Christian Education Research Articles

God's word for gen alpha: the use of Multimethods to attract interest in the Indonesian Bethel Church in the city of Madya Bogor, West Java

The church is the center of Christian education in teaching God's word. Through the study of God's words, leaders educate and mature God's people. Therefore, the essence of the church is to provide good Word education, especially among the Alpha generation. The alpha generation, which is growing in the midst of the development of extraordinary information flows, needs to protect its faith from the hedonistic and secular lifestyle of this century. However, in the reality of church ministry that is found today, it turns out that the alpha generation is less interested in learning the Word. A more innovative approach is needed to increase the interest of the alpha generation in learning the word. Based on the above background, the researcher intends to conduct research on the use of Multimethods to increase interest in learning God's word of the alpha generation. This research was held considering the importance of the use of Multimethods which is suspected to be still rarely used in the study of God's Word in the Sunday school of the Indonesian Bethel Church synod in Bogor. From the results of the researchers' observations, it was found that the lack of interest in learning the Word of God was influenced by several factors, which consisted of: the learning process was less interesting, so that it caused a feeling of boredom; and Second, the use of teaching methods that are less varied. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of examining how much direct influence the use of Multimethods in teaching God's word on the learning interest of the Alpha generation in the Indonesian Bethel Church in the Municipality of Bogor. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach, using path analysis and survey research methods. The data collection methods used are questionnaires and documentation. This study involved 86 respondents from 102 Sunday school teachers of the Indonesian Bethel Church in the Municipality of Bogor, West Java, using the Krejcie and Morgan formulas. From the results of the study, it was found that: Variable Multimethods has an indirect influence in explaining the variable of Interest in Learning God's Word through Learning Media. The indirect influence of Multimethods on the Interest in Learning God's Word through Learning Media was 64.3%, while the remaining 35.7% was influenced by other factors that were not spoken in the study (epsilon).

Shepherding with Love: Apostle Peter's Guidance from 1 Peter 5:1-4 for Christian Educators

Jesus Christ, as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), serves as the primary model for spiritual leaders in fulfilling their pastoral duties. In John 10:11, Jesus is portrayed as a faithful Shepherd who lovingly cares for His sheep and is even willing to sacrifice His life for them. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave a special commission to Peter to undertake the pastoral task (John 21:15-17), emphasizing that this duty is a sacred calling entrusted by God to be carried out according to His will. This study aims to examine the Apostle Peter's advice on shepherding in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and its relevance for Christian Educators. The research employs a qualitative method using literature review and biblical text analysis to identify leadership principles in shepherding. The findings reveal that the Apostle Peter's advice includes four key principles for a shepherd's ministry: serving willingly, being sincere in devotion, exhibiting humility, and being a good example to the congregation. These principles are considered essential for cultivating the spirituality of service for a Christian Educator who acts as a lecturer or teacher. In conclusion, the Apostle Peter's advice on shepherding provides guidance for spiritual leaders to fulfill their roles as Christian Educators in accordance with Christ's example, characterized by love, integrity, and dedication.

Political or Religious Policy? Indigenous Christian Education in the Dutch East Indies Era

This study is a textual analysis discussing the existence of Christian educational institutions for indigenous students under the Dutch colonial administration in the Dutch East Indies. The primary objective of this research is to examine the underlying motives behind the Dutch colonial government’s policies on Christian education for indigenous communities, specifically to determine whether these policies were politically or religiously motivated. Focusing on historical contexts, this research employs historical methods to reconstruct past events. The central question addressed is the Dutch colonial government’s main focus in shaping policies for Christian education through mission institutions for indigenous communities: whether these were driven by political interests or religious considerations. Data sources were obtained from literature and historical documents archived in data storage centers and libraries. The findings, using a structuration methodology, reveal a pragmatic dualism underlying the colonial government’s policies, which shifted according to the socio-political context.

