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the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marking God's intervention in the history of His people and the beginning of a new grain harvest. On the other hand, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a symbol of victory over sin and death, and the culmination of salvation provided through His sacrifice on the cross. In this context, the Eucharist becomes an important sacrament symbolizing the body and Passover and Easter have deep meanings in their respective religious traditions. Passover (Pesach) celebrates blood of Christ. The bread, as a symbol of His broken body, and the cup, as a symbol of His shed blood, remind Christians of God's infinite sacrifice and love. However, in the early days of Christianity, the practice of the Eucharist was often misunderstood, leading to accusations of cannibalism against Christians. This misunderstanding arose because the terms "body" and "blood" were interpreted literally by outsiders. To counter these accusations, Christian apologists, such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian, attempted to provide a theological explanation for the symbolism, emphasizing that the Eucharist was a spiritual and not a physical act. Thus, both Easter and the Eucharist reflect the profound themes of liberation and hope, as well as the importance of a correct understanding of the symbolism of Christian teaching to avoid harmful misunderstandings. This shows that a proper understanding of religious traditions can strengthen faith and strengthen relationships among believers.

The Reformation led by Martin Luther in the 16th century was one of the most influential events in the history of the church and the Christian world. This research aims to analyze the impact of Martin Luther’s Reformation on the church and the Christian world as a whole. Luther, through his 95 Theses, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the sale of indulgences, and emphasized the doctrines of salvation by faith alone (sola fide) and the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura). The result of this movement was the emergence of Protestant Christian denominations, a deep division between Catholicism and Protestantism, and reforms within the Catholic Church known as the Counter-Reformation. This study employs historical methods, analyzing relevant primary and secondary documents to understand the theological, social, and political impacts of Luther’s Reformation. The Reformation also brought significant changes in education, liturgical languages, and the church’s role in the socio-political life of European society. Overall, Martin Luther’s Reformation triggered a transformation in the structure of the church and Christian society that persists into the modern era.

This study aims to comprehensively examine the concept of gratitude (shukr) from the perspective of the Qur'an by employing a thematic interpretation approach ( tafsīr al-maw ḍ ū'ī ) combined with the grounded theory method. This dual approach allows for an in-depth exploration of Qur'anic verses related to gratitude while also constructing theoretical frameworks derived directly from the primary data—namely, the Qur'anic text itself. The research adopts a qualitative, library-based methodology, where relevant verses are collected, categorized, and regularly analyzed to understand how gratitude is depicted, what forms it takes, and how it influences human life. The findings reveal that gratitude in the Qur'an goes beyond verbal expressions of gratitude to God. It encompasses inner awareness, acknowledgment of divine favor, wise utilization of blessings, and concrete actions that reflect obedience to God. Gratitude is presented as an active response to divine grace, resulting in positive behavior, spiritual closeness, and the strengthening of ethical and social dimensions in a believer's life. Moreover, the Qur'an affirms that those who are grateful are not only spiritually elevated but also promised an increase in blessings and a noble status in the sight of God. In the current socio-religious context, the value of gratitude holds significant relevance as a foundation for character development and emotional resilience. This study affirms that gratitude is a universal Islamic value that integrates theological, psychological, and ethical aspects. Thus, it is expected that this research contributes both theoretically and practically to the development of thematic Qur'anic studies and a deeper understanding of spiritual consciousness.

Generation Alpha is growing up in an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and digital interaction, which necessitates the development of innovative, engaging, and interactive learning strategies. This need extends to Christian Religious Education (CRE), where traditional methods may no longer fully capture the attention or meet the learning styles of today's children. One promising approach is the adaptation of Labubu dolls as a learning medium within the CRE curriculum. With their distinctive, expressive features, Labubu dolls can serve as an effective pedagogical tool to convey Christian values in a manner that is both relatable and captivating for young learners. This article explores the integration of Labubu dolls into Christian Religious Education as a medium to enhance student engagement, comprehension, and internalization of core religious values. Using a qualitative research design with a constructivist approach, the study investigates how puppetry, particularly through Labubu dolls, can transform abstract theological ideas into concrete, child-friendly learning experiences. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and reflective practices involving teachers and students in early education settings. Findings indicate that the incorporation of storytelling, character interaction, and reflective dialogue facilitated by Labubu dolls significantly improves children's understanding of Christian principles. The dolls create a dynamic learning environment that encourages emotional connection, moral reasoning, and active participation. Furthermore, the playful yet structured nature of puppet-based instruction aligns well with the cognitive and emotional development of Generation Alpha, making it a highly relevant educational innovation. In conclusion, the use of Labubu dolls within the Christian Religious Education curriculum represents a strategic response to contemporary educational challenges. It not only enhances pedagogical effectiveness but also supports the formation of Christian character and faith from an early age, positioning Labubu dolls as a transformative medium for religious instruction in the digital age.

