Living in Purity: Examining the Spiritual Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers at SDN 2 Tanjunganom
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Abstract
This study examines the spiritual competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers at SDN 2 Tanjunganom, focusing on how they maintain a pure life in accordance with biblical principles, particularly Genesis 7:1. Spiritual competence is conceptualized as the integration of personal faith, moral integrity, reflective practice, and pedagogical application, enabling teachers to serve as ethical role models for students. A systematic review of literature from the past fifteen years was conducted to synthesize empirical and theoretical findings on the strategies, challenges, and impacts of teachers’ spiritual competence in primary education. The findings reveal that CRE teachers employ reflective practices, mentorship, and classroom-based moral modeling to uphold purity and spiritual integrity. Institutional support, community engagement, and alignment with school values further enhance teachers’ capacity to demonstrate ethical conduct consistently. Despite challenges such as workload pressures, societal influences, and personal conflicts, teachers who exemplify spiritual competence significantly influence students’ moral reasoning, ethical behavior, and spiritual awareness. Integration of biblical narratives in teaching not only reinforces theoretical understanding but provides students with tangible models of integrity, obedience, and righteousness. The study concludes that the spiritual competence of CRE teachers is essential for effective religious education and holistic student development. Professional development programs, supportive institutional policies, and structured reflection practices are recommended to strengthen teachers’ moral and spiritual capacities. By living in accordance with scriptural guidance, teachers create a learning environment that nurtures students’ ethical and spiritual growth, thereby embodying the principles they teach. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of teacher spirituality in fostering moral formation and offers practical guidance for enhancing the quality of Christian Religious Education in primary schools.
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