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Religious pluralism in Indonesia constitutes a unique national identity, yet it is vulnerable to horizontal conflicts and acts of intolerance. This study aims to analyze the importance of interfaith dialogue in fostering mutual understanding from Catholic and Islamic perspectives within Indonesia’s pluralistic society. The methodology employed is qualitative research using a literature review approach, involving the collection and analysis of various relevant sources such as books, journals, and academic articles. The results of the study indicate that both Islam and Catholicism possess strong theological foundations in support of interfaith dialogue, emphasizing openness, respect for differences, and a commitment to peace and coexistence. Interfaith dialogue has proven to be an effective means of addressing divisions or conflicts, combating intolerance, and fostering harmonious relationships within a multireligious society. Furthermore, it was found that barriers to dialogue are still influenced by factors such as fanaticism, a lack of understanding, and socio-political conditions. This study concludes that interfaith dialogue is a strategic approach to strengthening tolerance and national unity. Therefore, it is recommended that interfaith dialogue be continuously developed through education, interfaith cooperation, and the active role of religious leaders in fostering inclusive and sustainable communication.

 This research addresses the growing tendency of contemporary education to prioritize cognitive achievement while marginalizing character formation and spiritual development, resulting in an imbalanced educational paradigm that affects the holistic growth of learners in various educational contexts. In response, the research critically examines the concept and principles of Christian education as articulated by Ignatius Loyola, particularly in relation to contemporary educational challenges and the need for meaningful transformation in learning processes today. The study employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method, drawing on relevant academic sources such as books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and theological writings to support systematic and critical analysis. The findings indicate that Ignatian educational thought emphasizes holistic human formation through the integration of intellectual, moral, and spiritual dimensions, grounded in the principles of Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, Cura Personalis, and Find God in All Things, which together foster reflective, value-oriented learning. The study contributes to contemporary educational discourse by offering an alternative framework that promotes holistic development, strengthens character formation, and addresses the limitations of cognitively oriented educational models in diverse educational practices.

Divorce has become an increasingly common reality in Christian family life and poses serious challenges for the church in carrying out pastoral family ministry. Theologically, divorce stands in tension with Christian ethics, which views marriage as a sacred and covenantal institution established by God. This article aims to analyze Christian ethics regarding divorce from a biblical theological perspective and to examine its implications for family ministry within the context of Ketapang, West Kalimantan. This study employs a qualitative research method with a theological-normative and contextual approach through a literature review of biblical texts, theological books, and scholarly journals. The findings indicate that Scripture affirms marriage as God’s ideal will, while divorce is understood as a consequence of human sinfulness and relational brokenness. In the context of Ketapang, social, economic, and cultural factors contribute significantly to the vulnerability of families to divorce. Therefore, the church is called to develop a contextual family ministry that not only upholds Christian ethical norms but also embodies love, justice, forgiveness, and restoration for broken families. This article emphasizes that Christian ethics concerning divorce must be practiced pastorally and transformatively within the life of the local church.

The global ecological crisis is not only a scientific issue but also reflects the decline of human moral and spiritual awareness toward nature. This study aims to examine the acculturation approach of Islam Nusantara in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning as an effort to foster students’ ecological awareness. The research employed a qualitative library research method using various relevant sources, including books, national and international journal articles, and educational policy documents. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, thematic presentation, and interpretive-analytical conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Islam Nusantara, as a product of the acculturation between universal Islamic values and local Nusantara wisdom, contains various ecological traditions such as sasi, subak, and hutan larangan (forbidden forests), which can be contextually integrated into PAI learning. The developed learning model includes the use of local wisdom as learning resources, participatory project-based learning methods, and thematic Qur’anic interpretation related to environmental issues. The ecotheological approach of Islam Nusantara is considered effective in connecting religious teachings with students’ ecological realities, thereby fostering a religious-ecological character that views environmental preservation as part of worship. Although challenges remain in theological, pedagogical, and institutional aspects, this approach contributes strategically to shaping environmentally responsible Muslim generations.

This research is motivated by the reality of human life that is inseparable from suffering and a crisis of hope, particularly within the context of faith experiences. Lamentations 3:1–24 was chosen as the object of study because it contains a profound expression of suffering that transforms into hope through an awareness of God's steadfast love. The purpose of this study is to theologically examine the meaning of hope amid suffering and to explore how this text provides spiritual strength for believers in the contemporary era. The research employs a qualitative method with a library research approach and theological-biblical hermeneutical analysis of the text of Lamentations 3:1–24. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative interpretation, which emphasizes existential honesty, faith reflection, and spiritual refinement as a path to forming spiritual character through suffering. The findings indicate that suffering is not the end but a divine means to direct believers toward true hope in God’s steadfast love. Thus, honest faith, prayer, and waiting become tangible expressions of a spirituality that endures and grows amid darkness.