In the contemporary Christian context, many churches face a leadership crisis marked by corruption, arrogance, lack of integrity, and resistance to criticism—traits that starkly contrast with the servant-hearted leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ. This study aims to explore the biblical foundation of Jesus’ leadership, both in character and technical dimensions, as portrayed in the Gospel of John, and to examine its implementation within GPdI Betesda Kabanjahe. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research integrates two primary approaches: a theological-biblical analysis and a case study of leadership practices in the local church. The theological dimension focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing relational depth, sacrificial service, and intentional character formation of His disciples. The case study approach investigates how these principles are understood and applied by church leaders in GPdI Betesda. Findings reveal two key insights. First, the pastoral leadership model in the Gospel of John presents Jesus as a shepherd who leads through personal connection, selfless sacrifice, and transformative discipleship. While these values are normatively acknowledged by church leaders, their practical application in GPdI Betesda remains partial and lacks systemic integration into the church’s organizational and ministerial structures. Second, pastoral leadership at GPdI Betesda is marked by exemplary behavior and love in service. However, inconsistencies persist in leadership stability, spiritual maturity, and character development. The absence of structured ministry management and leadership formation contributes to these gaps. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for churches to realign leadership practices with the biblical model of Jesus, fostering integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Strengthening character development and implementing structured leadership systems are essential steps toward resolving the leadership crisis and embodying Christ-like shepherding in the church context.

In the digital era, Christians face significant challenges in maintaining an authentic spirituality amidst a continuous stream of information and the influence of popular culture that often contradicts biblical values. The command in Romans 12:2 to "not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" remains highly relevant, yet its practical application in contemporary Christian life is frequently overlooked. This study aims to explore the theological depth of Romans 12:2, identify the dominant patterns of worldly thought in the digital age, and develop a contextual and applicable framework for transformative Christian spirituality. Utilizing a qualitative method with a library research approach, data were gathered from theological works, biblical commentaries, and scholarly literature on spirituality, culture, and digital engagement. The study reveals that the renewal of the mind refers not only to a personal inner change but to a reorientation of worldview through the power of the Holy Spirit. This transformation involves resisting cultural tendencies such as self-image obsession on social media, intellectual complacency caused by technological convenience, and the rise of individualistic spirituality detached from community life. To address these challenges, the study proposes several implementation strategies: fostering deeper biblical literacy contextualized to current issues, cultivating critical thinking as a form of spiritual discipline, and nurturing accountability within faith communities. These elements form a holistic framework of contemporary Christian spirituality that is Christ-centered, critically aware, and outward-focused in mission. The implications of this framework suggest that Christian spirituality in the digital era must engage both heart and mind, remain rooted in Scripture, and be lived out in communal and missional contexts.

The study of eschatology and logic in Islam represents a significant and intellectually rich area within the broader discourse of ʿAqidah (Islamic creed) and Islamic philosophy. Eschatology, derived from the Greek word eschatos meaning "last," concerns matters of the afterlife, including death, the apocalypse (al-Sāʿah), resurrection (al-Baʿth), judgment (al-Ḥisāb), heaven (Jannah), and hell (Jahannam). These concepts are elaborated extensively in both the Qur'an and the prophetic traditions (ḥadīth). Meanwhile, logic in Islam is not merely a philosophical exercise but serves as an epistemological framework for interpreting divine revelation and deducing legal and theological principles. Islamic logic (al-manṭiq) is rooted in both Greek logical tradition—particularly Aristotelian logic—as well as unique Islamic methodologies that integrate rationality with scriptural fidelity. This research aims to analyze selected verses and prophetic traditions related to eschatology and logic, with the objective of understanding not only their linguistic and theological meanings but also their practical implications for human belief systems and ethical behavior. The study employs an interpretive and analytical method (manhaj taḥlīlī wa tafsīrī), focusing on exegesis (tafsīr) of Qur’anic verses QS. Al-A'raf: 187–188 and QS. Al-An'am: 30, as well as relevant ḥadīths concerning eschatological events and rational thought. These verses were selected due to their direct references to the knowledge of the Hour (ʿilm al-sāʿah) and the human tendency to demand evidence while rejecting spiritual truth. The findings indicate that Islamic eschatology is framed not around speculative prediction but rather spiritual and moral readiness. The Qur'an clearly asserts that knowledge of the exact time of the Day of Judgment belongs solely to Allah (QS. Al-A’raf: 187), highlighting the limitations of human knowledge and emphasizing submission to divine wisdom.

