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This study analyzes the relationship between Christian faith and artificial intelligence (AI) through a theological-philosophical approach and assesses its relevance to the existence of the Catholic Church in the digital age. The background of this study stems from the rapid development of AI, which brings both opportunities and risks to the life of faith, such as the simplification of theological teachings, the reduction of personal relationships, and the emergence of a technocratic paradigm. The study uses qualitative methods with a literature review of the Holy Scriptures, Church documents, and literature on philosophy and technology ethics. The results of the analysis show that AI is a product of human creativity as the image of God, so it does not conflict with faith, but it remains instrumental and does not have moral or spiritual dimensions like humans. Therefore, AI cannot replace the role of humans in faith relationships. The Church is called to guide technological development through Christian ethical principles, upholding human dignity, being critical of the effects of dehumanization, and utilizing AI wisely for evangelization, catechesis, and faith education. With a reflective and critical approach, the Church can remain relevant amid technological advances without losing its identity and mission for the common good.  

Faith is often understood as a personal and spiritual relationship with God; however, in Catholic theology, faith also possesses an inherent social and political dimension. This study examines the relationship between Christian faith and citizenship through a theological reflection on the political participation of Catholics in Indonesia. The research aims to demonstrate that faith and political engagement are not separate spheres but mutually enriching dimensions of the Christian vocation to promote justice, solidarity, and the common good. Employing a qualitative method with a literature review approach, this study analyzes biblical foundations, the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, and the Church’s social doctrine, alongside contemporary discussions on political participation. The findings indicate that political participation can be understood as a concrete expression of faith and moral responsibility, particularly through civic engagement, political education, advocacy, and social involvement. Nevertheless, many Catholics remain passive due to negative perceptions of politics, corruption, and a lack of political formation. The study also highlights the importance of maintaining the Church’s moral autonomy while encouraging lay participation in practical politics. In the Indonesian context, the principle “100% Catholic, 100% Indonesian” reflects an integrated identity in which religious commitment strengthens civic responsibility. Ultimately, this research affirms that authentic faith necessarily leads to active citizenship, where Catholics contribute prophetically and ethically to the transformation of society and the realization of the common good.

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.

This study analyzes the construction of Catholic identity in the digital era from the perspective of social constructivism theory. In contrast to traditional identity formation tied to physical spaces like parishes, the digital age has created a dynamic virtual space where Catholic identity is actively shaped through theological narratives on social media. This qualitative research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) of digital narratives from various theological sources, including papal posts and content from lay Catholic influencers. The findings indicate that Catholic identity is now constructed through digital interaction and participation, which changes how the faithful perceive church authority, form communities, and express their faith. This process has led to a shift from hierarchical authority to an authority that is also built from the ground up by the participation of the laity. Additionally, Catholic communities are transcending geographical boundaries to become "digital parishes." The implication for Inter-Faith Studies is that understanding this digitally constructed self-identity is crucial before engaging in dialogue with other religions, as the resulting narratives can be either inclusive or exclusive. In conclusion, contemporary Catholic identity is a dynamic and constructed entity, woven from both offline and online experiences.

This study was motivated by the role of liturgical music as the primary medium of spiritual expression in Pentecostal worship, which is characterised by expressiveness and participation. The purpose of this study was to analyse the presentation of liturgical music and examine how it shapes and represents the spiritual expression of the congregation in the worship services of the Indonesian Bethel Church (GBI) Light Corner in Gorontalo City. The research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive-interpretative design. Data were obtained through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with worship leaders and congregants, and audio-visual documentation. Data analysis was conducted thematically with reference to musicology, liturgical theology, and cultural studies perspectives. The results of the study show that liturgical music at GBI Light Corner is presented in a structured yet flexible manner, combining contemporary music with conscious liturgical planning. Music serves as a medium for creating a sacred atmosphere, binding the structure of worship, and as the main means of expressing the spirituality of the congregation both personally and communally. These findings indicate that liturgical music not only reflects the spirituality of the congregation but also actively shapes the experience of faith in the context of the local Pentecostal Church. This research has implications for the development of contextual, theological, and reflective liturgical music practices in church life.

This study aims to analyze the application of design learning in planning discipleship materials as an effort to improve the Bible knowledge of church youth. This study uses a qualitative approach with an action research method, which is implemented through the stages of planning, action, observation, and reflection. The research subjects were 40 church youth who were actively involved in the discipleship program. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, questionnaires, and participant reflections before and after the implementation of design learning. The results show that the application of design learning makes a significant contribution to improving the Bible knowledge of youth, which includes cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects. Youth not only experienced an increased understanding of the Bible's content, but also showed growth in faith attitudes, spiritual motivation, active participation in learning, and involvement in church services. The design learning approach helps create planned, contextual, and learner-centered discipleship learning. Thus, design learning is proven to be effective and relevant as a youth discipleship strategy in facing the challenges of faith formation in the digital era.

