Digital Devotional Content in the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z: A Christian Religious Education Perspective

Authors

  • Yosua Feliciano Camerling Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Theologia Jaffray, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6463-8826
  • Revaldi Tri Wira Atan Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Theologia Jaffray, Indonesia Author
  • Nela Bura Parrang Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Theologia Jaffray, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53547/1axm8k44

Keywords:

Christian Education, digital devotional, digital religion, Gen Z, spiritual formation

Abstract

Digital media has become part of how Generation Z encounters religious messages and explores faith. This study examined the role of digital devotional content in spiritual formation from a Christian Religious Education perspective. It used an integrative literature review of scholarly works on Generation Z, digital religion, spiritual formation, and Christian education, with particular attention to Indonesian contexts and publications from 2020 to 2026. The literature was analysed through identification, thematic categorisation, comparison, and theological-pedagogical synthesis. The findings highlighted four features of digital devotions: conciseness, multimodal presentation, emotional-reflective engagement, and contextual-interactive engagement. These features could encourage biblical engagement and faith practice, although short-form content also risked limiting biblical understanding and weakening connections with faith communities. The study proposed a five-stage conceptual model: catalyst, text, reflection, praxis, and community. The model offered a framework for developing digital devotions that connect biblical teaching with reflection, daily practice, and Christian community. 

Abstrak

Media digital telah menjadi bagian dari kehidupan Generasi Z dalam menerima pesan keagamaan dan memahami iman. Penelitian ini mengkaji peran konten renungan digital dalam pembentukan spiritualitas dari perspektif Pendidikan Agama Kristen. Penelitian menggunakan tinjauan literatur integratif terhadap kajian tentang Generasi Z, agama digital, pembentukan spiritualitas, dan pendidikan Kristen, dengan perhatian pada konteks Indonesia dan publikasi tahun 2020–2026. Literatur dianalisis melalui tahap identifikasi, pengelompokan tema, perbandingan temuan, serta sintesis teologis-pedagogis. Hasil kajian menunjukkan empat karakteristik renungan digital, yaitu pesan ringkas, penyajian multimodal, keterlibatan emosional-reflektif, dan interaksi kontekstual. Karakteristik ini dapat mendorong keterlibatan dengan Alkitab dan praktik iman, tetapi konten singkat juga berisiko membatasi pemahaman Alkitab dan mengurangi keterhubungan dengan komunitas iman. Penelitian ini mengusulkan model konseptual lima tahap: katalisator, teks, refleksi, praksis, dan komunitas. Model ini menawarkan kerangka untuk menyusun renungan digital yang menghubungkan pengajaran Alkitab dengan refleksi, praktik hidup, dan komunitas Kristen.

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Published

2026-03-30

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How to Cite

Digital Devotional Content in the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z: A Christian Religious Education Perspective. (2026). Manthano: Jurnal Pendidikan Kristen, 5(2), 143-167. https://doi.org/10.53547/1axm8k44