Proceedings of The International Conference on Theology, Religion, Culture, and Humanities

Nicene Council: A Crucial Process in the Formation of Christian Doctrine

Agus Widodo — 2026-01-14

In 2025, the Church commemorates the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, convened in 325. While the council is best known for formulating the Nicene Creed, the version commonly recited today was later refined at the Council of Constantinople and adapted for liturgical use. Beyond the Creed, the council also issued 20 canons addressing various aspects of ecclesiastical discipline. The Fathers of Nicaea did not create the Creed from scratch; rather, they articulated it based on the faith they had received, understood, and handed down to future generations. The same principle applied to the canons, which were rooted in inherited traditions rather than entirely new prescriptions. Thus, the Council of Nicaea should be seen as a crucial moment in shaping Christian doctrine – particularly concerning Christology and the Trinity – while also laying the foundation for ecclesiastical discipline. As an ongoing process, neither its doctrinal nor disciplinary outcomes were static or final; instead, they remained part of the Church’s living tradition, requiring continuous reception, interpretation, and adaptation over time. However, to ensure focus and depth, this discussion will specifically examine the Nicene Creed, exploring its biblical foundations, its early development in the teachings of the Church Fathers, and its enduring authority and reception in later periods.

The Role of Spirituality and Religion for The Character Education of The Digital Generation

Alfons Seran — 2026-01-14

This research aims to discuss the role of spirituality and religion for the character education of the digital generation. In line with the purpose of national education as mandated in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, it is to educate the life of the nation by developing the potential of students so that they become a generation of the nation with character and professionalism. The character of the Indonesian nation, which is known for being friendly, polite, and noble ethics, is now starting to fade and be replaced by the character of violence, dishonesty, discrimination, bullying, hate speech and hoaxes. On the other hand, the Indonesian nation seems to be so religious. Places of worship are often seen full of worshippers. The digital generation lives in a social condition where ethical and moral values are not in line with the behaviors of their society. In this case, spirituality and religion can make a meaningful contribution to character education for the digital generation to become a professional generation in this digital era. Therefore, this research aims to find the role of spirituality and religion in character formation, especially for the digital generation. This research uses a qualitative method of literature study, namely using books and other literature as the main object. The results of the study show that spirituality and religion are important factors in the formation of the character of the digital generation, namely a generation that can know the essence of its creation, formulate the purpose and meaning of life.

Hybridity In Eschatological Belief Among Indonesian (Javanese) Catholics

Amadea Prajna Putra Mahardika — 2025-01-14

Indonesia, with its vast religious and cultural diversity, presents a unique religious dynamic, especially for Catholics in Java. The influence of local traditions and interfaith interactions often lead to multiple religious belonging, where Catholic believers integrate local spiritual elements into their eschatological beliefs. This hybridity manifests in practices such as ancestral rituals, the adaptation of Javanese symbols, and the blending of indigenous eschatological concepts with Catholic doctrine. This paper explores how the phenomenon of multiple religious belonging influences the eschatological understanding of Javanese Catholics and how hybridity facilitates dialogue between faith and local traditions. The study also examines the theological implications of this hybridity, assessing its impact on Catholic doctrinal integrity and its potential to enrich spiritual practices. Ultimately, this research aims to provide insights for the Catholic Church in guiding its followers through cultural and religious pluralism.

Portrait of Pastoral Care of Factory Employees in the Industrial Area of the Church of Saint Stanislaus, Girisonta Parish

Christina Putri Indah Nugraheni — 2025-12-15

The Parish of Saint Stanislaus Girisonta, situated in Semarang Regency, is surrounded by numerous industrial factories, attracting a significant number of Catholic migrant workers. However, the Church lacks comprehensive data on these migrants and has not yet developed a dedicated pastoral program to address their spiritual needs. This study examines the current state of pastoral care for factory employees in Girisonta Parish, explores their expectations for spiritual support, and evaluates the implementation of relevant pastoral initiatives. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that while pastoral care in Girisonta Parish is generally well-structured, it has not been specifically adapted to the needs of factory workers and migrants. Employees express the need for more flexible pastoral services, including the formation of a Catholic employee community, Masses outside regular working hours, and spiritual guidance that accommodates their work schedules. Despite the increasing presence of Catholic factory workers, no structured pastoral program currently exists to provide consistent support for them. This study highlights the urgency of establishing targeted pastoral initiatives to foster a stronger spiritual connection among Catholic migrant workers in Girisonta Parish.

The Trinity and Communal Spirituality: Understanding The Nicene Creed in The Asian Context

Petrus Simarmata — 2025-12-15

The Nicene Creed (325), which affirms the Trinity as the core of Christian faith with profound theological, spiritual, and social ramifications, holds particular significance within the Asian context. This qualitative study employs a literature review to analyse the intricate relationship between the doctrine of the Trinity and communal spirituality in Asia. A comprehensive review of theological sources was undertaken, and the results demonstrate how the Trinitarian understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit's relationality inspires a communal ethos characterised by solidarity, harmony, and togetherness. Within Asian traditions, which are deeply rooted in values of collectivity and interrelational spirituality, the doctrine of the Trinity emerges as a potent paradigm for an inclusive and dialogical expression of faith. The study thus substantiates the conclusion that the Nicene Creed, in addition to its dogmatic function, possesses the power to effect transformation in the practical realm of Christian communal life throughout Asia.

