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This study aims to examine Deuteronomy 22:13-30 using a hermeneutic approach and relate it to the current level of awareness of early marriage among Christian congregations. The method used was a qualitative literature study, with the Bible as the primary source, supplemented by various related theological literature. The results indicate that this section of the text contains important theological values, such as holiness, justice, responsibility, and respect for human dignity, especially women, in the context of marriage. Although this text originates from the patriarchal culture of ancient Israel, its principles remain relevant in today's context. Regarding the phenomenon of early marriage, it was found that this practice often occurs without adequate preparation, whether emotional, spiritual, or economic, and thus risks causing various problems in the household. Therefore, the church has a responsibility to raise congregational awareness through faith formation, premarital education, and contextual pastoral care. This study confirms that marriage is a life calling that requires maturity and serious commitment, not simply a solution to social problems.

 The ecological crisis calls for faith formation that can foster contextual ecological awareness among the faithful. One relevant approach is through catechesis that integrates local wisdom, such as the Batang Garing symbol in Dayak culture. This study aims to explore the ecological values embedded in the Batang Garing symbol and to reflect on them in the light of Church teachings in order to formulate a contextual ecological catechesis model. The method used is qualitative research with a literature study approach, employing descriptive-analytical and comparative analysis of theological and cultural sources. The findings show that Batang Garing contains values of relationality, cosmic balance, and moral responsibility that are aligned with the concept of integral ecology in Church teachings. The integration of these values into catechesis enables a more contextual, communicative, and transformative faith formation. The implication of this study highlights the importance of developing catechetical models based on local culture as an effective means to foster ecological awareness among the faithful and to encourage concrete actions in caring for creation as an expression of faith.

This research is prompted by the unique narrative of Rahab, a Canaanite woman who occupies a critical theological position in Israel’s history of salvation despite her status as an outsider to the chosen people. The primary focus of this study is to explore the dimensions of Rahab’s faith and God’s sovereignty as recorded in Joshua 2:1-12. This study aims to analyze how the confession of faith from a marginalized individual aligns with God's sovereign plan and to determine the relevance of these values for contemporary Christian witness. The method employed is a qualitative approach utilizing library research and exegetical analysis of the text in Joshua 2:1-12. The findings indicate that Rahab's faith was not merely an act of self-preservation but a theological response to the formidable power of God that transcends ethnic boundaries and social status. God's sovereignty is proven capable of working through unexpected subjects to fulfill His divine purpose. The implications of this research assert that modern Christian witness must be inclusive and transformative, where the courage to declare God's truth amidst threatening situations constitutes a tangible form of living faith. The church is called to perceive God's sovereignty as the fundamental basis for mission and witness, unrestricted by social or cultural exclusivity.    

This study explores the dynamics of children’s character formation within Christian families in the digital era from the perspective of church parents. Employing a descriptive light mixed-methods design, the study integrates survey data and semi-structured interviews to obtain both quantitative and qualitative insights. The findings indicate that digital media has become an integral and unavoidable part of family life, making children’s character formation highly dependent on parental guidance, reflective communication, and consistent faith-based education at home. Parents face various challenges related to time constraints, limited digital literacy, and the increasing exposure of children to external values that may not align with Christian teachings. At the same time, many parents actively utilize technology as a supportive and accessible tool for spiritual learning and moral development. The study concludes that character formation is shaped not merely by technology itself but more significantly by the quality of family relationships and parental role modeling grounded in Christian values. Therefore, the findings recommend strengthening faith-based digital literacy among parents and enhancing church–family collaboration to foster more holistic, balanced, and sustainable character development in children.

The diversity of students’ study motivations in theological higher education presents both challenges and opportunities in shaping the spirituality of prospective Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers. Not all students enter the CRE program based on a calling to ministry, resulting in varying levels of initial spiritual readiness. This study aims to analyze the process of spiritual formation among CRE students as prospective teachers at STT Katharos Indonesia Bekasi in the context of diverse study motivations, referring to James W. Fowler’s theory of faith development. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach using observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving CRE students. The findings reveal that despite diverse initial motivations, the integrated theological education process through academic learning, ministry practices, community life, and spiritual formation effectively fosters faith growth and personal encounters with Christ. This process contributes to the development of students’ spiritual maturity. The study concludes that CRE education functions as an effective means of faith transformation in preparing prospective teachers with strong spiritual integrity and readiness for ministry.

