Honoring as a Pedagogical Virtue: Professional Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Light of Exodus 20:12 at SMAN 1 Besitang-Langkat

Abstract

This study explores the integration of biblical virtue-specifically honor, as taught in Exodus 20:12-within the professional competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers at SMAN 1 Besitang-Langkat. Grounded in an exegetical and qualitative framework using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methods, the research investigates how the commandment to “honor your father and your mother” functions as a pedagogical virtue that shapes moral formation in education. The findings reveal that the virtue of honor transcends familial respect, extending into the broader realm of relational ethics, teacher professionalism, and moral culture within the classroom. Exegetically, kabed (honor) signifies giving “weight” or value to others, implying that reverence toward human authority reflects one’s reverence toward God. The study identifies that professional competence among CRE teachers is not limited to cognitive and pedagogical mastery but includes moral integrity, empathy, and spiritual depth. Teachers who embody this virtue transform teaching into a ministry of respect and character formation. At SMAN 1 Besitang-Langkat, such integration of faith and professionalism fosters mutual respect between teachers and students, strengthens community relationships, and enhances moral discipline. Theologically, this approach reframes professionalism as a sacred vocation, aligning educational practice with divine order and covenantal faithfulness. The study concludes that cultivating a culture of honor in education renews Christian pedagogy-where teaching becomes an act of worship, and professional competence is expressed through humility, love, and reverence that reflect God’s moral truth in human relationships.