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This study aims to examine the role of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah teachers in shaping students’ Islamic character through a character education approach. The research employs a qualitative method with a library research design by reviewing various literature sources, including books, journal articles, and relevant previous studies. The findings indicate that Madrasah Ibtidaiyah teachers play a strategic role as educators, mentors, role models, facilitators, and guides in instilling Islamic character values in students from an early age. These values include honesty, discipline, responsibility, patience, empathy, humility, gratitude, mutual respect, cooperation, and obedience to Islamic teachings. The formation of Islamic character is carried out through classroom learning activities, daily habituation, exemplary behavior demonstrated by teachers, and various religious programs integrated into school life, such as congregational prayers, Qur’an recitation, and Islamic celebrations. In addition, teachers collaborate with parents and the school environment to create a consistent and supportive atmosphere for character development. The study concludes that the success of Islamic character education at the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah level is strongly influenced by the consistency, commitment, and quality of teachers’ roles in carrying out their educational responsibilities and serving as positive examples for students in everyday life.

This study aims to formulate an integrated Islamic Religious Education (PAI) learning strategy that synthesizes the acculturation of Islam Nusantara and ecological ethics as a response to the fragmented character of conventional PAI learning which has not yet optimally integrated local cultural values and ecological awareness. This research employs a qualitative library research method with a systematic literature review approach, analyzing 28 primary sources selected from 67 identified literature published between 2019 and 2025. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis through six stages: familiarization, initial coding, theme searching, theme reviewing, theme defining, and report writing. The findings reveal that Islam Nusantara contains three relevant pedagogical principles cultural humility (tawadu' budaya), cosmological inclusivity, and peaceful transformation while Islamic teachings hold rich ecotheological dimensions through the concepts of ecological tauhid, khalifah fi al-ardh, amanah, and rahmatan lil 'alamin. Based on this synthesis, four integrated learning strategies are formulated: Contextual-Cultural Learning, Eco-Thematic Quranic Interpretation, Community-Based Ecological Projects, and Ecological Spiritual Reflection. This study proposes a new conceptual framework termed "PAI Nusantara-Ekologis," which positions students not merely as ritually devout individuals but as responsible stewards (khalifah) of the earth.

This paper explores the role of Mary as a model of salvation in Catholic faith, focusing on the understanding of Mariology within the cultural context of the Ende-Lio people in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Mary is regarded not only as the Mother of Jesus Christ but also as an example of faith marked by humility, obedience, and hope. Her humility and willingness to accept God’s will, especially in the Annunciation, serve as a concrete inspiration for Catholics to respond faithfully to God’s call. Within the Ende-Lio culture, which values loyalty, solidarity, respect for ancestors, and harmony with nature, Mary becomes a figure closely connected to daily life. Devotions such as the rosary, pilgrimages to Marian grottoes, and the celebration of the Marian months highlight Mary’s living presence in both the faith and cultural traditions of the community. Thus, Mary serves as a bridge between the Gospel and local culture, revealing a Church that is rooted in its own soil yet remains faithful to Christ. This reflection affirms that contextual faith is a living faith deeply rooted in local culture while open to the saving work of God.

This theological research explores Mary’s essential role in the narrative of salvation and her deep connection with the Church, as outlined in key Catholic documents like Lumen Gentium and Redemptoris Mater. Using a qualitative approach that combines descriptive and analytical methods, the study reviews Church teachings, Scripture, and theological literature. It highlights Mary’s pivotal status as Mother of God (Theotokos) a title affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in 431 CE, which underscores both Christ’s divinity and Mary’s unique participation in God’s redemptive plan. The study traces the theological roots of this title through biblical texts, portraying Mary as the chosen vessel through whom the Word became incarnate. It examines how Old Testament prophecies about Mary are fulfilled in New Testament events, especially in the Annunciation and Elizabeth’s greeting of Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” The research also delves into Mary’s bond with the Church, focusing on her recognition as Mother of the Church by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council. Mary is presented as the ideal disciple, embodying unwavering faith, obedience, and humility in her acceptance of God’s will. Her presence at key moments, from the Incarnation to Pentecost, positions her as both a member and a model of the Church. Ultimately, the study concludes that Mary’s unity with the Church is reflected in her dual role as Mother of Christ and spiritual mother to all believers, offering a profound example of Christian virtues and guiding the faithful in their collective journey toward salvation.

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.

The development of modern education demands that teachers play a broader role beyond merely delivering subject matter, including building professional reputation, credibility, and positive influence on students, colleagues, parents, and society. For Christian Religious Education teachers, personal branding has a deeper dimension because they also serve as role models and ambassadors of Christian values. This study aims to describe the formation of personal branding among Christian Religious Education teachers based on spiritual and theological values, as well as its impact on teaching and student character development. The method used is descriptive qualitative through a literature study of books, journals, notes, and relevant reports, with narrative analysis to illustrate the practices and values that shape teachers’ personal branding. The findings indicate that the personal branding of Christian Religious Education teachers is an integration of professional competence, personal integrity, and Christian values, encompassing authenticity, consistency, professionalism, spiritual and moral role modeling, inspirational and communicative abilities, adaptation to technology, and positive relationships with students and the community. Spiritual and theological values such as Christian love, integrity, humility, patience, justice, service, and commitment to God’s Word form the main foundation that strengthens teachers’ credibility, motivates students, and establishes them as living examples of Christian life. Personal branding for Christian Religious Education teachers is not merely an image or popularity, but a real reflection of faith, character, and daily behavior consistent with Christian teachings, thus supporting effective learning, student character formation, and the teacher’s reputation as an authentic, inspiring, and professional educator.