Faith Formation Research Articles

Desain Pelayanan Pastoral Orang Muda Katolik Gereja Santo Yosafat Surabaya menurut Christus Vivit

Young Catholics are called to continue proclaiming faith in the world as modern-day images of Jesus. In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis identifies young people as the "now of the Church" and recognizes their potential to improve the world. As a result, the Church must prepare the formation of young Catholics earnestly. This research explores and designs pastoral care for young Catholics at St. Josafat Church in Surabaya, in line with Christus Vivit. Using qualitative methods, the researcher conducted interviews, surveys, and literature studies to analyze the current pastoral care and develop a new design. While the pastoral movement at St. Josafat Church is active and based on Christus Vivit, it remains focused on bonding and lacks full integration. The general guidelines for the pastoral care of young people at St. Josafat Church Surabaya is aimed to enhance the formation process of young people. These guidelines address several needs specific to the youth, including: building bonding, faith formation, self-recognition and self-potential, leadership development, and the implementation of a missionary spirit. In the next phase, this general guideline for pastoral care for young people according to Christus Vivit will be periodically evaluated to ensure that pastoral care for young people is increasingly optimal and relevant.

Pedagogical Emphases on the Mystery of God: The Apophatic Predicament in Emerging Adult Faith Formation

For years Christian institutions in the West have observably supported and maintained kataphatic approaches to faith formation. Respectively, many schools have neglected apophatic considerations when teaching principles and approaches within emerging adult faith formation. Layered into this predicament is the strong inclination of predominantly kataphatic learning contexts to use increasing digital forms of instruction. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating reliance on digital technology in college classrooms has only exacerbated this dilemma. As a result, apophatic attentions, which tend to move away from trending pedagogical approaches and subsequent outcomes, remain formidable. The following paper employs a 14-year case review of students’ spiritual type similarities and differences at a private Christian university in the U.S. The review's theoretical and phenomenological framework utilizes spiritual typologies associated with apophatic and kataphatic nomenclature found in the “Circle of Sensibility” and espoused by spiritual type theorists. The data supports the theory of a general dividing line between approaches to Christian spirituality between apophatic and kataphatic taxonomical constructs. Additionally, perhaps most notably, this paper looks at digital distraction in current academic, spiritual formation contexts as a critical explanation for the lack of apophatic emphases. Digital distraction, in other words, undercuts the power of apophatic teaching. Based on the findings, recommendations for incorporating complementary kataphatic and apophatic approaches in spiritual formation coursework are offered.

Youth religiosity as a subject of philosophical reflection

The authors of the article consider the religiosity of youth as a social phenomenon that ensures the continuity of ethno-confessional traditions and values, the transformation of healthy faith and reason in the sphere of sociocultural life. The contradictions of traditional and modern, national and universal (mass culture) are established, which is reflected in spiritual and moral life, religiosity, as an opportunity to search for national identity. In this regard, this work aims at a social analysis of the traditional problem of faith and reason, the scientific understanding of which will provide an opportunity for the formation of healthy faith, tolerance, spiritual and moral improvement of the lifestyle of the population. The key objective of the research is the socio-political analysis of the new meaning of spiritual and cultural life in the context of faith and reason as a prevention of religious puritanism and extremism. The authors sought to show the reflection of constitutional reforms in the principles of a social, secular, democratic state in Uzbekistan and their implementation in the context of human rights and freedom of conscience as conditions for preventing religious extremism. The religiosity of the peoples of the East is largely connected with the warning about the Day of Judgment, which is reminded by spiritual mentors at every meeting or service, which allows us to conclude that faith in Islam stands guard over the Day of Judgment, which will become a holiday for the true believer.

Inducting the Socratic Method of Forming Faith in African Contexts

The Socratic method of questioning and answering as a learning and teaching strategy has been used widely over time, for it effectively stimulates meaningful learning. Its learner-centered and transformative nature promotes ongoing dialogue. Since cultural differences influence the nature of questions asked, induction of the Socratic method is inevitable so that faith formation leads to thinking theologically where faith becomes a contextual form of thinking and thinking a form of contextualized faith. Some mainline churches in Africa have adopted catechisms with pre-asked and pre-answered questions formulated in Europe between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. The challenges of time, culture, and geographical contextual differences create a gap between the church’s faith formation and context-based spiritual quests. These gaps demand asking the right questions that challenge and inverse wrong attitudes that foster deep reflective self-evaluation, interpretation, and understanding, shaping appropriate perceptions to address the contemporary spiritual quests of Africa. Using the qualitative literature review methodology, this article discovered that there are some gaps between questions and answers in catechisms used in mainline churches and contemporary spiritual quests of Africa. This article aims to discuss the means of closing the gap between questions and answers in catechism and context-based spiritual quests. It recommends induction of the Socratic method so that the questions and answers in catechisms are contextual, communicable, assimilable, and appropriable in African contexts. This study contributes to faith formation by recommending the induction of the Socratic method so that the questions and answers in catechisms are contextual, communicable, assimilable, and appropriable in African contexts. Keywords: Inducting, Socratic Method, Faith Formation, Questions and Answers Communicability, Assimilability, Appropriateness