This article explains the Bakaua ritual at sacred graves, a tradition of the Nagari Sungai Limau community that has deep theological value. This research aims to analyze the meaning of theological values in the Bakaua ritual and how its practice can strengthen people's spiritual relationships. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this research examines the spiritual, social, and cultural aspects inherent in the Bakaua tradition. The research results indicate that this ritual serves not only as a means of prayer and respect for ancestors but also as a medium for strengthening social relations and preserving local wisdom. Apart from that, the Bakaua ritual is seen as a form of asking for protection, expressing gratitude, and fulfilling vows, which reflects the close relationship between culture and theology in the life of Minangkabau society. The method used in this research is qualitative, encouraging a different approach from previous research, which only discussed Bakaua dramaturgy in the Minangkabau society. However, this paper places more emphasis on aspects of theological values in the Bakaua ritual tradition at sacred graves. This study highlights how theological meaning is embodied through symbolic practices, offerings, and communal prayers that represent submission to divine will. It also reveals how the ritual facilitates intergenerational transmission of spiritual values, maintaining continuity of belief systems in modern contexts. By analyzing community participation and oral narratives, the research uncovers deep spiritual motives rooted in Islamic beliefs intertwined with local cultural expressions. In addition, the findings underscore the community’s resilience in preserving traditional theology-based rituals despite the influence of modernization and shifts in religious interpretations. The Bakaua ritual thus becomes a cultural-theological bridge that binds generations and sustains spiritual identity within the dynamic life of the Minangkabau people.

Community-based servant leadership development has emerged as a critical approach for Christian nonprofit organizations seeking to cultivate authentic leaders who embody Christ-centered values. This study explores the integration of theological foundations from Mark 10:45 with Robert K. Greenleaf's servant leadership theory to develop a comprehensive model for leader formation within Christian nonprofit contexts. Employing a qualitative methodology with a library research design, data were collected from scholarly literature and theological sources, then analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The research reveals a significant alignment between the core message of Mark 10:45—“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”—and the key principles of Greenleaf’s servant leadership, particularly the emphasis on selfless service, empathy, listening, and community building. Community plays a vital role as both a laboratory and an incubator for spiritual and leadership formation, where individuals can internalize leadership values through biblical teaching, mentorship, active religious practices, and shared life experiences. The study proposes a five-stage model: Foundation Building, Community Immersion, Skill Development, Practical Application, and Leadership Multiplication. This model serves as a strategic guide for Christian organizations to intentionally nurture servant leaders. Findings highlight improvements in character formation, organizational effectiveness, and the embodiment of servant leadership traits such as humility, sacrifice, and empathy. The study concludes with practical recommendations for implementation, including structured mentoring systems, the formation of communities of practice, and ongoing evaluation mechanisms. Ultimately, this integrated model supports the mission of Christian nonprofits by shaping leaders who advance both spiritual and social transformation.

This study explores the philosophical and theological implications of John Dewey's pedagogical thought, particularly his emphasis on reflective practice and experiential learning, within the context of Contemporary Christian Religious Education (PAK). Despite its potential to foster active, student-centered learning, a significant gap exists in deeply examining how Dewey's principles align with or challenge PAK's theological aim of faith formation. This qualitative library research, employing Miles and Huberman's data analysis model, addresses this gap by synthesizing Dewey's pedagogical concepts with the Christian theology of spiritual growth, particularly informed by 1 Corinthians 3:6, which posits that God gives the increase. The findings reveal that Dewey's experiential learning framework can profoundly enrich PAK by shifting the teacher's role from a primary knowledge dispenser to a facilitator who guides students in applying biblical truths to real-life experiences. This approach encourages holistic development encompassing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. However, the implementation necessitates a robust theological filter, maintaining that biblical truth is final and acknowledging God's sovereignty in true spiritual growth. The study concludes that while Dewey's pedagogy provides practical strategies for student engagement and character development, its successful integration into PAK hinges on a clear understanding of its theological boundaries, ensuring that pedagogical flexibility is balanced with doctrinal integrity. This research offers a theoretical foundation for transformative PAK practices, aiming to cultivate knowledgeable Christian students with deep and active faith.

