Integrating Digital Technology in Christian Religious Education: A Theological Framework for Faith Formation in the Digital Age

Authors

  • Nella Mariana Panjaitan Universitas Kristen Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijcet.v5i2.14

Keywords:

Digital Technology, Christian Religious Education, Faith Formation, Theological Framework, Digital Learning

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed education, including Christian Religious Education (CRE). However, technology integration in CRE often remains technical and lacks a clear theological foundation for faith formation. This study aims to analyze the integration of digital technology in CRE and develop a conceptual framework relevant to learning in the digital age. This study employs a qualitative approach using a critical literature review method through analysis and synthesis of relevant scholarly sources. The findings show that digital technology can enhance interactivity, accessibility, and creativity in learning, yet it also presents challenges such as distraction and superficial learning. As its main contribution, this study proposes a Faith-Centered Digital Learning Framework integrating digital tools, pedagogical design, and spiritual formation. The framework positions faith as the center of learning, ensuring technology supports spiritual transformation rather than merely information delivery.

References

Bond, M., Bedenlier, S., Marín, V. I., & Händel, M. (2021). Emergency remote teaching in higher education: Mapping the first global online semester. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18(1), 50.

Campbell, H. A. (2020). Digital creatives and the rethinking of religious authority. Routledge.

Carr, N. (2010). The shallows: What the Internet is doing to our brains. W. W. Norton & Company.

Chastanti, I., Layyinnati, I., Srimulat, F. E., Fiqri, C. I. A., Syafriyeti, R., Afriani, D. T., & Sitaresmi, P. D. W. (2024). Inovasi pembelajaran dan pendidikan: Teknologi untuk peningkatan kualitas pendidikan.

Firth, J., Torous, J., Stubbs, B., Firth, J. A., Steiner, G. Z., Smith, L., & Sarris, J. (2019). The online brain: How the Internet may be changing our cognition. World Psychiatry, 18(2), 119–129.

Gottschalk, F., & Weise, C. (2023). Digital equity and inclusion in education: An overview of practice and policy in OECD countries (OECD Education Working Papers No. 299). OECD Publishing.

Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91–108.

Groome, T. H. (2011). Will there be faith? HarperOne.

Harianto, G. P. (2021). Pendidikan Agama Kristen dalam Alkitab dan dunia pendidikan masa kini. PBMR Andi.

Horsfield, P. (2015). From Jesus to the Internet: A history of Christianity and media. Wiley-Blackwell.

Koehler, M. J., & Mishra, P. (2009). What is technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK)? Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 9(1), 60–70.

Mogonea, F. R. (2025). Digital skills training in education: Between reality and necessity. Annals of the University of Craiova, Series Psychology, Pedagogy, 47(1), 332–346.

Papert, S. (1980). Mindstorms: Children, computers, and powerful ideas. Basic Books.

Redecker, C. (2017). European framework for the digital competence of educators: DigCompEdu. European Commission.

Roberto, J. (2015). Reimagining faith formation for the 21st century. Lifelong Faith Associates.

Selwyn, N. (2021). Education and technology: Key issues and debates. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Smith, J. K. A. (2016). You are what you love: The spiritual power of habit. Brazos Press.

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.

Torraco, R. J. (2005). Writing integrative literature reviews: Guidelines and examples. Human Resource Development Review, 4(3), 356–367.

Ward, A. F., Duke, K., Gneezy, A., & Bos, M. W. (2017). Brain drain: The mere presence of one’s own smartphone reduces available cognitive capacity. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), 140–154.

Published

2026-05-31

How to Cite

Panjaitan, N. M. (2026). Integrating Digital Technology in Christian Religious Education: A Theological Framework for Faith Formation in the Digital Age. Indonesian Journal of Christian Education and Theology, 5(2), 117–128. https://doi.org/10.55927/ijcet.v5i2.14

Issue

Section

Articles