Peran Gembala dalam Membentuk Karakter dan Iman Kristen pada Jemaat dalam Melawan Pengaruh LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, dan Transgender)

The role of the pastor is very important and has a big impact in shaping the character and Christian faith based on biblical truth. Many challenges arise that fade the value of Christianity today, one of which is LGBT, LGBT eats away from young to old and is no exception. The purpose of this study is to provide answers to the problems of Christianity in the face of LGBT threats, namely through character building and Christian faith that is true and based on the Bible. The method used in this research is a qualitative method, data collection is done through searching and selecting relevant articles from various scientific sources. The result of this research is to know the magnitude and impact of the Shepherd in building character and Christian Faith. Through appropriate strategies the formation of character and Christian Faith can be well formed.

Pendidikan Islam pada Masa Pembaharuan

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the concept of education was not fully formed as we understand it today. However, through the Prophet's actions and efforts in spreading the teachings of Islam, he served not only as a teacher but also as a character builder. The Prophet's preaching successfully transformed the Arabs in Mecca, who were previously engaged in idol worship, into worshipers of the One God, Allah. Islamic education emphasizes the formation of mental attitudes reflected in tangible actions, both for the benefit of individuals and society. It not only focuses on theoretical aspects but also on the practical implementation of the teachings imparted. Islamic education encompasses the formation of faith and the practice of good deeds simultaneously, as well as aspects of individual and social education. The history of Islamic education has undergone various phases of development alongside the development of Islam itself, from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the leadership of the Caliphs in different Islamic states. However, along with the decline of the Muslim community, Islamic education has also experienced a similar decline. This study adopts a Literature Review approach, involving the collection of literature data through digital libraries and the internet, as well as the use of document studies on previous research findings. Journal searches were conducted through Google Scholar and academic literature related to Islamic education during the reform period.

“Taken, Blessed, Broken, Given”: Lukan Table Practices in the Faith Formation of Christian Communities

Luke’s Eucharistic pattern not only serves as a Christological marker, but formative pattern for Christian faith communities. In this article, I appeal to Luke’s Eucharistic pattern to advance the claim that hospitable Eucharistic table practices are not only consistent with Luke’s Christology but also form faith that is capable of confronting and dismantling psychological disgust responses to outsiders. This motif is expanded in Luke–Acts, where acts of table fellowship become the places where socio-moral barriers are transgressed, signaling the good news of the gospel, especially for Gentiles. Drawing from biblical scholarship as well as recent work in psychology, I will advance the claim that hospitable Eucharistic practices not only expose disgust psychology in the faith formation of persons but also act as a potential balm, forming persons according to the good news proclaimed in Luke–Acts.

Pembinaan Iman Umat di Stasi Santo Tomas Onodohalawa sebagai Wujud Kasih kepada Sesama

The university community has three pillars in carrying out its duties and functions, namely the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The three pillars are Teaching, Research, and Community Service. In this case, the service carried out is the development of faith for the people at Stasi Santo Thomas Onodohalawa. The development of the faith of the people is an act of love that aims to develop the faith of the people. The faithful of Stasi St. Thomas Onodohalawa are among the people who are willing to follow faith formation for the growth of faith that is useful for arranging a better life as Christians. The openness and enthusiasm of the people is an opportunity for STP Dian Mandala Lecturers to realize their identity as educators on campus and at the same time as solid teachers of the Catholic faith. The methods used for this community service are Liturgical Celebrations, sharing, and catechesis. This is the starting point of the need for faith development of the people at St. Thomas Onodohalawa. Based on these needs, the lecturers work together to divide the team in carrying out the coaching activities. The lecturers also involve students as a form of cadre for prospective young catechists. The preparation of the material was carried out by the team by studying together and exploring various reading sources that support the theme of community development. The purpose of this service is to help the growth of the faith of the people at the station. Thus, they are able to live in society as good and virtuous citizens in accordance with the true teachings of the Catholic faith.

