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Human happiness does not lie in physical pleasure, victory, wealth, honour, worldly power, a beautiful body, or the senses. People in religious communities seek something deeper, contemplating and acknowledging the highest value in union with God. Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Contra Gentiles, arguments that human happiness lies in the contemplation of God, through which one attains peace and fulfilment in total self-surrender to God. However, in the lived experience of religious communities, a fear of matters related to sexuality is evident. Indeed, some misunderstand and misinterpret these matters, resulting in monks and nuns who become cold, dry, and rigid, acting in ways that violate sexual morality, thereby disrupting or even destroying—their ministry due to such improper conduct. Based on this, the author recognises the importance of education and the appreciation of sexual values for religious communities. Using a literature review method involving relevant books, journals, articles, and Church documents with a theological approach, it was found that the education of religious people requires aspects of happiness and sexuality education. The results of the study indicate that Thomas Aquinas’s concept of happiness can bridge religious life with sexuality education, which is one aspect that must be understood and lived out. Therefore, the happiness of love and the sexuality education of religious people need to be explored and lived out in the course of living and experiencing life as a religious person.

Churches and Christian institutions frequently face the challenge of congregations whose understanding of ministry remains confined to the spiritual dimension alone, while the holistic ministry mandate calls for active engagement across social, educational, and economic spheres. This study examines two primary objectives: first, how Christian Religious Education (CRE) shapes congregational understanding of holistic church ministry; and second, how CRE equips congregants with the concrete capacity to serve comprehensively. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed at Yayasan Sola Gratia Medan. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with seven informants comprising foundation leaders, program coordinators, active church members, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Analysis followed a thematic framework encompassing data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Findings reveal that: (1) consistent CRE implementation at Yayasan Sola Gratia has successfully shifted the congregational ministry paradigm from exclusively spiritual to holistically transformative; and (2) congregants who have internalized CRE values demonstrate more structured ministry capacity, stronger theological motivation, and significant cross-dimensional engagement. This research contributes a contextual CRE model relevant for church-based institutions operating in multidimensional urban environments.

The presence of Generation Z, who grew up entirely in the digital era, has triggered a fundamental transformation in Muslim religious practices, where social media has replaced conventional religious institutions as the primary source of religious information. This condition creates a paradox: Gen Z has become a generation that is highly religious online, yet is often disconnected from physical communities and traditional religious authorities. This study aims to analyze the character of Muslim Gen Z religiosity, identify its forming factors, and examine the impact of the digital era on their religiosity. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a library research method. The findings indicate that Muslim Gen Z religiosity is characterized by personalization, flexibility, and digital spirituality, strongly influenced by social media. These characteristics are shaped by massive digital technology accessibility, the effectiveness of contextual Islamic preaching on platforms such as TikTok, as well as spiritual needs and social pressure from the digital environment. The digital era brings positive impacts in the form of increased accessibility and religious literacy, but also negative impacts including shallow religious understanding, vulnerability to information bias, and potential exposure to extreme ideologies. This study implies the importance of an integrated digital religious literacy strategy through critical thinking-based Islamic Religious Education curriculum reform, enhancement of educators' digital capacity, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen Gen Z's moderate and reflective religious understanding.

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly transformed the ways in which faith is experienced, particularly in the lives of adolescents. From the perspectives of digital religion and mediatization of religion, digital space is no longer merely a medium, but has become a cultural arena that actively shapes religious practices and meanings. The study aims to analyze these dynamics, especially within the context of Generation Alpha, by examining the opportunities and challenges that emerge in the lived experience of faith in the digital age. The findings indicate that digital environments offer creative, participatory, and contextual opportunities for evangelization, enabling young people to engage actively in constructing their religious experiences. However, this dynamic is inherently ambivalent, as it also risks reducing the meaning of faith to symbolic, instant, and less sacramentally grounded experiences, detached from the communal life of the Church. Furthermore, the formation of religious identity in digital spaces tends to be fluid and performative, potentially leading to superficial relationships and fragmented identities. Therefore, technologically mediated religious experience should be understood as a bridge, rather than a substitute, for authentic faith encounters. The Church is thus called to adopt adaptive and reflective pastoral approaches, positioning media as a means of fostering communio without obscuring the essence of faith. An integrative approach through the synergy of Church, family, and educational institutions is essential to balance digital literacy and spiritual depth, ensuring that adolescent faith continues to grow reflectively and remains rooted in real-life experience.

