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This study aims to develop a strategy for developing praise and worship services through a deeper biblical theology of Psalm 150, as a fundamental solution for congregational growth at YHS Eka Sinta Church in Kapuas Regency. The main premise of this study is based on the crucial disconnect between contemporary church music practices, which tend to be performative, and the essence of the doxology authoritatively contained in the text Scripture. By integrating descriptive qualitative methods and an exegetical biblical theology approach, this study explores the imperative meaning and poetic structure of Psalm 150 and then engages them in intercultural dialogue with the sociocultural context of local churches in Kalimantan. The results reveal that the biblical theology Psalm 150 emphasizes the totality of instrumental use and the universality of the subject of praise as an absolute reflection of God's sovereignty and might. Field findings indicate that the effectiveness of music services is often hampered by technical limitations and theological shallowness of liturgical ministers. This study concludes that healthy congregational growth, both in terms of spiritual quality and quantity, is rooted in the extent to which the church able to actualize biblical theological values ​​in expressions of praise that are relevant and resonate with the cultural background and local identity of its congregation. The resulting strategy offers a holistic ministry model, in which church music returns to its essential function as an instrument of faith transformation and a means of growing the Kingdom of God, adaptively yet faithful to the biblical text.

The study examines John 15:1–8, highlighting its Christological, ecclesiological dimensions, and pastoral implications in a contemporary context, particularly in West Kalimantan. Employing an exegetical approach integrated with theological reflection, the metaphor of the “true vine” is understood as a declaration of Jesus’ identity as the source of authentic life and the relational foundation of the community of disciples. The concept of “abiding” is interpreted as an ongoing existential connectedness with Christ, expressed through practices of faith such as engagement with the Word, prayer, and love. Meanwhile, “bearing fruit” is not merely ethical output but an authentic manifestation of life grounded in this relational union. Furthermore, the study argues that Johannine ecclesiology is organic in nature, portraying the church as a living community deriving its existence from and in Christ, rather than a purely institutional structure. The pastoral implications of this metaphor are significant in addressing local challenges such as individualism, ecological crisis, religious plurality, and the spiritual formation of youth. Using a praxis–reflection–praxis framework, the text is integrated into theological education as a model linking faith reflection with concrete action. The findings affirm that Christ-centered spirituality fosters personal and communal transformation relevant to the contemporary church.

The study critically examines the Gospel of John as a theological text integrating the incarnate Logos and sacramental symbolism. Using a qualitative, library-based approach with historical-critical and hermeneutical analysis, it shows that John’s Gospel not only narrates Jesus’ life but constructs a symbolic, existential, and transformative theological reflection. The Logos shifts from a metaphysical principle to a personal reality in history through the incarnation, enabling a concrete encounter between God and humanity. Within this framework, symbols such as water and bread function as media of revelation guiding individuals toward a living, relational faith experience. Furthermore, sacramental symbolism in the Gospel of John is ontologically grounded in the incarnation of the Logos. Faith is thus understood not merely as intellectual assent but as participation in divine life that transforms human existence. The integration of Christological and sacramental dimensions indicates that faith is holistic, encompassing spiritual, material, and relational aspects. Thus, the Gospel of John presents a theological vision of faith as a concrete and dynamic existential encounter, relevant for contemporary theological reflection.

This study aims to explore how the inquiry approach functions as a pedagogical strategy in Christian Religious Education to enhance students’ spiritual discernment. The background of this research arises from the tendency of learning practices that remain predominantly focused on cognitive aspects, thereby not fully cultivating spiritual sensitivity in life decision-making. This study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach through a review of theological and pedagogical literature, conceptual analysis, and reflection on classroom learning practices. The analysis focuses on the relationship between the core elements of inquiry questioning, investigating, dialoguing, and reflecting on knowledge and the process of developing the ability to discern God’s will in the real-life contexts of students. The findings indicate that inquiry effectively creates a reflective learning experience that integrates cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions, enabling students not only to understand faith teachings theoretically but also to consider Christian values in concrete situations. This approach encourages active participation, constructive and critical dialogue, and fosters habits of faith reflection, moral sensitivity, and personal responsibility. Thus, inquiry is proven to be a relevant pedagogical method for achieving the theological goal of Christian Religious Education, namely the formation of spiritual discernment that guides students’ attitudes, decisions, and actions in daily life.