Contemplation as a Way to Achieve Enlightenment in Thoughts of St. Gregory of Nyssa

Christianus Lanang Prasaja Lod — 2025-12-15

Contemplation is a profound and important spiritual practice in the Christian tradition, especially in the thought of St. Gregory of Nyssa. This paper aims to explore the role of contemplation as a path to achieving enlightenment and mystical union with God. The method used in this paper is a qualitative method, namely the author analyzes the thoughts of Gregory of Nyssa, who emphasizes that contemplation is not only a tool to achieve inner peace, but also a means to understand divine truth, know oneself, and develop compassion for others. The results of this study are that Gregory sees contemplation as a process of self-purification that brings the soul closer to God, through a continuous spiritual journey (epectasis). Gregory's thought invites to experience a profound spiritual transformation, find meaning in relationships with God and others, and achieve inner peace in the midst of a busy and divided world.

Analysis of Competence and Facilitation Skills of Novice Environmental Guides in Facilitating Catechesis of the Faithful in St. Peter Chrysologus Parish Semarang

Dewi Ratna Jai — 2025-12-20

Community catechesis represents a model of faith education that emphasizes active community participation in living out the faith. However, the effectiveness of catechesis greatly depends on the competence and facilitation skills of environmental guides, especially those who are still novices. This study highlights the gap between theological understanding and facilitation practice that remains a challenge in building a dialogical and transformative learning process. This research aims to analyze the competence and facilitation skills of novice environmental guides in community catechesis at St. Peter Chrysologus Parish BSB. Using a qualitative approach, this research employs in-depth interviews and thematic analysis of eight key informants, including the parish priest, senior environmental guides, novices, and members of the catechetical commission. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña to identify patterns of required competencies and skills (Bazeley 2020). The results show that the basic competencies of environmental guides include a strong foundation of faith, doctrinal understanding, and the ability to manage group dynamics. However, they still face challenges in facilitating reflective dialogue and creating active participant engagement. Effective facilitation skills, such as active listening, creating safe spaces, and summarizing discussions, become key factors in improving the quality of catechesis. This research contributes to the development of more comprehensive training strategies for novice environmental guides, emphasizing experience-based approaches, mentoring, and continuous evaluation. The practical implications of this research point to the need for reform in catechetical training to address regeneration challenges and improve facilitation effectiveness in Church base communities.

The Trinity Model in The Family of Educators: Reflections on Love and Unity

Theresia Martini — 2025-12-21

The family serves as the primary and foundational place of education for Christians. It plays a crucial role in shaping values and nurturing relationships with God. This discussion focuses on the concept of the Triune God, which serves as a model for the family life of educators. Using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, the researcher aims to explore various aspects of educators' family life associated with the teachings of the Council of Nicaea. Just as the Father and the Son exist in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, families are also called to embody love, share, and cultivate close relationships. Additionally, the ideals of unity in diversity and self-giving reflect the nature of the Trinity within the family. This study seeks to illustrate how the family, regarded as a "Domestic Church" (Ecclesia Domestica), can mirror the love of the Triune God. Furthermore, the teachings of the Council of Nicaea hold significance in family life, demonstrating how families can exemplify the love and unity inherent in the Triune God.

Incarnation Christology Offers Universal Salvation and Cultural Liberation for Catholics Torajan in South Sulawesi

Antonius Galih Arga Wiwin Aryanto — 2025-12-21

The people of Toraja, South Sulawesi are known to have social stratification as part of their culture. Such stratification at the same time influenced the concept of salvation in their ancestral belief, Aluk To Dolo. Eternal salvation, in the concept of man's union with the highest God, Puang Matua, could only be obtained by those who have a high social class, Tana’ Bulaan. Meanwhile, those who came from low social classes, in addition to having limited space in society, also culturally-religiously were difficult to obtain salvation. Using the literature method, this paper aims to provide a christological solution to this religio-cultural problem, especially after Christianity encountered Toraja culture. As a result, contextual christology provided an answer to this gap. The Son as the ‘Word made flesh’ brought salvation to the Torajan people in general with no more social stratification boundaries in the new understanding.

Exploration about Beliefs of God through Cordiality of the Good Samaritan Parable and Homoousios of Nicaea Council

Xalastinus Jasper Hanta — 2025-12-21

Discussing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, one of the main themes that can be discussed is the theology of cordiality "his heart was moved with compassion". This cordiality is revealed from the actions of the Good Samaritan figure. He helped a victim who needed a helping hand of compassion. Insinuatingly, the actions of the good Samaritan were driven by his cordiality. In the context of the Council of Nicaea, the beliefs about God are summarized in homoousios. The beliefs about God in Jesus are as follows: God who is one in essence and God who is in cordial with human being. This article will discuss the beliefs or spirituality derived from a combined analysis of the cordiality of the Good Samaritan and the concept of homoousios in the Council of Nicaea. The author uses historical-critical analysis and hermeneutic methods. These methods were carried out using library research. From the cordial actions of the Good Samaritan and the concept of homoousios, the author finds concepts and relevancies: Almighty God transcends the limits of human being; but also, Almighty God become human being and moves humans to do cordial acts of love specifically for the marginalized and suffering.