The Teacher’s Personality as Salt and Light: Pedagogical and Moral Insights from Matthew 5:13-16 at SD Negeri 156477 Pinangsori 10

Abstract

The personality of Christian Religious Education (CRE/PAK) teachers plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ moral, ethical, and spiritual development, particularly in primary school contexts. This study investigates how teacher personality functions as both a pedagogical and moral instrument, guided by the exegetical framework of Matthew 5:13-16, which presents the metaphors of salt and light as principles for moral and relational influence. The research employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to synthesize empirical, theoretical, and theological studies addressing teacher personality, moral modeling, pedagogical strategies, and biblical interpretation. Databases were systematically searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on literature that examined teacher personality in Christian education, moral and spiritual formation, and the application of biblical narratives in classroom practice. Findings indicate that teacher personality significantly influences classroom climate, student engagement, and ethical development. Pedagogical strategies such as storytelling, reflective dialogue, role-playing, and collaborative projects translate teacher personality into actionable learning experiences, reinforcing moral and spiritual formation. The metaphors of salt and light provide a theological lens through which teachers’ personality and pedagogical influence are conceptualized, emphasizing preservation of moral integrity and illumination of ethical pathways for students. The study concludes that the integration of teacher personality, pedagogical practice, and biblical insight creates holistic learning environments where students internalize ethical values, develop social responsibility, and cultivate spiritual awareness. These insights are particularly relevant for CRE teachers at SD Negeri 156477 Pinangsori 10, offering a replicable model for fostering moral and spiritual formation in primary education.