Capacity of Christian Educators in The Age of Community 5.0: Corresponding Author
Capacity of Christian Educators in The Age of Community 5.0: Corresponding Author
ARTICLEINFO ABSTRACT
Keywords: Capacity, Educator, The capacity of Christian educators is a skill or
Christian, the Era of Society 5.0
ability of Christian educators who apply true
Received : 10 March teaching in the midst of the 5.0 society that is being
Revised : 21 April experienced or felt, so that it can be enjoyed by the
Accepted: 24 May general public. Society 5.0 as an era of society is
centered on human interests in the world. The
©2023 Mau: This is an open-access article
distributed under the terms of the presence of society 5.0 aims to prosper the wider
Creative Commons Atribusi 4.0 community. A qualitative type method with a
Internasional. library approach was used to obtain research
results on the topic of the capacity of Christian
educators in the era of society 5.0 which uses
technology applications to build full comfort and
welfare for all people, both physically and
spiritually. The conclusion of this research is that
Christian educators have the capacity to use
application programs in the era of society 5.0 to
lead, serve, teach, preach the Gospel, evangelize,
have a missionary, dialogue, and apologetics,
because technological developments in the era of
society 5.0 are part of the primary need for the
welfare of mankind
INTRODUCTION
Christian educators consist of Christian religious education teachers,
congregation/congregation pastors, Christian parents, and every believer who
plays a role in providing true teaching based on His word to the general public.
The era of society 5.0 is a unique challenge for Christian educators, so the capacity
of Christian educators is needed to take advantage of this new era responsibly.
The capacity of Christian educators is a skill, ability, or strength of divinity
experts who implement true teaching in the midst of the era of society 5.0 which
is being experienced, felt, and enjoyed by the general public.
In general, some Christian educators do not have the capacity to provide
true teaching to others, due to limited knowledge and the busy demands of life
economically, so that this noble task can be neglected (Tung, n.d.). Limited
knowledge becomes a dilemma, so that they do not have the capacity to provide
true teaching to the general public and even the influence of economic demands
can cause Christian educators to always ignore things that are top priorities.
According to Abdy Busthan, some Christian educators do not have the capacity
due to the lack of an intimate relationship with God (Busthan, n.d.). Therefore, in
the era of society 5.0 or the digital era, Christian educators really need to have the
capacity to implement true teaching.
The era of society 5.0 or the digital era as the era of society is centered on
humans managed by the Japanese government. The era of society 5.0 is a new era
founded by Japan in 2019. The concept of society 5.0 comes with the hope of
answering the problems experienced by humans during society 1.0 to society 4.0
with the help of technology such as AI, IoT, and robots in serving human needs,
so that humans can feel comfortable and enjoy life with full joy.
The era of society 5.0 as an era is not solely about digital technology
innovation but also the needs needed by the general public (Marthen Mau,
Saenom, Ina Martha, Gundari Ginting, 2022, p. 171). So, in the era of society 5.0
or the digital era, very broad freedoms can be given to the general public in order
to improve human welfare (Marthen Mau, Saenom, Ina Martha, Gundari
Ginting, 2022, p. 167). Historically, the concept of society 5.0 can perfect society
1.0 to society 4.0 (Suherman, 2020). Society 1.0 to society 3.0 humans think and
work by using muscles while society 4.0 can help human needs to share data and
information via computers. Application programs via the internet are useful for
obtaining information from internet users who disseminate information about
education, employment, business, the economy, and so on. Society 5.0 can be
seen that artificial intelligence pays attention to the side of human interests to
update various data collected on the internet.
Society 5.0 is used as a hope to help humans achieve a more useful life in
various aspects of life including aspects of spirituality, so the capacity of
Christian educators is urgently needed in the era of society 5.0. The capacity of
Christian educators is needed in the ministry to serve God and help fellow
human beings in the form of theological education and other social welfare.
Therefore, the capacity of Christian educators is a form of application of the first
and second Laws of Love, namely loving God and loving fellow human beings
(cf. Matt. 22:37, 39).
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METHODOLOGY
This type of qualitative method with a literature approach is used in this
study. Qualitative type as a type of research that is relevant to the subject matter
described. Qualitative research is based on a scientific background as a whole
and relies on sources to collect data, so that it is used for the purposes of the
analytical process (Susanti, 2020). The library approach is a series of activities
carried out with respect to data or information from literary sources that are
relevant to the topic under study (Zed, 2004, p. 54). Library research as an activity
that correlates with data collection through analyzing data or information to
obtain accurate research results (Marthen Mau, Felipus Nubatonis, Gianto, Ina
Martha, 2022, p. 57).
