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This study aims to examine the contribution of educational psychology in the context of Christian education, particularly for educators, school principals, Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, elders, and church servants. This theoretical study shows that educational psychology helps in understanding the characteristics of learners, optimizing teaching methods, building effective teacher-student relationships, and enhancing motivation and involvement in the learning and preaching process. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, collecting data through a review of books, literature, journals, notes, and relevant reports. Educational psychology plays a significant role for all those involved in Christian education and ministry. CRE teachers and Sunday school teachers have a crucial role in instilling faith values in the younger generation by understanding the learning needs of children according to their cognitive and spiritual development stages. This enables them to deliver God's word in an engaging and meaningful way. Meanwhile, pastors, elders, and church servants require an understanding of educational psychology to carry out more wise pastoral ministry. Psychological understanding helps them provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and support for members who are struggling. Educational psychology also equips church servants to lead with empathy, listen with their hearts, and guide the congregation towards true spiritual restoration. The integration of educational psychology with Christian faith significantly impacts the improvement of learning and church ministry, producing individuals who are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.

This study examines the biblical approach to the truth and inspiration of the Word of God in critical dialogue with Progressive Christian Theology (PCT). Using a qualitative-descriptive method and comparative biblical-theological analysis, the research explores the fundamental differences, points of convergence, and potential integration between the two approaches. PCT emphasizes the importance of socio-cultural context, moral development, and human experience in understanding faith. In contrast, biblical theology affirms the authority and unchanging nature of the Word of God as the foundation of absolute truth that undergirds church doctrine and practice. The findings indicate an urgent need to formulate a balanced synthesis between fidelity to the biblical text and sensitivity to contemporary cultural changes. This integrative approach is not intended to weaken the authority of Scripture but to enrich theological understanding so that it becomes more relevant to modern contexts without neglecting divine truth. This synthesis ultimately produces a model of church growth that is contextual, Scripture-centered, and capable of balancing love and truth in addressing contemporary theological, social, and ethical challenges. The model bears significant implications for shaping congregational spirituality, developing pastoral ministry, and guiding the church’s mission amid increasingly complex cultural shifts.

Seagrass beds are coastal ecosystems that have important ecological functions as a provider of habitat, food sources, protection, and reproductive areas for various marine life including Echinoderms. This study aims to analyze the diversity of Echinoderms and their relationship with seagrass distribution in Kiama Beach, Melonguane District, Talaud Islands Regency. The research was conducted in the intertidal zone at three stations using the exploration method with purposive sampling technique. Each station is divided into three plot installation zones measuring 4 × 4 meters, with observations made at low tide. Environmental parameters (temperature and pH), type and number of Echinoderm individuals, and seagrass species were recorded and analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and product moment correlations. The results showed that the Echinoderma community consists of two classes and five species: Archaster typicus, Linckia laevigata, Culcita novagueniae, Holothuroidea scabra, and Holothuroidea forskali, with the Asteroidea class dominating (75%). The diversity index (H') value was relatively low at all stations with a range of 0.6261–0.6631. Seagrass beds consist of five species, namely Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule uninervis, and Syringodium isoetifolium, with the highest abundance found in Halophila ovalis. Correlation results showed a strong to very strong relationship between the abundance of Echinoderms and certain seagrass types (r = 0.77–0.99) as well as a strong correlation at the overall level of the station (r = 0.74). This study confirms that the presence and abundance of Echinoderms is greatly influenced by the density and composition of seagrass species. These findings provide important baseline data for the management and conservation of seagrass beds as a support for the sustainability of coastal biodiversity.  

