This article aims to analyze the problems of digital technology–based education in the post-truth era from the perspective of moral philosophy and to highlight the urgency of moral education in fostering students’ ethical awareness. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review and descriptive-analytical approach to relevant works on educational digitalization, moral philosophy, and the post-truth phenomenon. The findings indicate that while digitalization seeks to enhance educational access, it has also generated moral challenges such as the decline of critical thinking, technological dependency, and the rise of plagiarism caused by instant mentality and post-truth cognitive bias. These conditions give rise to “digital unconsciousness,” a weakening of ethical awareness in technology use. The paper argues that character education alone is insufficient because it promotes moral habituation without critical reflection. Moral philosophy provides a normative and critical framework—through inductive, deductive, and reflective methods—to ethically evaluate human actions. In conclusion, moral education grounded in moral philosophy is essential to cultivate rational awareness, ethical responsibility.
This study aims to explore the theological meaning of the phrase ἐν Χριστῷ (“in Christ”) in 1 Corinthians 4:6–21 as the foundation of Paul’s spirituality and leadership. Employing a historical-critical approach and lexical analysis, it investigates the intimate relationship between Paul and Christ and its implications for the Corinthian community. The findings reveal that Paul’s spiritual experience in Damascus signified a life transformation and unity with Christ, which shaped his leadership style and teaching pattern. The phrase ἐν Χριστῷ is understood not merely as a theological concept but as a practical principle underlying Paul’s humble, participatory, and unifying leadership. In the context of a divided Corinthian church, leadership “in Christ” emerges as a pastoral model that educates and unites through apostolic example. This study concludes that the spirituality of ἐν Χριστῷ provides the foundation for forming a faith community living in unity with Christ and with one another and offers an ecclesial leadership model grounded in love, humility, and exemplary service.
This article reinterprets the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) through a triadic approach integrating postcolonial exegesis, Filipino cultural hermeneutics, and digital theology. It revisits the question “Who is my neighbor?” within the context of cyberspace, employing the Filipino concepts of kapwa and pakikipagkapwa-tao as ethical foundations for solidarity that transcends geographical and social boundaries. Through postcolonial analysis, the study exposes the power dynamics embedded in traditional interpretations and demonstrates how digital theology enables new expressions of compassion in online spaces. The findings reveal that digital platforms can function as modern “roads to Jericho,” where inclusion, exclusion, and advocacy unfold. By integrating theological and cultural insights, the study asserts that neighborliness is not merely a moral gesture but a theological vocation to embody mercy and justice within digital networks. It concludes that kapwa offers a humanistic and contextually grounded framework for digital ethics, calling the Church and society to cultivate genuine fraternity in cyberspace as an extension of Christian compassion and mission.
This study applies a descriptive-critical approach to the ethical beliefs of Arthur Schopenhauer and the Catholic Church on charity. The fundamental research question is: “What are the similarities and differences between Schopenhauer’s and the Catholic Church’s views on charity?" The primary goal of this paper is to describe the parallels and differences between Schopenhauer’s and the Catholic Church’s perspectives on charity. According to Schopenhauer, giving is a means to express empathy and compassion for others who are suffering. Therefore, the act of giving must always be based on compassion for others. Schopenhauer’s ethical view helps Catholics to renew their motivations for giving. Nonetheless, in contrast to Schopenhauer’s materialistic morality of giving, the Catholic Church views giving as the embodiment of the divine law. Giving is not only a moral obligation and an expression of human justice but also a means to achieve spiritual perfection.
This study examines the relevance of Max Scheler’s concept of sympathy in the context of online education by situating it within the Ilocano cultural value of pannakipagrikna, which embodies empathy and emotional sensitivity. Employing a transcendental-phenomenological approach, the research integrates textual analysis of Scheler’s works with semi-structured interviews among Ilocano learners. The findings reveal that pannakipagrikna is expressed through four key themes: pannakaawat (understanding), naimpasnekan a panagdengngeg (active listening), panangtarabay (guidance), and pannakimaysa (emotional unity). These insights highlight the importance of affective and value-based engagement in addressing emotional detachment in online learning. The teacher emerges not merely as a transmitter of knowledge but as a moral and empathetic guide fostering students’ holistic development. The study concludes that contextualizing Scheler’s philosophical anthropology through Ilocano values enriches value-centered pedagogy and broadens the scope of phenomenology beyond Western frameworks.
