The study explains how constant exposure to online information, social media algorithms, and global crises has contributed to religious doubt and indifference, even among active Christian communities. By examining catechetics—the structured teaching of Christian faith—the authors show how churches can strengthen belief, critical thinking, and spiritual resilience in an era marked by skepticism and information overload.
Faith Under Pressure in the Information Era
The information age has transformed how people learn, communicate, and form opinions. In Indonesia, smartphones and social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook dominate daily life. While these platforms offer access to knowledge, they also accelerate the spread of hoaxes, misinformation, and unverified religious content.
According to the authors from STT Kharisma Bandung, low digital literacy has made many Christians vulnerable to misleading narratives that weaken religious commitment. The study connects this trend with broader global developments, including political conflicts, economic uncertainty, and international wars, which raise difficult questions about the presence of God amid suffering.
In this context, agnosticism—belief in God’s possible existence without commitment to organized religion—has become more visible. The researchers describe agnosticism as appealing to modern audiences because it aligns with rational thinking, personal autonomy, and skepticism toward religious institutions. Over time, this mindset can evolve into religious indifference or “practical atheism,” where faith exists in name but not in daily life.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research team used a qualitative literature review approach. Instead of surveys or experiments, they analyzed academic journals, theological books, digital media studies, and prior research on agnosticism, catechetics, and the information age.
By comparing these sources, the authors identified patterns in how agnosticism spreads online and how churches respond to it. This approach allowed the researchers to connect theological teaching with real-world digital behavior, without relying on technical or statistical language.
Key Findings: Why Catechetics Matters More Than Ever
The study identifies several important findings that are highly relevant for churches, educators, and faith-based communities:
· Agnosticism thrives in digital environments. Social media echo chambers, information overload, and secular digital culture reduce exposure to faith-based perspectives.
· Many believers separate spirituality from religion. The rise of “spiritual but not religious” attitudes shows a preference for personal meaning over organized doctrine.
· Religious indifference is increasing. Faith is often treated as optional or irrelevant, especially among younger generations.
· Catechetics can counter these trends. Structured, contextual faith education strengthens understanding, belief, and critical engagement with modern ideas.
The authors emphasize that catechetics is no longer just about memorizing doctrine. It must be dialogical, relevant, and responsive to contemporary questions about science, ethics, and society.
Three Strategic Roles of Catechetics
The research highlights three main ways catechetics can respond to agnosticism in the information age.
1. Apologetic Role Catechetics equips believers to explain and defend their faith rationally. By grounding belief in scripture and reason, Christians can respond to doubts and online arguments without fear or confusion.
2. Pastoral Role Faith education also serves as spiritual accompaniment. Many people turn to agnosticism after feeling ignored or misunderstood by religious leaders. Catechetics creates space for honest questions, guidance, and personal growth.
3. Pedagogical Role Catechetics shapes a Christ-centered worldview, especially for younger generations raised in digital culture. Through small groups, discussions, and community learning, faith becomes lived experience rather than abstract theory.
As John Ronaldo and his colleagues explain, catechetics helps believers interpret modern life through faith rather than abandoning faith in response to modern life.
Implications for Churches and Society
The findings have practical implications beyond theology. Churches that invest in digital literacy, contextual teaching, and open dialogue are better positioned to support their communities. Educators can use catechetics to encourage critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and media awareness. Policymakers and social leaders can also recognize the role of faith education in promoting social cohesion and moral responsibility.
Ethically paraphrasing the authors’ conclusion, John Ronaldo of STT Kharisma Bandung notes that catechetics enables believers to remain intellectually open while spiritually grounded, even amid rapid technological and cultural change.
Author Profile
John Ronaldo, M.Th. Lecturer and theologian at Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kharisma, Bandung. His expertise includes catechetics, pastoral theology, and contemporary Christian education. He is joined in this research by Yanto Paulus Hermanto, Andrew Jordan, Fajar Sentosa Pradika, and Karolin Ferdianto, all affiliated with STT Kharisma Bandung.
Source
Article Title: The Role of Catechetics in Countering the Spread of Agnosticism in the Information Age
Journal: Jurnal Sosial, Politik dan Budaya (SOSPOLBUD)
Publication Year: 2026
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