Library research aims to collect data and information received through
various secondary sources such as books, magazines, official documents, and
other sources (Christian Waruwu, Eliantri Putralin, 2020, p. 12). According to
Mau that library research is used in order to obtain data or information on trusted
scientific writings (Mau, 2021, p. 67) and relevant to the capacity of Christian
educators in society 5.0. Obtaining information through literary sources can be
compiled, described, explained, and narrated into useful writing for the public.
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The capacity of Christian educators can be seen well in the era of society
4.0 by using computers and the internet optimally in teaching and preaching the
Gospel of Jesus Christ to the wider community. Acceptance or rejection of the
Gospel preached by Christian educators does not become a dilemma for
Christian educators not to be passionate about voicing God's voice to the world
community. Fifth, the era of society 5.0 as the era of technology which is a source
for human life to share data and information. The era of digital society is a new
era for giving life to humans based on information received easily and quickly.
The era of society 5.0 makes human life practical and automatic, so that
technology does not control human life but instead humans receive a better and
more comfortable quality of life. The era of society 5.0 is an era of internet
technology-based society because technology is a very urgent source of
information that is inseparable from human life. So, the era of society 5.0 as an
era of society that implements digital technology is focused on community
welfare according to people's habits in the digital era.
2. The Capacity of Christian Educators
a. Understanding the Capacity of Christian Educators
Capacity means competence, endurance, strength or ability to produce,
experience, understand, or learn something along with the dynamics of society
5.0. Educator means everyone who is an expert or people who have expertise in
talking about the teachings of Christ Jesus based on God's word to others. The
term Christianity in English is called the little christ's meaning little christs. Little
Christs which means followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian educators provide true teaching in relation to biblical theology.
Theology means the science that talks about His existence, His revelations, His
attributes, and His will, so that Christian theologians can teach humans about
Him so that humans must fear Him (Muller, 2003, p. 153). So, theology is the
doctrine of His existence which is taught through His Word.
In essence, the concept of the capacity of Christian educators can be
interpreted as a process to build the capacity of divinity experts in the era of
society 5.0. The capacity of Christian educators has skills and skills, so that they
become theologians to survive in overcoming various obstacles that occur
rapidly in the era of society 5.0.
Based on the explanation, it can be concluded that the capacity of Christian
educators is the ability of divinity experts to communicate theology or divine
matters in accordance with the principles of God's word in the era of society 5.0
which is developing towards the progress it expects.
b. Christian Educator Capacity Goals
Christian educators have a capacity that aims to learn, understand, and
understand true teaching to be taught to the general public. To teach the right
teaching and give birth to a constructive way of thinking; as well as advancing
the general public in various fields in the era of society 5.0, it is necessary for
Christian educators who are qualified, qualified, and pure-minded so that they
become the driving force for holistic and humanistic service in Indonesia.
Producing Christian educators who are qualified, qualified, and pure-
minded are the products of theological schools which are places for carrying out
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The era of society 5.0 can use modern-based scientology for the benefit of
the general public. Society 5.0 as a new society whose presence on January 21
2019 to complete the era of society 1.0 to 4.0. The era of society 5.0 makes various
technology application programs a source of life to advance their lives in a better
direction. So, the era of society 5.0 acts as a new era that perfects the era of society
1.0 to the era of society 4.0.
Thus, the crucial reason for launching the era of society 5.0 is that humans
can recognize computers and the internet to share data and information in order
to carry out their daily lives so that their lives from now to the future will be more
advanced in all aspects of life.
d. The Goal of the Era of Society 5.0
In the digital era, it aims to create a society that is prosperous and fulfills
a comfortable life in various aspects of life including the spiritual aspect and is
able to solve problems that occur in society (Haryanti, n.d.). The era of society 5.0
is an information society with the aim that the general public has a happy life,
both physically and spiritually. The era of society 5.0 has a great interest in
making technology application programs a source of human encouragement in
improving the quality of life of the general public through a super smart society
(Ibnu Mahmudi, 2019, p. 9). The emergence of the era of society 5.0 in order to
minimize private life for humans in the world. The era of society 5.0 is an era of
a new society to realize the dreams of the general public and increase economic
growth for progress in various aspects of human life.
Thus, economic disparities will decrease if the quality of life of the people
in general is further improved because a prosperous life can be enjoyed by
everyone even though the era of society 5.0 was initiated and developed in Japan.
So, the era of society 5.0 will no longer be sanctioned to improve the economy
and solve human problems in this world.