The Category of Good Faith in Modern Russian Civil Law

The paper considers the main approaches to understanding the essence of the category of good faith in modern civil law of the Russian Federation. The emphasis is placed on the problem of the lack of a unified approach to understanding this category in modern civil law science. The author analyzes the historical course of the development and formation of good faith: it takes its origins from the category of bona fides of Roman private law, which clearly had a moral significance. The conclusion is formulated about the borrowing of such a meaning by the modern category of conscientiousness. Explaining the provisions of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation on the category of good faith, the Plenum of the Supreme Court applied a broad interpretation and determined that its key feature is the coordination of its interests with the interests of other subjects of civil turnover. The paper examines the approaches of various scientists to understanding the category in question. Thus, according to E. E. Bogdanova, conscientiousness is a purely moral category and can be assessed only from the standpoint of the rules of morality. E. A. Sukhanov’s approach, on the contrary, considers good faith as the condition of a person who is unaware of facts entailing certain legal consequences and defines this category as «ethically indifferent». The position of I. B. Novitsky, who for the first time divided conscientiousness into objective and subjective categories, is noteworthy. Objective conscientiousness acts as an external measure of civil legal relations, while subjective conscientiousness is a person’s ignorance of circumstances important to the law. The author concludes on the flexibility of the category of good faith due to its ambiguous and ambivalent nature.

Gusti Yesus Rawuh Paring Urip Lan Kaluberan

The background to this Community Service Activity (PkM) is: First, there is a need among congregation members for speakers/lecturers/who can speak Javanese so that the participants better understand the material for faith formation, in the context of commemorating Good Friday and Easter. Second, there is a need to refresh the commitment of congregation members in their faith in Jesus Christ. Third, there is a need for a correct understanding of Good Friday and Easter for the general public, so that they get the correct information about this. The aim of this Community Service activity is as follows: First, so that the message of the lecture about the coming of Jesus who gives life and abundance (John 10:10b) can be captured or understood more clearly by the recipients of this PkM service, because it is delivered in Javanese . Second, to explain the material for community service through faith formation lectures. Third, to determine respondents' satisfaction as participants in this community service activity. The results of this devotion are: First, faith formation material with the theme "Christ came to give life and abundance" including that Jesus is the door to guaranteeing safety and security, Jesus came to give life and abundance and Jesus guides the lost sheep. The level of satisfaction of the participants with the material and its delivery is at the level of hight (85,11%).

Revolutionizing Catechesis: Embracing Technology for Effective Faith Formation

Revolutionizing Catechesis: Embracing Technology for Effective Faith Formation

Application of Design Thinking as a Renewable Pastoral Method in Faith Formation Based on Age And Sustainable in The Faith of The Alpha Generation

Application of Design Thinking as a Renewable Pastoral Method in Faith Formation Based on Age And Sustainable in The Faith of The Alpha Generation

Peran Media Sosial dalam Katekese guna Membangun Iman di Era Digital

This article discusses the role of social media in catechesis to build faith in the digital age. The digital age has brought about major changes in the way we communicate and access information. Social media, as a product of the digital technology revolution, has become a highly efficient and effective means of communication, connecting individuals around the world quickly and easily. The Catholic Church views social media as an important tool for evangelization, faith formation, and spreading the values of love and truth. Through social media, the Church can influence more people to take the message of Christ to different corners of the world and offer new opportunities for catechesis to reach out to people and nurture their faith. Digital catechesis is a very effective tool in educating and deepening the faith of the people, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere of faith. The church has an important role in guiding its people to integrate their faith in digital life, making technology a tool to strengthen faith and Christian values. This article provides some suggestions for the effective use of social media in catechesis, such as the development of innovative catechesis programs, digital education for parishioners, collaboration with communities and technologists, and evaluation of the impact of social media use. In this strategy, the Church can utilize social media to strengthen the faith of the people and create a more faithful and dignified community in the digital age.

Membangkitkan Semangat Orang Muda Katolik Dalam Berkatekese

Catechesis is an important aspect in building the spirit of young Catholics in their faith formation. This article has a catechetical role in forming the foundations of young people's spiritual life and overcoming challenges in the process of faith development. With reference to Church documents that emphasize the importance of catechesis, this article discusses some strategies that can be used to increase the participation of young people in catechesis, including the use of technology as well as involvement in church activities. The research method used in this article is a qualitative method with an observation and literature study approach. The researcher observes young people in catechesis and collects data from articles, journals, and books that are appropriate to the topic discussed. In addition, the article discusses the challenges that young people face in catechesis, such as a lack of understanding of the relevance of catechesis, academic pressures, as well as the influence of secular culture. Considering these challenges, this article may suggest strategies to overcome the boredom that young people experience in blessing and also the importance of listening to the views and experiences of young people. As such, this article aims to awaken the spirit of parents in blessing and strengthen the foundation of their faith.

