan Kristologi sesuai dengan ajaran dogma Gereja Katolik. Tujuan penelitian adalah menjelaskan pemahaman kematian menurut ajaran resmi Gereja Katolik, sebagaimana tertuang dalam Katekismus Gereja Katolik, dokumen Konsili Vatikan II, dan ensiklik kepausan, serta relevansinya bagi kehidupan pastoral umat pada masa kini. Metode yang digunakan adalah kajian pustaka yang bersifat teologis-normatif dengan sumber utama Kitab Suci, dokumen Magisterium, dan literatur teologi yang relevan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam iman Katolik, kematian dipahami sebagai peralihan menuju kehidupan kekal bersama Allah, bukan akhir dari eksistensi manusia. Wafat dan kebangkitan Yesus Kristus menjadi fondasi dogmatis harapan keselamatan umat beriman. Ajaran tentang pengadilan khusus, api penyucian, surga, dan neraka merupakan bagian integral dari iman Katolik yang memiliki implikasi pastoral yang kuat: memberikan penguatan iman, harapan, dan penghiburan bagi umat dalam menghadapi penderitaan dan kematian. Simpulan penelitian menegaskan bahwa pemahaman teologis yang benar tentang kematian dan kehidupan kekal perlu terus diwartakan agar umat mampu menghayati hidup dalam iman, harapan, dan kasih.

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various sectors of human life, including church ministry and religious organizational management. This study aims to analyze Christian leadership ethics in the use of AI within modern church ministry. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method through theological literature review and analysis of recent studies concerning digital technology and pastoral ministry. The findings indicate that AI provides significant benefits for church administration, digital communication, congregational data management, and online evangelism. Nevertheless, ethical challenges also emerge, such as the weakening of pastoral relationships, data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the risk of dehumanization in ministry practices. From a Christian theological perspective, ministry is fundamentally relational and incarnational, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ who ministered through personal presence, compassion, and direct interaction with people. Therefore, AI should be understood as a supportive instrument rather than a substitute for spiritual authority and pastoral presence. Christian leadership in the digital age must be grounded in integrity, transparency, spiritual discernment, and respect for human dignity as the image of God (imago Dei). This study contributes to the development of ethical guidelines for churches in utilizing AI responsibly while maintaining theological integrity and Christian spiritual values.

This study examines the role of students of IFTK Ledalero in responding to human rights (HR) issues through the integration of theoretical understanding, spirituality, and concrete action. The background of this research is rooted in the increasing complexity of human rights violations in Indonesia, particularly in marginalized communities, which demands a contextual and transformative response from academic institutions. The objective of this study is to analyze how students internalize human rights values from philosophical and theological perspectives and translate them into practical engagement. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method, using literature review and contextual analysis of student involvement in social issues. The findings indicate that while students possess strong theoretical foundations and spiritual motivations, there remains a gap in translating these into consistent and structured advocacy actions. However, emerging initiatives such as community service, pastoral engagement, and social campaigns demonstrate a growing awareness and commitment. The implication of this study emphasizes the need for a more integrative educational approach that bridges theory, spirituality, and praxis, enabling students to become transformative agents in promoting human dignity and justice.