Abstract:Islamic Religious Education (IRE) in the modern era is often trapped in an approach that is overly textual, dogmatic, and focused solely on legal aspects (fiqh) and rituals. This results in the marginalisation of the metaphysical…
aphysical dimensions of Islam—such as the concept of divinity (uluhiyah), the nature of humanity, the unseen world, the purpose of creation, and the spiritual relationship with Allah—which are in fact the foundation of the meaning and intrinsic motivation of all religious teachings. Without the internalisation of these metaphysical values, religious education risks becoming formalistic and unable to respond to existential challenges and spiritual crises amid the onslaught of materialism and secularisation in the modern world. This article aims to analyse the urgency and strategies for internalising metaphysical values within the framework of contemporary Islamic Religious Education, as well as to formulate an approach model relevant to the modern era. This study uses a qualitative method with a philosophical-analytical library research approach. Data were collected from primary sources such as the Qur'an, Hadith, and the works of classical and contemporary Islamic thinkers on education and metaphysics. The analysis was conducted hermeneutically and deductively to develop a conceptual framework. The analysis shows that the internalisation of metaphysical values in PAI is crucial for: (1) building a holistic Islamic worldview, (2) developing a deep spiritual awareness (ihsan), (3) providing a solid moral foundation that transcends positive law, and (4) creating mental-spiritual resilience in facing modern complexities. To achieve this, it is necessary to reorient the PAI curriculum to integrate metaphysical elements through an interdisciplinary approach (linking it to science, psychology, and philosophy), reflective and contemplative learning methods (such as tadabbur and tafakkur), and the use of digital technology as a medium for creative spiritual exploration.
Abstract:This study examines the main character’s search for identity in Tere Liye’s novel Sendiri (2024) through the lens of Carl Gustav Jung’s psychoanalytic theory. The research addresses the lack of in-depth psychological analysis…
al analysis regarding how the protagonist confronts inner conflict, loneliness, and past trauma in the process of identity formation. The study aims to describe the forms, strategies, and obstacles in the character’s identity quest, as well as to analyze the individuation process based on Jungian concepts such as persona, shadow, anima/animus, and the Self. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, utilizing close reading and thematic analysis of textual data from the novel. Findings reveal that the protagonist undergoes a complex, nonlinear psychological journey toward self-understanding, triggered by existential crisis and emotional isolation. Through deep introspection, symbolic interactions (particularly with natural elements like the moon), and confrontation with the shadow, the character gradually integrates fragmented aspects of the self. This study demonstrates that Jungian theory effectively uncovers the psychological depth of characters in contemporary Indonesian literature and affirms the relevance of literary fiction as a medium for reflecting on identity formation and emotional resilience in real life.
Abstract:This study originates from the increasing prevalence of subclinical narcissistic traits among church congregants, manifested in religious practices that appear devout yet are latently oriented toward external validation…
rather than an intimate relationship with God. This phenomenon generates a distortion of spirituality, as religious identity is constructed upon social recognition, thereby hindering spiritual-psychological well-being and displacing the longing for divine love. The research problem focuses on how subclinical narcissism operates as a psycho-spiritual disorder within the context of worship and how faith community engagement moderates this dynamic. Employing an integrative conceptual analysis and critical engagement with the psychology of religion literature, including the typology of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, this study finds that performance-based community cultures intensify narcissistic tendencies through symbolic competition and religious self-imaging, whereas inclusive and transformational communities function as corrective spaces that reorient the existential framework of congregants. The study concludes that restoration cannot be achieved merely through behavioral modification or the intensification of religious activities, but through a reorientation of worship that restores the True Self in relationship with Christ as the authentic source of self-worth. The novelty of this research lies in its conceptualization of subclinical narcissism as a form of worship disorder and in its emphasis on the role of faith community as a moderating variable within holistic spiritual therapy, thereby offering both theoretical and pastoral contributions to contemporary churches facing the challenges of performative spirituality.
Abstract:Students at the Theological Seminary (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi, STT) of GPI Papua bear a dual identity, not only as prospective church ministers but also as individuals with personal aspirations concerning academic achievement,…
ment, social mobility, and future professional paths. The tension between vocational calling and personal ambition constitutes an existential challenge that influences the construction of motivation, spirituality, and life orientation among theology students. This study aims to analyze the dialectical dynamics between these two dimensions and to examine how local Papuan cultural values shape students’ interpretations and efforts to harmonize them. The research problem stems from a lack of integrative theological understanding of personal ambition within the context of vocational ministry. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically to identify meaning structures, internal conflicts, and integration strategies employed by the students. The findings reveal that personal ambition is not necessarily antithetical to the calling of ministry; rather, it can serve as a constructive force when interpreted through a reflective spirituality grounded in contextual theology. Ambitions guided by Christian values can enhance ministerial capacity and foster authentic personal growth, whereas unmanaged ambition tends to lead to spiritual fragmentation. This study contributes a scientific model of integration between spiritual, personal, and cultural dimensions within theological formation. It recommends a reformulation of curriculum and spiritual formation strategies that are contextual, dialogical, and oriented toward the development of a holistic and culturally relevant vocational identity.