The study aims to analyze the role of digital media as a distracting factor affecting the faith loyalty of Catholic adolescents in their relationship with God amid religious pluralism in Indonesia. The development of digital media has transformed how adolescents understand, express, and live out their faith, while simultaneously presenting both opportunities and ambivalent challenges. This research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, analyzing various theological, sociological sources, and Church documents. The findings indicate that digital media can serve as a broad and participatory space for expressing faith, but it also has the potential to create distractions in three main dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical. Cognitively, adolescents experience confusion in understanding faith teachings due to the diversity of information available. Affectively, there is a shift in orientation from a relationship with God toward the pursuit of emotional gratification in digital spaces. Practically, there is a decline in engagement in concrete religious practices. Within the context of religious pluralism, this complexity intensifies and influences the formation of adolescents’ faith identity. This study also finds that digital media does not only have negative impacts but also holds positive potential as a means of deepening faith when used critically and reflectively. Therefore, the role of the Church is essential through contextual, dialogical, and integrative pastoral accompaniment combined with critical digital literacy. Through this approach, adolescents are expected to integrate their digital experiences into a more mature, authentic faith life rooted in a deeper relationship with God.

The field of education, especially Islamic Religious Education (PAI), has seen substantial changes as a result of the advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The existence of digital media and AI offers numerous opportunities to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of education through interactive, flexible, and easily accessible learning resources. The purpose of this article is to analyze how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital media are used in Islamic Religious Education. This includes the idea of AI and digital media, AI-based learning materials, the use of AI in educational activities, ethical considerations of AI use, the effects and difficulties of integrating AI, and the Islamic viewpoint on technological advancement. This study employed a library research method by collecting data from relevant journals, books, and other scholarly sources. The findings indicate that the use of AI and digital media in PAI learning can enhance access to information, personalize learning experiences, improve evaluation effectiveness, and increase student engagement in the learning process. However, the implementation of AI also presents several challenges, such as limited digital literacy among teachers, inadequate facilities and infrastructure, ethical concerns, and the potential decline of direct educational interaction between teachers and students. Therefore, the utilization of AI in Islamic Religious Education should be carried out wisely while maintaining Islamic values, ethics, and the primary goal of Islamic education in shaping students’ character.

In the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Society 5.0, digital technology is developing rapidly. This has prompted the world of education to make major changes in learning methods, including in Islamic Religious Education (PAI). Until now, PAI has used outdated methods. These methods are inadequate to meet the needs of children who are accustomed to technology. Therefore, there is a need for technology integration in the learning process. This study aims to determine how to use E-Learning, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PAI learning. This study also aims to determine the benefits, challenges, and strategies for implementing these technologies. This study used a qualitative approach with a literature review type. Data were obtained from various sources, such as books, scientific articles, journals, and relevant documents. The results show that the use of E-Learning, LMS, and AI can improve the quality of PAI learning. E-Learning makes learning easier and more flexible. LMS helps manage learning more systematically. AI helps make learning more personalized and tailored to students' needs. However, the implementation of these technologies still faces several challenges, such as limited infrastructure and low digital skills of teachers and students. Therefore, a strategy is needed to address these challenges. This strategy includes enhancing digital capabilities, strengthening technological infrastructure, developing innovative learning media, and monitoring the use of technology based on Islamic values. This will ensure optimal integration of technology into Islamic Religious Education learning.

The development of digital technology has brought about significant changes in various aspects of life, including early childhood faith education. Today’s children are growing up in an environment familiar with digital media, making it necessary to adopt a catechetical approach that keeps pace with the times. This article aims to examine the use of digital catechesis as a tool for early childhood faith education. This study employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach, gathering data from books, scientific journals, research articles, Church documents, and other relevant sources. The data is analyzed using descriptive-qualitative methods to understand the benefits, challenges, and role of digital catechesis in fostering children’s faith. Research findings indicate that digital catechesis can serve as an effective, engaging, and interactive medium for helping children learn about the teachings of the faith from an early age. The use of animated videos, religious songs, educational images, and learning apps can enhance children’s interest in learning, attention, and understanding of Catholic faith values. Furthermore, digital catechesis also assists the Church, families, and schools in providing faith education that is more contextual and aligned with the world of today’s children. However, the use of digital media still requires the guidance of parents, teachers, and faith mentors so that children receive proper direction and are protected from the negative impacts of technology. Thus, digital catechesis is a relevant tool in the faith education of young children when used wisely and purposefully. The presence of digital media does not replace the role of faith educators but serves as a tool that enriches the process of proclaiming the faith in the modern era.

