Publication Search

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.

This study aims to analyze strategies for increasing reading interest in developing a literate generation among elementary school students and to identify factors influencing literacy culture within school and family environments. The phenomenon of low reading interest among elementary school students has become a significant concern because the rapid development of digital technology tends to shift students’ attention from reading activities to audiovisual entertainment. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach using a case study method at SDN 1 Notoharjo. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The participants consisted of one classroom teacher and four third-grade students of SDN 1 Notoharjo. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was tested using source triangulation and method triangulation. The findings revealed that literacy strengthening was implemented through morning reading activities, book discussions, the use of visual and digital media such as e-books, and the utilization of reading corners and school libraries. The study also found that students’ reading interest was influenced by the availability of reading materials, the comfort of literacy environments, family support, and the dominant use of gadgets for entertainment purposes. This study contributes scientifically by strengthening the concept of collaborative literacy involving schools, families, and digital technology in developing reading culture among elementary school students. The findings imply the need for more integrated, adaptive, and sustainable literacy programs to improve students’ reading interest in the digital era.  

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 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 study highlights the importance of spirituality as a foundational framework for shaping adolescents’ life orientation in the complex digital era, marked by pervasive distractions and fragmented meaning. Ignatian spirituality, emphasizing reflection and lived experience as loci of encounter with God, provides a contextual approach to help adolescents construct deeper existential meaning. The study aims to examine how reflective practices within this framework support students of SMK Katolik St. Mikael Surakarta in internalizing spiritual values and navigating digital challenges. Using a qualitative descriptive case study design, data were collected from 195 reflective writings of twelfth-grade students and reduced to 90 representative samples. The film Hacksaw Ridge was employed as a reflective stimulus to enhance affective and existential engagement. Data analysis was conducted using the four pillars of Jesuit education: Competence, Conscience, Compassion, and Commitment. The findings reveal that all reflections contain at least one element of the 4C framework integrated with Ignatian spirituality. Reflection serves not only as a medium of self-expression but also as a transformative process fostering moral awareness, social sensitivity, and commitment to action. It effectively enables students to process both personal and digital experiences into meaningful learning. The study affirms the strong relevance of integrating spirituality, reflection, and Ignatian pedagogy in contemporary education, contributing to the formation of reflective, value-oriented individuals committed to the common good.

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.

This study aims to examine the influence of principal leadership and school culture on teacher discipline in public junior high schools (SMP Negeri) in Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency. Teacher discipline is an important factor in supporting the effectiveness of the learning process and achieving educational goals. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to teacher discipline is essential for improving school performance. This study employed a quantitative research method with a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires consisting of 66 statement items measured using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques to determine both partial and simultaneous effects of the independent variables on teacher discipline. The results indicate that principal leadership has a positive and significant partial effect on teacher discipline, as evidenced by a t-value of 5.127, which is greater than the t-table value of 1.9809. School culture also has a positive and significant partial effect on teacher discipline, with a t-value of 7.244 exceeding the t-table value of 1.9809. Furthermore, principal leadership and school culture simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on teacher discipline, as indicated by an F-value of 34.152, which is greater than the F-table value of 3.07. These findings suggest that strengthening principal leadership and fostering a positive school culture can significantly improve teacher discipline.

The development of digital technology has brought significant changes in the field of education, especially in the learning process, school management systems, and teachers' work patterns. This situation requires school principals' leadership who can adapt, be innovative, and act as agents of change in improving teachers' work ethic. This study aims to analyze the role of school principals' transformational leadership in enhancing teachers' work ethic in the digital era and to examine its relevance to educational transformation. The research method used is a qualitative approach with a literature study type through the analysis of various journals and scientific sources from 2020–2025. The results of the study indicate that school principals' transformational leadership plays an important role in increasing teachers' motivation, commitment, and professionalism through ideal influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. In addition, this leadership is also capable of creating a work culture that is collaborative, innovative, and adaptive to technological developments. Digital transformation in education not only involves the use of technology but also changes in work culture and the improvement of human resource competencies in schools. The implications of this research confirm that school principals as transformational leaders have a strategic role in the success of educational transformation in the digital era through the continuous enhancement of teachers' work ethic.

This study explores the acceptance of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) at SD Inpres Gere through William of Ockham's negative rights framework, focusing on freedom from external interference. As a positive rights policy (the right to services), the MBG has the potential to conflict with the principles of individual subjective rights (negative rights). Ockham emphasized that every individual has a personal sovereignty that must be free from interference from external authorities. Using qualitative research methods through literature studies and interviews, this article analyzes the risk of standardizing consumption that can reduce individual autonomy in determining their private needs. The analysis shows that although the MBG has a noble aim to fulfill the right to life, its implementation risks becoming a form of state paternalism that harms citizens' negative freedoms if not accompanied by strict limits on power. This paper concludes that to align with Ockham's principle of individual subjective rights, the MBG program must continue to respect the private space and diversity of individual choices without creating dependency that erodes the sovereignty of legal subjects.