In life as a congregation and as servants of God, we cannot escape conflict within the church. Sometimes, conflict is inevitable within a church. This is because sometimes things start out fine, but when conflict arises, each individual makes their own decisions. Some choose to remain on the other side, while others choose to leave the fellowship. This article aims to explain the factors that cause divisions in the church, specifically the GKSI Makarios church, and what actions God's servants should take when faced with such a situation. Of course, this article uses two sources to resolve this issue, namely interviews and data such as books or other reading sources that discuss similar events related to the topic. It is hoped that this article will be a valuable lesson for ministers and congregations in dealing with every situation in the church. It is important to discuss this topic in order to educate readers that disputes are inevitable in church organizations. Therefore, when joining a community, it is important to consider the best solutions for dealing with disputes so that one does not act rashly when trying to resolve problems properly.

The Church in indonesia now plays an increasingly broad role in society, but also faces various complex challenges. These challenges come not only from outside, such as discrimination and social pressure, but also from within; such as limited resources and a reluctance to change. Therefore, the Church needs to understand these various issues in order to formulate ministry strategies that are relevant, contextual, and able to addres the needs of a diverse society. The Church is called to be a forum for the brotherhood of God’s people from various cultural backgrounds, while also bearing witness that unity in diversity is a tangible manifestation of God’s love in the world. However, cultural diversity can also create tension if not managed wisely. The inculturation of local cultures, such as Torok in Manggarai culture, has profound meaning. Torok is not merely a series of literary words, but has a profound meaning that reflects the identity of the Manggarai people in their relationship with themselves, others, nature, and God Himself as creator. As a poetic prayer, Torok serves as an expression of the totality of human life and a means to cultivate the values of brotherhood. The Church does not intend to implement rigid uniformity in matters that do not concern the core of the faith or the welfare of the faithful. On the contrary, the Church respects and strives to preserve the cultural riches that are characteristic of various tribes and nations.

Love plays a central role in Christian moral theology as the fundamental principle guiding human moral decisions and actions. This study aims to examine the meaning, concept, and role of love in moral theology, as well as its practical application in Christian life. Employing a qualitative method with a literature review approach, this research explores theological perspectives, Scriptural foundations, and the moral implications of love within the Christian tradition. The findings show that moral theology is inseparable from the nature of God as Love, and that love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate moral act oriented toward the good of others. Christian love, understood as agape, represents the highest form of selfless and sacrificial love and becomes the normative basis for moral judgment. Love gives meaning and value to human moral actions, shapes ethical principles, and directs believers to live according to God’s will. In moral practice, love enables Christians to act justly, uphold human dignity, and build harmonious relationships with God, others, society, and creation. The study implies the need for strengthening love-based moral formation within the Church and society, especially amid modern challenges and the growing distortion of love among young people. Future research is recommended to expand on interdisciplinary studies and contextual applications of love in various socio-cultural and religious settings.

This study aims to examine the conceptual understanding of second-semester students in the Islamic Religious Education program at STAI Al-Gazali Soppeng regarding the mental health course. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with data collected through observation, interviews, oral tests, weekly quizzes, and video-based assignments. The results indicate that the majority of students demonstrated a good to excellent understanding of basic mental health concepts, as reflected by an average oral test score of 90. Students were also able to integrate Islamic values such as patience (sabr), gratitude (shukr), and trust in God (tawakkul) in addressing contemporary mental health issues. Weekly quizzes proved effective in enhancing engagement, content retention, and students’ reflective thinking. Additionally, video-based projects encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to contextualize course content in real-life situations. These findings suggest that active and contextual learning strategies significantly improve students’ conceptual understanding. The study recommends the wider adoption of similar approaches in teaching courses that incorporate Islamic values to foster awareness of the importance of mental health in students’ spiritual and social lives.

Preaching the Gospel is an obligation for every believer, a duty and calling as followers of Christ. This can be achieved through various methods to reach every tribe or region, in the context of preaching the Gospel. This preaching of the Gospel can be done using the methods God has given to humans to proclaim His name to all people, including the Dayak Kanayatn tribe, located in Landak Regency, West Kalimantan. A contextual approach is needed as a strategy in preaching the Gospel. The purpose of this study is to determine the cultural and evangelistic approaches to changing poverty, ignorance, and backwardness among the Dayak Kanayatn tribe. By employing a descriptive historical approach, namely utilizing data, archives, and past documents, it is possible to understand a current situation and derive insights that can inform future decisions. Data collection techniques include literature studies, interviews, and observations. The results of this study are an approach through culture, evangelism, and discipleship that can be used as a strategy to change the backwardness of the Dayak Kanayatn tribe.

