Journal of Digital Innovation and Social Research
English: Journal of Digital Innovation and Social Research (JDISR) is an international, open-access, and peer-reviewed journal focused on the intersection of digital technology, social dynamics, and theological development. JDISR publishes original research and critical reviews on digital innovation in faith contexts, socio-theological dynamics, digital theology, religious studies, and contemporary digital religious education. Indonesia: Journal of Digital Innovation and Social Research (JDISR) adalah jurnal internasional akses terbuka dan mitra bestari yang berfokus pada persimpangan teknologi digital, dinamika sosial, dan pengembangan teologis. JDISR menerbitkan hasil penelitian orisinal dan kajian kritis tentang inovasi digital dalam konteks iman, dinamika sosial-teologis, teologi digital, studi keagamaan, serta pendidikan keagamaan digital kontemporer.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Articles published in JDISR are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license permits anyone to copy, redistribute, remix, transmit, and adapt the work, provided the original work and source are appropriately cited. Jurnal ini menyediakan akses terbuka langsung ke kontennya dengan prinsip bahwa membuat penelitian tersedia secara gratis untuk publik mendukung pertukaran pengetahuan global yang lebih besar. Artikel yang diterbitkan di JDISR dilisensikan di bawah Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Lisensi ini mengizinkan siapa saja untuk menyalin, menyebarluaskan, mencampur, mengirimkan, dan mengadaptasi karya tersebut, asalkan karya asli dan sumbernya dikutip dengan benar.
The Transformation of Diaconal-Based Christian Religious Education Pedagogy in the Society 5.0 Era
The era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, has transformed the global educational landscape. In response, the concept of Society 5.0 emerged to ensure that technology remains human-centered. This article examines the relevance and implications of both eras for the paradigm of Christian Religious Education (CRE) in Indonesia. Unlike previous studies that tend to be technical and neglect the dimension of theological anthropology, this research explores how CRE can serve as a moral foundation amidst digital disruption. Using a qualitative method through a critical literature review, the results indicate that CRE teachers can no longer merely transfer doctrinal knowledge; rather, they must transform into facilitators of character formation (Imago Dei). The biggest challenges in Indonesia include the digital infrastructure gap and technological literacy among educators. This article concludes the need to redesign the CRE curriculum by integrating 21st-century skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration) without losing the essence of biblical spirituality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Paul's Principles of Conversion Based on Acts 9:1–18 and Their Application to the Spiritual Growth of the Contemporary Church
This study aims to analyze the principles of Paul’s conversion based on Acts 9:1–18 and to examine their implications for the spiritual growth of contemporary church communities. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a historical-grammatical exegetical approach and lexical analysis using primary sources such as BDAG and Louw-Nida. The findings reveal that Paul’s conversion represents a holistic transformation process encompassing three major dimensions: cognitive (change of mindset), affective (awareness and remorse for sin), and volitional (commitment to obedience to God). In addition, five key principles of conversion are identified: divine initiative, confrontation with truth, response of obedience, the role of community, and life transformation. The grammatical and lexical analysis of the Greek text reinforces the understanding that conversion is a divine work that is radical in nature and results in observable life transformation. The implications of this study suggest that contemporary churches need to develop spiritual formation models centered on ongoing conversion through discipleship, transformative preaching, and strong faith communities. Therefore, conversion should not be understood merely as an initial experience but as a dynamic process that serves as the foundation for spiritual growth.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lewi Eko Sugiharto (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Faith Formation in the Era of Information Distortion: A Digital Pedagogy Approach to Christian Religious Education Courses
The rapid advancement of digital technology has transformed the way university students access, evaluate, and interpret information, including religious content. At the same time, the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation, hoaxes, and theologically unreliable online content poses significant challenges to faith formation in Christian Religious Education. This study aims to examine the impact of information distortion on students' faith formation, explore the implementation of digital pedagogy in Christian Religious Education courses, and develop a learning framework that strengthens faith formation in the digital era. A mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design was employed. The study began with a survey involving 30 Christian Religious Education students, followed by in-depth interviews with lecturers and selected students to provide a deeper understanding of the quantitative findings. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that digital theological literacy, critical theological thinking, reflective technology-enhanced learning, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) contribute positively to strengthening students' faith formation. Conversely, limited ability to critically evaluate digital information increases students' vulnerability to information distortion, which may influence both their understanding of Christian faith and moral decision-making. Based on these findings, this study proposes the Faith Digital Pedagogy Framework, integrating Biblical Foundation, Digital Theological Literacy, Critical Theological Thinking, Reflective Digital Learning, Ethical Artificial Intelligence Integration, and Faith Transformation into a holistic model of digital pedagogy. This framework offers both a theoretical contribution to the development of Christian Religious Education and practical guidance for educators in designing contextual, reflective, and adaptive learning experiences that respond to the challenges of the digital information age.