4. The Capacity of Christian Educators in the Era of Society 5.0
Digital technology is unique to all humans because technology can be
applied in everyday life. For this reason, Christian educators are required to have
the capacity to utilize all technology in the era of society 5.0.
Various kinds of technology are used by Christian educators to lead, serve,
teach, preach the Bible, evangelize, missionary, dialogue and apologetics with
certain parties, as well as communicate freely in the era of society 5.0, for example
using Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Zoom, google meet, blog, and other
technology applications according to his wishes.
a. The Capacity of Christian Educators to Lead
1. Have a Feeling of Fear of God
Christian educators who live in the era of society 5.0 must lead God's
people and provide constructive directions for the benefit of the wider
community for accuracy and benefit in using technology. The results of
technology are very beneficial for the general public when used properly and
responsibly. When Christian educators are responsible for leading God's people,
then the main emphasis is on God's people to obey God.
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become wise people. Therefore, everyone is prohibited from boasting about his
own merits, his wisdom, his strength, and his wealth. However, everyone should
boast because they know and understand God's will because God really loves
faithfully, justly, and righteously on this earth because God loves everything that
glorifies His name.
b. The capacity of Christian Educators to Serve
Service is not just an ordinary service that is done by everyone in general,
but a service to liberate people from the shackles of sin. Service that sets people
free is serving God. Serving God is perfect freedom (Packer, 2014, p. 10). To free
people, Christian educators who serve God in Jesus Christ are needed who have
been free from the power of sin (Packer, 2014, p. 11). Sometimes the power of sin
can bind the theologians, making it difficult to serve God seriously and
responsibly.
Usually Christian educators who are influential and successful in ministry
because of their faithfulness in serving Christ Jesus. The pattern of his ministry
and his life must be imitated from the ministry of Jesus (cf. Phil. 2:1-11). His
service to society 5.0, which is led by God so that it has an impact on people's
lives and is automatically an influence in a direction that pleases God.
Christian educators must serve with humility because Christ has humbled
Himself in serving humans to death on the cross. Christ's ministry at that time
was to transform human life for the sake of His kingdom (John Ruck, 2011, p. 36).
Humility can be manifested in service because we realize that Christ Jesus has
purified our conscience (cf. Heb. 9:14), so that we are able to serve God and fellow
human beings responsibly (cf. 1 Pet. 4:10).
Jesus Christ has provided an amazing pattern of ministry because of His
presence in the world to serve humanity (cf. Matt. 20:28; Luke 22:27). The greatest
service performed by Jesus for the public is sacrificing His life for the salvation
of sinful humanity. The form of service for theologians in the era of society 5.0 is
to carry out the ministry tasks that Jesus Christ has mandated for them (cf. 1 John
2:6).
c. The capacity of Christian Educators to Preach the Gospel
Preaching the Gospel is the mandate of the Great Commission that Christ
Jesus has given to His apostles (cf. Matt. 28:19-20). Preaching the Gospel from the
Greek is euangelizomai which states euangelion means good news. The good
news is the news about Jesus of Nazareth. The news of the incarnation,
redemption and kingdom, cross and crown of the Son of God. God glorifies His
Servant, namely Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 3:13) by making Him Christ the Leader and
Savior (cf. Acts 5:31) that the world has long been waiting for (John Ruck, 2011,
p. 36). So, the good news is that God has carried out His eternal purpose to glorify
His Son by exalting Him as the great Savior for sinners.
The command to preach the Gospel was also given to Christian educators
in their capacity as representatives of believers (John Ruck, 2011, p. 17). Christian
educators are likened to a servant, messenger, or herald in their capacity to
deliver announcements to the public on behalf of others. The announcement that
must be made is to proclaim Christ crucified (cf. 1 Cor. 1:23).
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Whereas for people who are in rural/inland areas, Christian educators can
meet face-to-face in missions but the results of technology can be conveyed
directly using other technological means, for example using a PC/labtop and
LCD projector. So, the essence of the mission based on the Great Commission is
preaching the Gospel to all nations (John Ruck, 2011, p. 49) so that all nations may
enjoy eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. So, the mission of evangelism aims
to reach all human beings who live in the era of society 5.0.
f. The Capacity of Christian Educators to Evangelize
Evangelizing is an action to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ carried out
by Christian educators. Evangelizing means proclaiming the Good News
(Gospel) to the general public in order to receive Him, thereby forming a
continual fellowship in Christ Jesus (Packer, 2014, p. 28).