This study aims to analyze the implications of the Imago Dei doctrine in Indonesian local wisdom for enriching Christian Religious Education (PAK) materials from Jürgen Moltmann's perspective. This research uses a qualitative approach with library research design and Miles-Huberman interactive analysis model. The findings reveal that Indonesian local wisdom such as pela gandong, dalihan na tolu, huma betang, and menyama braya have deep resonance with the Imago Dei doctrine, particularly in Moltmann's relational theological perspective. The integration of local wisdom with the Imago Dei doctrine brings profound theological implications including expanding understanding of fellowship (koinonia), holistic salvation, transformative leadership, and contextual spirituality. This study recommends that PAK educators develop curricula that systematically integrate local wisdom with theological foundations, use participatory pedagogical approaches, build sensitivity to cultural contexts, and create collaborative networks with traditional leaders. The integration of local wisdom with the Imago Dei doctrine is not merely a pedagogical strategy but a theological calling to realize God's Kingdom in the Indonesian context.

Contemporary church organizations in Indonesia face a phenomenon of volatility characterized by fluctuations in congregation membership, persistent internal conflicts, external pressures from changing times, and a crisis of trust in its leaders. There is a significant gap between the theological idealism of servant leadership as taught in Mark 10:42-45 and the reality of leadership practices in the field, which often tend to be authoritarian, conflict-driven, and underserved. This study aims to analyze the application of the principle of servant leadership based on Mark 10:42-45 as a solution to face the challenge of the volatility of contemporary church organizations in Indonesia. The goal is to identify volatility challenges, analyze leadership practice gaps, and formulate effective servant leadership implementation models to restore trust and achieve sustainable congregation growth. This study uses a qualitative research method with a library research approach. Data from various literature sources were analyzed in depth to synthesize the theological concept of servant leadership with organizational management theory and the practical context of the church in Indonesia. The results of the study show that servant leadership is an effective solution to the volatility of the church. It was found that the main challenges in its implementation were hierarchical organizational culture and resistance to change. As a solution, this study formulates a model of servant leadership integration built on four pillars: strong spiritual foundations, adaptive leadership, collaborative governance, and continuous learning. The implementation of this model is through practical strategies such as transparency, empowerment of the congregation.

This study explores the implementation of liturgical music norms by Catholic Youth (Orang Muda Katolik/OMK) in the St. Raphael Sub-Parish, Saitnihuta. The research aims to examine the extent to which OMK participate in liturgical music ministry in accordance with the principles established by the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the use of liturgical songs and musical instruments. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that OMK show commendable enthusiasm and active involvement in liturgical celebrations by singing hymns from official Church songbooks such as Puji Syukur and by accompanying the liturgy with instruments like guitars, cajons, and keyboards. While this reflects a genuine commitment to serve, it also exposes a lack of structured guidance and theological understanding related to the use of music in the liturgy. Many OMK rely on imitation and personal experience in selecting songs and instruments, often prioritizing the creation of a lively atmosphere rather than enhancing the sacredness of the liturgy. Moreover, the absence of traditional musical instruments and limited liturgical catechesis hinder the proper application of inculturation principles. This study underscores the urgent need for structured formation programs and official liturgical music guidelines to support OMK. With proper mentoring, the creativity and zeal of young people can be nurtured to align with the Church’s vision of sacred, beautiful, and appropriate liturgical music—thus enabling them to become true ministers of prayer who deepen the community’s encounter with the mystery of Christ.

The study of hadith in the contemporary era is not only limited to the theological dimension, but also extends to the socio-political and state realms. This is important to understand fair, inclusive governance based on Islamic values. In the context of modern Muslim countries, including Indonesia, the urgency to re-examine the function of hadith as a source of ethics and norms in politics is increasing, especially in facing the challenges of leadership and covering up power. This study aims to apply the thematic hadith approach (maudhu'i) in understanding contemporary political and state issues. The method used is qualitative literature study with a thematic approach, examining hadiths from authentic books such as Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud, as well as classical literature and accredited scientific journals. The results of the study show that thematic hadiths provide a strong ethical and normative framework for the formation of a government system that is oriented towards justice, deliberation, and the responsibility of leaders. Hadith is also the basis for legitimizing criticism of authoritarian power, relevant to be implemented in democratic systems in Muslim-majority countries. Thus, the integration of hadith in contemporary political discourse is not merely idealistic, but has an epistemic basis that can be realized institutionally.  