This research aims to examine how the functions of Christian counseling (preventive, curative, developmental, and pastoral) can be integrated into the practice of Christian Religious Education as an effective strategy to support adolescents’ faith development. The background of this study arises from the fact that adolescents experience a crisis of faith that is not only related to theological aspects but also affects their psychological and emotional well-being. On the other hand, christian religious education practices in schools often remain focused on the transfer of doctrinal knowledge without being balanced by adequate personal guidance. This study applies a qualitative method through literature review and conceptual analysis of christian counseling theory, theories of adolescent faith development, and pedagogical practices in christian religious education. The findings indicate that integrating Christian counseling functions into the design of christian religious education learning can create a dialogical, reflective, and pastoral classroom atmosphere, providing opportunities for adolescents to develop spiritual discernment, self-awareness, and the ability to make responsible moral decisions. This article discusses the relevance of counseling to adolescents’ spiritual development, the characteristics of their faith development, the challenges of implementing counseling in Christian educational institutions, and the design of learning based on dialogue, reflection, and mentoring. In this way, the integration of christian counseling in christian religious education is considered a holistic approach that enriches the meaning of faith education and supports adolescents’ faith growth in a contextual, profound, and sustainable manner.

This article examines the impact of dehumanization in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the formation of the personality of future priests in light of the teachings of Pastores Dabo Vobis, particular number 43-44, as well as from Philosophical and theological perspectives. The development of AI brings significant changes in the way human think, relate, and build their self-identity. On the one hand, AI offers great opportunities to support intellectual formation through access to information, pastoral simulations, and digital learning. However, on the other hand, the dominance of technology has the potential to cause dehumanization, namely a reduction in the quality of interpersonal relationships, the depth of reflection and sensitivity. This study employs a literature review method, examining relevant theological, philosophical, and scientific literature. The findings indicate that excessive reliance on AI can disrupt the development of the human dimension in seminarians, particularly regarding affective maturity, relational competence, and the integrity of personal identity. From a philosophical perspective, humans are understood as free, rational, and relational beings; thus, reducing humans to mere components of an algorithmic system contradicts their very nature. Meanwhile, theology affirms human dignity as the Imago Dei, which cannot be replaced by technology. Therefore, a critical and prudent formation approach is required, one that positions AI as an aid, not a substitute for human relationships.

Christology is a branch of Christian theology that discusses the person and work of Jesus Christ as the core of the Christian faith. The development of the modern era, characterized by globalization, pluralism, technological advancement, and cultural diversity, presents new challenges in understanding Christ in a relevant and contextual manner. This research aims to examine the development of Christological reflection in various life contexts and explain its application in contemporary life. The research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method thru the examination of various classical and modern theological literature from both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The analysis was conducted using a historical-critical approach to understand the development of Christological thot from the early church period to the modern era. The research results show that Christology is not only doctrinal but also has practical dimensions related to personal, social, cultural, interfaith dialog, ecological, and modern challenges. Christological reflection affirms that Jesus Christ is understood as the true God and true man, serving as the foundation of spirituality, ethics, and social action for Christians. Furthermore, the contextual Christological approach helps the church present Christ's teachings relevantly in a pluralistic and dynamic society. This research implies the importance of developing contextual, inclusive, and transformative theology so that the Christian faith remains meaningful in modern life.

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.

This research examines digital charity practices within Christian media communication on YouTube, focusing on two distinct donation formats: marapthon live stream donations (e.g., 24‑hour fundraising events) and sermon‑based donations (offerings collected during or after online worship services). Despite the rapid growth of faith‑based online giving, a critical problem remains: the absence of an integrated system that aligns these two donation models with Christian values of transparency, accountability, and community stewardship. Existing platforms often treat live marapthon and sermon donations separately, leading to fragmented donor experiences and inefficient fund utilization. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for an integrated digital charity system by comparatively analyzing media communication strategies in both donation contexts. The proposed method is a netnographic comparative analysis, involving systematic observation of YouTube comments, chat logs, and video descriptions from 10 Christian channels (5 marapthon‑focused, 5 sermon‑focused) over six months, supplemented by semi‑structured interviews with content creators and donors. The main findings reveal that marapthon donations emphasize urgency and real‑time social proof, while sermon donations rely on theological framing and pastoral trust. The synthesis proposes a hybrid system architecture incorporating real‑time donation tracking, automated acknowledgment, and weekly theological reflection modules. In conclusion, integrating both models into a single development framework enhances donor engagement and aligns digital charity with Christian communication ethics, offering practical guidelines for church‑based YouTubers and platform developers.