This study discusses the role of Christian ethics in shaping attitudes towards abortion in Indonesia, which has led to moral, social, and legal debates. The main issues examined are how the biblical view and Christian ethical teachings assess the act of abortion and how the attitude of the church and believers in responding to this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to understand theologically and ethically the position of the Christian faith on abortion, while offering a compassionate pastoral approach to women facing such moral dilemmas. The research method used is descriptive qualitative method, by examining various theological, social, and legal sources to describe in depth the views of Christian ethics on abortion. The results showed that in the view of Christian ethics, human life is a holy gift of God from the womb, so abortion is considered contrary to his will. However, the church and believers are called not only to reject abortion in a normative way, but also to provide mentoring, moral education, and spiritual support for those affected. This study confirms the importance of balance between truth and love in dealing with the issue of abortion as a concrete manifestation of the application of Christian ethics in society.

This study aims to uncover the theological meaning of Jesus' compassion as expressed in Matthew 9:36 through a biblical exegetical approach. This verse demonstrates Jesus' emotional and spiritual response to the plight of the crowd, described as "weary and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Using the historical-grammatical exegesis method, this study examines the literary, historical, and linguistic context of the text, particularly the Greek word ἐσπλαγχνίσθη splanchnizomai, which describes compassion born from the depths of the heart. The analysis reveals that Jesus' compassion reflects the core of His messianic mission: God's active involvement in human suffering. This compassion is not merely passive sympathy, but an act that restores, teaches, and shepherds the lost, spiritually and socially. Thus, Matthew 9:36 reveals that Jesus' compassion is the foundation of the Gospel ministry, which emphasizes love, restoration, and God's presence amidst human suffering. Its theological implications emphasize that believers are called to embody Christ's compassion in their lives through loving, empathetic, and caring service to others.

The doctrine of the Church, or ecclesiology, is an essential part of Christian theology that focuses on the understanding, function, and role of the Church as the body of Christ. The Church is not only understood as a physical institution but also as a community of faith that serves to glorify God, minister to others, and proclaim the Gospel. This study explains the importance of church doctrine as the foundation for forming congregational identity, spiritual growth, and as a guide in worship and ministry practices. Furthermore, this paper describes the positive impact of church doctrine on the spiritual development and social life of the congregation, as well as the challenges faced in the context of social, cultural, and technological change. The Church is expected to respond to these challenges through doctrinal education, community strengthening, and a contextual approach so that its teachings remain relevant and can be practically applied in the lives of believers.

This study discusses the spiritual development of adolescents and Christian youth in facing the challenges of the digital age. The focus of this research is on the role of parents, churches, and Christian educators in shaping the spirituality of Christian youth and youth. The results of the study show that parents, churches, and Christian educators have a very important role in guiding Christian youth and youth in their faith journey. Digital literacy teaching strategies based on Christian values and engaging adolescents and youth directly in the ministry process are some of the ways that can be done to strengthen their faith and character. In addition, this study emphasizes the importance of sustainable and contextual spiritual coaching in order to be able to answer spiritual needs in the midst of the rapid flow of information and the influence of modern culture. The Church is also expected to be able to provide a safe space for dialogue for youth and youth to express their struggles of faith. Thus, comprehensive and collaborative coaching can help create a resilient young generation of Christians, rooted in God's word, and able to face the various moral and spiritual challenges of today.