Christian education plays a strategic role in shaping the faith, character, and spiritual life of learners however, learning processes often remain theoretical, limiting the internalization of faith values. This study aims to examine the concept of theological reflection using the Sharing Christian Praxis (SCP) method in Christian education, explore its application, and analyze its relevance to contemporary life. This research employs a qualitative approach with a literature study method, drawing on relevant books, scientific journals, and academic sources. The findings indicate that theological reflection is a fundamental process in Christian education that enables learners to interpret life experiences in the light of God’s Word, resulting in authentic faith transformation. The SCP method, developed by Thomas H. Groome, provides an operational framework for implementing this theological reflection through systematic stages: sharing life experiences, critical reflection, engagement with Scripture, dialogue, and commitment to action. The relationship between theological reflection and SCP is integral and synergistic; theological reflection provides direction and depth, while SCP operationalizes this process dialogically and contextually, the application of SCP in Christian education has proven effective in increasing learner engagement and connecting faith with daily life. It is recommended that Christian educators implement SCP as a primary learning method, and that educational institutions integrate it into their curriculum development strategies.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of pedagogical competence among Christian Religious Education teachers and its implications for students’ learning interest at SMTK Katharos Bekasi. The study is based on the importance of teachers’ pedagogical competence in creating effective learning environments and increasing student engagement in the classroom. A qualitative approach with a descriptive design was applied in this research. Data were collected through classroom observations, questionnaire-based interviews with students, and literature review. The findings show that teachers’ pedagogical competence is categorized as good, with an average score of 33.8 or 75.1% of the maximum score, reflecting effective classroom management, appropriate material delivery, and proper student guidance. Students’ learning interest is also categorized as good, with an average score of 32.8 or 72.9%, indicating active participation and positive engagement in the learning process. Therefore, pedagogical competence positively influences students’ learning interest, and continuous improvement is needed to enhance learning effectiveness.

Misi gereja tidak hanya terbatas pada penginjilan dan pelayanan sosial, tetapi juga mencakup pendidikan. Pendidikan Agama Kristen menjadi alat penting dalam mewujudkan misi tersebut. Tujuan dari Pendidikan Agama Kristen bukan sekadar menanamkan nilai keimanan, tetapi juga sebagai manifestasi nyata dari misi gereja di dunia. Artikel ini memahami misi gereja sebagai pemberitaan Injil, pemuridan, dan pelayanan kasih yang dapat direalisasikan melalui pendidikan, terutama melalui karakter dan spiritualitas peserta didik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji dan memahami misi gereja dalam konteks pendidikan agama Kristen dengan metode studi pustaka dan analisis data deskriptif. Hasil studi pustaka menunjukkan bahwa makna misi gereja dalam konteks pendidikan agama Kristen dipengaruhi oleh peranan pendidikan agama Kristen dalam mendukung misi tersebut.

Christian Religious Education (PAK) plays a crucial role in helping students develop faith based on the truth of God's Word. Therefore, a theological foundation plays a crucial role in the implementation of PAK, ensuring that educational activities are not only focused on knowledge transfer but also directed toward holistically shaping character and strengthening students' faith. This article aims to examine the theological foundation of Christian Religious Education in the process of developing students' faith based on Christian teachings. The method used in this study is literature analysis, examining various theological sources, the Bible, and writings related to Christian education. The findings of this study indicate that the theological foundation of PAK stems from God's calling as a true educator, the example of Jesus Christ as the Primary Teacher, and the role of the Holy Spirit in fostering and maintaining faith. Christian Religious Education based on strong theology can help students experience true growth in faith, internalize Christian values, and implement them in their daily lives.

This study discusses the importance of family-focused Christian theology in building children's character in the digital era through the Christian Religious Education (PAK) approach. The transformation of information and communication technology has brought major changes, including in the fields of education and character formation. The digital era provides opportunities to increase knowledge and access to learning, but also raises challenges in the form of weakening moral values, integrity, and relationships within the family. The family as a divine institution has a primary role in teaching Christian values ​​through role models, communication, and direct experience. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach, which reviews literature and observations of Christian education practices both in families and schools. The results show that families have an important role in developing children's faith and character, while PAK serves as a link between faith education at home and formal education at school. PAK is considered relevant because it can unite students' cognitive, affective, and conative aspects in facing the influence of digital culture. Overall, family-based Christian theology supported by PAK has great relevance in shaping a young generation with integrity, critical thinking, and character. This approach not only instills knowledge of faith but also prepares students to become responsible and wise leaders in utilizing technology in accordance with Christian values.