This study aims to examine the position of Pancasila as a grundnorm within the Indonesian constitutional system and the role of Islamic Religious Education as an ethical foundation in strengthening constitutional principles from the perspective of Islamic sociological legal theory. The methodology employed is a qualitative approach using library research, involving the analysis of various relevant literature sources. The findings indicate that Pancasila plays a fundamental role in the Indonesian legal system, serving as the highest norm in the hierarchy of laws, while also functioning as an ethical guideline in the life of the nation and the state. Islamic Religious Education plays a significant role in shaping the moral constitution through the understanding of values such as honesty, justice, responsibility, and trustworthiness, in line with the principles of Pancasila. The integration of Pancasila values and Islamic teachings, viewed through the lens of sociological law, demonstrates that effective law is not merely normative but also responsive to social realities. Therefore, Islamic sociological legal theory can strengthen the Indonesian constitutional system through the integration of normative, moral, and sociological values, resulting in a more responsive, just, and contextually relevant legal system.

This study aims to analyze the integration of Pancasila values and Islamic Religious Education (PAI) in shaping digital ethics and to examine the development of digital law through the Islamic Sociological Jurisprudence Theory approach. This research employs a qualitative method with a literature study approach based on relevant academic sources and journals. The findings indicate that the integration of Pancasila and PAI serves as a comprehensive ethical foundation in shaping digital behavior by reinforcing moral, spiritual, and social values. Furthermore, digital law is understood as a product of the interaction between social and religious values, which is dynamic and adaptive to technological developments. The Islamic Sociological Jurisprudence Theory contributes to constructing a legal paradigm that is not only formal-legal but also contextual and oriented toward public welfare (maslahah). The ethical-based digital law development model integrating Pancasila and Islamic values is considered relevant in addressing contemporary digital challenges, such as misinformation, privacy violations, and cybercrime. However, this study also identifies limitations, particularly in the implementation aspect, which remains largely normative and has not been optimally integrated into concrete policies. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen adaptive regulations, develop applicable digital ethics education, and conduct further empirical research to establish a just and sustainable digital legal system.

This article examines the dialogue between John Calvin’s educational thought and the Merdeka Curriculum within the context of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative-comparative approach with descriptive analysis, this study traces the points of convergence and tension between Calvin’s educational principles particularly the concept of imago Dei, holistic education, and the God-centered purpose of education and the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum such as flexibility, differentiated learning, and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila (Pancasila Student Profile). The analysis reveals significant convergence in terms of respect for the potential and uniqueness of learners, holistic educational orientation, and the role of teachers as facilitators and character formers. However, fundamental tensions also exist regarding Calvin’s theocentric theological foundation vis-à-vis the secular Pancasila foundation, the concept of discipline and authority versus student freedom, and the ultimate goal of education glorifying God versus forming the Pancasila Student Profile. Based on these findings, this article offers practical recommendations for PAK curriculum design based on the Merdeka Curriculum, a Kingdom of God-nuanced project-based learning approach, holistic assessment, and Christian character formation within the Profil Pelajar Pancasila framework. This research contributes to filling the gap in studies that dialogue the Reformed theological tradition with contemporary Indonesian national education policy.

This study investigates the decoupling phenomenon between ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) sustainability reporting and communal Tri Hita Karana (THK) sustainability practices in a Rural Bank in Bali. Through Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA) of official documents from BPR Luhur Damai covering 2023–2025, this study identifies that the Sustainability Report (SR), prepared strictly according to Financial Services Authority Regulation (POJK) 51/2017, does not incorporate substantial THK practices, namely banten (ceremonial offerings) Rp131.6 million, dana punia (religious donations) Rp8.5 million, and monthly banjar (communal community unit) contributions, producing a Hindu religious expenditure to formal Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) ratio of 10:1. Drawing on the Institutional Logics perspective, this study identifies four decoupling mechanisms: (1) cognitive, namely THK as taken-for-granted, not perceived as “sustainability”; (2) administrative, namely departmental silos between Compliance and General Affairs; (3) template, namely POJK 51/2017 provides no space for local wisdom; and (4) capacity, namely limited Human Resources (HR) and institutional capacity. These findings lead to the concept of “invisible sustainability,” that is, real sustainability contributions that are invisible to conventional reporting frameworks, and “cultural accounting gap,” that is, the absence of accounting categories for local cultural-religious contributions. The theoretical contribution is demonstrating that decoupling in Global South contexts is not merely symbolic compliance but results from structural misalignment between transnational and communal logics that renders local sustainability contributions institutionally invisible.