The era of digital disruption marked by the massive spread of hoaxes and disinformation presents a serious challenge for the church in maintaining the unity and purity of teaching. The gap between the need for a relevant leadership response and the lack of practical models that can be applied is a key problem that this study seeks to answer. This study aims to (1) analyze the essential components of an adaptive model of Christian leadership in responding to these challenges, and (2) formulate a practical framework that blends spiritual and educational strategies for church leaders. Using qualitative research methods with a literature review approach, secondary data from various scientific literature are analyzed through qualitative content analysis to build a conceptual model. The results of the study conclude that an effective leadership model is built on three main foundations: the character of a leader with integrity, in-depth knowledge of the digital and theological landscape, and practical skills in communication and education. The most effective framework is one that synergizes a spiritual approach to build the resilience of the faith of the congregation from within, with an educational approach to equip the congregation with digital literacy in the face of external threats.

The tradition of communicating with ancestral spirits remains a spiritual practice upheld by various indigenous communities in Indonesia. This tradition is considered a form of respect toward ancestors who are believed to maintain a spiritual connection with their descendants. This article aims to trace the historical roots and cultural meanings of communication with ancestral spirits and reflect on its implications for the Christian faith. Using a qualitative approach and literature review of spiritual practices among several ethnic groups, it was found that such communication is often rooted in relational values, reverence, and the search for life’s meaning. However, Christian reflection calls believers to distinguish between cultural honor and beliefs that may contradict faith in the living God. This article offers a dialogical and contextual approach to wisely and theologically understand and respond to this phenomenon.

This study examines theologically the practice of giving dowry in Sumbanese weddings. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is often associated with church weddings. Various responses to dowry, especially from Christians, are the main focus. The method used is a literature study, with the object of study being the giving of dowry in the marriages of biblical figures such as Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, David and Michal, and Shechem and Dinah. The theological reflections produced include: First, dowry in the Bible functions as a sign of appreciation for women and their families. Second, dowry is not coercion, but rather a way for men to show love for their future wives. Thus, dowry in Sumbanese culture does not conflict with Christian faith and has a positive value for helping each other. The implications include: First, dowry must be in accordance with the man's ability. Second, dowry should not be used as a tool to fulfill personal ambitions. Payment of dowry should be for the common good. Third, dowry must be given in an honorable manner, without justifying any means to prove the ability to pay dowry at a high price.

This study aims to comparatively analyze the concept of tawhid in Sunni and Shi'a Imamiyyah schools from a theological perspective. Using an exploratory qualitative approach and literature study method, this research examines the theological structures of both traditions, identifying points of convergence and key differences in their understanding of God's oneness. The findings reveal that although both traditions uphold tawhid as the core of faith, differing epistemological approaches and authoritative frameworks lead to significant distinctions. The Sunni tradition emphasizes three dimensions of tawhid—rububiyyah, uluhiyyah, and asma’ wa sifat—while the Shi’a Imamiyyah integrates the concept with the doctrines of imamah and walayah. The study further highlights that such theological diversity can enrich Islamic intellectual tradition and foster constructive inter-sectarian dialogue when managed inclusively. The research recommends promoting sectarian tolerance education and inter-traditional dialogue as key strategies to enhance Islamic unity.

This study aims to explore the perceptions of young people toward a career as Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers amidst dynamic social and cultural changes. The declining interest in this profession is not solely driven by economic and social status concerns but is also influenced by digitalization, secularization, and a lack of vocational formation from families and churches. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through literature review and in-depth interviews with church youth and theology students. The findings reveal that young people still hold potential interest in this vocation when supported by strong theological narratives, integrated mentoring strategies, and 21st-century skills. This research recommends the revitalization of holistic and contextual Christian education systems to address contemporary challenges and rekindle youth interest in pursuing a career as CRE teachers.

Worship leadership training represents a strategic initiative in nurturing the spiritual character of Christian students from their adolescent years. This program was implemented at SMA Hidup Baru Ciumbeluit in March 2023, with the primary objective of equipping students to lead worship services independently and responsibly. The training employed a hands-on, experiential approach, granting students the opportunity to design and lead complete worship sessions. The outcomes demonstrated notable improvements in self-confidence, coordination skills, and the students’ comprehension of Christian liturgical structure. Furthermore, the program served as a platform for character formation, instilling values such as discipline, collaboration, and servant-oriented leadership. This article explores the theological, educational, and psychological dimensions of student involvement in worship leadership. The initiative proved to be an effective model for preparing the younger generation to actively engage in ministry, both within the school environment and in broader ecclesial and community contexts. As such, similar training programs are recommended to be conducted regularly as an integral part of faith development and discipleship for Christian youth.