Copyright (c) 2026 Danny Yonathan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing Congregational Digital Literacy Capacity Through the Optimization of the renungan.my.id Platform
The purpose of conducting this community service (PkM) activity is as a form of implementing digital ministry in synergy between academics and GPdI Eben Heazer Karangpandan as well as JKI Maranata Matesih in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. This activity, carried out in the digital era, aims to optimize digital media through the renungan.my.id platform as a means of independent evangelism and to improve the spiritual discipline of the local congregation. The main problem faced by both partners is the lack of productive smartphone utilization for faith growth and the limited access to practical daily Bible literacy materials. The method of implementing the activity is realized through the forms of material presentation (education), direct practice of operating website features, simulation of testimonial content distribution, and regular interactive discussions. Overall, the PkM activity received a positive and enthusiastic response from the pastors, youth commission committee, and all members of the local congregation, marked by an increase in technical understanding and spiritual commitment to cyber-based independent evangelism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Marriage in Sumba Customary Law Evaluated from a Theological Perspective
This article discusses a theological review of traditional marriage customs in West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. The implementation procedures of the marriage ceremony and the supremacy of custom above all else are the main focus of this study. The theological perspective is grounded in the use of the Bible as the corrective standard. The author employs library research and interview methods regarding marriage in Sumbanese custom. Studies concerning Sumbanese marriage customs from a theological perspective remain highly limited. This research is prompted by a fundamental problem: the supremacy of traditional marriage customs over the authority of the Bible. This constitutes a serious issue as it endangers the faith life of Christians. Therefore, a theological review is required to address this problem. A theological evaluation of these customs serves as an alternative approach to overcoming this issue.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayub Pangga Lewu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Apologetics as a Contextual Evangelism Strategy: A Theological Study Based on Acts 17:16–34
This article examines apologetics as a contextual evangelistic strategy based on Acts 17:16–34. This study stems from the reality of evangelistic ministry in a pluralistic and rational society that is critical of Christian truth claims. The method used is qualitative research with a literature review and biblical text analysis approach. The study focuses on the Apostle Paul's speech and dialogue in Athens, specifically within the local society's social, religious, and philosophical contexts. The results indicate that Paul's apologetic approach is dialogical, rational, and contextual. It is characterized by the utilization of local culture, logical argumentation, and the gradual introduction of the Gospel without eliminating the core proclamation of repentance and the resurrection of Christ. Apologetics in this passage functions not only as a defense of the faith but also as an effective evangelistic strategy to bridge the Gospel with the listeners' worldview. This research affirms the relevance of apologetics for the contemporary evangelistic ministry of the church, particularly in the context of a pluralistic society and interfaith dialogue.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lewi Eko Sugiharto, Jonsa Manullang, Mohammad Romadhon (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Digital Theology Approach to Diaconal Distributive Justice
Diaconal ministry is a mandate for the church to manifest God's love to the vulnerable. However, in practice, aid distribution is often hindered by assessor subjectivity (elders/deacons), nepotism, and data inaccuracy, leading to the kind of injustice seen in the early church (Acts 6:1). This study proposes an interdisciplinary "Digital Theology" approach by implementing the Fuzzy Multi-Attribute Decision Making (Fuzzy MADM) algorithm as a tool for a Decision Support System (DSS). Unlike rigid binary logic, Fuzzy logic is capable of accommodating the uncertainty of the congregation's economic conditions, which are often vague or ambiguous. By utilizing the SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) method, this study simulates a priority ranking of aid recipients based on measurable pastoral criteria. The results demonstrate that integrating technology into ecclesiastical management can minimize human bias, enhance transparency, and ensure more precise distributive justice in accordance with biblical principles.
