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This study is based on the urgency to understand Calvinism, one of the most influential theological systems in the history of Christianity, which originated from the thoughts of John Calvin in the 16th century. This theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation, formulated in five core doctrines known by the acronym TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. The research adopts a qualitative descriptive approach using a library research method, aiming to explore the theological concept of Calvinism through the analysis of theological, historical, and doctrinal literature. The findings reveal that Calvinism forms a systematic theology of salvation that is entirely centered on God’s grace, without reliance on human effort. Additionally, the study highlights how Calvinist teachings have significantly influenced Christian life and church practices, both historically and in the present day. Therefore, it is important for these teachings to be understood and applied contextually in Indonesia, to remain relevant and avoid being misinterpreted as rigid or fatalistic doctrine.

Usury in buying and selling is a practice that is forbidden in Islam because it contradicts the principles of justice and balance in economic transactions. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method to explore the normative and theological understanding of usury based on the Qur'an, hadith, and the views of scholars. Islam forbids all forms of usury, both in debt and buying and selling, including usury of qardh, jahiliyyah, fadhl, yad, and nasi'ah. This prohibition aims to prevent exploitation and create a fair economic system. Although some scholars still debate the status of bank interest, the majority state that the practice is usury. This study emphasizes the importance of staying away from usury and encourages the use of sharia-compliant transaction systems such as murabahah and mudharabah.

The origin of the universe can be viewed from two main perspectives, the Qur'an and modern cosmology. In the Qur'an, the process of creation of the heavens and the earth is expressed through the terms al-khalq and al-bad', which indicate creation from existing matter or from nothing. Several verses such as QS. Al-Anbiya' [21]:30, QS. Fussilat [41]:11, and QS. Adz-Dzariyat [51]:47 describe the creation symbolically in line with scientific concepts such as the Big Bang theory and the expansion of the universe. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method and philosophical reflection within the framework of Islamic educational philosophy. From the perspective of modern cosmology, the understanding of the beginning of the universe is based on the Big Bang theory, cosmic inflation, and microwave background radiation (CMB). This article also discusses the meeting point between revelation (naqlī) and empirical rationality ('aqlī), and emphasizes the importance of methodological dialogue between the science of interpretation and science. The findings of this study reveal that although the Qur'anic approach and scientific cosmology come from different bases, both can complement each other in deepening human understanding of the universe and its position as a living creature created by God. Therefore, the epistemological integration between the two becomes the basis for a more complete understanding in theological, scientific, and philosophical aspects of the origin of the universe

The church is called to bring about the harmony and unity of Christ in a divided world. However, internal conflict often arises from theological differences, leadership styles, cultural preferences, and interpersonal issues. Conflict that is not managed wisely can damage the integrity and witness of the church. This study uses a library research method and finds that harmony is an active process that requires dialogue, openness, acceptance, mutual respect, and love. The roots of church conflict are addressed through loving communication (Matthew 18), biblical mediation and negotiation training, cultivating a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation, and transparent and integrity-based leadership. Although challenges such as ego exist, the power of the gospel, the Holy Spirit, and the potential for growth offer great opportunities. A reconciling church is a powerful testimony of Christ's reconciling love.

Critical thinking skills are fundamental to everyday life and academics, allowing individuals to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and draw evidence-based conclusions. In the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK), critical thinking also has a theological dimension, where reason, as a divine gift, is renewed through Christ to understand divine truth and love God. Given this urgency, this study aims to explore how the implementation of the Team Based Learning (TBL) Model can improve the critical thinking skills of PAK students. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method through literature study, collecting and analyzing data from various journal articles and books. The results show that the TBL structure includes individual preparation, team discussion (IRAT/GRAT), problem-based concept application, and peer feedback and evaluation systematically encourage high-level cognitive processes. In conclusion, TBL has proven effective in improving the critical thinking skills of PAK students, while deepening their understanding of the material and their religious competence.