This study aims to identify and describe the influence of Spiritual Camping on the faith militancy of Catholic Youth (OMK) at St. Martinus Bone-Bone Parish. The activity is designed to strengthen fellowship among OMK members and deepen their spiritual relationship with God. A quantitative descriptive design was employed, involving 120 respondents who participated in the Christmas Camping (December 28-31, 2023) and Luwu Youth Day Camping (July 25-29, 2024) at Bukit Tabor, East Luwu Regency. Data were collected via Google Form questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicate that most participants experienced increased spiritual enthusiasm, closeness to Jesus, and active involvement in OMK activities after the camping. Specifically, 31.7% gained new insights, 28.3% were motivated for self-improvement, 12.5% became more prayerful, and 35% increased their engagement in ministry. Additionally, the camping strengthened social bonds and personal-group commitments to church participation. These findings demonstrate that Spiritual Camping effectively enhances OMK’s faith militancy while promoting community cohesion and sustained spiritual commitment.

This study examines the Ka’Bawakng dance as a cultural–religious expression of the Dayak Kanayatn community that has undergone a deepening of meaning through inculturation within Catholic liturgy. Originating in the Baliatn ritual, Ka’Bawakng dance initially functioned as a medium of healing and cosmological communication that affirmed the interconnectedness of human beings, nature, and Jubata. In its encounter with the Catholic faith, the dance was incorporated into the Eucharistic celebration as an offertory dance through symbolic reinterpretation grounded in the principles of inculturation articulated by the Second Vatican Council. This research employs a hermeneutical approach using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentary study, analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Ka’Bawakng dance is not treated as a merely decorative liturgical element, but is understood as a language of prayer engaging the body, cultural memory, and the spirituality of the faithful. This integration deepens liturgical participation, strengthens the religious–cultural identity of the Dayak Kanayatn community, and creates a constructive space for dialogue between ancestral traditions and Christian faith. Nevertheless, sustaining the inculturation of Ka’Bawakng dance requires ongoing pastoral accompaniment to ensure fidelity to Church liturgical norms while respecting local cultural values.

This study aims to analyze Paul as an educator through an epistemological and methodological examination of his letters, as well as an examination of his teaching style within the context of the early church. This research approach is qualitative theological, employing exegetical and hermeneutic analysis of New Testament texts, particularly Paul's letters. This analysis reveals that Paul's educational epistemology is rooted in his encounter with Christ as the source of all truth and spiritual knowledge. According to Paul, knowledge of faith is not the result of human rationality, but rather God's revelation, understood through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10–13). Methodologically, Paul demonstrates a dialogical, argumentative, relational, and transformative teaching approach. He uses logical and communicative rhetoric to guide the congregation in a reflective understanding of the Gospel and emphasizes the importance of living examples as a means of learning faith (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul also developed a Christocentric and communitarian teaching style, where the church is seen as a living, mutually edifying space for learning about faith, centered on the love of Christ (Colossians 1:28; Ephesians 4:11–16). The results of this study indicate that education, from Paul's perspective, aims for life transformation, not merely the transfer of knowledge. Paul views education as a process of discipleship that produces new life in Christ (Romans 12:2; Galatians 2:20). Thus, Paul's educational model provides theological and practical contributions to contemporary Christian education, placing Christ at the center of epistemology and love as the primary method of teaching.

The environmental crisis is a global issue that has become increasingly evident and directly affects human life, including rural communities. Deforestation, environmental pollution, and changes in human lifestyles reflect an imbalanced relationship between humanity and nature. From a Christian faith perspective, the environmental crisis is not merely an ecological or social problem. This article aims to examine ecotheology as a foundation of Christian faith in responding to environmental crises, while also describing its practical implementation through a Community Service program conducted by lecturers and students of the Master’s Program in Christian Religious Education at IAKN Tarutung in 2025 in Situmeang Pintu Bosi Village, Sipoholon District, North Tapanuli Regency. The method employed is a qualitative approach using a participatory service model, which includes ecotheological material presentations, Bible-based reflective discussions, and the accompaniment of simple environmental care actions with the local community. The service materials emphasize the understanding of God as the Creator and Owner of all creation, the cultural mandate and stewardship, the reality of sin and its impact on the degradation of creation, and the role of the church and believers in preserving environmental integrity. The results indicate an increased theological understanding among the community regarding Christian responsibility toward the environment, along with the growth of ethical awareness to care for nature through concrete actions in daily life. This activity affirms that ecotheology is not merely conceptual, but has practical relevance in fostering faith-based ecological awareness.

