Journal of Religious and Socio-Cultural

Prosperity Gospel and the Crisis of Authenticity

Clement Chinkambako Abenguni Majawa — 2026-06-30

The rapid growth of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements across Africa has brought renewed spiritual energy to millions of believers, yet this expansion has also generated significant challenges related to authenticity, abuse of pneumatic gifts, and the distortion of the Gospel message. This article examines the major challenges facing Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in Africa, including the proliferation of the prosperity gospel, the misuse of spiritual gifts for personal gain, the rise of false prophets and televangelists who exploit vulnerable populations, and the growing tensions between Catholic Charismatic Renewal and independent Pentecostal churches. Drawing from theological analysis, ecclesial documents, and contemporary case studies from Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, the article argues that the crisis of authenticity in African Pentecostalism stems from a lack of proper discernment, inadequate ecclesiastical oversight, and the prioritization of material wealth over spiritual transformation. The research employs a qualitative, document-based theological method, analyzing primary sources (magisterial documents, pastoral letters) and secondary sources (scholarly literature, media reports) to identify recurrent patterns of abuse and to propose a framework for discernment. This research makes two original contributions to the scholarly discourse. First, it provides a systematic theological critique of prosperity theology as it manifests in African contexts, distinguishing legitimate material blessing from abusive exploitation. Second, it proposes a five-criteria framework for discernment rooted in Catholic magisterial teaching, offering practical guidance for pastors, bishops, and lay leaders to evaluate charismatic claims and restore integrity to Pentecostal witness in Africa.

The Influence of Ice Breaking Strategy on Student Learning Interest in Christian Religious Education: A Study at SD Negeri 175761 Pulo Pakpahan, North Tapanuli Regency

Siltuanus Simanungkalit — 2026-06-30

This research aims to determine the positive and significant influence of the Ice Breaking strategy by Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers on the learning interest of fourth-grade students at SD Negeri No 175761 Pulo Pakpahan, Pangaribuan District, North Tapanuli Regency, in the 2025/2026 academic year. The study employed a quantitative method with descriptive analysis. The population consisted of 161 Protestant Christian students, with a sample of 30 fourth-grade students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a closed questionnaire consisting of 30 items (16 items for variable X and 14 items for variable Y), which had been tested for validity and reliability. The results showed a positive and significant influence between Ice Breaking strategies and student learning interest, evidenced by correlation coefficient rxy = 0.587, t-test value = 3.805, regression equation Ŷ = 26.92 + 0.38X, and determination coefficient of 34.4%. The F-test value of 14.73 exceeded the F-table value of 1.62 at α=0.05, indicating that the alternative hypothesis is accepted. This research confirms that Ice Breaking strategies significantly contribute to enhancing student learning interest in Christian Religious Education. The findings imply that CRE teachers should consider implementing structured Ice Breaking activities as an effective pedagogical strategy to create conducive learning environments and foster student engagement.

Liturgical Renewal and the Formation of Faith

Jusuf Hutapea — 2026-06-30

The contemporary church faces a profound challenge in nurturing the spiritual lives of Millennials and Generation Z, as these generations demonstrate declining affiliation and participation in traditional religious institutions. While much scholarly attention has focused on pragmatic strategies to increase attendance and engagement among young congregants, this study argues that liturgical renewal must be understood primarily as a means of faith formation rather than merely as a tool for attracting young people. This research aims to analyze how liturgical renewal can be intentionally designed to nurture a resilient, deeply rooted spirituality that enables younger generations to navigate the complexities of a secular and digitally saturated world. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research investigates churches that have implemented significant liturgical reforms, examining their impact on the spiritual growth, theological understanding, and long-term faith commitment of young congregants. Data were collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews with church leaders and young adults, and analysis of liturgical documents, and were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that engagement-focused renewal without intentional formation produces superficial results, while formation-oriented liturgical practices integrating reflective spaces, intergenerational dialogue, creative expression, and digital media foster deep engagement with Christian tradition. Effective models of renewal prioritize the formation of spiritual habits, theological literacy, and a robust sense of belonging, equipping young believers to sustain their faith through transitions, doubts, and cultural pressures. This study contends that liturgical renewal, when approached theologically rather than pragmatically, serves as a vital strategy for cultivating resilient faith that can withstand the challenges of contemporary life. The research recommends a holistic approach to liturgical development that integrates formation-oriented practices, intentional catechesis, and ongoing evaluation to ensure alignment with the spiritual needs of younger generations.

Transformation of Presentation Skills of Students at STKIP Tunas Papua Yahukimo through AI-Based PowerPoint Training

Deni Siep — 2026-06-30

Pelatihan keterampilan PowerPoint berbasis AI pada Mahasiswa di STKIP Tunas Yahukimo bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan mahasiswa dalam membuat presentasi yang lebih efektif dan menarik dengan memanfaatkan teknologi AI. Mengingat keterbatasan infrastruktur di daerah tersebut, pelatihan ini dirancang untuk memperkenalkan berbagai fitur PowerPoint berbasis AI yang dapat membantu mahasiswa dalam merancang slide, menyampaikan materi, dan meningkatkan kualitas presentasi mereka. Metode pelatihan meliputi pengenalan dasar PowerPoint, tutorial penggunaan template berbasis AI, demonstrasi langsung, serta sesi praktik interaktif. Hasil pelatihan menunjukkan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam keterampilan mahasiswa dalam membuat presentasi menggunakan PowerPoint berbasis AI, terutama dalam hal desain visual dan interaktivitas. Kontribusi dari pelatihan ini adalah pemberian keterampilan praktis kepada mahasiswa untuk dapat mengaplikasikan teknologi ini dalam tugas kuliah dan presentasi akademik mereka, serta membuka peluang pengembangan lebih lanjut dalam pembelajaran berbasis teknologi di daerah terpencil.

AI-based PowerPoint skills training for students at STKIP Tunas Papua Yahukimo aims to improve students' skills in creating more effective and engaging presentations by utilizing AI technology. Given the limited infrastructure in the area, this training is designed to introduce various AI-based PowerPoint features that can help students design slides, deliver material, and improve the quality of their presentations. The training methods include an introduction to the basics of PowerPoint, tutorials on using AI-based templates, live demonstrations, and interactive practice sessions. The training results showed a significant improvement in students' skills in creating presentations using AI-based PowerPoint, especially in terms of visual design and interactivity. The contribution of this training is to provide students with practical skills to apply this technology in their college assignments and academic presentations, as well as to open up opportunities for further development in technology-based learning in remote areas.