This article aims to explain human dignity as the foundation of human rights (HR) from the perspective of Islamic law, emphasizing the harmony between Sharia principles and universal humanitarian values. Using a normative-theological approach and descriptive analysis of primary Islamic sources—the Qur’an, Hadith, and the opinions of classical and contemporary scholars—the study explores how the concept of karāmah insāniyyah (human dignity) serves as the moral and juridical basis for the protection of human rights. The findings reveal that Islamic law affirms human dignity as a divine gift inherent in every individual regardless of religion, race, or social status. The principles of justice (‘adl), equality (musāwah), and social responsibility act as essential instruments to uphold human rights and obligations within society. The article concludes that a deeper understanding of human dignity in Islam can strengthen the dialogue between Islamic law and international human rights systems and promote the realization of inclusive and just humanitarian values in the global context.
Abdurrahman Wahid’s thought represents one of the forms of progressive Islam that remains relevant in responding to religious and national problems in Indonesia. The formulation of the research problem consists of two points: what are Gus Dur’s progressive Islamic ideas? and how are they relevant to the emergence of the terrorist network group Negara Islam Indonesia in Minangkabau? The purpose of this research is to provide a scholarly explanation of Gus Dur’s progressive Islamic ideas and to demonstrate their relevance in preventing the emergence of the terrorist network group Negara Islam Indonesia in Minangkabau. The research method used is qualitative, employing both library research and field research. The data collection technique applied is triangulation: observation, interviews, and document study. The data in this research consists of primary and secondary sources. The primary data comes from the book Islamku, Islam Anda, Islam Kita, as well as from observations and interviews. Meanwhile, the secondary data is obtained from sources or written materials related to Abdurrahman Wahid’s thought in the form of books, journals, magazines, and others. The research location is in Minangkabau (West Sumatra). The collected data was then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions.
This article seeks to investigate Martin Heidegger’s ontological philosophy in connection with the symbols of suffering present in the Passionist Congregation and their significance for Christian faith. The article follows a structured literature review approach, examining a range of sources such as Karl Rahner’s Foundations of Christian Faith: An Introduction to the Idea of Christianity, Louis-Marie Chauvet’s Symbol and Sacrament, as well as other works discussing Heidegger’s ontological philosophy like Armada Riyanto’s Relasionalitas and F. Budi Hardiman’s Heidegger and the Mysticism of Everyday Life: An Introduction to Sein und Zeit. Through this analysis, it is revealed that the symbols of suffering within the Passionist Congregation function as a "living body" that allows individuals to engage in contemplation and participation in the suffering of Jesus, ultimately facilitating the internalization of the Gospel’s teachings. Additionally, these symbols play a crucial role in enabling Christians to cultivate a close relationship with God through the suffering experienced by Christ.
This article delves into strategies that the Church may pursue in implementing contextual evangelism within the framework of Postcolonial Theology. Postcolonial Theology arose during the Post-colonial era as an effort to rid the Church of Eurocentric influences. Nevertheless, this 'purification' led to more negative and radical changes. In order to carry out the mission of evangelism in alignment with God's Word and within the local context, the Church must take a clear stance on Postcolonial Theology. The qualitative research methodology employed in this study includes an in-depth study approach, a descriptive approach method, and a literature study method. The findings indicate that Postcolonial Theology can be conceptually accepted and utilized in a contextual evangelism setting, while maintaining a focus on the authentic teachings of the Bible.
This study explores the importance of Indigenous beliefs and practices in the Cordillera, Philippines, highlighting the necessity of maintaining cultural and spiritual ties to the land for environmental stewardship and sustainability. The research underscores the deep connection that Cordilleran communities have with their ancestral lands, regarded as sacred and vital for cultural identity and environmental management. For instance, the muyong forest management system and water resource management rituals directly demonstrate this connection. These practices provide specific environmental benefits, including biodiversity conservation, soil fertility, and water regulation. However, these practices are increasingly threatened by modernization, industrial activities, and the decline of traditional values. The study also investigates syncretism, where Indigenous beliefs merge with Christianity, resulting in unique perspectives on environmental ethics. The methodology involves critically reviewing available written traditions, including ethnographic studies, government reports, and Indigenous oral histories from the internet and libraries around Baguio City. The data were analyzed through thematic content analysis to identify patterns and insights. Results indicate that syncretism offers a valuable framework for combining traditional and modern conservation approaches. This framework highlights integrating Indigenous spiritual practices with contemporary ecological strategies, fostering a holistic approach to conservation.
