Technological Opportunities for the Spiritual Formation of Generation Z through Christian Religious Education

Abstract

The field of education, including Christian education, has undergone significant changes as a result of the digital revolution. As a human being who directly deals with progress in all aspects, humans must be willing to face every change that exists. Every generation will always be confronted with various developments in all aspects, including the digital aspect. In this case, it is very necessary for humans to have sensitivity and ability in everything that must always have an impact. One of the generations that is currently in direct contact with digital change is often called generation Z. Generation Z has different attitudes, traits, and ways of assimilating spiritual beliefs. The purpose of this article is to critically examine the potential use of digital technology to help the spiritual development of generation Z through Christian teaching. The use of technology such as social media, interactive learning applications, and other digital platforms can be an efficient way to communicate Christian values in a contextual, reflective, and individual way, according to literature reviews and qualitative-descriptive approaches. Participatory and transformative religious learning is made possible with heuristic techniques, contextual spirituality methods, and the use of digital pedagogy. However, in order not to get mired in digital formalism, the use of this technology must be supported by ethical and theological considerations. As a result, technology serves as a tool and spiritual channel that connects the daily digital presence of generation Z with their religious experiences. To answer the spiritual demands in the digital era, this study suggests creating an adaptive curriculum and improving the spiritual digital literacy of educators.