This research examines the issue of interfaith marriage in the context of religious moderation in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative method with a library research approach. Based on Dukcapil data from 2022, 34.6 million couples were recorded as "unregistered marriages" due to interfaith marriages. showing strong tension due to the presence of regulations and religious doctrines that tend to be exclusive. By comparing the perspectives of Islam, Catholicism, and Hinduism, it was found that there are differences in doctrinal limitations regarding interfaith marriage practices. This shows how complex the relationship is between social structures and religious teachings in marriage. Moreover, this research found that there is a contradiction between the dominant interpretation of marriage law based on religious beliefs and the constitutional right to form a family (Article 28B paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution). As a solution, the paradigm of religious moderation is offered. This paradigm emphasizes justice, love, and tolerance as the fundamental principles of inclusive marriage. This study suggests changes to the legal and theological framework to adapt to a multicultural society.

This research examines the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual growth and ministry of contemporary Christians, considering that many have not actively experienced His involvement, resulting in low spiritual quality. Its objective is to re-examine the Holy Spirit's influence for a clearer understanding. Employing a qualitative library research method with textual analysis of the Bible and theological literature (hermeneutics), this study finds that the Holy Spirit is a divine person actively guiding, transforming character, and serving as Creator, Reconciler, and Redeemer. The Pentecost event demonstrates initial empowerment. Spiritual gifts are an expression of His role, which, though debated, function to equip ministry, strengthen community, and facilitate evangelism. The Holy Spirit is also a source of character transformation and empowerment for mission. Baptism in the Holy Spirit becomes a moment of life change and sanctification. The implication is that a clear understanding and open attitude towards the Holy Spirit are essential for unity, church growth, and glorifying Christ.

The development of contemporary church music, as part of the dynamic life of Christian worship, has sparked various responses—both as a relevant cultural expression and as a potential theological deviation. Music that adopts popular styles and emotionally expressive forms is often considered effective in engaging younger generations, yet it also raises concerns about shifting the focus of worship from God to human experience. This article aims to theologically examine the presence of contemporary church music in light of biblical principles of Christian worship. The method used is a descriptive qualitative literature study, drawing from theological works and research published within the last five years. The findings show that although contemporary music can serve as an effective means of fostering congregational spirituality, it must be theologically tested to ensure that musical expression does not obscure the Christ-centered essence of worship. Therefore, the church is called to integrate contemporary music into liturgy with discernment and theological responsibility.

This research aims to analyze the role of Abraham Kuyper's cultural mandate in the context of Christian Religious Education. Abraham Kuyper, a Dutch theologian and statesman, emphasized the importance of the cultural mandate as an integral part of the Christian faith, where believers are called to transform all aspects of life, including education, according to the principles of the Kingdom of God. This research uses a qualitative method with a theological-philosophical analysis approach to Kuyper's thought and its relevance to CRE. The research findings indicate that Kuyper's cultural mandate provides a strong theological foundation for CRE, emphasizing the integration of faith, science, and daily life. The concept of sphere sovereignty proposed by Kuyper also promotes a holistic approach in Christian Religious Education), where education focuses not only on spiritual aspects but also on the development of character, ethics, and social responsibility. Additionally, this study found that the implementation of the cultural mandate in CRE can strengthen Christian identity amidst pluralism and secularization. The implication of these findings is the importance of a CRE curriculum based on the Kuyperian vision, which emphasizes cultural transformation through education. This research contributes to the development of CRE that is relevant and contextual in addressing the challenges of the times.

The development of information technology, particularly the internet and social media, has significantly impacted how the Church functions and interacts with its congregation. This transformation is not only technological but also touches upon fundamental theological aspects. This article aims to examine the changes in the meaning, function, and identity of the Church in the context of digitalization, with a focus on comparing the pre-internet and post-internet eras. Through a systematic theological approach, this analysis explores how the Church, as a community of faith and a spiritual organism, must re-understand its existence amidst the increasingly dominant presence of digital media in believers' lives.In the pre-internet era, church life revolved around physical gatherings, conventional liturgies, and direct spiritual authority. However, in the digital age, new forms of ministry have emerged, such as online worship services, virtual communities, and the dissemination of the Word through social media and other digital platforms. These changes offer opportunities to reach a broader audience but also pose serious challenges such as digital individualism, theological distortion, and a crisis of spiritual authority.This article concludes that the Church needs to develop adaptive ministry strategies while remaining faithful to the essence of Christian spirituality. By maintaining a balance between online and offline ministries and strengthening theological understanding amidst the rapid flow of information, the Church can remain relevant and effective in carrying out its mission.