This study examines the Common Dange Mess at the Parish of Santo Antonius Padua Mendalam as a manifestation of the inculturation of Catholic faith with the Dayak Kayan culture. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the meaning and relationship between the Church altar and the Lasah as symbols of liturgy and culture. The altar remains the sacramental center of the Eucharist, while the Lasah channels prayers, offerings, and local cultural identity, forming a harmonious dialogue without altering theological meaning. Cultural elements such as language, songs, dances, traditional attire, and ritual symbols are purified and aligned with the liturgy, ensuring that all offerings are directed to God. The findings indicate that the Common Dange Mess strengthens the faith of the Dayak Kayan community, preserves cultural identity, and affirms the practice of contextual theology, in which the proclamation of the Gospel is realized contextually, dialogically, and complementarily with local traditions, making this celebration a mature model of inculturation centered on Christ.  

Social change in the context of liquid modernity has significantly influenced how people understand interpersonal relationships, love, and commitment. Contemporary relationships tend to be flexible, temporary, and oriented towards the fulfillment of subjective needs, making loyalty and long-term commitment often viewed as a threat to personal autonomy. Based on Zygmunt Bauman's analysis of liquid modernity and liquid love, this study examines the crisis of modern relationships as an anthropological and theological crisis of meaning. Specifically, the study focuses on the Nota Doktrinal Una Caro as the Catholic Church's theological response to these relational dynamics. Using a library research method with a qualitative and analytical-hermeneutical approach, this study interprets magisterial texts in critical dialogue with the sociological theory of liquid modernity. The research findings show that the Nota Doktrinal Una Caro offers an integrated anthropological-theological vision by affirming Catholic marriage as a permanent, monogamous, and indissoluble communion of life and love. Fidelity is understood as the highest actualization of freedom, while sexuality is seen as an expression of total self-giving, offering an alternative to the fragmentation of modern relationships. The study also emphasizes the importance of a dialogical and formative approach in family counseling.

This study examines the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) among theology students and its ethical and theological implications for theological education in the Society 5.0 era. Employing a light mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, the research involved theology students through surveys and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that GenAI is primarily utilized as a learning support tool for understanding course materials and developing academic assignments. While students demonstrate awareness of potential bias and ethical concerns, consistent transparency and critical reflection in AI usage remain limited. The theological concept of imago Dei emerges as a significant analytical lens, emphasizing human dignity and moral responsibility in academic practices. The study concludes that GenAI can constructively support theological education when integrated with faith-based ethical literacy and clear institutional guidelines.

Entering the third decade of the 21st century, the church faces the urgency of redefining its existence amidst the shift to a digital ecosystem. This research aims to analyze the synergy between church management and transformational leadership toward the effectiveness of leader multiplication in the Digital 4.0 era. Using a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach through library research, this study explores the integration of modern management theories and theological principles. The findings indicate that church management serves as a vital infrastructure providing operational stability, while transformational leadership acts as a catalyst for innovation and behavioral change in facing VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) conditions. The synergy between these two elements creates a “Digital Shepherding” model, where the digital space is transformed into a theological medium for character formation and spiritual transmission. The study concludes that the effectiveness of leader multiplication is determined by a shift from person-centered leadership to a system-inspired approach that integrates digital capabilities with biblical integrity. Strategic implications suggest that churches must adopt a digital mindset and establish digital leadership laboratories to ensure the sustainability of their mission among Generation Z.

This study examines the meaning of eschatology in the teachings of the Catholic Church as a source of hope and comfort for the faithful. The eschatological meaning of comfort and hope is rooted in the belief that human life is not completed in limitations, suffering, and death at this time, but leads to the fulfillment of God's promise of life with Him. This research uses a qualitative method through literature study by analyzing church documents, theological thoughts and execes from books and articles to compile and present the topic of this research. The results show that the principle of eschatology is rooted in belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that it affirms the promise of eternal life and provides comfort and hope over suffering and death. The teachings of death, judgment, and eternal life are the basis of hope as well as comfort for the people in facing the various crises of life. In addition, eschatology is also relevant in today's life because it encourages people to live in love, justice, and moral responsibility as a manifestation of faith.  

