Christian Religious Education Teachers and the Spirituality of Faith Struggle: Insights from Genesis 32:24-26 at SMP Negeri 1 Payung-Karo
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Abstract
This study explores the spirituality of faith struggle among Christian Religious Education teachers at SMP Negeri 1 Payung-Karo, drawing insights from Genesis 32:24-26, where Jacob wrestles with God until daybreak. The research investigates how this biblical narrative informs the personal competence, pedagogical practice, and relational engagement of teachers in a faith-based educational context. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through a systematic literature review (SLR) and semi-structured interviews with CRE teachers, allowing a comprehensive understanding of how spiritual reflection shapes professional and interpersonal competence. Findings reveal that teachers internalize the motif of struggle, interpreting Jacob’s wrestling as a model for resilience, persistence, and ethical discernment in navigating challenges in educational practice. Teachers report that reflecting on this passage enhances patience, humility, and relational sensitivity, enabling them to handle classroom complexities, student behavioral issues, and diverse parental expectations effectively. Moreover, the spirituality of struggle informs pedagogical strategies, as teachers integrate discussions of perseverance, faith-informed decision-making, and moral reflection into their lessons, thereby modeling authentic engagement with ethical and spiritual challenges for students. The study further highlights that personal spiritual disciplines, including prayer, meditation, and biblical study, strengthen emotional regulation, reflective practice, and ethical awareness, reinforcing the interconnection between teacher spirituality and professional competence. Challenges such as limited time, diverse student needs, and varying parental involvement require adaptive strategies, yet the essence of faith struggle remains central to relational and instructional practices. The spirituality of faith struggle enhances CRE teachers’ personal and professional competence, fostering a reflective, ethically grounded, and relationally sensitive approach to teaching. These insights underscore the transformative potential of biblical narratives in shaping holistic, faith-informed educational communities.
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