Journal for Christian reflections in the context of social sciences and humanities

Caritas et veritas 2025, 15(2):90-102

Character Formation of Generation Z in Christian Religious Education Through Spiritual Formation

Imanuel Herman Prawiromaruto1, Kalis Stevanus2, Thomas Pentury3, Alvonce Poluan4, Tan Lie-lie5
1 Intan Permata Hati Surabaya (An International Standard Education), Jl. Raya Kedung Baruk No.112 - 114, Penjaringan Sari, Kecamatan Rungkut, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60298, Indonesia
2 Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Tawangmangu (Theological Faculty), Kalisoro, Kecamatan Tawangmangu, Kabupaten Karanganyar, Jawa Tengah 57792, Indonesia
3 Christian University of Indonesia, Faculty of Christian Religious Education, Jl. Mayor Jendral Sutoyo No.2, Cawang, Kecamatan Kramat Jati, Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13630, Indonesia
4 Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Anugrah Indonesia (Theological Faculty), Jl. Nginden Intan Selatan No.49, Nginden Jangkungan, Kecamatan Sukolilo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60118, Indonesia
5 Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Anugrah Indonesia (Theological Faculty), Jl. Nginden Intan Selatan No.49, Nginden Jangkungan, Kecamatan Sukolilo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60118, Indonesia

Generation Z, often characterised as digital natives, has grown up in an environment where technology particularly smartphones—is a constant presence. This pervasive exposure to digital devices has significantly shaped their daily lives, cognitive development, and moral reasoning. The omnipresence of technology presents both opportunities and challenges in the formation of their character and social behaviours. Empirical studies indicate that approximately 95% of individuals within this generation possess access to a smartphone, employing it for a variety of functions including communication, education, and entertainment. Notably, around 77% report using these devices for at least three hours per day, frequently engaging in multitasking across multiple digital platforms. Such continual connectivity has not only become a defining characteristic of their lifestyle but also exerts a considerable influence on their worldview, identity construction, and interpersonal dynamics.

Keywords: building character, generation Z, Christian Religious Education, spiritual formation

Received: October 25, 2024; Revised: May 29, 2025; Accepted: June 27, 2025; Published: January 20, 2026  Show citation

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Prawiromaruto, I.H., Stevanus, K., Pentury, T., Poluan, A., & Lie-lie, T. (2025). Character Formation of Generation Z in Christian Religious Education Through Spiritual Formation. Caritas et veritas, 15(2), 90-102
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