This article provides an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between traditional leaders and the democratic processes in Ghana. It begins by tracing the historical roots of traditional leadership in Ghana, highlighting the evolution of their roles and their historical involvement in politics. The article then transitions into an examination of the contemporary roles of these leaders in Ghanaian society, their political affiliations, and their influence on the political landscape. The core of the article is a critical analysis of the impact of traditional leaders on Ghana's democratic processes. Through a series of case studies, it scrutinizes the ways in which these leaders have shaped political outcomes, discussing both the potential benefits and drawbacks of their involvement in politics. The article concludes with an exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the participation of traditional leaders in politics, offering suggestions for managing their influence to ensure the continued growth and stability of Ghana's democracy. This comprehensive review contributes to the understanding of the intricate dynamics between tradition and politics in Ghana, shedding light on the role of traditional leaders as influential stakeholders in the country's democratic landscape and their impact on socio economic development as a whole.

The purpose of this study is to show the historical development, change, and continuity of traditional prisons, legal codes, and punishments in Ethiopia from antiquity to recent times. The researcher used a qualitative method and a descriptive research design. Data were collected through document review, and then the collected data were analyzed both thematically and chronologically. The author used both primary and secondary sources. Traditional prisons, legal codes, and punishments continued until the reign of Menilek II. After a strong king, Menilek, a modern constitution was written in 1931 during the reign of Haile Selassie I, who ruled Ethiopia for a long time. The ancient and traditional prisons revealed by the research, what the early laws were like, and how and what punishments were applied based on these laws and other customs were analyzed in the research. Mainly, the three legendary prisons of Däbrä Damo, Amba Gešän, and Wähn Amba were used to confine the successors to the throne. In other prisons, inmates were occasionally brutalized. Even Fetha Nägäest has cruel laws or articles. According to those cruel laws, criminals were punished severely, from mutilation to the death penalty. Due to the long-standing practice of torture punishments and the influence and legacy of harsh laws, being imprisoned in Ethiopia still means an ordeal and is considered like going to hell.

This study aims to show the method adopted by Hassan Hanafi to produce the new theology. Hanafi can be considered one of the most interested Arab thinkers in theology, where he wrote an important book in this section entitled: “From the Creed to the Revolution” in five volumes, that falls within the Heritage Series and the New chapter on explaining the position on the old heritage. In addition to many scientific articles and intellectual dialogues in which he, may God have mercy on him, clearly explained his vision to produce the new theology. It was confined to a statement of the methodological aspect of the the method for its importance in building science. The establishment and development of science can only be in a correct way, under which the scattered facts and scattered vocabulary are folded, to explain the links or relationships that may exist between them, regulated by specific laws. The progress and delay of science depend on the issue of the methodology, which revolves with it existence and non-existence, and therefore it can be said that the methodology preserves for science its order and consistency, as it controls the human mind and mental actions, with fixed rules, so that it helps Man reach the truth in the topics he studies.

This study aims to analyze the impact of character education implementation by teachers in Sunday school on the aspect of spiritual intelligence in children at GPI Sidang Wismar Saragih church. The research problem formulation is how the influence of character education implementation by Sunday school teachers on the development of children's spiritual intelligence at GPI Sidang Wismar Saragih church. This study uses a quantitative method by analyzing the influence between the variables under investigation. The research population consists of 35 children participating in Sunday school activities at GPI Sidang Wismar Saragih church. For data collection, the researcher used a closed questionnaire with 27 questions for each research variable, using a Likert scale with 5 response options: strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree. Thus, it can be concluded that the implementation of character education by Sunday school teachers (X) has a positive influence on behavior (Y) in the population under study. Furthermore, the influence of Christian Religious Education teachers (X) on the development of spiritual intelligence in children at GPI Sidang Wismar Saragih church (Y) can be explained through a linear equation model Y ̂= 50.3 + 0.518X.