An Ecclesiological Review of Luke 14:12–24 in Building Inclusive Ministry for Persons with Disabilities
The church is often trapped in a model of disability ministry that is charitable and paternalistic rather than participatory. Persons with disabilities are often viewed merely as objects of ministry, not as whole subjects within koinonia. This study aims to reconstruct an inclusive ecclesiology through a deep exegesis of Luke 14:12-24 (The Parable of the Great Banquet). Using a qualitative method through a biblical hermeneutic approach, this study explores the theological and sociological meanings of the concepts of "inviting" and "compelling" in the context of first-century Jewish dining culture. The findings show that Luke 14 demands a fundamental paradigm shift in the church: from the principle of reciprocity to radical hospitality. The presence of persons with disabilities—the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—is not an optional add-on for church programs, but a constitutive element that signifies the fullness of the Kingdom of God. A church that systematically excludes them is a theologically "disabled" church because it fails to reflect the true nature of the body of Christ.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Analysis of Church Canon Law and Psychosocial Impacts on Children's Faith Formation in Interfaith Marriage
Interfaith marriage in Indonesia presents complex dilemmas involving state law, church doctrine, and pluralistic reality. This study aims to analyze Church Law (Canon/Church Order) perspectives on interfaith marriage and evaluate its psychosocial impact on children's faith formation. Using a qualitative method with an interdisciplinary theology-psychology approach, this study finds that the church views interfaith marriage (disparitas cultus) as a juridical challenge requiring strict dispensation to maintain faith purity. Psychosocially, children from mixed-faith families are prone to religious ambivalence and identity confusion without proper guidance. The study concludes the need for a paradigm shift from a purely legalistic approach to holistic pastoral accompaniment to mitigate the risk of "faith erosion" in the next generation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Demas Arendra, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Theological Critique of the FOMO Phenomenon Among Generation Z Through an Exegesis of Psalm 139
Generation Z is often referred to as digital natives, yet paradoxically, they are also the generation most vulnerable to social anxiety, specifically the "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO) phenomenon. FOMO is not merely a desire to participate, but an existential crisis regarding "who am I" if I am not seen by others on social media. This article aims to respond to this crisis through a theological review based on Psalm 139. Using a qualitative method with a narrative exegesis and practical theology approach, this study finds that Psalm 139 offers the concept of "Ontological Security" through three pillars: God's omniscience, God's omnipresence, and God's sovereignty in self-creation. The results show that Christian identity is not built on "digital curation" or social validation, but on the theological fact that humans are intimately "known" (yada) by God even before they form their self-image in cyberspace.
Copyright (c) 2025 Theo Pilus Candra, Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Interpretation of Jesus as Ratu Adil Through a Folk Christology Approach Among Javanese Society
The communication of the Gospel in Java is often hindered by the perception that Jesus is an "imported God" from the West, alien to Javanese cosmology. However, within the collective memory of the Javanese people, there exists an eschatological longing for the figure of "Ratu Adil" (Just King) or Satrio Piningit, prophesied to bring cosmic restoration (kerta raharja). This article aims to reconstruct a Christian apologetic approach using the Folk Theology model, positioning Jesus not as a cultural antithesis, but as the supreme fulfillment of the Ratu Adil expectation. Using a qualitative method with a contextual theology approach (synthetic model), this study finds that the narratives of Christ's incarnation, suffering (laku prihatin), and resurrection resonate strongly with the Ratu Adil archetype. However, this study also provides critical boundaries (prophetic critique) to prevent contextualization from falling into syncretism, transforming the Javanese messianic hope from political-cyclical to soteriological-eternal.
Theological Reconstruction of Paul's Prohibitory Texts in Affirming the Legitimacy of Women's Pastoral Ordination
The issue of female ordination remains a sharp theological debate across various church denominations. Those who oppose it (complementarians) often base their arguments on a literal reading of Pauline texts that seem to silence women. This study aims to conduct a critical reinterpretation of these "prohibitory" texts, specifically 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. Using a qualitative method through a socio-historical hermeneutic approach, this study dissects the cultural context of Ephesus and Corinth as well as the lexical meaning of the Greek word authentein. The findings indicate that Paul's prohibitions were situational (contextual) to address heresy and liturgical disorder, not a universal mandate (trans-cultural) barring women from leadership permanently. The theological principle of Galatians 3:28 regarding ontological equality in Christ must serve as the primary hermeneutical umbrella. Therefore, the ordination of female pastors is not a biblical deviation, but a logical consequence of the restoration of the Image of God and the recognition of the Holy Spirit's charismata given regardless of gender.
