Keluarga sebagai Tempat Pembentukan Karakter: Tinjauan Teologis atas Amsal 22:6
Abstrak
family is the primary institution shaping a child's character before other social institutions exert their influence. This article aims to theologically examine the role of the family as a place of character formation based on Proverbs 22:6, which emphasizes the importance of training a child early so that he will not depart from the right path even in old age. The study employs a qualitative approach, using a literature review and textual exegesis, to examine the literary context of Old Testament wisdom literature and its relevance to contemporary Christian education. The findings indicate that Proverbs 22:6 presents a holistic educational principle that positions parents as primary educators, emphasizing consistency, exemplary conduct, and love in raising children. This article concludes that the Christian family is called to be a formative space for the growth of a child's faith and character and offers practical recommendations for parents and churches to sustainably fulfill this educational responsibility.
Abstrak
Keluarga merupakan institusi pertama dan utama dalam proses pembentukan karakter anak sebelum institusi sosial lain turut memberikan pengaruh. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji secara teologis peran keluarga sebagai tempat pembentukan karakter berdasarkan Amsal 22:6, yang menegaskan pentingnya mendidik anak sejak dini agar tidak menyimpang dari jalan yang benar hingga masa tuanya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi pustaka dan eksegesis teks, dengan menelaah konteks sastra hikmat Perjanjian Lama serta relevansinya bagi pendidikan Kristen masa kini. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa Amsal 22:6 memuat prinsip pendidikan holistik yang melibatkan orang tua sebagai pendidik utama, dengan penekanan pada konsistensi, keteladanan, dan kasih sayang dalam mendidik anak. Artikel ini menyimpulkan bahwa keluarga Kristen dipanggil untuk menjadi ruang formatif bagi pertumbuhan iman dan karakter anak, sekaligus memberikan rekomendasi praktis bagi orang tua dan gereja dalam menjalankan tanggung jawab pendidikan tersebut secara berkelanjutan.
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