This study is motivated by the negative perception among some Christians who regard philosophy as a threat to faith and theology, even believing that it can undermine conviction and reduce the truth of Scripture. Using a qualitative research method based on a literature study that collects and analyzes various relevant sources, this research aims to re-examine the relationship between philosophy, theology, and Christian Religious Education, as well as to explore the constructive role of philosophy in enriching the understanding of faith. The findings reveal that philosophy functions as a preparation evangelica - a “rational foundation that prepares one to receive faith” - rather than as an antagonist. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that the integration of philosophy and theology produces a critical and reflective educational approach that deepens the knowledge of God and fosters a dynamic Christian Religious Education. Thus, this research offers a new perspective that reconciles philosophy and faith, and recommends ongoing dialogue between the two for the advancement of theology and Christian education.

The phenomena of stigmata and divine apparitions represent profound religious experiences that demonstrate the dynamic relationship between faith, body, and consciousness. Through a phenomenological-theological approach and literature review, this study examines how these extraordinary events reflect the spiritual and psychological dimensions of faith. The results demonstrate that stigmata and apparitions are not simply supernatural phenomena, but existential encounters that express human participation in the suffering and presence of Christ. Phenomenological reflection affirms that faith is lived through bodily awareness, not merely understood conceptually. This study emphasizes the importance of discernment and theological interpretation of the church so that extreme religious experiences deepen authentic spirituality, rather than giving rise to superstition. Understanding stigmata and apparitions as transcendental experiences that transcend worldly limitations requires an openness to assess these phenomena in light of the doctrines of Christian faith. Furthermore, this study explores how these experiences contribute to the development of personal and church community spirituality and open up space for deeper reflection on the human relationship with God. Ultimately, this study bridges phenomenology and theology, demonstrating that divine experiences enrich the Christian understanding of the incarnation, suffering, and grace of God present in human existence.

Particularly in the context of Christian Religious Education, the question of children's spiritual growth and development is a critical component in the process of character formation, resulting in a holistic personality. Children benefit greatly from the use of Christian Religious Education psychology since it helps them comprehend the importance of faith, morality, and spirituality in a way that is suitable for their stage of psychological development. Data for this study were gathered by analyzing a variety of pertinent literature sources that were linked to the research issue. The author used a qualitative method in conjunction with a library research methodology. The purpose of this study is to examine how Christian Religious Education psychology concepts might be applied to improve children's spiritual development in the smallest social settings the family, school, and church.The study's end findings show that using Christian Religious Education psychology helps kids become more aware of the principles of their faith, behave in ways that emphasize love, behave responsibly, and have a positive relationship with God. It is anticipated that this study will improve the analytical abilities of church ministers, particularly those who specialize in children's ministry, parents of children, and educators who use it as a teaching tool. It is acceptable and effective for the demands of children's spiritual growth and development when a mature and proper technique is used.

This study examines the epistemology of monotheism from the perspective of Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas as outlined in his book Islam and Secularism. The main focus of this study is the unity of revelation and reason, monotheism as a basic principle of science, the rejection of secular epistemology, and the ultimate goal of science, which in this context is ma'rifatullah (knowing God). This study uses a library method with a qualitative-descriptive approach and text analysis (content analysis), focusing on Chapters III and V in al-Attas's book, as well as relevant supporting literature on the epistemology of monotheism and the Islamization of science. The results show that the epistemology of monotheism according to al-Attas emphasizes the importance of integration between reason, revelation, and spiritual experience. In this view, science is not only intellectual, but also moral and spiritual. This integration forms a holistic framework of science, which not only functions to develop human morals and character, but also as a means to know and serve God. Thus, the epistemology of monotheism provides a strong foundation for the development of Islamic science, while strengthening the identity of Islamic science in facing the challenges of modernity.

