The Spiritual Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Fostering Students’ Moral Resilience: A Biblical Reflection on Philippians 4:7 at SMA Negeri 1 Godean

Abstract

This study examines the spiritual competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers and its role in fostering students’ moral resilience through a biblical reflection on the Epistle to the Philippians 4:7. The passage emphasizes the peace of God that guards the hearts and minds of believers, highlighting the importance of spiritual stability in facing life’s challenges. Within the context of Christian education, this theological message provides a foundation for guiding students to develop inner strength, ethical awareness, and responsible behavior. The purpose of this research is to explore how the spiritual competence of CRE teachers contributes to the development of students’ moral resilience in the school environment. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach conducted at SMA Negeri 1 Godean. The participants consisted of 25 Christian students and one Christian Religious Education teacher who plays a central role in the instructional process. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and documentation analysis related to Christian Religious Education learning activities. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis involving data reduction, categorization, and interpretation to identify patterns related to teacher spirituality and students’ moral resilience. The findings reveal that the spiritual competence of the CRE teacher significantly influences the formation of students’ moral resilience. Students demonstrate a deeper understanding of how faith can guide their responses to moral challenges and personal struggles. In conclusion, the spiritual competence of CRE teachers plays a crucial role in strengthening students’ moral resilience and supporting holistic character formation within Christian education.