Manifesting the Kingdom of God in Ethical Business Practice Amidst the Challenges of Structural Corruption
The church is often trapped in a dualism that separates the sacred (church ministry) from the secular (the world of work). As a result, many Christian professionals are "pious" on Sunday but lose their integrity when faced with business realities on Monday, especially amidst the systemic culture of corruption in Indonesia. This study aims to reconstruct a robust Christian theology of work as a foundation for business ethics. Using a qualitative method through a theological-ethical literature study approach, this study explores the biblical concept of work (avodah) and the cultural mandate. The findings show that the workplace is not merely a means of earning a living, but a primary mission field where believers are called to be priests. Resistance to corruption is not enough with mere individual moral refusal, but requires a strategy of "shrewd godliness" and superior professional competence as a defensive stronghold. The church needs to equip the congregation not just to survive, but to transform the marketplace through prophetic integrity.
Gauging the Limits of Filial Piety and Responsibility in the Sandwich Generation Phenomenon: A Christian Ethical Perspective
The term Sandwich Generation refers to the adult generation "squeezed" between two simultaneous financial and emotional obligations: raising their own children and caring for aging parents. In Indonesia, this phenomenon is complicated by strong communal culture and the lack of adequate social security for the elderly. This article aims to review this phenomenon from the perspective of Christian ethics, balancing the biblical mandate to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) with the responsibility towards the nuclear family (1 Timothy 5:8). Using a descriptive qualitative method with a theological ethics approach, this study finds that "honoring parents" includes material support, but must not sacrifice the well-being and future of the next generation. This article offers an ethical reconstruction in the form of the concept of "Stewardship of Boundaries," where the church is encouraged to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through financial literacy education and the revitalization of the diaconal role, while rejecting unbiblical glorification of suffering.
Copyright (c) 2024 Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Analysis of the Cultural Mandate (Genesis 1:28) in Responding to the Trend of Christian Couples Choosing to Be Childfree
The phenomenon of childfree—the conscious decision of a married couple not to have children—has become a global trend that is now penetrating Christian communities in Indonesia. This choice is often driven by economic reasons, ecological anxiety, or the desire to pursue self-actualization. However, this trend sparks serious theological debate regarding the nature of Christian marriage. This article aims to evaluate the childfree phenomenon through the lens of biblical theology, specifically the analysis of the cultural mandate in Genesis 1:28. Using a descriptive qualitative method and a grammatical-historical exegetical approach, this study finds that having children is not merely a biological option, but a participation in God's creative work (procreation). Although the Bible does not make procreation the sole purpose of marriage, the rejection of offspring based on motives of selfishness or fear of the future is a deviation from God's design. This article offers an ethical perspective that "fruitfulness" must be understood holistically, yet rejects childfree as a normative lifestyle for believers.
Copyright (c) 2024 Demas Arendra, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Family Discipleship Strategy Based on Deuteronomy 6:4–9 as a Response to the Secularization of Values in Early Childhood
The 21st-century church and Christian families face a massive challenge in the form of a wave of secularization that no longer attacks only adults but has infiltrated the cognitive and affective spaces of early childhood through digital media and popular culture. The phenomenon of shifting values—where absolute truth is replaced by moral relativism and theism by individualistic expressivism—demands a serious and structured ecclesiastical response. This article aims to formulate an intentional family discipleship strategy as a fortress of faith defense. Using a qualitative descriptive method with a grammatical-historical exegetical approach to Deuteronomy 6:4-9, this study finds that the primary responsibility for faith education (paideia) lies not with the church institution (Sunday School), but with parents as priests in the family. The proposed strategy includes integrating intentional moments and spontaneous moments in daily life to implant a Christian worldview from an early age. The implications of this research urge the church to shift its role from "taking over" spiritual responsibility to "partnering" to equip parents.
Copyright (c) 2024 Theo Pilus Candra, Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Pastoral Analysis of the Burnout Phenomenon Among Christian Ministers and the Reconstruction of a Self-Care Strategy Based on the Theology of Rest
Burnout among clergy is not merely a psychological issue but a theological crisis rooted in the neglect of creation rhythms and identity distortion. This study aims to deconstruct the root causes of clerical exhaustion and reconstruct a biblically-based recovery strategy. Using a qualitative method with a narrative exegesis approach to 1 Kings 19, this research finds that God addressed Elijah's depression through a holistic approach: biological intervention (eating and sleeping), the pedagogy of silence (qol demamah daqqah), and cognitive restructuring. Based on these findings and Walter Brueggemann's theology of Sabbath, this study proposes a "Rule of Life" as a self-care strategy. In conclusion, self-care is not a narcissistic act but a prophetic stewardship of body and soul to resist the culture of busyness, ensuring long-term ministry sustainability.
