Personality Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Cultivating Social Ethics: A Reflection on Exodus 22:28 at SMK Negeri 1 Pekanbaru

Abstract

This study examines the role of personality competence as the foundation of transformative social ethics among students, using Exodus 22:28 as an exegetical lens within the context of SMK Negeri 1 Pekanbaru, where 72 Christian students are guided by a single PAK teacher. The research integrates a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with limited supportive interviews to explore how teacher character, ethical consistency, and spiritual maturity shape students’ social ethics in a pluralistic school environment. Exegetical analysis of the verse, “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people” reveals biblical principles of reverence, respect, disciplined speech, and the preservation of human dignity. These concepts emphasize that ethical formation in education occurs primarily through the teacher’s personal example rather than verbal instruction alone. Findings from the SLR affirm that teacher personality competence-including integrity, empathy, emotional regulation, and humility-directly influences students’ prosocial behavior, respect for authority, conflict management, and interpersonal responsibility. The interview insights further demonstrate that students tend to imitate the moral and emotional posture of their PAK teacher, confirming that modeling is a key mechanism in ethical formation. The study concludes that personality competence, rooted in biblical ethics and strengthened by spiritual disciplines, is essential for forming socially ethical students. Christian teachers who embody the values of Exodus 22:28 become transformative agents who shape school culture through their character, relational wisdom, and consistent ethical behavior.