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 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.

This article examines the leadership of Bu Nyai at Al-Azhar Azzayadiyah Islamic Boarding School as a representation of gender equality within traditional Islamic educational institutions. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation studies as data collection techniques. The research focuses on how Bu Nyai exercises leadership authority within a pesantren environment that has long been influenced by patriarchal values.\n\nThe findings reveal that Bu Nyai’s leadership is not only cultural and spiritual in nature, but also reflects the transformation of women’s roles within Islamic boarding schools. In carrying out her leadership, Bu Nyai applies charismatic, transformational, and value-based leadership styles grounded in Islamic teachings on justice and equality. This leadership is reflected in her ability to guide students, manage educational activities, build harmonious social relationships, and motivate members of the pesantren community.\n\nFurthermore, the presence of Bu Nyai as a leader demonstrates that women possess equal capabilities in developing Islamic educational institutions. The findings of this study provide important contributions to the development of gender studies in Islamic education in Indonesia, particularly regarding the strategic role of women in pesantren leadership.

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.

The rapid development of globalization has significantly influenced modern education systems, requiring not only the advancement of knowledge but also the strengthening of moral and spiritual values. This study aims to analyze the integration of Islamic values within modern education systems in the era of globalization. The research employs a qualitative approach with a library research method, utilizing various academic sources such as books, journals, and relevant documents. Data are collected through documentation techniques and analyzed using content analysis to interpret and synthesize existing theories and findings. The results indicate that the integration of Islamic values can be effectively implemented through curriculum development, teaching methods, digital technology utilization, and the role of educators as value transmitters. Furthermore, the study reveals that a holistic and systematic integration approach is essential to balance intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development in learners. The implications of this research highlight the importance of developing an integrative education model that aligns Islamic principles with modern scientific and technological advancements, in order to produce individuals who are not only academically competent but also possess strong moral character in facing global challenges.

The era of digital disruption has brought significant changes to various aspects of life, including Islamic education. Islamic educational institutions face various challenges, such as limited digital literacy among educators, minimal use of technology in the learning process, disparities in access to digital infrastructure, and challenges in maintaining Islamic values ​​amidst the flow of information globalization. Furthermore, the changing character of students, who are increasingly familiar with technology, demands innovation in learning methods and media. This study aims to identify the various challenges facing Islamic educational institutions in the era of digital disruption and formulate relevant adaptation strategies. The method used is a literature review analyzing various related scientific sources. The results of the study indicate that possible adaptation strategies include improving educators' digital competencies, integrating technology into the curriculum, strengthening character based on Islamic values, and developing flexible and innovative digital-based learning systems. Thus, Islamic educational institutions are expected to survive and develop adaptively without losing their identity and core values.

This study examines the interpretation of the Qur’anic verse mentioning the lion in QS. Al-Muddathir [74]: 51 through the approach of tafsir ilmi (scientific exegesis). The aim of this research is to analyze the theological meaning of the term qaswarah, explore the interpretations of classical and contemporary exegetes, and relate them to the perspective of animal science as well as the underlying wisdom. This study employs a qualitative method with a library research approach, using primary sources from Qur’anic verses and classical tafsir works, and secondary sources from books, journal articles, and relevant scientific literature. The results show that the term qaswarah in QS. Al-Muddathir [74]: 51 has various interpretations, such as lion, hunter, or something frightening. However, most exegetes tend to interpret it as a lion due to its relevance to the context of the parable in the verse. The parable illustrates people who turn away from the truth like wild donkeys fleeing in fear from a predator. From the perspective of tafsir ilmi, this depiction aligns with scientific facts that identify the lion as an apex predator capable of triggering a fight-or-flight response in prey animals. Furthermore, the mention of the lion in the Qur’an is not merely descriptive but also contains theological, ecological, moral, and psychological values. The lion serves as a symbol to describe irrational human behavior in rejecting the truth. Thus, tafsir ilmi demonstrates a harmonious relationship between revelation and science, where natural phenomena are used as a medium to convey profound moral and spiritual messages.

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 article discusses the relevance of the concept of the bonum commune (the common good) in the thought of Thomas Aquinas as a moral foundation in the era of digital disruption. The era of digital disruption is characterised by profound changes in the way humans live, interact, and utilise technology. Amidst these developments, a weak moral foundation has led to a lack of technological orientation towards the common good. Without a fundamental moral foundation, technology will be directed solely towards profitability, disregarding human values and fostering an individualistic society. This study employs a qualitative method based on a literature review, analysed through a hermeneutic reading of Aquinas’s principal work, the *Summa Theologica*, as well as literature on digital ethics. The results of the study indicate that the bonum commune is a fundamental ethical principle that can guide the use of digital technology towards justice, social responsibility, and the common good.