Exploring Jesus' Teaching Methods: Effective Strategies for 21st-Century Education

21st-century education is a process of enhancing both the quantity and quality of overall talent or potential, empowering individuals to develop better personal character so that the knowledge gained can be applied in their lives. This paper aims to explore how Jesus' teaching methods can be applied as an effective strategy for 21st-century education. 21st-century education encourages educators to utilize technology as a medium for learning, where the learning process and outcomes focus not only on the results achieved but also on the classroom learning process. This study employs a qualitative research method based on a literature review to analyze the issues the author wishes to investigate. The findings of the research indicate that educators should emulate and adopt Jesus' teaching methods by utilizing technology as a means of delivering education to students, particularly in the field of Christian religious education. This approach can effectively transfer knowledge about Christian teachings, thereby enhancing students' faith and spirituality to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Therefore, educators must strive to educate students to keep up with the developments of the 21st century, fostering critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, all based on the Word of God and the fear of God.

PEMIKIRAN FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE: TUHAN TELAH MATI DAN IMPLIKASINYA BAGI PENDIDIKAN AGAMA KRISTEN

This article aims to analyze Friedrich Nietzche's thoughts on God is dead. Nietzche said that humans have killed God with attitudes and behaviors that do not reflect the life of Jesus.Nietzsche's critique goes beyond simply acknowledging the absence of God; it confronts the implications of the absence of human existence. He argues that the death of God necessitates a radical reassessment of values, since the moral framework that has governed society is no longer tenable. In the context of Christian education, Nietzsche's assertion calls for a reassessment of the pedagogical approaches used in teaching religious concepts. However, many authors consider Nietzche's criticism as a form of rebellion and denigration of Christianity. The research method used is a literature study. The results of the study show that Nietzche's criticism contributes to thinking related to critical thinking, multicultural education and the development of Christian educators' abilities in implementing each learning, so that Christian doctrinal fascism does not occur. Nietzsche's statement about the death of God presents both challenges and opportunities for Christian religious education.

Christianity and Boxing: A Review Essay and Position Statement

The sport of boxing has existed since ancient times, with fights sometimes ending in death. In the modern world, with our greater medical knowledge, the risks of brain and other life-changing injuries have called into question whether boxing has a place in contemporary society. In fact, professional boxing has been banned in some European countries. There are also questions about whether it is appropriate to encourage spectators to watch two individuals attempting to punch each other into oblivion and about the effect this can have on those watching. The fact that, in recent years, we have seen the development of women’s boxing both in the Olympics and at the professional level raises further questions. The particular emphasis of this paper is to note the number of committed Christians involved in boxing from grassroots to the elite level and to consider whether involvement in such a violent sport can be reconciled with the teaching of Jesus Christ. The main source of data is published biographies and autobiographies of Christian boxers and some interviews. There is very little published material at an academic level on the topic that we are considering. The conclusion is that despite the sincerity of the Christian boxers involved in the sport, it is difficult to justify boxing as a sport in relation to Christian teaching.

Метод погружения в эпическую ситуацию как средство формирования и коррекции ценностной ориентации подростков

Russian heroic folk sagas (byliny) have been a central element of Folk Education as a distinct genre of folklore that actively shaped and refined the listener’s value system, influencing their perception of the world and their moral compass. The folk epic storytelling was a multifaceted cultural practice, incorporating pedagogical and psychotherapeutic functions.This practice promoted Christian teachings, instilled social norms, fostered a sense of national pride, emphasized the importance of family and tradition, and encouraged care for the less fortunate, including widows, orphans, and the impoverished. Based on an entertaining form of students’ acquaintance with important events of Russian history, heroes and traditions, an epic situation immersion method confronts the task of moral choice, which they solve together with the epic heroes. This method contributes to students’ cognitive abilities, imaginative development, moral character, and appreciation for their country and ancestors.

Reconciliation Pedagogy as Peacebuilding through Education in the Context of Cameroon

