Jakarta Theological Seminary

Children occupy an important position in ancient Jewish tradition and Batak culture. This study examines the alignment between the biblical perspective of Luke 18:15–17 and the philosophical meaning of children in Batak culture. The study employs a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach through Contextual Biblical study, literature review and Greek lexical analysis of biblical texts and Batak cultural literature. The research findings reveal a profound alignment between the Luke 18:15–17 narrative and Batak philosophy. In Luke 18:15–17, Jesus affirms the significant value of children by welcoming them as exemplars of those who receive the Kingdom of God, while also correcting the disciples’ actions. The act of parents bringing their children to Jesus demonstrates how precious the children’s future was to them. Batak society likewise places children as the highest priority. Batak parents willingly sacrifice many things for the education and future of their children. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: In conclusion, both perspectives affirm that care for children transcends mere cultural obligation, as it is a spiritual calling that aligns with the will of God. This study provides a biblical-contextual foundation for the nurturing and education of children in the context of the contemporary Batak church and community.

Mental health problems, particularly anxiety disorders, are increasingly prevalent among adolescents and have become a significant concern for the church as a spiritual community. This study aims to analyze the role of God’s servants in preventing and addressing anxiety disorders among adolescents at GKSI Maranatha Anugrah Sewan, Tangerang. The research employs a qualitative method through direct observation of youth ministry activities and informal interviews with participants. The findings reveal that church ministers play a strategic role in enhancing adolescents’ mental well-being through practical biblical teaching, empathetic pastoral counseling, and the establishment of prayer and openness communities. The application of Scripture Therapy, devotional counseling, and Healing Prayer Circles has proven effective in reducing anxiety levels, strengthening spiritual security, and fostering healthy social relationships. A holistic and collaborative pastoral approach involving professional support is essential for the church to create a safe environment that promotes recovery and spiritual growth among youth

Abstract The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the church’s capacity to appropriate digital technology in fulfilling its vocation as the body of Christ. The issue is no longer whether digital engagement is possible, but how it ought to be theologically discerned. This article contends that the church’s digitalization unfolds within the unresolved tension between corporeal ecclesial presence and disembodied digital space. Rather than opting for one or conflating both, the present paper understands this tension as ecclesial liquidity—signifying a renewed pilgrimage of faith and inviting deeper reflection on the church’s ontological identity. Viewed through the lens of Society 5.0, digitalization emerges as a contextual imperative shaped by shifting socio-cultural paradigms. Theologically, the challenge lies in maintaining the church’s sacramental and incarnational nature while inhabiting digital domains. In this view, the digitalization of the church becomes an intentional effort to reimagine the body of Christ as imago ecclesiae within the digital context.

This study aims to describe the role of spiritual intelligence in increasing the professionalism of Christian Religious Education teachers. The professionalism of Christian Religious Education teachers plays an important role in the success of giving birth to students with Christ's character. Spiritual intelligence is the result of an intimate and intense relationship with God. Through this research, the author conveys that through spiritual intelligence, God actually speaks and guides teachers in living their professional lives and responsibilities. The indicators of spiritual intelligence presented in this study help to understand how spiritual intelligence actually works. The research method used is qualitative. Collecting data using the method of observation and literature study. The results of the study concluded that when a teacher has spiritual intelligence, the ability to understand the nature of oneself is created, able to understand God's will so that the spirit to move his life is the Holy Spirit. Thus his existence both body and soul (all thoughts and feelings) is directed to become a teacher similar to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Perkembangan kecerdasan buatan Artificial Intelligence (AI) telah membawa dampak signifikan terhadap dunia pendidikan, termasuk Pendidikan Agama Kristen (PAK). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menelaah secara reflektif-teologis bagaimana integrasi AI dapat mendukung, menantang, sekaligus menafsir ulang proses pembentukan iman di era algoritma. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif-deskriptif dengan model refleksi teologis, kajian ini menganalisis literatur teologi, pendidikan, dan teknologi terkini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa AI mampu memfasilitasi pembelajaran adaptif dan kontekstual, memperkaya pengalaman iman melalui personalisasi dan interaktivitas. Namun, integrasi ini juga menimbulkan persoalan etis dan spiritual, terutama terkait potensi dehumanisasi dan hilangnya sentuhan rohani dalam proses pendidikan. Oleh karena itu, AI perlu ditempatkan sebagai alat bantu yang tunduk pada nilai-nilai kasih, kebijaksanaan, dan tanggung jawab teologis. Refleksi ini menegaskan bahwa pendidikan iman Kristen di era algoritma harus membangun paradigma teologi digital yang menempatkan teknologi sebagai sarana partisipasi manusia dalam karya Allah, bukan sebagai pengganti kehadiran-Nya.