An Inquiry into the Relationship Between Spiritual Intelligence and Sexual Perceptions of College Students

Figure Ilustration AI

FORMOSA NEWS - Jakarta - Coram Deo in Christian Education: Study from Universitas Kristen Indonesia Proposes a New 21st-Century Pedagogical Model. Research conducted by Nella Mariana Panjaitan from Universitas Kristen Indonesia and published in the Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and Theology (IJCET) in 2026 highlights how the theological concept of Coram Deo which means living before the presence of God can serve as a pedagogical framework for renewing the practice of Christian Religious Education (CRE) in the modern era.

Understanding the Concept of Coram Deo
The Latin phrase Coram Deo literally means “before the face of God.” In Christian theology, it expresses the belief that every aspect of human life takes place in the presence of God and under His authority. This perspective encourages believers to view daily activities including studying, working, and making decisions as part of their spiritual calling. Within education, the concept transforms how learning is understood. Knowledge is no longer treated as a neutral tool for personal success, but as a means to understand God’s creation, cultivate responsibility, and serve others. The study emphasizes that when Coram Deo is integrated into Christian education, the learning process becomes a holistic process that involves cognitive, emotional, and spiritual development.

Research Method and Literature Review
The research applies a literature review approach, examining scholarly books and peer-reviewed academic articles related to Christian worldview, faith-learning integration, and Christian pedagogy. Most of the literature analyzed was published within the past five years, although several influential classical works were included to provide theological grounding.
The analysis followed several stages:

1. Screening titles and abstracts of relevant publications.
2. Conducting full-text analysis of selected sources.
3. Identifying recurring themes and theoretical frameworks.
4. Synthesizing insights into a conceptual pedagogical model.

Through this method, the study not only summarizes existing discussions but also develops a practical framework for implementing the Coram Deo perspective in Christian Religious Education classrooms.

Key Findings of the Study

The literature review reveals several important insights about the role of Christian education in contemporary society.

Christian Education Is Formational, Not Merely Informational

Christian Religious Education should aim to shape students’ faith, identity, and character rather than simply delivering doctrinal knowledge. Faith formation involves intellectual understanding, emotional engagement, and spiritual commitment.

The Christian Worldview Shapes How Students Interpret Reality
A Christian worldview enables students to interpret social, cultural, and scientific realities from a theological perspective. This worldview helps learners understand their role as stewards of God’s creation and responsible members of society.

Coram Deo Provides Theological Depth for Education
The concept of Coram Deo reframes learning as an act of worship. Every subject science, arts, language, and technology can be studied as part of understanding God’s creation.

Collaboration Between Family, Church, and School
The research also highlights the importance of cooperation between three primary communities of faith formation:

1. Family, where faith practices and values are first introduced.
2. Church, which provides spiritual teaching and communal worship.
3. School, where faith is integrated with intellectual learning.

When these environments work together, students experience a consistent and meaningful formation of faith.

Implications for Education
The study suggests several practical implications for Christian educational institutions.

1. For teachers, the role extends beyond instruction to spiritual mentorship. Educators guide students in reflecting on life experiences and connecting knowledge with faith.
2. For schools, a supportive culture is necessary one that recognizes every activity, academic or social, as part of living before God.
3. For curriculum development, space should be created for reflective learning, interdisciplinary integration, and community service projects that allow students to apply Christian values in real-life contexts.

Through these changes, Christian education can move beyond a fragmented model toward a holistic approach that integrates faith and knowledge.

Author Profile
Nella Mariana Panjaitan is a scholar from Indonesian Christian University in Jakarta.
Her academic work focuses on Christian Religious Education, theological pedagogy, and the integration of faith and learning in contemporary educational contexts.

Sources
Nella Mariana Panjaitan 2026. “Coram Deo in Christian Religious Education: A Literature Review on Integrating the Christian Worldview into 21st-Century Pedagogical Practice”. Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and Theology (IJCET), Vol. 5 No. 1, hlm. 39-48.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijcet.v5i1.5
URL: https://journalijcet.my.id/index.php/ijcet