CHEVRA: Indonesian Journal of Economic, Science, and Humanities

There is neither male nor female

2026-03-29T01:50:02+00:00

Background: Gender-based persecution remains a pervasive issue globally, often rooted in cultural, social, and religious norms that reinforce inequality and discrimination. This article reflects theologically on Galatians 3:28, which declares, "There is neither male nor female," as a foundational text for responding to gender-based violence within religious communities.

Purpose: The study aims to explore the theological implications of this passage and how it can inform faith-based responses to combat gender persecution.

Method: Employing a qualitative research method, the study analyzes biblical texts, theological literature, and contemporary research on gender violence and religion.

Results: The findings reveal that Galatians 3:28 challenges traditional gender hierarchies and supports a vision of equality grounded in Christian faith, calling for active pastoral care, advocacy, and education within faith communities.

Contribution: This theological reflection contributes to the ongoing discourse on gender justice by providing a religious framework that empowers believers to resist and transform oppressive structures. Ultimately, the article underscores the role of inclusive theology and faith-driven action in promoting dignity, justice, and peace for all, regardless of gender.

Strengthening Resilience among Women from Christian Minority Groups in Indonesia

2026-03-04T21:52:27+00:00

Background: Women from Christian minority groups in Indonesia face complex challenges, ranging from socio-religious discrimination, limited access to education and health, to gender-based violence and double burden in the household and community.

Purpose: This article aims to examine the forms of resilience they develop and offer a community-based strengthening approach as an empowerment strategy.

Method: The research uses qualitative methods with case studies, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observation in minority Christian communities.

Result: Findings show that the support of churches, Christian women's organizations, and informal initiatives such as prayer groups and cooperatives are the foundation of social and spiritual resilience.

Contribution: This article contributes to contextual theology and inclusive development by emphasizing the role of community support, women's leadership, and interfaith cooperation in strengthening resilience and promoting justice.

Cyberethics Education in Open and Distance Learning

2026-02-14T22:31:38+00:00

Background: In the digital era, cyberethics education has become essential for fostering responsible digital citizenship.

Purpose: This study examines the role of technology in enhancing cyberethics education and shaping responsible online behaviours among Generation Z students enrolled in open and distance learning (ODL).

Method: Using the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, a qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six purposively sampled Gen Z students at the University of Ilorin Centre for Open and Distance Learning, Nigeria. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Result: Findings reveal that while participants are digital natives, their understanding and application of cyberethics vary considerably. Digital educational platforms emerged as significant influences on ethical behaviour. Technology holds strong potential for cyberethics education when integrated meaningfully into curricula and designed to promote ethical conduct. The study recommends revising technology education policies to embed cyberethics more effectively and implementing professional development programmes to equip educators with TPACK-aligned competencies.

Contribution: This study contributes empirically to the scarce literature on cyberethics in open and distance learning contexts within sub-Saharan Africa, extending the TPACK framework to cyberethics pedagogy. It also provides actionable, evidence-based recommendations for policy revision and educator training to bridge the gap between digital nativeness and ethical competence.

Digital Lending, Credit Risk, and Financial Inclusion in Emerging Economies

2026-04-07T15:54:33+00:00

Background: While the rapid expansion of digital financial services has broadened financial access in emerging economies, it simultaneously introduces heightened credit risks that may impact overall financial stability and inclusion.

Purpose: This research examines the influence of digital lending and credit risk on financial inclusion across 44 African economies from 2005 to 2024.

Method: Using secondary panel data from the IMF and World Bank, the research employs a quantitative design with cross-sectional and longitudinal elements. Estimation is conducted using five complementary approaches—Fixed Effects with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), PCSE with AR(1), Random Effects, and Dynamic Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG)—to account for cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, and dynamic adjustments.

Result: Digital lending (proxied by mobile money transactions) significantly and positively affects account ownership across static estimators (β = 0.114 to 0.125, p < 0.05), confirming that electronic financial transactions expand access to formal financial services. However, this effect becomes statistically insignificant in the dynamic CCEMG model (β = 3.842, p = 0.785), suggesting cross-country heterogeneity moderates the impact. Credit risk (non-performing loans) consistently exhibits a negative and significant effect across all estimators (β = -0.731 to -1.210, p < 0.05), highlighting the constraining role of financial instability. Mobile communication infrastructure shows a positive effect that becomes significant only when cross-country dependence is considered (β = 0.121, p < 0.05). Macroeconomic variables (GDP growth and inflation) exhibit limited influence.

Contribution: The research provides robust empirical evidence that digital financial activity and financial sector stability are key drivers of financial inclusion, offering policymakers guidance to strengthen digital ecosystems, enhance technological infrastructure, and ensure prudent credit risk management. The findings also reveal important limitations—models explain only 3.7% to 14% of variation in account ownership—suggesting future research should incorporate additional determinants such as financial literacy, trust, and regulatory quality.

Ethics, Benefits and Challenges of Online Counseling

2026-04-30T07:37:32+00:00

Background: The rapid digitalization of counseling services has created new opportunities and ethical challenges for mental health and pastoral care, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Theological education institutions in Africa must prepare counselors and pastoral caregivers for digitally mediated practice while maintaining professional and spiritual integrity.

Objectives: This study critically examines the ethical considerations, benefits, and challenges of online counseling within Nigerian and African contexts and explores their implications for theological education in low-bandwidth, high-mobile environments.

Method: A qualitative narrative review was conducted using literature sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus, PsycINFO, and African Journals Online (2015–2025). Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns related to ethical principles, benefits, challenges, and educational implications. The analysis was guided by an integrative framework combining professional counseling ethics, digital competence, and contextual theological reflection.

Result: Findings indicate that online counseling offers significant benefits, including expanded accessibility, reduced stigma, flexible service delivery, and enhanced pastoral reach. However, substantial barriers persist: inadequate digital infrastructure, limited professional training, weak regulatory frameworks, cultural tensions between individual autonomy and communal values, and significant risks to confidentiality and data security. The study identifies critical gaps in theological curricula regarding digital counseling competencies. Ethical online counseling requires intentional integration of professional ethics, technological competence, cultural sensitivity, and theological reflection. Theological institutions must revise curricula to include digital counseling ethics, supervised online practice, and crisis management. A phased implementation framework is proposed to address infrastructural and capacity constraints.

Contribution: This study provides evidence-based recommendations for theological educators, professional counseling bodies, and policymakers seeking to strengthen ethical digital counseling practice in Africa's evolving digital landscape.