This study examines eschatology within the framework of Catholic faith as a reflection of faith and hope of salvation, not merely as a depiction of the end times. The background highlights the need to avoid reducing eschatology to a sole event of judgment day, by emphasizing the close relationship between eschatology, Christology, and soteriology, as well as the role of faith in the daily life of Catholic believers. The aim of the study is to articulate eschatology as an integrative framework that connects faith, hope, love, sacraments, liturgy, and inculturation in the Church’s praxis, and to consolidate the active participation of the faithful in the Kingdom of God, which has been initiated but not yet completed. The research method is descriptive-analytical literature review, comparing the views of experts, the Church Magisterium, and contemporary liturgical and theological documents to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework. The main findings indicate that Catholic eschatology functions as a moral and spiritual engine: (1) it integrates the “already and not yet” in the experience of faith; (2) it links eschatological hope with the actions of love, justice, and social liberation; (3) it bridges private faith with sacramental practice and inculturation. Theological and pastoral implications include strengthening faith formation, participation in liturgy, and an imaginative response to present-day social and environmental challenges. This narrative affirms a living, inclusive, and relevant eschatology for the Church’s life of faith in the contemporary era.

The book on the City of God and the City of Man is a masterpiece by St. Augustine that is very influential in the history of philosophy and theology. This book contains the background of Augustine's philosophical and theological reflections on the accusation of the destruction of the Roman Empire against Christianity. The City of God described in Augustine's perspective is a city that prioritizes love for God. While the City of Man is a city that reflects self-love. The implications of both types of cities in Augustine's perspective are very relevant to be discussed in the discourse on the concept of statehood. This paper also aims to analyze the relationship between democracy and capitalism in the perspective of Augustine of Hippo's thought, especially through the concept of civitas Dei (City of God) and civitas terrena (World City). This study uses a qualitative method with a library research approach. The results of this study show that democracy and capitalism, although providing space for freedom, are vulnerable to deviations when not guided by the correct moral orientation. In light of Augustine's thought, the crisis in modern democracy such as; Money politics, media manipulation, and anarchic demonstrations reflect the dominance of self-love (amor sui) that characterizes the civitas terrena. Therefore, democracy can only operate fairly if it is rooted in moral values ​​that lead to the common good (Bonum communae).

This study is motivated by the importance of understanding theology not merely as a theoretical concept, but as a reflection of faith that is lived within the cultural context of society. In the context of the Dayak community in Central Kalimantan, there is a close relationship between cultural values and spiritual life, thus requiring a theological approach that can bridge the two. This study aims to analyze the praxis model in contextual theology and its application in the life of the Dayak community. The method used is a descriptive qualitative approach through literature study by examining various relevant sources. The results show that the praxis model emphasizes the relationship between lived experience, faith reflection, and concrete action. Cultural values such as togetherness and mutual cooperation are in line with Christian teachings; however, there are also traditional practices that create tension with faith. The church plays an important role in addressing this through a dialogical and reflective approach. The implications of this study indicate that the application of the praxis model enables believers to live out their faith in a contextual, relevant, and transformative way in daily life without losing their cultural identity.Top of Form

The rapid advancement of information technology has reshaped modern society, in particular influencing how young individuals express their identities through fashion. The choice of clothing goes beyond mere practical functions, becoming a symbol of social status and values as young people attempt to adapt to rapidly changing trends, driven largely by digital platforms such as social media. These phenomena have simultaneously led to alarming waste production and environmental degradation, reflecting the mismatch between modern lifestyles and theological mandates on the management of creation. The fast-paced fashion industry, characterized by rapid production cycles and high consumerism, exacerbates the ecological crisis by generating large amounts of textile waste and contributing to detrimental practices in global supply chains. The study uses a qualitative approach, emphasizing literature research to analyze relevant literature and synthesize findings into meaningful discourse. Ultimately, it advocates a transformative catechesis that integrates ecological awareness into the formation of young people's faith, leveraging digital spaces to advocate for simplicity and community engagement in sustainable practices. The challenges faced in fostering this ecological awareness include the prevalence of a culture of instant gratification and the gap between knowledge and action, which hinders the alignment of belief with action. Theological reflection further emphasizes the spiritual implications of consumer behavior, placing ecological responsibility as a fundamental aspect of authentic expression of faith. Based on these insights, this paper underscores the importance for the Church to be proactively involved in the fight for ecological preservation, recognizing that true faith is manifested through tangible actions that honor the divine creation.