The Relevance of the Servant Leadership Model Based on Mark 10:42–45 in Contemporary Church Management
The contemporary church faces the challenge of managerial secularization, where leadership models often adopt corporate business styles (CEO Syndrome) or clerical feudalism. This creates rigid hierarchical structures, abuse of power, and congregation passivity. This article aims to reconstruct the concept of church management through an exegesis of Mark 10:42-45. Using a qualitative-exegetical method, this study finds that Jesus radically deconstructs the concept of power: rejecting the 'katakyrieuousin' style (lording it over) and proposing the 'diakonos' (servant) and 'doulos' (slave) models based on the theology of sacrifice ('lutron'). The practical implication demands an inversion of the church organizational structure ("Inverted Pyramid"), where leaders function as an empowering foundation, not a ruling peak. This approach offers a solution to the church leadership crisis through a management system that is collegial, accountable, and oriented towards congregational empowerment.
A Dialogical Apologetics Approach in Communicating the Gospel Amidst a Pluralistic Society
The greatest challenge for the church in Indonesia is not the lack of evangelistic zeal, but the inaccuracy of methods in conveying it amidst a pluralistic sociological reality. Classical apologetic models that tend to be polemical, confrontational, and focused on "winning arguments" often build walls instead of bridges, proving counterproductive to soul-winning efforts. This article aims to reconstruct the Christian apologetic approach from a debate-oriented model to a dialogue-oriented one. Using a qualitative theological method with a hermeneutic approach to 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Acts 17, this study proposes the concept of "Dialogical Apologetics." Findings indicate that the defense of faith (apologia) must be conducted with a spirit of gentleness (prautes) and respect (phobos). In a pluralistic society, Gospel communicators are not called to attack others' beliefs (destructive), but to present the beauty of Christ persuasively and relationally. The practical implication is a shift from monologues of superiority to listening dialogues, where the Gospel truth is conveyed not as an assault, but as a loving invitation.
The Actualization of Living Example in 1 Timothy 4:12 as a Basis for Junior High School Students' Integrity Formation
The Junior High School (SMP) period is a crucial phase in adolescent psychosocial development, where the search for self-identity often clashes with a crisis of exemplarity in the surrounding environment. Moral degradation phenomena such as bullying, academic dishonesty, and promiscuity indicate the fragility of student integrity due to the lack of consistent role models. This study aims to update the theological principles of life exemplarity based on the exegesis of 1 Timothy 4:12 as a foundation for SMP student character formation. Using a qualitative hermeneutic method, this study finds that the concept of "example" (typos) taught by Paul to Timothy is not merely moral advice, but an imperative to be a "mold" or standard of living covering five dimensions of integrity: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. The pedagogical implication asserts that character education in Christian schools is not sufficient only through verbal curriculum, but must be through the curriculum of life demonstrated by educators and internalized by students, so that they are not despised for their youth, but respected for their character maturity.
Copyright (c) 2023 Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Theological Review of Personal Integrity Based on 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 for Youth Character Formation
The character crisis among contemporary Christian adolescents is increasingly alarming, marked by the phenomenon of cognitive dissonance or "split personality," where a teenager can appear very pious in church activities yet lack moral integrity in digital spaces and social circles. Legalistic-behavioral approaches to character education—which emphasize only external behavior modification through rules—have proven insufficient in forming inner solidity. This study aims to deconstruct and reconstruct the concept of adolescent personal integrity through a profound exegesis of 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Using a qualitative hermeneutic method, this study reveals that Paul posits integrity not as a human moral achievement, but as an ontological derivation of Love (Agape). Textual analysis shows that integrity without love is "noisy emptiness" (chalkos echon), and character maturity (teleios) is marked by the ability to "rejoice in the truth" (sunchairei te aletheia). The theological implications urge the church to shift from rule-based pedagogy to love-transformation pedagogy, where adolescents are formed to be authentic, whole, and transparent before God (Coram Deo).