Christian leaders in Indonesia are often faced with a complex duality of roles, where they must navigate the demands of tradition-based and consensus-based customary leadership with modern organizational expectations that emphasize efficiency and formal procedures. This gap creates significant tension in leadership practice. This research aims to (1) theoretically analyze the points of tension and potential synergies between the two leadership models, and (2) synthesize a conceptual framework containing practical strategies to harmonize the two roles. The method used in this study is qualitative with a literature review approach, which in-depth analyzes various relevant academic sources. The results of the study show that the main tension lies in differences in authority bases, decision-making processes, and value priorities. As a solution, this study formulates a navigation framework that is based on the leader's mindset as a "bridge", grounded in theological principles, and implemented through practical strategies such as acculturation and contextual communication. It is recommended that leaders equip themselves with cross-cultural competence and that theological educational institutions develop a more contextual curriculum.  

This research is a theological study of Job's suffering. In order to make this suffering relevant to believers, one of the books that attracts attention to be discussed is the book of Job. Job's story is still a topic of conversation to this day when someone faces suffering. Suffering can be experienced by humans, both men and women, both young and old, rich and poor, even children. Every Christian person or family must have faced tragedies in their own lives, for example death, loss of property, illness, economic crisis and ect. Job was a man who was pious, honest, feared God and shunned evil and could experience severe and extreme suffering. The goal is that Christians are motivated to persist in the faith, when suffering is unavoidable.                 Based on a theological study of the story of Job's suffering, several correct understandings of the emergence of suffering are obtained which are relevant for the lives of Christian families who experience suffering and strengthen Christian families who experience suffering. The Christian family cannot be separated from the reality of suffering and one day the Christian's faith will be tested by God. However, this suffering should make you increasingly know God and glorify Him.

This article discusses the purpose-oriented church model as a relevant strategy in facing the challenges and dynamics of the church in the modern era. In the context of globalization, secularism, and rapid social change, many churches face an identity crisis and declining congregational engagement. The purpose-oriented model offers a systematic approach to strengthening the church's mission through a clear vision, effective strategy formulation, and active congregational participation. The research method used in this study is an in-depth literature analysis, covering various sources such as scriptures, contemporary theological books, and scholarly articles related to church transformation. In addition, this study evaluates several case studies of churches that have successfully implemented this model to better reach and serve their communities. The results of the study indicate that churches that apply the principles of the purpose-oriented model are not only able to increase congregational engagement but can also adapt better to the needs of the ever-evolving community. Thus, this article becomes a reference source for church leaders and academics in designing effective strategies for church transformation and growth in the future.

This article examines in depth the relationship between the outward form and the spiritual essence of the Church in the context of contemporary Christianity. The church is not only understood as a physical structure with buildings, organizational systems, and orderly worship, but also as a spiritual community that reflects the love of Christ, the presence of God, and a missiological calling in the world. An imbalance between external aspects and spiritual substance can lead to disorientation of church functions, both in the aspect of service and in the meaning of the faith of the people. Excessive focus on form can make the church spiritually dry, while neglect of order and form can lead to chaos in church life. Through a qualitative approach with a literature study method, this article examines the thoughts of several theological figures such as Miroslav Volf, who emphasizes the church as a reflection of the Trinitarian relationship; Lesslie Newbigin, who offers the perspective of the church as an institution, community of the word, and communion of the Spirit; and Stephen Suleeman, who highlights the role of the church as an agent of social and spiritual transformation in Indonesia. The research also considers contemporary challenges, such as the development of digital technology, shifting social values, and the declining interest of younger generations in formal religious institutions. Therefore, this article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between the form and essence of the church in order to remain relevant, contextual, and faithful to the faith.

