Professional Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Teaching Isaac’s Obedience to God (Genesis 26:24-25): A Study at SDN 077299 Tuhemberua

Abstract

This study examines the professional competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers in teaching Isaac’s obedience to God as reflected in Genesis 26:24-25. The research employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to synthesize theological scholarship and educational theory relevant to teacher professionalism and biblical pedagogy. Genesis 26:24-25 portrays Isaac’s response to God’s covenantal assurance through worshipful obedience, symbolized by building an altar and calling upon the name of the Lord. The findings indicate that teaching this narrative effectively requires multidimensional professional competence, including theological mastery, pedagogical content knowledge, ethical integrity, and contextual sensitivity. The review reveals that professional competence in CRE extends beyond technical instructional skills. Teachers must possess adequate biblical-theological understanding to avoid moralistic reductionism and instead present obedience as a relational response grounded in divine promise and presence. Furthermore, pedagogical content knowledge enables teachers to transform complex theological themes into age-appropriate learning experiences. Ethical consistency and spiritual authenticity also emerge as critical components, as teachers serve as living models of the values they teach. Contextual awareness is particularly important in local educational settings such as SDN 077299 Tuhemberua, South Nias, where 20 Christian students and two Christian teachers interact closely within a community-based environment. The study concludes that strengthening professional competence through continuous theological formation and pedagogical development is essential for meaningful Christian Religious Education. Professionally competent teachers not only communicate biblical content but also cultivate students’ understanding of obedience as a faithful and relational response to God’s enduring covenant.