The rise of the digital age has brought significant changes to leadership dynamics and leadership development patterns within the context of Christian ministry. This paper addresses the critical issue of leadership succession failure, which is driven by a generational gap between senior leaders and young leaders-in-training, as well as the underutilization of technology in the mentoring process. Using a descriptive qualitative approach through literature review, state-of-the-art analysis, and theological synthesis, this study assesses the relevance and effectiveness of the multiplicative leadership model as a solution to the leadership succession problem. The analysis reveals that multiplicative leadership—which emphasizes discipleship, intensive mentoring, delegation of responsibility, and intergenerational collaboration—can bridge the generational gap while accelerating the multiplication of leaders in the digital age. The integration of digital technologies, such as virtual mentoring, digital training modules, and collaborative media, has proven capable of expanding the impact of the leadership development process and enhancing relational closeness between generations. This paper concludes that the multiplicative leadership model is a strategic and theological approach aligned with the biblical mandate to produce leaders capable of developing other leaders, and is relevant for addressing the challenges of contemporary Christian leadership.

This article examines the phenomenon of interfaith solidarity rapidly flourishing in Indonesia’s digital sphere during Ramadan, specifically through the viral "war takjil" trend involving active participation from non-Muslim communities. With national social media users reaching 180 million, digital platforms have transformed into crucial interaction spaces facilitating fluid and participatory interfaith communication. This research employs a qualitative approach using literature review, phenomenological analysis, and theological reflection within the Catholic tradition to understand the meaning behind this social behavior. Main findings indicate that this phenomenon is a concrete manifestation of bottom-up pluralism, emerging organically from daily social interactions. Based on the Contact Hypothesis, these digital interactions successfully reduce prejudice by achieving common goals and maintaining equal status in public spaces. Theologically, the phenomenon reflects the spirit of universal brotherhood and solidarity emphasized in the documents Fratelli Tutti and Nostra Aetate. The article concludes that healthy pluralism is the capacity to maintain one's own faith identity while actively building bridges of love with those of different beliefs. The implications emphasize the importance of media literacy for faith educators and catechists to guide the community in responding to digital social dynamics constructively without compromising theological truths. This study serves as a reference for developing inclusive, love-based interfaith communication strategies within Indonesia’s diverse digital society.

Modern urban churches, specifically Gereja Bethel Indonesia (GBI) PRJ Jakarta, face challenges in bridging the intergenerational gap in leadership regeneration. This research aims to reformulate the paradigm of church leadership towards the next generation by exploring the theological meaning of Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet based on the text of John 13:12-17. Using a qualitative method through a library research approach as well as textual and contextual biblical analysis, this study deconstructs the concept of worldly elitist power into a servant leadership model. The results of the expository analysis show that Jesus validated His historical and political authority not through social status distance, but through incarnational ministry, relational proximity, and role modeling. As a practical implication for the quality of ministry at GBI PRJ Jakarta, these findings recommend a strategic transition from a one-way communication leadership style to relational mentoring, the empowerment of the younger generation through the delegation of authority, and the tangible modeling of integrity. In conclusion, the improvement of shared ministry quality highly depends on the willingness of church leaders to lay aside structural egos and disciple the younger generation through the example of humility centered on the work of the cross of Christ.

This study examines the lived faith of Catholic migrants from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who have migrated to the Muslim-majority landscape of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. These migrants face a profound crisis of identity as they transition from a dominant religious environment to a marginalized minority status, necessitating a research objective that explores how their faith is reinterpreted amidst such socio-religious pressures. Employing a qualitative phenomenological-hermeneutical method, the research utilizes Paul Ricoeur’s threefold mimesis - prefiguration, configuration, and refiguration - as its primary interpretive framework. The findings reveal a significant narrative shift from an inherited “communal Catholic habitus” to a “refigured faith” characterized by personal agency and reflective commitment. This transformation is sustained through adaptive relational ethics, such as the sanctification of work and collaborative hospitality, which allow migrants to navigate their vulnerability. The study synthesizes these experiences to conclude that internal migration constitutes a vital locus theologicus, wherein the rupture of traditional religious structures does not erode faith but rather matures it into a more resilient, intentional, and relational existential orientation. Consequently, migration emerges as a transformative theological process that redefines the intersection of faith, culture, and minority existence in pluralistic societies.

The concept of fides quaerens intellectum (faith seeking understanding) in this study is interpreted by emphasizing the rationality of faith as a form of apologia based on 1 Peter 3:15. This study aims to demonstrate that Christian faith is not merely spiritual and normative in nature, but also possesses a rational dimension that can be intellectually justified. In this context, 1 Peter 3:15 serves as a biblical foundation that underscores the importance of believers being prepared to provide a logical and responsible explanation for the hope they possess.This research employs a qualitative approach through library research, combined with an exegetical analysis of 1 Peter 3:15 and a philosophical-theological approach to understand the relationship between faith and reason. Through this framework, the rationality of faith is examined as an integral part of the Christian apologetic tradition. Furthermore, this study affirms that faith and reason are not contradictory realities, but rather complementary elements in the pursuit of truth. The findings indicate that the rationality of faith functions not only defensively but also constructively in fostering dialogue between faith and the intellectual world. Christian faith is understood as a conviction that remains open to rational examination without losing its dimension of mystery. Therefore, fides quaerens intellectum emerges as a relevant paradigm in addressing modern challenges, while also contributing to the development of theological and philosophical studies, particularly in strengthening the integration of faith and reason in the life of believers.