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Generation Z members of the Toba Batak ethnic group in Pegagan Julu VI Village, Sumbul District, Dairi Regency, regarding the symbolic meaning of the tradition of giving manuk naniatur (a traditional gift) and the shifting meaning or function of this tradition according to Generation Z. The method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that the tradition of giving manuk naniatur is still routinely practiced and has become a local custom. Most Generation Z members value this tradition as an important part of their cultural identity and ancestral heritage, although not all understand its symbols deeply. This tradition is seen as an expression of love and gratitude to God, as well as a sign of blessing, hope, encouragement, and strength for children or families who have migrated. However, there has been a shift in meaning in Generation Z's perspective, from the tradition previously seen as a symbol of respect and spiritual bonding to now being seen more as a cultural identity and shared values ​​that must be maintained. This study illustrates the dynamics of traditional cultural preservation and adaptation to the changing times among the younger generation of the Toba Batak ethnic group.

The current global environmental crisis is not only caused by technical and economic factors, but also reflects a spiritual and ethical crisis in the modern human view of nature. Seyyed Hossein Nasr, a contemporary Islamic philosopher and thinker, offers an environmental ethics approach based on Islamic spirituality that emphasizes the sanctity of nature and the relationship between humans and God as the center of ecological morality. This study aims to examine in depth the concept of environmental ethics according to Nasr, as well as its relevance in responding to contemporary ecological challenges. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and literature study of Nasr's works, this study found that Nasr's concept of environmental ethics is based on the principles of monotheism, trust, and the ontological relationship between humans and the universe. Nasr criticized the Western secular and anthropocentric paradigm that objectifies nature and called for the restoration of the sacred relationship between humans and the environment as the basis for sustainable ecological ethics. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of holistic and spiritual environmental ethics in global and local contexts.

The concept of hubuddunya (love of the world) within the Akidah Akhlak subject holds a strategic role in shaping the moral and spiritual character of students, particularly in the midst of globalization, materialism, and consumerist culture that increasingly influence young generations. This study seeks to critically analyze the teaching materials of Akidah Akhlak for Grade X at MA YASPI Cicantayan, focusing on the hubuddunya topic. The main objective is to evaluate the relevance, depth, and effectiveness of these materials in fostering students’ awareness of moral values, as well as their ability to apply Islamic principles in daily life. This research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, collecting data through documentation of learning resources, observation of lesson plans (RPP), and in-depth interviews with teachers. The data analysis process was conducted through reduction, classification, and interpretation of findings to obtain a comprehensive picture of the existing instructional practices. The results reveal that the current teaching materials tend to remain highly theoretical and emphasize the transfer of knowledge rather than transformative learning. Consequently, they do not adequately address contextual issues faced by students in their real-life environment. The affective and psychomotor aspects of students’ moral development are not optimally stimulated, leaving a gap between conceptual understanding and practical application. Furthermore, essential Islamic values such as zuhud (detachment from excessive worldliness), qanaah (contentment), and tawakal (trust in God) have not been integrated effectively as counterbalances to materialistic tendencies. The implications of this study underline the urgency of developing Akidah Akhlak teaching materials that are more contextual, student-centered, and relevant to contemporary challenges. Such materials should not only transmit religious knowledge but also foster reflective thinking, emotional maturity, and behavioral consistency, thereby preparing students to face globalization with strong faith, resilience, and anti-materialistic attitudes.

The understanding of the doctrine of humanity and sin in Christian theology reveals the essence of human nature and the need for divine redemption. This study aims to examine theological perspectives on human nature and sin, focusing on the relationship between the Imago Dei and the fall of humanity. Using a qualitative descriptive approach through literature review, the research analyzes biblical texts and theological interpretations from various Christian scholars. The results show that humans, created in the image and likeness of God, were originally good and endowed with moral and spiritual capacity. However, through sin, humans experienced separation from God and moral corruption. Nevertheless, God’s grace through Jesus Christ enables the restoration of humanity’s divine image and reconciles the broken relationship with the Creator. The study highlights that understanding these doctrines helps believers realize their dependence on God’s grace, leading to repentance, transformation, and ethical living. The implication encourages Christians to maintain a responsible, spiritual, and moral life as a reflection of the renewed image of God within them.