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From Catechesis to Praxis: Transforming Christian Religious Education Towards Social Responsibility and Ecological Awareness


Author: Funixman Katili*, Otieli Harefa, Silpia Kimki
Published Date: 2023-11-02
Keywords: Christian education; eco-theology; social ethics; praxis; transformative learning.
Abstract:
Christian religious education has traditionally focused on catechesis—the transmission of doctrine, Scripture, and moral instruction to shape personal piety and religious identity. However, global crises such as climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation demand an educational transformation that moves beyond doctrinal instruction toward active engagement with societal and ecological issues. This study examines the pedagogical shift from catechesis to praxis within Christian education, particularly in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Indonesia. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study integrates a systematic literature review and thematic analysis of ten case studies from Christian schools, seminaries, and church-based programs in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Data were collected from academic journals, theological texts, institutional reports, and program evaluations published between 2015 and 2024. Findings reveal that integrating eco-theology and social ethics into religious education fosters a holistic discipleship model where students engage in environmental projects, social advocacy, and contextual biblical reflection. Students participated in tree planting, waste management, and community service initiatives while applying scriptural teachings to real-life challenges. The use of action-reflection learning cycles, service-learning, and contextual hermeneutics significantly enhanced students' ethical reasoning, empathy, and civic engagement. Despite challenges such as teacher preparedness, institutional resistance, and resource constraints, the case studies demonstrate that praxis-oriented Christian education equips learners to become both spiritually grounded and socially responsible. This study concludes that transforming religious education into a platform for social and ecological action is not only an educational innovation but a theological imperative in the 21st century.

Journal: ISAR Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies
ISSN(Online): 2583-9705
Publisher: ISAR Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

From Catechesis to Praxis: Transforming Christian Religious Education Towards Social Responsibility and Ecological Awareness
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