The aim of this paper is to elucidate the pertinence of the concepts put forth by Ali Shari'ati, a key figure in the Islamic liberation theology movement, in the context of Muslim impoverishment in Indonesia. The rationale for undertaking this research lies in the prevalence of destitute Muslims in Indonesia, often ascribed to the notion that poverty is predestined by God. This study adopts a qualitative literature review approach, scrutinizing Ali Shari'ati's primary writings in conjunction with pertinent journals, statistical publications, and books addressing the issue of poverty. Through heuristic analysis, these sources are examined to establish their relevance to the aforementioned concern. The outcomes of this investigation reveal several key findings. Firstly, Shari'ati's advocacy for the unity of God, mankind, and nature supports egalitarianism, calling for Muslims to heighten their social awareness through collaboration and mutual assistance. Secondly, individuals are encouraged to embrace Shari'ati's principles of ideology as a means to transcend poverty. Thirdly, Shari'ati's liberation theology underscores Tawhid as a mechanism to eradicate various forms of inequality, including poverty. Thus, this study underscores the intersection between theology and poverty, indicating that endeavors to alleviate destitution should be imbued with a sense of divine purpose.
The inquiry into the understanding of dogmas has been prompted by historical consciousness. Dogmas were traditionally viewed as universal and a-historical until historical consciousness emerged, leading to the questioning of their truth claims. Some attempted to rely on common sense, but this proved futile. To provide a more nuanced solution to the issue of determining the truth claims of dogma, the author introduces the ideas of Yves Congar and Bernard Lonergan. Through the method of dialectic, this study aims to explore Congar's concept of living tradition and Lonergan's distinction between the permanence and historicity of dogma. This investigation seeks to resolve the tension between what is permanent and what is historical, which primarily arises from different levels of consciousness.
This article represents a literature review focusing on the concept of celibacy within the Catholic Church. Celibacy, a longstanding tradition within the Church, has been carefully preserved over the centuries. Numerous studies have highlighted the various challenges that celibacy faces, such as spiritual desolation, clericalism, and incidents of clerical sexual misconduct. These obstacles raise questions regarding the legitimacy of celibacy and how it can be maintained within the Church. The central inquiry addressed in this article pertains to comprehending the dynamics of celibacy as a divine gift and how individuals can uphold this choice amidst contemporary challenges. The gift of celibacy profoundly influences every facet of a person's identity and emotional well-being. It is not to be viewed through conventional societal norms, but rather as a manifestation of God's will within the celibate individual's unique circumstances, serving as a testament to their faith. Consequently, the commitment to celibacy must be undertaken willingly, with a continuous dedication to maintaining fidelity, transparency, and accountability in order to effectively fulfill one's ministry.
The Hambor tradition is a cultural heritage of the Manggarai people in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, serving as a mechanism for conflict resolution and the restoration of harmony. The purpose of this research is to examine the Hambor tradition through the lens of Christian reconciliation theology, with a specific focus on its significance as a model for reconciliation rooted in local wisdom. The methodology employed in this study involves a literature review, drawing from primary and secondary sources that discuss the Hambor tradition and the principles of reconciliation theology. The results of this analysis indicate that harmony functions not only as a tool for resolving conflicts, but also as a way to nurture comprehensive social harmony through traditional practices and cultural symbols. The Hambor tradition embodies values such as forgiveness, restorative justice, and relationship mending, which are in line with the teachings of Christian reconciliation theology. In conclusion, this study argues that indigenous traditions can offer a valuable peace-building framework in diverse cultural and religious environments. By integrating aspects of local culture, Hambor presents a holistic approach to cultivating lasting peace that is compatible with Christian ethics.
Current scholarship on Heidegger's hermeneutics of facticity often concentrates on its relationship to his broader ontology, such as Sheehan's examination of Ereignis as the "appropriated clearing" of existence, or its implications for postmodern thought, as seen in Wiercinski's exploration of hermeneutic truth and the absence of objective truth. Nevertheless, the significant connection between Heidegger's hermeneutics of facticity and its impact on Caputo's "cold hermeneutics" remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to address this gap by asserting that Heidegger's conception of facticity as the "thrownness" of Dasein into a world of pre-understandings is essential to Caputo's "cold hermeneutics," which embraces the constraints and uncertainties of interpretation. This relationship is established through the notion of Ereignis as the dynamic unfolding of facticity, enabling Dasein to appropriate its thrownness. By utilizing a methodology of "hermeneutic situation" and "formal indication," this research examines Heidegger's primary works, including Being and Time and Ontology – The Hermeneutics of Facticity, to illustrate how facticity shapes our comprehension of Being and influences the ethical and political aspects of interpretation in Caputo's writings.