Christian educators have the capacity to evangelize because it is their
responsibility to dedicate themselves to spreading the good news. Evangelism
means declaring a specific message. The specific message is the news about Jesus
Christ (Packer, 2014, p. 28). Accidents experienced by humans is sin. Sin is a
violation of God's law and an obstacle to eternal salvation.
So that mankind is not hampered by eternal salvation because of sin,
Christian educators are present at every opportunity and in all service programs
it is necessary to carry out evangelism. Evangelism proclaims Jesus Christ as the
living Savior and reigning Lord. Jesus who lives as a Helper and Friend who
works out His salvation on the cross as proof that Jesus is the Christ, His
Anointed Servant of God (Packer, 2014, p. 28). The Man Christ Jesus must be
declared for the salvation of ordinary people (cf. 1 Tim. 2:5) and died once for all
human sins (1 Pet. 3:18) because through Him humans can come and believe in
God (John 14:6).
g. The Capacity of Christian Educators to Dialogue
Dialogue means discussions or conversations that occur between more
than two people in a group, both formal and non-formal. In dialogue it is
urgently needed to discuss opinions that lead to God's truth (Izzah, 2013, p. 8).
Dialogue is carried out to exchange perspectives through serious actions, so as to
produce statements that build the various parties involved in the discussion
(Suprobo, 2011, p. 12).
The capacity of Christian educators is urgently needed to carry out
dialogue between people of different religions and religions. Dialogue occurs
between fellow religions, for example Christianity, so its use is to seek and find
the real truth of God through the Christian Scriptures. The purpose of dialogue
is to obtain peace between adherents of different beliefs. Dialogue can know the
certainty that every religion has different beliefs even though different beliefs are
still one.
Conversations or dialogues that are carried out among Christian
educators can take place online using the technology of the Zoom application
program, Google Meet, YouTube and others as well as face-to-face to discuss
teaching theology based on the Scriptures. According to Belo, the conversations
conducted by Christian educators about the Bible point to God. The conversation
that was carried out was not only a dialogue between Christian educators and
the community solely, but God in His Spirit (cf. Matt. 18:20) because the dialogue
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can be carried out in a correlation with the salvation initiated by God for the
people He loves (Belo, 2015, p. 195).
h. The capacity of Christian apologetic educators
Apologetics comes from the word apologia which is interpreted as a
defense or speaking to defend faith in Jesus Christ (Rey, n.d., p. 9). Apologetics
is the doctrine of providing a defense of the Christian faith from God based on
the Christian Scriptures (Hutahaean, 2020, p. 54). The Christian Scriptures are the
main and highest standard used by Christian educators based on their capacity
in apologetics with other parties in the era of society 5.0. When making
apologetics, Christian educators must ask for God's help to defend the true truth
from the attacks of opponents.
The most important reasons Christian educators as Christ's ambassadors
must be apologetics are because: (1) according to God's commandments in His
word (1 Pet. 3:15); (2) helping Christians to understand more about their faith
beliefs; (3) as a means to spread the gospel; (4) as a means to rectify various wrong
perspectives on Christian faith beliefs; (5) as a means to fight against the false
teachings carried out by certain parties against the beliefs of the Christian faith.
The Bible provides a basis for supporting apologetic activities because the
Bible is able to answer false accusations from certain parties. The apologetic
mission carried out by Christian educators gets inclusion from the power of God.
Servants of Christ Jesus in the early church carried out apologetics with other
parties (cf. Acts 6:9-10) (Markus Suwandi, 2021, p. 113). Preaching and defending
the Gospel of Jesus Christ through apologetics is a fixed value for Christian
educators in the era of society 5.0, both arguing online and face to face.
The importance of studying and apologetics in the era of society 5.0,
namely: (1) as a form of defense from outside attacks (2 Cor. 10:4-5; 1 Pet. 3:15-
16); (2) faith and reason have a good relationship so that they are able to reason
correctly; (3) as a proof of responsible faith because there could be objections from
other people's attacks until Jesus came the last time (Markus Suwandi, 2021, p.
113). Fact, apologetics is able to respond to doubts from certain parties about the
Christian faith in an elegant, patient, gentle way, and contains elements of
firmness to uphold true truth.
When apologetics is urgently needed by Christian educators as intelligent
and sincere ambassadors for Christ; as well as being intelligent, humble, credible,
having high loyalty in serving God (Paparang, 2016, p. 23). Christian educators
whose lives and ministries are always filled with apologetics in the era of society
5.0, then it should be said that they serve God because there are goals to be
achieved in apologetics. The goal in apologetics is to proclaim the truth of Christ
to humans in the era of society for the sake of saving the human soul from sin.
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