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine Reconciliation Pedagogy as Peacebuilding through Education in the Context of Cameroon Methodology: Being a literature-based paper, there was introduction of the paper in which some concepts were defined, a review of relevant literature on Cameroonian scholarship about the ongoing crisis, review of global literature on reconciliation pedagogy, a description of the role of a Christian teacher as a reconciliation pedagogue, and a proposed reconciliation pedagogical framework from a Christian perspective. Findings: The Christian Teacher can positively provide good influence to help address the current Anglophone crisis in Cameroon through pedagogy for contextual reconciliation. This would be seen in actual ethical paradigms like forgiveness, compassionate care, honesty, love, justice and equity as Christian virtues of being and doing, which is a potential gap in teachers’ practice in a crisis situation. Hence, the paper seeks to provide a new paradigmatic shift in ethical discernment in teaching pupils/students who are the immediate beneficiaries of reconciliation pedagogy and the society at large. The focus is not on inculcating ideas but in shaping life through teaching and modeling of Christian virtues that would be constructive to the development of students and the society in general. This would be an integrative approach of historical, ethical, spiritual and practical principles and Christian thinking and doing. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The paper suggests a contextual pedagogy for the Christian Teacher’s practice which is a form of summary of the roles they can play as reflective pedagogues. Hence, this paper sought to suggest reconciliation pedagogy from a Christian perspective for the Cameroonian context which is a characterized with human abuse and which both teachers and learners are victims. It is hoped that the suggested framework guides the Christian Teacher’s practice towards the reconstruction of the society as a step in the process of reconciliation in view of the current Anglophone crisis in Cameroon.

Anger and Art Ambivalent emotion in art

The present study investigates the depiction of anger in Western visual art, highlighting the paradox of this emotion: its inherent unpleasantness and repulsiveness versus its artistic representation. The authors examine historical transformations in the expression of anger and the mechanisms that render its depiction effective in art. Despite being a fundamental human emotion encountered from birth, anger is surprisingly scarce in Western visual art. Historical artworks often depict actions resulting from anger rather than capturing its raw emotional expression. Kelly Grovier's essay "Art of Feeling: Why We Should Celebrate Anger" posits that the rarity of anger’s depiction may stem from its classification as a deadly sin by early Christian teachings, which stigmatized the emotion. However, significant works such as Delacroix's "Medea" and Gentileschi's "Judith" juxtapose violent acts with serene facial expressions, underscoring a disconnect between action and emotional display. The repulsiveness and transformative impact of anger on human appearance make it a challenging subject for art. Yet, works like Cabanel's "Fallen Angel" and Gérôme's "Truth Coming Out of Her Well" explore this transformation, employing beauty to attract and distortion to repulse, thereby creating a Medusa-like effect. This duality engages viewers and evokes mixed emotions, which enhances an artwork's impact. Furthermore, anger can drive creative innovation, as demonstrated in works by Munch, Picasso, and Kahlo, where personal and societal grievances fuel artistic expression. However, prolonged anger may lead to destructive creativity, emphasizing the complex role of anger in art and its potential for both innovation and hostility. This multifaceted exploration underscores anger’s unique, albeit limited, place in visual arts and its dual capacity to repel and inspire.

The Relationship between Christian Education and Local Wisdom and Students' Negative Behavior in Gunungsitoli City, Nias Islands

This research is motivated by facts about students’ negative behavior or students’ negative behavior in Gunungsitoli City, Nias Islands, the occurrence of which fluctuates. This research aims to analyze the relationship between Christian education and local wisdom and students’ negative behavior in Gunungsitoli City, Nias Islands. This research is based on theories relating to Christian education, local wisdom, students’ negative behavior, the relationship between Christian education and students’ negative behavior, the relationship between local wisdom and students’ negative behavior, the relationship between Christian education and local wisdom and students’ negative behavior, and negative behavior. students in Gunungsitoli City, Nias Islands. The approach in this research uses a quantitative approach, with the correlation association method. Correlation research is useful for analyzing the relationship between a large number of variables in a study, which according to the results of the Normality Test in the One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov table in the SPSS version 26 program shows that the significant value is 0.063 > 0.05, so the data is normally distributed. The data was obtained by distributing questionnaires to 548 respondents in 12 churches domiciled in 6 sub-districts of Gunungsitoli City. This research provides positive and significant results and expectations, both partially known in the Coefficients table in the SPSS version 26 program, where 133.996 > F table value of 2.44, meaning H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted). The magnitude of the relationship between variables X1 and student negative behavior or students’ negative behavior in Gunungsitoli City, Nias Islands. This means that another 24.9% comes from other factors not examined in this study.