This article examines the theological thought of Saint Cyprian of Carthage, one of the third-century Church Fathers, within the context of the Church’s situation in his time, which was marked by profound struggles of faith, particularly the experience of persecution. The focus of the discussion is directed toward the historical and pastoral conditions that shaped Cyprian’s views on the unity of the Church, episcopal authority, and the validity of the sacrament of baptism. Accordingly, this article raises several key questions: What historical background formed Cyprian’s thinking on these three concepts? What were the central ideas he developed regarding ecclesial unity, episcopal authority, and baptism? And how are his ideas relevant to the Church’s teaching, especially in light of the Second Vatican Council? Using a historical and hermeneutical approach, this article traces Cyprian’s life background as well as his pastoral-theological responses to the concrete situations faced by Christians in his time. In the context of the post-persecution crisis, Cyprian played a significant role in addressing internal divisions within the Church, particularly debates concerning the readmission of the lapsi (those who had apostatized). From these struggles, it becomes evident how Cyprian firmly articulated the role of bishops as successors of the apostles and emphasized the sacrament of baptism as the legitimate gateway into ecclesial communion. Based on the historical background of Cyprian’s thought and these three central themes, the article then examines the contribution of Cyprian’s theology to the teachings of the Church as formulated in the Second Vatican Council. Thus, Cyprian’s thought is understood not only as a foundation of early ecclesiology, but also as a living source of faith reflection that remains relevant for the contemporary Church in responding to the dynamics and challenges of the modern age Keywords: Cyprian of Carthage, ecclesiology, unity of the Church, episcopal authority, sacrament of baptism, Second Vatican Council.

The formation of spiritual maturity within Christian families is often misunderstood as a result of chronological age or the length of one’s Christian experience. This literature study emphasizes that spiritual maturity is not determined by age, but by a continuous process of faith formation through biblical knowledge, spiritual practices, lifestyle modeling, and character transformation. Using library research methods, this study analyzes primary and secondary literature related to the role of families, stages of faith development, and the collaborative role of the church in spiritual formation. The findings reveal that the family serves as the central foundation of faith formation, requiring the active involvement of parents in Bible reading, prayer, ethical guidance, and moral example. Furthermore, spiritual maturity is influenced by developmental stages that do not necessarily correspond to biological age. The church functions as a collaborative partner that supports family spiritual growth through teaching, ministry involvement, and pastoral guidance. This study concludes that spiritual maturity is reflected in character and actions rather than ritual participation alone, and it recommends strengthening family-based faith education and cooperation with the church as a foundation for authentic spiritual growth.

The family is the primary place where the faith of children and adolescents is formed, especially in the digital age, which is rife with information and moral dilemmas. Home is more than just a place to live; it is where children learn Christian values ​​through parental example, prayer, discussion, and attention. With the digital generation growing up with rapid access to the internet and social media, it is crucial for parents to ensure that technology becomes a tool for growth, not a threat to faith. This study analyzed literature on Christian religious education in families, children's spiritual development, and challenges in the digital age. The results show that strong emotional connections and active parental involvement in daily faith education can significantly shape children's character and spirituality. The family is the primary foundation in preparing a wise digital generation, firmly rooted in Christ, and able to navigate changing times without losing their faith identity.

This article discusses the role of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in shaping inclusive attitudes of students in the midst of diverse Indonesian society. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study examines how PAK can teach the values ​​of love, justice, and respect for differences, and their impact on students' character. The results of the study indicate that PAK not only functions as a transmitter of the doctrine of faith, but also as a means to promote tolerance and interfaith dialogue. Teachers play an important role as facilitators who create a safe and supportive learning environment, and integrate multicultural values ​​into the curriculum. Although PAK faces challenges in the learning approach, collaboration between the church, school, and family can strengthen the impact of religious education. Thus, PAK has great potential in shaping a tolerant generation committed to social justice in a pluralistic society.