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk memberikan suatu pemahaman tentang bagaimana peran dan tanggung jawab seorang guru dalam mempersiapkan peserta didik menjadi individu-individu yang sesuai dengan kehendak Allah. Peran guru juga sangat penting dalam membentuk karakter spiritual dan perkembangan peserta didik. Dalam konteks pendidikan Agama Kristen, tugas guru tidak hanya terbatas hanya pada aspek akademik, akan tetapi juga mencakup pembentukan moral dan spiritual peserta didik Yang  Berdasarkan Roma 12:2, yang mendorong umat untuk tidak hidup dengan pola dunia ini, tetapi mengalami pembaruan pikiran yang  dapat berkeadaan sesuai dengan kehendak Allah, guru memiliki tanggung jawab dalam mempersiapkan peserta didik agar mampu menghadapi tantangan dunia dengan nilai-nilai Kristiani melalui pembaharuan pikiran. Tanggung jawab guru ini dapat meliputi pendampingan dalam pengembangan pribadi, serta pembentukan karakter yang sesuai dengan ajaran agama kristen.  Dengan demikian, guru tidak hanya  sebagai pengajar, tetapi juga sebagai pembimbing spiritual yang menuntun peserta didik untuk hidup sesuai dengan prinsip-prinsip moral yang benar yang sesuai dengan pengajaran Alkitab.

This study examines the role of understanding Christian theology in improving the quality of Christian Religious Education (CRE) learning. The focus of the study is how theological foundations can shape students’ character, morals, and spiritual development, as well as how teachers’ instructional strategies can support the achievement of these learning outcomes optimally and sustainably. The method used is a qualitative literature review, analyzing various relevant books and journal articles related to CRE, teaching approaches, and the integration of faith values into the educational curriculum. The findings indicate that mastery of Christian theology serves as an essential foundation in learning, as it enables students to understand their faith deeply while also internalizing Christian principles in their daily lives. In addition, interactive, contextual, and participatory learning methods have been shown to increase student engagement and motivation in the learning process. The role of the teacher as a moral and spiritual role model is also a key factor in strengthening the internalization of these values. Thus, an understanding of Christian theology not only supports cognitive aspects but also contributes to shaping students’ character and ethical behavior, making CRE learning transformational and holistic.

This study analyzes the ethics of Christian Religious Education teachers based on James 3:1, which emphasizes the great responsibility carried by those who teach in the context of educational ministry. The research aims to examine the relevance of biblical principles regarding the role and duties of teachers with the implementation of the professional code of ethics for Christian Religious Education teachers in Indonesia. Teachers are not only responsible for delivering academic knowledge but also serve as moral and spiritual role models whose words, attitudes, and actions significantly influence students’ faith development. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method through literature analysis, including the interpretation of James 3:1, ethical guidelines, and theological-pedagogical studies. The findings show that James 3:1 provides a strong warning for teachers to be cautious, responsible, and accountable in their teaching practices, as their judgment before God is greater. In conclusion, the ethics of Christian Religious Education teachers reflect their faith commitment in carrying out their responsibilities with integrity.

Schools are formal educational institutions that play a crucial role in transferring knowledge and shaping students' cognitive, psychomotor, and character development systematically and responsibly. While the "school of life" is often defined as a non-formal learning space, formal schools retain a strategic position because they provide a clear ontological, epistemological, and axiological framework, including in the formation of students' character and self-concept. However, the reality on the ground shows that labeling practices are still prevalent in the school environment, both by teachers and fellow students, which negatively impact students' psychological, emotional, social, and self-concept. Negative labels such as stupid, lazy, naughty, or physical and social labels have been shown to cause "invisible wounds" that affect students' self-esteem and functioning in the long term. This study uses qualitative methods through a literature review to examine the phenomenon of labeling and its impact on the formation of students' self-concept within the framework of Christian Character Education. The results of the study indicate that Christian Character Education, which is based on the values ​​of love, acceptance, and respect for human dignity as God's creation, has a strategic role in restoring the self-concept of students affected by labeling. Christian character education not only instills moral and ethical values, but also builds students' inner and spiritual resilience so that they are able to interpret themselves positively, regardless of the negative labels they receive.

This study examines the relationship between Dayak cosmology and Christian spirituality through the inculturation of the Munjong tradition within Catholic Dayak Tobak communities in Dusun Batu Besi, Desa Sejotang, West Kalimantan. As a post-harvest thanksgiving ritual, Munjong embodies a symbolic framework reflecting the interconnectedness of humans, nature, ancestors, and Jebata within the Dayak worldview. The tradition functions not only as a religious expression but also as a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering social cohesion. Within a predominantly Catholic context, Munjong has undergone reinterpretation, aligning with Eucharistic spirituality as the Church’s central expression of gratitude. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach combined with symbolic interaction analysis, this study shows that the religious values embedded in Munjong, including: gratitude, petitions for protection, and veneration of ancestors as spiritual mediators, correspond with Catholic teachings on divine providence, the communion of saints, and the sacredness of creation. The local Church recognizes Munjong as a cultural practice suitable for inculturation, provided it aligns with Christian doctrine, thereby offering opportunities for contextual liturgy and catechesis. The findings suggest that Munjong can serve as a bridge between faith and local culture while simultaneously reinforcing cultural identity and deepening the spiritual life of the community. The result of this study contributes to the discourse on inculturation, contextual pastoral practice, and strategies for sustaining indigenous traditions amid social change.