A Sociological-Ideological Approach to Interpreting 1 Corinthians 7:1-11: The Perspective on Marriage in the Corinthian Church

This article discusses the sociological-ideological interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7:1-11, where Paul responds to the Corinthians' questions regarding marriage and celibacy. In this analysis, the social and ideological context of Corinthian society serves as the basis for understanding Paul's views. By considering the moral conditions and social structure of Corinth, the article examines how the local worldview influenced the interpretation of the text, as well as how the biblical text impacts the social life of the church. The research findings indicate that Paul's decisions about marriage and celibacy were not based on absolute principles, but rather on the specific sociological circumstances in Corinth at the time. Paul's perspective on marriage is also closely related to the Christian teaching on the sacred relationship between Christ and His church. This article emphasizes the importance of considering the social context when interpreting biblical texts, particularly in understanding issues related to family and personal relationships within the church community.

Transgressive teaching and the Kingdom of God: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Teaching to Transgress

This year marks the 30th anniversary of bell hooks’ critical pedagogy classic, Teaching to Transgress. In her book, hooks offers a Black feminist perspective on education as the practice of freedom, putting forward an “engaged pedagogy” that seeks to foster healing and liberation for both teachers and students. This essay aims to honor hooks’ influential text by identifying how it has shaped our efforts to develop kingdom pedagogies. Through a collaborative Christian dialogue, we illuminate how Teaching to Transgress can empower Christian educators to resist domination, cultivate embodied vulnerability, and pursue teaching and learning as a healing enterprise.

Synodal Discernment on a Catechetical Drama called “Service of Light,” Its Impact on the Integral Education and Edification of Faith of the Laity

Synodality is a vital characteristic of the Catholic Church's life and mission, highlighting joint revitalization through listening, discernment, and active participation. Inspired by this concept, researchers started a study exploring the impact of the "Service of Light," a catechetical drama observed during Easter vigil, on local parishioners within the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the Philippines. Employing an exploratory and qualitative approach, the researchers examined the denotative and connotative meanings embedded in images and narratives surrounding this ritual, using Roland Barthes' semiotic model for analysis. The study involved visiting five local Catholic parishes within the archdiocese, conducting purposive sampling for survey interviews, and gathering visuals. Results uncovered meaningful impacts of the Service of Light on the integral Christian education and spiritual edification of the parishioners. The catechetical drama served as a powerful teaching tool that deepened the parishioners’ understanding of Christian doctrine. It helped develop a sense of belonging within their faith community. Moreover, the Service of Light generated spiritual renewal and strengthened individual faith. The ritual's symbolism aroused a deeper connection with God, empowering parishioners to live out their faith more fully in daily life. The Service of Light was acknowledged as a tool of faith that continues to inspire the parishioners to bear fruit for years to come. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of the Service of Light in parishioners' Christian education and spiritual journey, emphasizing its role in fostering community, deepening understanding of faith, and inspiring personal and communal growth. As a recommendation, the researchers are suggesting future research to explore the perspectives of ordained clergy for a comprehensive understanding of its impact on Christian communities.

The Educational Significance of Feminist Theology in Contemporary Christian Education: Possibilities for a New Reading of Bible - Through the Examples of Biblical Interpretation by Berg, Moltmann, Moltmann-Wendel

The Educational Significance of Feminist Theology in Contemporary Christian Education: Possibilities for a New Reading of Bible - Through the Examples of Biblical Interpretation by Berg, Moltmann, Moltmann-Wendel

THE GENESIS AND GROWTH OF MODERN HEALTH CARE FACILITY IN MIZORAM

Until 1894, scientific health care facility was by and large non-existent in Mizoram (the then Lushai Hills), an isolated hilly state in North East India. In their secluded life, the Mizos maintained their own culture and their traditional belief and practices, language, Codes of justice and morality. It was the British administration and the Christian missionaries who introduced modern health care facilities in the state. The Mizos seems to have been quite receptive to the new system as a result of Christian instruction and the efficacy of the new system of health care.This paper provides an outline of the growth of modern health care facilities in the state since its inception till the dawn of the new millennium. It is desirable that the facility increases over time and should cater to the growing needs of the people with the increase in population and modern health consciousness. It also attempts to throw light on the Mizos traditional concept of illness and afflictions and their own system of treatment so as to get a keener insight into how societys attitude towards modern health care system has changed over time.