The quick advancement of digital technology has drastically changed the social and religious life of Indonesian teenagers. The purpose of this study is to investigate how pupils at Al Muslim Junior High School's daily worship practices, self-control, and fear of missing out (FoMO) affect the principles of Islamic Religious Education (PAI). The study used a quantitative methodology with a causal and correlational design. All students in grades VII, VIII, and IX made up the study population for the 2025–2026 school year. Using the Slovin formula, a proportionate stratified sample of 171 students with a 5% margin of error was chosen. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to gather data. The Pearson Product-Moment correlation (r > 0.30) was used to evaluate validity, while Cronbach's Alpha (α > 0.70) was used to test reliability. Multiple linear regression using SPSS version 26 was used for quantitative analysis, beginning with traditional assumption tests for heteroscedasticity (Glejser), multicollinearity (VIF), and normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov). According to the analysis results, self-control had a substantial, favorable impact on the practice of PAI values, but FoMO had no significant influence (β = -0.034, p = 0.530).

This journal critically examines the process of harmonizing Pancasila values and Islamic principles within the development of the Citizenship Education (PKn) curriculum in Indonesia. The study aims to understand how the integration of these two values can strengthen national character, enhance tolerance, and enrich the learning process at elementary and secondary school levels. The methodology used is a literature review, analyzing various academic sources, curriculum documents, and theoretical studies related to the harmonization of national and religious values. The findings indicate that applying the principle of harmonization can improve students’ understanding of Pancasila and Islamic values simultaneously, as well as foster mutual respect and appreciation for Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity. These results underscore the importance of incorporating these values into the PKn curriculum as a strategic effort to build a nation grounded in spiritual, nationalist, and tolerant values. Additionally, this research offers recommendations for developing a more inclusive and harmonious curriculum to create a tolerant, civil, and respectful society.

This study discusses the practice of morning prayer as a form of lived religion within the school culture of a public elementary school. Morning prayer is understood not only as a formal religious activity, but also as a daily ritual that shapes students’ emotional experiences, religious habits, and social interactions. This study aims to explain the empirical practice of morning prayer, the social relationships formed through it, and its implications for religious education and school culture. The research employs a qualitative approach using school ethnography methods. Data were collected through observations, interviews with the principal, Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers, classroom teachers, and students, as well as documentation of the school’s religious activities. The findings show that students participate in morning prayer routinely every day before lessons begin, followed by the collective recitation of short surahs from Juz 30. The daily practice of morning prayer gradually becomes a habit for students in starting their learning activities, both at school and at home. Teachers perceive morning prayer as an opening activity for learning, as well as a means of fostering emotional calmness, discipline, and students’ religious character. Students also reported feeling calmer, happier, and more prepared to learn after praying. In addition, the presence of Juz Amma books, Asmaul Husna texts, the school prayer room (mushola), and the habituation of congregational dhuha prayer indicate the institutionalization of a religious culture within the school, even though these practices are not yet fully included in the official schedule. The findings indicate that morning prayer has become part of students’ daily school experience. Through routine collective prayer activities, students gradually develop emotional readiness, discipline, and religious habits before learning begins.

This study examines the contribution of Anselmus dari Canterbury in addressing the tendency of anti-intellectualism in certain theological practices that separate faith from reason. The background of this research lies in the growing assumption that faith does not require philosophical reflection, which often leads to subjective and uncritical interpretations of sacred texts. The objective of this study is to analyze Anselm’s concept of fides quaerens intellectum as a framework for integrating faith and reason. This research employs a qualitative method with a philosophical and hermeneutical approach, focusing on textual analysis of Anselm’s works and relevant scholarly literature. The findings show that Anselm does not oppose faith and reason but emphasizes that faith naturally seeks understanding. This integration prevents arbitrary interpretations and strengthens the rational foundation of belief. The study implies that Anselm’s thought remains relevant for contemporary theological discourse, especially in promoting a balanced and critical understanding of faith in modern religious contexts.

