Fostering Interfaith Relations: The Social Competence of Christian Religious Education Teachers in Light of Genesis 14:22–24 at SMP Swasta Sultan Agung - Pematangsiantar

Abstract

Interfaith relations remain an urgent concern in Indonesia’s educational landscape, particularly within schools characterized by religious plurality such as SMP Swasta Sultan Agung Pematangsiantar. Christian Religious Education teachers in these contexts hold a strategic role in fostering peace, mutual respect, and healthy interaction among students of diverse faiths. This study investigates how the social competence of PAK teachers shapes interfaith relations by drawing on the ethical and theological insights found in Genesis 14:22–24, where Abraham demonstrates relational integrity, moral clarity, and accountability in his interaction with the king of Sodom. These biblical principles form the foundation for understanding how teachers engage with students across religious differences. Using a mixed qualitative approach combining a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and semi-structured interviews, the study analyzed 32 scholarly sources and gathered perspectives from teachers, administrators, and students at the research site. Findings reveal that social competence-expressed through empathy, ethical consistency, fairness, transparent communication, and conflict mediation-is essential for creating an inclusive learning environment. Teacher modeling emerged as the most influential factor in shaping students’ interfaith attitudes, as students mirror the relational behaviors they observe in their educators. Results also indicate that dialogical pedagogy and experiential learning significantly enhance students’ capacity for empathy and peaceful coexistence. Literature on religious harmony in Indonesia, including recent studies addressing rising intolerance, confirms the need for relational integrity and pluralistic insight among educational and religious leaders. Overall, the study concludes that socially competent PAK teachers, grounded in biblical ethics and contextual sensitivity, function as bridge-builders who cultivate interfaith harmony and prepare students to live peacefully within Indonesia’s diverse society.