The postmodern era has significantly reshaped the way truth is understood, shifting it from an absolute and binding concept to one that is perceived as relative, personal, and context-dependent. This shift has had a profound impact on Generation Z, who have grown up in a digital, pluralistic, and rapidly changing cultural environment. Within this context of increasing truth relativism, the church faces a critical challenge: how to faithfully uphold and teach the absolute truth of the Gospel while remaining relevant to Generation Z, whose worldview is shaped by postmodern patterns of thought. This article examines the concrete challenges encountered by the church amid truth relativism, explores the role and strategies of the church in communicating absolute truth in ways that are meaningful to Generation Z, and proposes practical approaches that can be implemented by local churches today. Employing a literature review methodology, this study engages a range of academic and theological sources related to postmodernism, truth relativism, and faith formation among Generation Z. The findings suggest that the church’s relevance is not achieved through compromising truth, but through presenting the truth of Christ in a contextual, dialogical, and loving manner grounded in authentic relationships. Consequently, the church is called to be a community that not only proclaims truth but also lives it out in tangible ways within the lives of Generation Z.

The era of globalization presents serious challenges for Christian Religious Education (PAK) through the currents of value relativism, consumerism, and digital influences that threaten the formation of the spiritual character of the younger generation. This study aims to analyze strategies for integrating spiritual values ​​into Christian Religious Education (PAK) to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in facing the dynamics of the times, with a focus on a holistic approach that combines a contextual curriculum, hybrid learning media, faith-based digital literacy, and strengthening teacher competencies. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach based on library research through thematic content analysis of books, scientific journals, and related literature. The results indicate that effective integration of spiritual values ​​through strategies such as interactive digital learning, school-church-family collaboration, and systematic evaluation produces students who are strong in faith, critical of global influences, and ethical in character. In conclusion, the need for ongoing synergy to shape a generation of Christians who are adaptive and imbued with integrity in the era of globalization is emphasized.

The childfree phenomenon, the decision of married couples not to have children, is gaining increasing attention among young people, including within the Catholic Church. This choice arises in response to various modern factors, such as economic considerations, careers, personal freedom, and changing views on the meaning of family. This study aims to explore the views of young Catholics in the Semarang Vicarage on the childfree phenomenon and analyze them in light of the Catholic Church's teachings on marriage, which place procreation and education as one of the essential purposes of marriage. The study used a mixed-methods approach through the distribution of quantitative surveys and in-depth qualitative interviews. The results indicate a tension between the modern values ​​adopted by young people and the Catholic Church's teachings on openness to life. This phenomenon poses a serious pastoral challenge, particularly regarding the regeneration of the congregation and the sustainability of church life. Therefore, the Church is expected to formulate a more dialogical, contextual, and inclusive pastoral approach in accompanying young people to remain faithful to the Church's teachings without ignoring the social realities they face.

This study aims to explore Christology in the Gospel of John, specifically the identity of Jesus as the pre-existent Word (Logos), His incarnation, the claim to divinity through the statement "ego eimi," unity with the Father, and its relevance for the early church and the contemporary church. The method used is a qualitative approach through literature study, with the primary source being the Gospel of John (especially John 1:1-18 and the statement "ego eimi"), supported by commentaries, theological journals, and the works of scholars such as Culpepper, Bauckham, and Dunn, analyzed in historical and theological contexts. The results show that John presents an explicit high Christology, depicting Jesus as the true God who became man, with theological essences such as the basis of worship, the certainty of salvation, and the resilience of faith for the congregation facing exclusion and polemics, while also being relevant for the foundation of faith, pastoral comfort, and missionary motivation in the current era of pluralism.

This Community Service activity aims to foster the spiritual life of NTT Migrant Communities on Oil Palm Plantations. The activities include weekly faith formation and year-end recollections. Through these weekly faith formation activities, NTT migrants receive regular spiritual care and further strengthen their faith amidst the harsh challenges of the working world. Furthermore, through the year-end recollections, NTT Catholics gain valuable experience through the materials provided by competent speakers and the series of activities presented. These activities foster a spirit of togetherness and solidarity, and a deeper understanding of the richness and meaning of the Church's sacraments.

Ecclesiology and the church's calling amidst the development of the times marked by increasingly dynamic social, cultural, technological, and lifestyle changes. The background of the problem in this paper departs from the fact that the church often faces challenges in maintaining its theological identity while responding to the demands of the modern era, so that a contextual and relevant understanding of ecclesiology is needed. The research method used is a qualitative method with a library research approach, namely reviewing and analyzing various library sources such as the Bible, theological books, scientific journals, and church documents related to ecclesiology and the role of the church. The purpose of writing this article is to re-examine the nature of the church from a theological perspective and formulate the church's calling to remain faithful to God's mission amidst the changing times. The benefits of this paper are expected to provide theoretical contributions to the development of church theology studies and become material for practical reflection for the church in carrying out its duties of fellowship, service, witness, and diakonia in a relevant, contextual, and responsible manner in modern society.