The fleeting nature of human life constitutes a key theme in theological reflections within the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Psalms in the Alkitab, which highlights human limitations and the inherent uncertainty of existence. Psalm 39:6–7 depicts human life as a transient shadow and emphasizes the futility of human efforts if they are not oriented toward God. This study seeks to explore the meaning of human transience in this passage and assess its theological significance for contemporary life. A qualitative approach with biblical hermeneutics is employed, considering historical, literary, and theological dimensions. The analysis indicates that the metaphor of the “shadow” illustrates human fragility, while the depiction of life’s futility critiques the human tendency to find purpose solely in worldly endeavors. Despite this, Psalm 39 ultimately directs readers toward hope in God, portraying Him as the ultimate source of true meaning. In a modern, materialistic context, this message continues to be relevant as a reminder of human dependency on God and the limitations of human life. Therefore, the transience of life does not signify the end of existential purpose but rather opens the way to deeper spiritual insight and the strengthening of faith.

The book on the City of God and the City of Man is a masterpiece by St. Augustine that is very influential in the history of philosophy and theology. This book contains the background of Augustine's philosophical and theological reflections on the accusation of the destruction of the Roman Empire against Christianity. The City of God described in Augustine's perspective is a city that prioritizes love for God. While the City of Man is a city that reflects self-love. The implications of both types of cities in Augustine's perspective are very relevant to be discussed in the discourse on the concept of statehood. This paper also aims to analyze the relationship between democracy and capitalism in the perspective of Augustine of Hippo's thought, especially through the concept of civitas Dei (City of God) and civitas terrena (World City). This study uses a qualitative method with a library research approach. The results of this study show that democracy and capitalism, although providing space for freedom, are vulnerable to deviations when not guided by the correct moral orientation. In light of Augustine's thought, the crisis in modern democracy such as; Money politics, media manipulation, and anarchic demonstrations reflect the dominance of self-love (amor sui) that characterizes the civitas terrena. Therefore, democracy can only operate fairly if it is rooted in moral values ​​that lead to the common good (Bonum communae).

The development of globalization and digital culture has given rise to an epistemological crisis that shifts the authority of truth from revelation to social construction, so that the authority of the Bible in Christian education is increasingly marginalized. This condition has an impact on the low internalization of the value of faith, where students understand the Bible cognitively but do not live it in daily practice. This research aims to reconstruct the authority of the Bible in Christian education through an integrative and contextual approach in the midst of global cultural fragmentation. This research uses a qualitative approach with a library research method that integrates theological, pedagogical, and digital cultural contexts. Data were obtained from theological literature, educational theory, and relevant journal articles, which were analyzed using content analysis techniques and theological-constructive reflection. The results show that the crisis of biblical authority is influenced by epistemic shifts, the dominance of post-truth culture, low internalization of values, and non-contextual pedagogical approaches. This research creates a model of reconstruction of biblical authority that integrates the epistemological, pedagogical, and bruxistic dimensions in a transformational manner. In conclusion, this reconstruction does not change the theological substance of the Bible but updates the approach to learning to be more dialogical, reflective, and contextual, so that the authority of the Bible remains relevant in shaping the faith and character of learners in the global era.  

This article examines Christian epistemology in the context of theological education by highlighting the integration of divine revelation, human rationality, and theological formation processes in a global era characterized by pluralism, digitalization, and a crisis of truth authority. The main problem raised is the epistemological fragmentation in modern theological education that tends to separate revelation from rationality, thus impacting the weakness of faith formation and theological integrity. This study aims to formulate an integrative model of Christian epistemology that can address these challenges. The method used is a qualitative approach with a systematic literature study of classical and contemporary theological sources, as well as a conceptual analysis of Christian epistemological paradigms. The results show that the integration of revelation, reason, and faith experience produces a holistic epistemological model that not only strengthens theological foundations but also shapes students' spiritual character in a transformative manner. The main synthesis of this study is the Epistemological Theological Integration Framework (ETIF) model, which emphasizes that theological truth must be understood as a unity between biblical authority, rational reflection, and the practice of faith. In conclusion, an integrated Christian epistemology can serve as a solid foundation for theological education in facing global challenges and shaping a generation of contextual, reflective, and spiritual theologians.  

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 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.

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.