The This study examines the debate surrounding the first created being in Islamic cosmology, where various opinions exist. Some argue that the first creation was the Pen (al-Qalam), while others claim it was the Throne (‘Arsh), the air, or the Light of Muhammad (Nur Muhammad). The main issue addressed is the limited and fragmented information found in classical hadith sources regarding the sequence and nature of the initial creation. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative approach by analyzing the chapter Bad’ al-Khalq (The Beginning of Creation) in key hadith collections. The findings show that although some hadiths mention early creations such as the characteristics of heaven and hell, the seven layers of the earth, and angels, detailed and systematic narratives about the order of the first created beings remain scarce. Various views on who or what was created first appear in the literature, ranging from al-Qalam and ‘Arsh to Nur Muhammad, but no absolute consensus has been reached. This study aims to fill that gap by compiling and analyzing relevant hadiths to provide a more focused and in-depth perspective on the first created being and the sequence of creation. Additionally, this research emphasizes the theological and cosmological significance of these beings and their implications for understanding the structure and purpose of the universe. It is hoped that the results of this study will enrich the body of Islamic scholarship and encourage deeper reflection on the orderliness and existence of Allah’s creation.

Human Rights (HAM) are a universal concept that guarantees the freedom and dignity of every individual. From a Western perspective, human rights emerged from a long historical experience marked by oppression, absolutism, and the struggle for individual freedom, thereby emphasizing secular, rational, and individualistic aspects. Meanwhile, in the Islamic perspective, human rights are not only rational and social in nature but also theological, as they originate from divine revelation and are part of human nature (fitrah). Islam views human rights as fundamental rights granted by Allah SWT to all of humanity, which must be respected and protected, with an emphasis on the balance between rights and obligations, as well as between individual freedom and the interests of society. One of the fundamental differences between the two is that human rights in Islam are theocentric, based on the revealed teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith. In contrast, Western-secular human rights are anthropocentric, founded upon philosophical thought as their main foundation.

This research reviews Christian theological views towards LGBT, highlighting the conflict between religious beliefs and tolerance towards the LGBT community. In the context of theology students, there are interesting differences of opinion around this issue, with some opposing and others supporting. Nevertheless, this research emphasizes the importance of avoiding judgmental and condemnatory attitudes, and encouraging theology students to become agents of change who promote inclusion and understanding of LGBT people in society. Given the complexity of the views expressed, this article provides in-depth insight into how Christian theology and theology students interact with LGBT issues.

This article discusses the meaning of marriage as a holy covenant from the perspective of the New Testament, particularly for Christian couples who have not been blessed with children. This study employs a qualitative method through literature review of the Bible, theological books, and relevant scientific sources. The findings show that, in Christian teaching, the value of marriage is not solely determined by the presence of children, but rather by unity, love, and commitment centered on Christ. Marriage is seen as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and His church, requiring faithfulness and perseverance in facing life’s challenges, including the struggle of childlessness. New Testament theological principles provide comfort and strength for couples to remain faithful in marriage, and emphasize the importance of building a family that reflects God’s love and truth, regardless of having children.

This paper investigates various forms of church training for children, highlighting the central role of the family as the primary foundation. Based on a theological interpretation of Job 5:18 and an understanding of the family as a "mini church," this article explores how the family functions as the primary agent in instilling Christian values ​​through education, character education, faith and moral cultivation, and parental role models. In addition, this paper identifies the unique characteristics of children in terms of nature, needs, physical, mental, moral, psycho-social, and faith development that need to be considered in designing effective training strategies. Furthermore, this article outlines the main materials of child training and various implementation strategies that can be applied by churches and families, including increasing Sunday school services, age grouping, dexterity training, utilization of literature, emphasizing God's love and calling, and teaching principles from Proverbs 22:6. This study emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of children and the development of empathy in the effort to foster the next generation of church members who are faithful and have Christian character.

This paper examines the story of King Saul seeking help from a medium in Endor as a tragic illustration of the spiritual downfall of a leader who was once chosen and anointed by God. In his distress and desperation, Saul chose a path that violated the law, marking his disconnection from God. This action not only shows a serious spiritual deviation, but also reveals the irony that a female medium becomes a means for God to deliver His judgment. It also explores Christian theological views on the practice of séances, including the moral and spiritual implications they bring. By comparing the historical and cultural background of Israel, and reviewing it from a biblical perspective, this paper emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's word and the dangers of involvement in the occult. The relevance of this story to the Christian life today serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in God's revelation and to distance ourselves from deviant spiritual practices. It also invites readers to reflect on the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity in facing the challenges of life.