Establishing Faith – The Close Relationships, the Early Influences and the Aspect of Integrity and Trust

Abstract This study examines the establishment of Christian faith amongst Norwegians aged 30–40, with focus on the impact and nature of early religious influences. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research synthesizes quantitative data from 585 participants, complemented by qualitative follow-ups with 10 respondents from the initial cohort. The tripartite investigation probes into the dynamics of Christian faith formation in this demographic. It particularly scrutinizes the synergy between personal relationships and engagement in Christian practices. The findings suggest a composite of activities that collectively underscore their significance. While youth ministry and parental influence during adolescence play notable roles, the qualities embodied in personal relationships – characterized by warmth, trustworthiness, and integrity – may be more crucial than the structural aspects of the relationships themselves. These insights contest conventional views of predominant influences on faith formation and religious acculturation, underscoring the salience of authentic interpersonal connections in navigating one’s spiritual trajectory.

Will the children have faith in the post-pandemic era? Investigating models of children’s faith formation in a world changed by pandemic experiences

ABSTRACT In a world significantly marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine the modes of contemporary children’s faith formation and ask why these have not altered in light of so much societal change. What is the role and function of faith communities in nurturing a child’s faith in contemporary times? Almost fifty years ago, John Westerhoff first asked the question: ‘Will our children have faith?’ critiquing processes of children’s faith formation. This paper seeks to examine this same question, now in the context of widespread pandemic prompted self-evaluation of religious perspectives and practices. This study examines parental and church perspectives on modern-day children’s Christian faith formation, investigating the effectiveness of established paradigms. The tentative findings reveal significant disconnections regarding perceptions, expectations and roles of key players and an urgent need for revising of the established and dominant methods of the global church in their efforts to effectively nurture the faith of younger generations.

Improving the Quality of Children's Faith Formation through Catechesis for First Communion Preparation in the Parish with a Holistic Approach

This study aims to evaluate and improve the quality of children's faith formation through catechesis preparation for First Communion in the Parish. The research method is descriptive quantitative, with data collected using surveys through Google Forms. The study population consists of parents or guardians of children preparing for First Communion, with a sample of 23 respondents. Data analysis uses descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that catechesis activities and children's experiences preparing for First Communion significantly impact the quality of children's faith formation. Most respondents reported positive experiences and perceived improvements in their children's understanding and practice of the Catholic faith. However, factors inhibiting optimal faith formation were also identified, particularly the need for increased parental involvement. The study recommends encouraging parental participation, providing necessary resources and guidance for active engagement in children's religious education. To enhance children's faith formation, collaboration between parents, churches, and catechists is recommended, along with establishing effective communication channels between these stakeholders.

예전과 기독교 교육 : 신앙형성과 전수를 위한 핵심축

예전과 기독교 교육 : 신앙형성과 전수를 위한 핵심축

The First USTFMS Department of Medicine Stethoscope Tagging Ceremony

It is just fitting for the oldest medical school in the Philippines, the UST Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, which just celebrated its sesquicentennial year, to initiate this trailblazing stethoscope tagging ceremony for 418 second-year medical students belonging to USTFMS Batch 2026. This activity is aligned with enhancing the Thomasian identity (one of the strategic directional areas [SDA 2] of the university) once they graduate, the Thomasian Physician identity. The stethoscope remains the symbolic representation of physician and patient care. The innovative and pivotal activity, completely different from other international medical schools’ rite of passage, was marked with meaningful symbolisms unique to USTFMS. This rite also involved a pledge to the patroness of the Department of Medicine, Mary Untier of Knots, who would thus qualify for a robust faith formation program of the university (key result area [KRA 1]). Indeed, this would be the beginning of an annual celebration of strengthening faith, hope, and charity (patient care advocacy), TRIA HAEC, the three virtues of St. Paul that comprise the core values of Thomasian education.

Have they arrived at Galilee? The insights of emerging leaders in a long-term spiritual and faith formation programme

This study explored the perceptions of ongoing participants in the Galilee Spiritual and Faith Formation programme on the development of their personal and faith formation. The study used a constructivist paradigm, specifically that of interpretivism and employed a symbolic interactionist perspective to explore participant perceptions. The methodology for the study was an instrumental case study. Data were collected through a focus group interview with six participants and written responses from other two participants unable to attend the focus group. The results firstly indicated that continued involvement with the Galilee Spiritual and Faith Formation programme had made a positive impact on participants’ personal efficacy and confidence in their own spirituality and faith. Secondly, continued involvement in the Galilee programme had enhanced participants’ professional efficacy or confidence to lead others in deepening their spirituality and faith.