This article synthesizes the ideas of Bauman and Byung-Chul Han regarding the social transformation of modern society. Bauman posits that postmodern society exists in a state of constant flux, leading to the creation of what he terms as a "liquid society." The dynamic and ever-changing nature of this society gives rise to an unstable sense of self (referred to as a "liquid identity"). Bauman attributes this fluidity to the continuous industrial market changes that generate novelty. In contrast, Byung-Chul Han observes that contemporary society in the 21st century is grappling with a severe form of pathology. This achievement-oriented society is overwhelmed by a profound exhaustion resulting from the culture of self-exploitation prevalent within it. Han labels this society as a "burnout society" characterized by a prevalence of neurological and mental disorders such as Autoimmune, Depression, Bipolar, and ADHD. People in this society engage in self-exploitation as they are unable to engage in contemplation, becoming both masters and slaves of their own actions. Critiques of the concepts of liquid society and burnout society have been raised. The hypothesis presented in this article suggests that the complexities of burnout society are rooted in liquid society.
Empathy has become an integral component of the contemporary educational curriculum. This study has been formulated as a review of literature employing a critical-exposition methodology to examine Edith Stein's ideas on empathy and education, as well as her impact on Catholic Religious Education (CRE). The primary objective is to elucidate Stein's perspectives on empathy and education with the purpose of enhancing religious educational practices and fostering empathy in both educators and students within Catholic educational institutions. The fundamental inquiry of this research is: "What role does Edith Stein's concepts of empathy and education play in shaping Catholic Religious Education?" The results of this analysis indicate that Stein's beliefs regarding empathy as a deliberate effort to comprehend others' experiences and education as a structured endeavor to humanize students in all facets are particularly significant in reforming CRE within Catholic schools at primary and secondary levels in Indonesia. Key aspects include a comprehensive anthropological outlook, well-defined and sustainable educational objectives, tailored instructional materials reflecting students' interests, abilities, and circumstances, experiential teaching methods, and the essential traits of humility, faithfulness, and adherence to Church teachings in educators.
This article aims to discuss the Catholic marriage as a covenant according to Canon Law in the light of Pope John Paul II's theology of the body. This paper is designed as a review article and focuses its attention on Canon 1055 §1-2 of Canon Law. The latter emphasizes the legal aspects of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman that forms a lifelong partnership. This marriage is aimed at the welfare of husband and wife (bonum coniugum) and openness to the birth and education of children (bonum prolis). The sacramental meaning of marriage is interpreted within the framework of the theology of the body. The human body, theologically, is a means and sign of God's presence. The sacramental covenant dimension of the canon is analyzed in the light of Pope John Paul II's theology of the body. Christian marriage is a sacramental covenant, and the human body as the locus theologicus is a sign and means of God's presence.
The essay deals with the power of transformation through rationality and criticism (Max Horkheimer's Dialectical Analysis of the Enlightenment). It is a review article that discusses the main topic using a literature study. According to the Dialectics of Enlightenment, Horkheimer and Adorno's critical theory aims to bring about a critical consciousness. It leads to Aufklärung or Enlightenment. Horkheimer and Adorno critically observed that technological and scientific developments do not always create freedom. Instead, technology is often used as a tool of control and domination. Faced with these challenges, Horkheimer emphasized the importance of continuous criticism of social and cultural conditions. Criticism is considered a tool for exposing injustices and gaps that emerged amid the enlightenment. For Horkheimer, critical thinking is not just intellectual analysis, but rather a means of freeing humans from the shackles and alienation produced by false enlightenment. By understanding the dialectic of enlightenment, we can more wisely manage developments over time to achieve positive and sustainable transformation.
Laws are systematic rules that aim to guarantee citizen’s rights and freedom as well as to maintain social order. And yet, legal rules are often not obeyed because the essence and the law-making process do not provide a sense of justice to society. It raises a question: What is the principle for citizens to obey or disobey the law? Through an expository-critical approach, this article seeks to answer this question by reflecting Plato’s notion on obedience, disobedience, and justice in the state based on rule of law. It argues that justice is the main principle for citizens to obey or disobey the law since it is an architectonic principle which unify all other virtues. This theory has become an inspiration of the theory of law and the theory of civil disobedience in the modern democratic states.