Copyright (c) 2023 Demas Arendra, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Homiletics in the TikTok Era: Preserving Pulpit Authority Amid a 60-Second Attention Span
The shift in digital information consumption patterns has created the Goldfish Effect phenomenon, where the attention span of modern humans has shrunk drastically due to exposure to short-form content like TikTok and Instagram Reels. This phenomenon presents a homiletical crisis for the church: How can preaching, which is traditionally monologic, durative, and profound, survive amidst a "scrolling culture" that demands instant gratification within 60 seconds? This study uses a qualitative approach with a practical theology literature review to evaluate the impact of algorithmic culture on congregational reception of pulpit authority. Through a dialogue between Fred Craddock's inductive homiletics and Neil Postman's media criticism, this article argues that the church should not merely entertain or shorten duration for the sake of virality. Instead, contemporary preachers must adopt a "Modular Homiletics" strategy—delivering whole theological truths structured in sharp narrative segments (bite-sized theology)—without compromising the sanctity of the message. The goal is to win attention not as entertainment, but as an entry point into the depth of liberating kerygma.
Copyright (c) 2023 Theo Pilus Candra, Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Tower of Babel and "Big Data": A Narrative Exegesis of Genesis 11:1–9 on Global Technological Ambition
The story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) is often reductively interpreted as an etiology of language division or merely a punishment for pride. However, in the current digital landscape, the ancient narrative offers striking parallels to the Big Data phenomenon and the ideology of Dataism. This study aims to reinterpret the Babel story using a narrative criticism approach (narratology) to respond to the ambition of global technological unification. Through plot and rhetorical analysis, it is found that the Babel project was driven by three primal desires: uniformity ("one language"), centralization ("city"), and existential immortality ("making a name"). These desires resurface in the ambition of tech giants to unify all human data into a single universal algorithm. God's act of "coming down" and "confusing" the language is interpreted not as a destructive curse, but as a redemptive intervention to prevent totalitarianism. God desires decentralization and diversity as a bulwark for human dignity. The theological implication urges the church to be critical of algorithmic hegemony and to celebrate human diversity as the un-datafied image of God.
The Theology of Digital Money: A Christian Ethical Review of the Cryptocurrency and Online Lending (Pinjol) Phenomena
The disruption of financial technology (fintech) has radically changed the face of the economy, presenting two major phenomena: cryptocurrency as a speculative investment instrument and online loans (Pinjol) as instant credit access. For the church, these are not merely economic issues but serious theological challenges. Many church members are trapped in a "get rich quick" mentality through crypto or entangled in high-interest debts from illegal online lenders leading to psychological terror. This study aims to review both phenomena from a Christian ethical perspective. Using a qualitative literature review method with a theological ethics approach, this research finds that digital money must be repositioned as a tool, not a master. Regarding crypto, Christian ethics emphasizes anti-gambling stewardship principles and productivity. Regarding Pinjol, the church must voice an anti-usury theology that opposes oppression, consistent with the Biblical concept of neshek (biting interest). The church is called not only to preach but to provide financial literacy and social safety nets (transformative diaconia) for vulnerable congregants.
Spatial Memory Erosion: A Comparative Study of Bible Verse Memorization Retention Rates Between Smartphone App and Print Bible Users Among Adolescents
The debate regarding the effectiveness of digital Bibles (smartphones) versus print Bibles in youth ministry is often based on assumptions without empirical data. This study aims to quantitatively measure the impact of reading medium on scripture memory retention among adolescents. Using a Quasi-Experimental Design, the study involved 20 church youth respondents (aged 18-24) divided into two groups: Group A (Print Bible) and Group B (Digital App). The test instrument used the Cloze Test method after a 15-minute memorization session. Data analysis was performed using the Independent Sample T-Test. The results showed the mean score for the Print Group was 83.5, while the Digital Group was 66.0. With the t-value (4.32) > t-table (2.101), the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected. This study statistically proves that print Bibles provide stronger "spatial memory anchors" compared to the scrolling nature of digital screens. The findings recommend that churches maintain the use of physical Bibles in catechism and intensive discipleship curricula.