This research explores how the theology of embodiment in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 can serve as a biblical foundation for integrating the embodied dimension in Christian Religious Education (CRE) pedagogy. The research background is the tendency of CRE in Indonesia to be highly cognitive-centric and neglect the embodied dimension, despite contemporary research showing the importance of sensory experience in constructing religious experience. The research objective is to conceptually explore the theological foundation and pedagogical implications of the theology of embodiment for CRE. The research method is library research with grammatical-historical exegesis analysis of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and conceptual synthesis with embodied cognition theory and body pedagogics. The findings show that the body has intrinsic sacred value as the temple of the Holy Spirit and the glorification of God occurs explicitly through the body. Religious knowledge is embodied, rooted in sensory-motor experience. The pedagogical implication is that CRE needs to integrate systematic embodied practices such as somatic inversion, participatory rituals, and cultivation of enactive mastery for experientially transformative learning. This research contributes theoretically by bridging biblical exegesis and embodied cognition theory, and provides practical direction for developing holistic CRE that integrates the body as an authentic and biblical medium for learning faith.

This study examines Philippians 1:9-10 as a theological foundation for integrating emotional and spiritual intelligence in Christian Religious Education (CRE). The background reveals that CRE in Indonesia primarily focuses on cognitive knowledge transfer, often overlooking the development of emotional and spiritual intelligence. This study aims to explore how Philippians 1:9-10 can provide a biblical framework for combining these two dimensions of intelligence in CRE. The research method used is biblical exegesis with a qualitative approach, supported by a literature review. The findings suggest that Philippians 1:9-10 highlights three integrated dimensions: love (emotional-affective), knowledge (cognitive), and discernment (spiritual-reflective). These dimensions, when integrated, offer a holistic model for CRE that nurtures students comprehensively. The study’s implications call for a reformed CRE curriculum that systematically incorporates emotional and spiritual intelligence, with teaching practices that model Christ’s humility, love, and obedience. This holistic approach can enhance the formation of Christian character, promoting not only intellectual growth but also emotional maturity and spiritual depth in students.

Faith education for children in contemporary Christian families is experiencing a crisis as many parents completely hand over the responsibility of faith education to schools and churches. This study aims to analyze the principles of faith education in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and formulate strategic roles for Christian Religious Education teachers in empowering parents to implement faith education at home. The research method used is qualitative with a library research approach and hermeneutical analysis of Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The results show that Deuteronomy 6:4-9 emphasizes the importance of parental role modeling, repetitive teaching, integration of faith in daily life, and creation of a faith-rich home environment. Christian Religious Education teachers play a strategic role in empowering parents through theological training, provision of practical materials, continuous mentoring, partnership with churches, and exemplary living. Collaboration between Christian Religious Education teachers and families is essential to build a holistic faith education ecosystem so that children grow with a strong faith foundation from home.

Mutual cooperation in community service activities in the neighborhood association 010 has been going on for a long time, but Christian religious education has not yet maximally contributed to the community members, so that Christian values ​​have not been maximally internalized. This paper aims to explain the values ​​of Christian religious education internalized for community members through mutual cooperation in community service in the neighborhood association. The research method used is descriptive qualitative research with a literature study and documentation approach. The results found through the research are that the awareness of the community members of the neighborhood association 010 Empaong Muna Hamlet in mutual cooperation in community service has improved and they are continuously motivated to maintain environmental cleanliness. This research can be concluded that every community member of the neighborhood association has an awareness to maintain environmental cleanliness continuously, so that harmony, peace, and tranquility will be created in life.

This study aims to describe the application of role-playing techniques in group guidance to improve self-confidence in adolescents at Rantepao Christian High School. A descriptive qualitative approach was used with eight eleventh-grade students with low self-confidence, identified through initial observations and interviews. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation during eight group guidance sessions, and documentation such as student reflection journals. Data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that role-playing techniques were effective in improving students' self-confidence, as evidenced by increased active participation, group speaking skills, and positive self-expression post-intervention. Students were initially hesitant and shy, but after role-playing in social scenarios such as presentations and peer interactions, they showed significant behavioral changes. Supporting factors included a supportive group atmosphere and positive feedback from counselors and peers. This study contributes to guidance and counseling practices in Christian schools, emphasizing the importance of experiential methods such as role-playing for adolescents in the North Toraja community. Practical implications are recommended for guidance and counseling teachers to integrate this technique into student self-development programs.