How churches make education policy: the churchification of Hungarian education and the social question under religious populism

ABSTRACT Since 2010, Hungary’s authoritarian populist government has radically redefined church-state relations, promoting the governance narrative of building an ‘old-style Christian democracy’. Public education has been reconceptualised within a religious framework and outsourced to religious actors. This article explores how key religious organisations engage with the government’s religious populism and govern their expanding school networks. Given the immanent tension between nativist Christian-conservative identity politics and Christian teachings about the church’s social mission, I focus on how Christian church elites have engaged with the education of underprivileged communities. Four characteristic types of strategic involvement are identified based on church education policies and their legitimacy discourses concerning their (lack of) engagement with the social question. Despite using different approaches to navigate political pressures, both the nativist illiberal and inclusive liberal visions of religion and their corresponding policies have reinforced the structures of segregated education and legitimised the government’s education policy.

Can Systematic Theology Be Saved? Doctrine and Its Discontents

This paper explores recent discussions on the nature and character of Christian doctrine and doctrinal arrangement within leading accounts of systematic theology, that is, the attempt to offer an integrated and cohesive account of the central commitments of the Christian faith. Through such discussion, I argue that the perennial epistemological problem systematic theology faces in its attempts to speak about a (divine) object who definitionally exceeds such speech is related to the specific ethical problem of systematic theology’s performances as a hegemonic discipline, one which often functions to exclude non-white, non-male perspectives. In light of these challenges, I contend that “positive” reasons for continuing systematic theology remain remote; systematic theology cannot be saved. Yet neither can it be avoided, lest such problems are willfully repeated and because of the ways systematic theology continues to be a leading site of doctrinal reflection within Christian education and intellectual reflection. I therefore conclude this paper by exploring two apocalyptic responses to the crises facing systematic theology which advocate for its continuation precisely by calling for its “end”.

Print Media and the Propagation of Christianity in Africa: A Historical View

This paper examines the role of the print media in communicating the gospel to indigenous Africans. Through a historical lens, the study identifies several factors that contributed to the effective use of the print media in the propagation of Christianity across Africa. These factors include the development of orthography for various African languages, the establishment of Western education, the rise of African missionaries, the translation of the Bible into local languages, and the emergence of modern journalism, with a particular focus on Nigeria. The findings reveal that the print media significantly promoted the spread of the gospel by facilitating the contextualisation of Christian teachings, fostering a spirit of ecumenism, advancing Western education, and reinforcing the commitment to fulfilling the Christian mission in Africa. The paper concludes by suggesting that the continued production and distribution of Christian literature such as tracts, magazines, handbills, posters, and further Bible translations into African languages would greatly enhance the ongoing propagation of Christianity throughout the continent.

Prinsip Dasar Kualitas Seorang Pengajar Kristen di Gereja Menurut 1 Timotius 4:6-8

Since the beginning, Christian education has come from the church, the church has become the center or center of Christian religious education so that Christian education in the church should be taken seriously, quality and quality should be improved. The church in the modern era needs qualified teaching staff. The quality of a teacher can be reviewed in the letter 1 Timothy 4:6-8 which is the topic of discussion in this article. By using a qualitative method and an interpretive approach (interpretative design) the author observes the text of 1 Timothy 4:6-8 with the principle of hermeneutic interpretation to reveal and explain the basic principles regarding the quality of Christian teachers in the church. The results found are that the quality of Christian teachers must have knowledge of the scriptures (intellectual) as a basis for teaching and have a good spiritual life (spiritual).

PERAN PSIKOLOGI PERKEMBANGAN DALAM DUNIA PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI DAN KAITANNYA DENGAN PENDIDIKAN KRISTEN

The role of developmental psychology is very important in early childhood education, because understanding the stages of child development helps educators in designing appropriate and effective curricula. This research examines this role by showing how the principles of developmental psychology can be applied in the context of early childhood education. Apart from that, this research examines the relationship between developmental psychology and Christian education, which emphasizes spiritual and moral values in the care and education of children. This research also examines the problems that occur in early childhood and looks at what factors cause these problems to occur and provide general treatment. By combining developmental theory and Christian education, this research aims to provide insight into the role of developmental psychology in early childhood education which supports children's cognitive and emotional development and shapes their character and morals in relation to Christian education. This research method uses a descriptive qualitative method, with data collection in the form of interview and observation techniques through several questions given, as well as observations made. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a practical guide for educators and parents in implementing educational strategies that are in accordance with child development values and Christian teachings.