Abstract:Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 presents a fundamental and provocative theological statement about the reality of death as an inevitable fate for all humanity, without distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. This discourse…
se explicitly challenges the retributive ethical framework that assumes a linear relationship between morality and reward, while also revealing the existential absurdity of humans who often seek meaning through fragile worldly achievements. This study aims to interpret the pericope through an existential and contextual theological approach, focusing on its theological relevance in addressing the crisis of spirituality and ethics in modern culture dominated by ambition for power, economic exploitation, and the marginalization of transcendental values. Utilizing a reflective-critical hermeneutical method, this study argues that awareness of mortality should not lead to ontological despair, but rather serve as a starting point for forming a more authentic, relational, and ethical orientation to life. Death in this text functions as an epiphanic moment that unveils human limitations while reorienting existential focus toward God and social responsibility. The novelty of this research lies in its prophetic reading of a wisdom text that has often been interpreted pessimistically, highlighting its potential as a theological critique against modern nihilistic and anti-spiritual ideologies. This study contributes to the development of a contextual theological framework capable of constructively and transformatively responding to the crisis of meaning and ethics in contemporary society.
Abstract:Youth represent a socio-psycho-spiritual entity undergoing a critical transitional phase, characterized by identity crises, value disorientation, and pressures from secular-cultural influences. Within the framework of Christian…
ristian pastoral theology and pedagogy, faith formation serves as a strategic mechanism to cultivate integrative spiritual maturity, encompassing cognitive (doctrinal understanding), affective (spiritual affection), and conative (practical orientation) dimensions. This study analyzes the effectiveness of Bible Camp as an experiential learning-based faith formation model in the spiritual development of youth. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, the research explores the contribution of Bible Camp to the internalization of theological values, the construction of religious identity, and the strengthening of faith community cohesion. The findings indicate that Bible Camp activities—such as hermeneutic study, collective worship, existential reflection, and group dynamics—result in significant faith transformation on both personal and communal levels. This process aligns with Streib’s faith development theory and Mezirow’s transformative learning theory, which emphasize cognitive reconstruction through reflective experience within a social context. Bible Camp effectively mediates the transition from conventional faith to reflective and dialogical faith, while enhancing youth’s spiritual competencies in confronting the complexities of contemporary reality. The findings reinforce the assumption that faith formation in interactive non-formal settings is more effective than conventional instructional approaches in producing theological and ethical paradigm shifts. Therefore, Bible Camp is positioned as a relevant and contextual ecclesiological instrument in the recontextualization of Christian faith education. This model functions not only as a venue for individual spiritualization but also as a catalyst for the formation of resilient, participatory, and transformative Christian character within a pluralistic socio-religious ecosystem. Recommendations are directed towards institutionalizing Bible Camp as a systemic strategy for youth faith formation in the mission of the contemporary church.
Abstract:The research takes an insight look into the complicated representation of love, using the short story of The Dumb Man by Sherwood Anderson within the existentialism framework. The deaf and mute protagonist becomes a metaphor…
phor for the universal human condition in his search for love and communication amidst a society that cares less. In his tacit quest for love, Anderson exemplifies an existentialist perspective: Love is not a desire—one feels—but a highly conscious effort to assert one's existence in reality, both freely chosen and constrained by society. This analysis is conducted through qualitative method and explorative approach in unpacking meaning from the narrative, with the contention that hopes for love functions as a central vehicle for self-transformation. It is in this quest for love that this story wrestles through the tension of aloneness with man's need to connect, representative of the complex, intertwined relationship between individual independence and the world outside. Ultimately, through this story, how it unfolds existentialism culminates into the relentless, sometimes painful pursuit of love—thereby bringing out the core role of existentialism in the journey towards self-actualization and insight into the human condition.
Abstract:This research conducted by title analysis religion values in the novel ground zero by Agustinus Wibowo. This research were aimed (1) To analyze the religion values in the novel ground zero by Agustinus Wibowo; (2) To analyze…
analyze the causes of religion values in the novel ground zero by Agustinus Wibowo. The method used was descriptive qualitative design. The source of the data is uses the primary data and secondary data. This research found that; (1) there was two kinds of religion value found in the ground zero novel namely; (1) positive religion valuethere are religion value of source of hope and optimism form that found on the data 01 and 21; promotes feelings of belongingness. This can be found on the data 3, 10, 12, 22, and 24; boosts self-esteem, and this can be found on the data 16, 17, and 25’ provides protection from existential threats. This can be found on the data 9, and 11; promotes healing of mind and body, this can be seen on the data 27; an improved mental and physical health, this data can be found on the data 20; encourages charity and altruism, this data can be found on the data 26; and (2) negative roles of religion. In this case, that content of anxiety created through scientific and religious views. This can be found on the data 34; content of bad religious programming on data 19; content of the data 34 too; rationalisation for hatred and prejudice. This can be found on the data 18; Power hungry religious leaders, this can be seen on the data 13, 14 and 16; segregation of humanity, this can be seen on the data 2, 5, 7, and 18. (2) The cause of Religion value those found by Agustinus Wibowo in his trip was religion symbol that had been found in the trip and about the people with different religion who had met with him along of way.