Religious Character Education: Students' Perspectives on Religion in Diversity

Abstract

Diversity is a gift that brings good but also a catastrophe that brings bad. Managing attitudes towards diversity is key. This research explores the younger generation's perception of their passion for faith.  The goal is to formulate the perception of young integration as a determining factor in religious attitudes, seeing the implications for the education of religious character. To achieve this goal, this study uses a phenomenological qualitative methodological approach. Data collection is carried out by surveys and interviews. The results showed that (1) religious motivation is dominated by the family environment and affective dimensions; (2) the passion of religious life is still in ritual and spiritual circles; (3) perceptions and attitudes of tolerance in the pluralist paradigm become distinctive in the face of other religions. These findings have implications in the education of religious character, personal development of learners, moral and social values, public policy with dynamic system analysis. This study concludes three things: the affective dimension in the motivation of religious life; the centrality of prayer and rituals as focal points of faith; and the respondents’ pluralistic stance towards other religious traditions. Thus, this research underscores the critical need for religion-based character education that integrates both personal development and social responsibility. It highlights the relevance of religious values in navigating the complexities of contemporary global challenges. This research implies that religious character education should not be confined to strengthening personal values. It should additionally pave the way for comprehending and addressing global challenges through an inclusive religious perspective.