Prayer (ṣalāh) holds a central and indispensable place within the Islamic faith as one of the most fundamental acts of devotion. This study is designed to investigate the extent to which salah contributes to the formation and strengthening of religious consciousness among Muslims, as manifested in changes to individual attitudes, conduct, and discipline in everyday life. Employing a qualitative design grounded in library-based research, this study draws on primary Islamic sources, including the Qur'an and prophetic traditions, alongside relevant contemporary scholarly works. The findings reveal that the consistent practice of salah, carried out with sincerity and mindfulness, plays a meaningful role in cultivating spirituality, deepening the bond between humanity and the Creator, and fostering conduct that aligns with Islamic values. Moreover, salah is demonstrated to serve as an effective mechanism for self-regulation, discouraging unethical behavior while enhancing individual moral character. In conclusion, salah transcends its ritual dimension to function as a vital and holistic instrument for building comprehensive religious consciousness in the daily lives of Muslims.

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the madrasah quality paradigm from the perspective of the Qur'an at MIS Al-Hunafa Palangka Raya. The study used a qualitative field research approach with observation, interview, and documentation techniques. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model. The results of the study indicate that: 1) the quality paradigm is understood not only to be oriented towards academics, but also to the formation of character and spiritual values ​​of students; 2) the implementation of the quality paradigm is carried out through the integration of Qur'anic values ​​such as amanah, itqan, ihsan, discipline, and responsibility in madrasah culture, learning, and religious activities; and 3) the implementation of quality still faces obstacles in the form of limited infrastructure, variations in teacher competencies, and technological demands, so that the madrasah carries out strengthening through teacher training, facility optimization, and the development of a quality culture based on Qur'anic values. Thus, the implementation of the quality paradigm at MIS Al-Hunafa has been running quite well and is carried out sustainably.

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed various sectors of human life, including church ministry and religious organizational management. This study aims to analyze Christian leadership ethics in the use of AI within modern church ministry. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method through theological literature review and analysis of recent studies concerning digital technology and pastoral ministry. The findings indicate that AI provides significant benefits for church administration, digital communication, congregational data management, and online evangelism. Nevertheless, ethical challenges also emerge, such as the weakening of pastoral relationships, data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and the risk of dehumanization in ministry practices. From a Christian theological perspective, ministry is fundamentally relational and incarnational, reflecting the example of Jesus Christ who ministered through personal presence, compassion, and direct interaction with people. Therefore, AI should be understood as a supportive instrument rather than a substitute for spiritual authority and pastoral presence. Christian leadership in the digital age must be grounded in integrity, transparency, spiritual discernment, and respect for human dignity as the image of God (imago Dei). This study contributes to the development of ethical guidelines for churches in utilizing AI responsibly while maintaining theological integrity and Christian spiritual values.

This study aims to describe the implementation of instilling Islamic Religious Education values in the aspects of the Qur’an and Aqidah at TPQ Fattuhul Qulub, Doyo Baru District. The background of this research is based on the importance of Islamic religious education in shaping children’s character and morals from an early age amid the decline in the morality of the younger generation. TPQ, as a non-formal educational institution, has an important role in instilling Islamic values through learning the Qur’an, aqidah, and morals. However, in its implementation, several obstacles are still found, such as the low understanding of students regarding religious values, varying abilities in reading the Qur’an, and the lack of support from family and community environments.This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation at TPQ Fattuhul Qulub, Doyo Baru District. The focus of the research includes the planning, implementation, and evaluation processes of instilling Islamic Religious Education values in the aspects of the Qur’an and Aqidah.The results of the study indicate that the instillation of Islamic Religious Education values has been carried out through structured stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation. The learning process was conducted using the methods of Iqra’, tahsin, tahfidz, talaqqi, lectures, role modeling, habituation, and exemplary stories. In the Qur’anic aspect, students were guided to read the Qur’an according to tajwid rules and memorize short surahs, while in the Aqidah aspect, students were taught the pillars of faith, the attributes of Allah and His Messenger, and the formation of Islamic morals. The evaluation results showed improvements in Qur’anic reading skills, memorization, understanding of aqidah, and changes in students’ religious behavior, such as becoming more disciplined, polite, and diligent in worship. This success was supported by the exemplary behavior of the teachers and the involvement of parents in the learning process.