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.

This study examines the anthropomorphic expression “the LORD came down to see” in Genesis 11:5 through an integrated historical–grammatical exegetical approach. The main objective is to analyze the lexical meaning, grammatical structure, historical context, and theological implications of the phrase within the framework of Old Testament theology. The research employs a qualitative library method, focusing on the Hebrew text supported by lexicons, commentaries, and Ancient Near Eastern studies. The findings indicate that the verb יָרַד (yārad) does not merely denote a spatial descent but signifies divine intervention, while רָאָה (rāʾāh) conveys evaluative and judicial observation. Grammatically, the use of the wayyiqtol form followed by an infinitive construct emphasizes intentional and purposeful divine action. Historically, the expression functions polemically against Mesopotamian religious concepts, particularly the idea of ziggurats as places where deities descend. Theologically, this anthropomorphic language serves as a medium to articulate the dynamic relationship between divine transcendence and immanence. Therefore, the phrase should not be understood literally but as a theological construct that communicates God’s active involvement and sovereign authority in human history.

The creation narrative in Genesis 1–2 serves as an essential theological foundation for understanding the origin of the world and the nature of humanity. This text not only describes God’s creative acts but also affirms the unique dignity of human beings. This study aims to examine the meaning of the creation narrative in Genesis 1–2 and its relevance to the concept of human dignity in the modern era. The method employed is a literature study using exegetical and theological approaches, through analysis of biblical texts and relevant scholarly sources. The findings indicate that Genesis 1 emphasizes order, the goodness of creation, and the creation of humans in the image and likeness of God (imago Dei), while Genesis 2 highlights the relational and existential dimensions of humanity, including relationships with God, others, and nature. The concept of imago Dei affirms that humans possess intrinsic value, freedom, reason, and moral responsibility. In a contemporary context, this narrative remains relevant as an ethical foundation to reject violations of human dignity such as discrimination, violence, and exploitation, while also encouraging ecological awareness and responsibility toward the environment. Therefore, the creation narrative holds not only theological significance but also contributes meaningfully to the development of humane, dignified, and sustainable values.

The era of digital disruption has brought significant moral and spiritual challenges for young people in their use of social media. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Christian ethics education in social media use among youth at the GWI Wesleyan Methodist Congregation of Tanjung Selamat as an effort to develop digital character grounded in Christian values. The study employed a community service approach using participatory methods through pre-tests, post-tests, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), reflective discussions, and digital literacy practices. The theological foundation of this study is based on Wesleyan social ethics, which emphasizes the integration of personal holiness and social holiness in digital life. The educational program also integrated the four pillars of digital literacy, digital skills, digital culture, digital ethics, and digital safety, into a contextual Christian Religious Education framework. The findings indicate a significant improvement in digital literacy understanding, ethical awareness, critical thinking toward digital information, and behavioral transformation in the responsible and value-based use of social media according to Christian principles. This transformation was reflected in increased awareness of digital footprints, stronger personal account security, the removal of negative content, and participants’ initiatives to create spiritual and educational content on social media. The study concludes that Christian ethics education based on digital literacy can serve as an effective means of moral and social transformation for young people while highlighting the strategic role of the church in shaping a humane, peaceful, and Kingdom of God-oriented digital character in the digital era.

This study aims to reflect on the theological meaning of natural disasters in Sumatra (Aceh, Simeulue, Padang) from an ecological perspective. Although Sumatra is geologically prone to earthquakes and tectonic activities due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, hydrometeorological disasters such as floods and landslides are exacerbated by human actions, including deforestation, watershed degradation, and uncontrolled land conversion. This research employs a qualitative-descriptive approach using library research and a theological-reflective method. Primary sources include Sacred Scripture, Church documents (Laudato Si', Gaudium et Spes, General Directory for Catechesis), and relevant ecological theology literature. The findings indicate that natural disasters in Sumatra can be interpreted as "signs of the times" revealing both ecological and moral crises. Disasters are not divine punishment but consequences of humanity's misuse of freedom in managing creation. Ecological conversion is urgently needed at personal, social, and structural levels. Within the catechetical framework, disaster experiences become "texts of life" that guide the faithful toward mature faith expressed in lifestyle changes, solidarity, and responsibility for our common home.