Environmental Awareness as a Call of Faith among Students of Saint Thomas Catholic University of Medan
Keywords:
Environmental awareness, faith, university students, Saint Thomas Catholic University, integral ecologyAbstract
The escalating environmental crisis such as pollution, ecosystem degradation, and climate change demands a moral responsibility from every individual, including those in academic circles. As agents of change, university students are expected not only to possess ecological awareness but also to interpret environmental responsibility as an expression of their faith. This study aims to explore and analyze the extent to which students at Saint Thomas Catholic University of Medan understand and embody faith-based values in their concern for the environment. A qualitative method was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The findings reveal that while most students have a fundamental awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship, not all explicitly relate it to Catholic faith values. However, several campus initiatives such as pastoral-based ecological activities and social service programs have contributed to fostering a spiritual consciousness regarding environmental issues. The study concludes that integrating faith education with ecological education is crucial in cultivating a sustained environmental awareness. This research is expected to contribute to the development of character education and ecological spirituality within the higher education context.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Yanti Vidarosa Naibaho , Maria Roha Mida Karo Karo , Julita Santa Fransiska , Intan Mawati Laia , Dina Roito Tambunan , Agnes Enjelia Zebua , Amelia Febriyanti Hutagalung (Author)
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