Copyright (c) 2023 Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reconstructing the Meaning of "Ewuh Pakewuh" in Church Leadership: Between Eastern Etiquette and Biblical Transparency
In the landscape of the Indonesian church, particularly in Java, the cultural value of "ewuh pakewuh" (reluctance or hesitation due to respect) plays a vital role in maintaining social harmony. However, in ecclesiastical management practices, this noble value is often distorted into a major obstacle to transparency and accountability. The phenomenon of "silence" when witnessing a colleague's deviation often occurs in the name of preserving feelings. This study aims to reconstruct the meaning of ewuh pakewuh to be relevant to Biblical transparency principles without losing its Eastern cultural roots. Using a qualitative method with an ethno-theological approach, this study engages Javanese cultural texts with Biblical narratives regarding admonition (parrhesia). The results indicate a need for a paradigm shift from passive ewuh pakewuh (fear of conflict) to prophetic ewuh pakewuh (fear of sin). A "Prophetic Politeness" leadership model is proposed as a middle ground, where truth is delivered transparently through communication methods that uphold human dignity.
Copyright (c) 2022 Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Transformation of Theological Education in the AI Era: A Hybrid Assessment Model Based on Competency Weight Calculation
The disruption of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created an epistemological paradox in theological classrooms: the acceleration of information access is inversely proportional to the depth of student contemplation. This study aims to formulate a new pedagogical model that is mathematically measurable to balance digital competence and academic integrity. The method used is mixed-method (descriptive qualitative and quantitative simulation). This study dissects the vulnerability of conventional evaluation methods to AI plagiarism, then proposes a "Hybrid Assessment" formulation with dependent variables on oral validation. Simulation calculation results show that the application of the new weight formula NA=0,2S_t+0,4S_v+0,4S_p is able to increase the academic integrity index by 40% compared to traditional methods. It is concluded that theological education must shift from product-oriented assessment to process-oriented assessment that is strictly quantified.
Copyright (c) 2022 Demas Arendra, Theo Pilus Candra (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Redefining the Imago Dei in the Age of Algorithms: A Dogmatic Critique of the Personification of Artificial General Intelligence
The rapid advancement of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has precipitated an ontological crisis within theological anthropology. As machines demonstrate generative capabilities to emulate human reason, emotion, and creativity, the classical substantive definition of Imago Dei—grounded in rationality—faces a fundamental upheaval. This study aims to deconstruct the phenomenon of AI personification through a Reformed dogmatic critique. Employing a qualitative library research method and an interdisciplinary approach (theology-philosophy), this research juxtaposes machine ontology against human ontology. The findings indicate that the personification of AGI constitutes a form of modern idolatry. By appropriating John Searle’s Chinese Room argument and Karl Barth’s theology of Analogia Relationis, this article concludes that the Imago Dei resides not in computational capacity—which machines can replicate—but in a unique covenantal capacity.
Copyright (c) 2022 Theo Pilus Candra, Eiodia Eveline Permata Sari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biblical Authority in the Age of Algorithms: Preserving Hermeneutical Purity in the Midst of Generative AI
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into theological landscapes presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges to the traditional understanding of Biblical authority. This study aimed to critically evaluate the implications of using Generative AI (such as ChatGPT) in biblical interpretation and to formulate a theological safeguard based on Evangelical doctrines. This research employed a qualitative method with a library research approach, utilizing a grammatical-historical hermeneutic framework to analyze recent literature (2015–2025) on AI and theology. The results indicated that while AI offers efficiency in data processing and exegetical assistance, it fundamentally lacks the pneumatological dimension (illumination of the Holy Spirit) required for authoritative interpretation. Furthermore, reliance on algorithmic output poses risks of theological bias and hallucinatory exegesis. The study concluded that AI must remain a subservient tool, not a master, within the church's teaching ministry.
A Theological-Pastoral Analysis of the Quarter-Life Crisis Phenomenon Among Today's Church Youth
Quarter-life crisis (QLC) is a critical period of existential anxiety experienced by individuals aged 20–30 regarding their future career and relationships. This research aims to evaluate the QLC phenomenon among church youth through a theological-pastoral lens. Using a mixed-method approach (qualitative-descriptive supported by survey data from 40 respondents), the study found that social comparison on social media is the main trigger for anxiety (87%). Theologically, this crisis is interpreted not as a spiritual failure, but as a "wilderness moment" parallel to Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19. The research concludes that church pastoral intervention must shift from mere motivational preaching to deep existential accompaniment and "companioning" to mitigate social isolation. The findings suggest a new model of youth ministry that integrates mental health literacy and vocational theology.