This study aims to explore the impact of guidance/counseling by teachers on students' moral development in class VIII-1 of SMP Negeri 2 Sei Bamban. The population studied consists of 32 students from class VIII-1. Data collection methods utilize Likert model questionnaires, employed to measure individuals' or groups' attitudes, opinions, and perceptions towards social phenomena. Data analysis involves four stages: (a) planning, (b) action implementation, (c) evaluation, and (d) reflection. The analysis results indicate a significant improvement in the average scores of guidance/counseling questionnaires from cycle I to cycle III. The average scores increased from 3.20 in cycle I to 3.41 in cycle II and reached 3.56 in cycle III. Additionally, the correlation between teacher guidance/counseling and students' moral development also increased from cycle I to cycle III. The correlation increased from 73.9% in cycle I to 74.3% in cycle II and reached 86.5% in cycle III.

This study aims to explore how the intellectual competence of Christian Religious Education (CRE) teachers can enhance students' learning outcomes in CRE. The research population consists of 29 students from class XI IPA-1. Data on students' CRE learning outcomes, in relation to the intellectual competence of CRE teachers, were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire designed to measure attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of individuals or groups regarding social events or phenomena. Data analysis was conducted through four stages: planning, action implementation, evaluation, and reflection. The results of the analysis indicate an improvement in students' CRE learning outcomes from cycle I to cycle III. The average learning outcome scores increased from 3.92 in cycle I to 5.49 in cycle II, and reached 6.10 in cycle III. In the first cycle, 11 students had not achieved satisfactory learning outcomes, but by cycles II and III, all students had achieved satisfactory learning outcomes. Additionally, the average questionnaire scores also showed an increase from cycle I to cycle III, rising from 3.34 in cycle I to 3.50 in cycle II, and 3.58 in cycle III.

This study aims to understand the impact of implementing Christian Religious Education learning using the Jigsaw model on students' participation levels and learning achievement. Data collection regarding the implementation of learning using the Jigsaw model on students' engagement levels and learning outcomes in class VIII-1 of SMP Negeri 2 Sei Bamban was conducted using a Likert-scale questionnaire. The Likert scale was employed to measure the attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of individuals or groups towards observed social phenomena. Data analysis was conducted through four stages: planning, action implementation, evaluation, and reflection. The results of the data analysis indicate that the average score of the learning questionnaire using the Jigsaw model on students' engagement levels and learning outcomes increased from cycle I to cycle III. This increase is reflected in the average score increment of 3.36 in cycle I, 3.42 in cycle II, and 3.47 in cycle III. Additionally, the correlation between teacher guidance/counseling and student study discipline also increased as the learning cycles progressed. This correlation increased from 80.8% in cycle I to 90.1% in cycle II, and reached 91.7% in cycle III.

This study was conducted using library research with the aim of understanding how to comprehend and apply the Book of Song of Songs, with the hope that love for God will grow stronger. If believers can understand and apply the Book of Song of Songs, it is expected that their love for God and others will increase. The title 'Song of Songs' implies that this book is the best of all songs, just as the term 'Holy of Holies' implies the most sacred place. In the discussion of the practical exposition of this book, an approach based on the literal and spiritual messages of the text is considered the best way to find practical reflections for our lives as believers today. From the literal message, we will discover noble values of love for personal life, family, community, and the things that can undermine these values. From the spiritual message, we will find the depth of God's love, which will guide us to understand the extent of our love for Him, the purity of our faith, our faithfulness in fulfilling spiritual responsibilities, and the spiritual values we have instilled in our lives and those of our loved ones. The findings from this practical study encompass aspects such as Love, Sacrifice, Desire, Beauty that Enhances Harmony, a Life Blessed by Love, the Strength and Bond of Love, Values of Love, Shared Purpose in Love, Emotionality, Mutual Desire, True Love, and the Purity of Love.

This study examines the role of liturgical music in enhancing worship experiences, focusing on emotional and spiritual engagement, participatory elements, and contextual factors. Liturgical music, a vital aspect of Christian worship, plays a profound role in fostering emotional connection, spiritual reflection, and community engagement. Despite its foundational presence, the mechanisms through which music impacts the worship experience remain an area of interest for scholars and practitioners alike. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating surveys from 500 congregants across 10 Christian denominations, semi-structured interviews with 30 church leaders and music directors, and participant observation during 20 worship services. The research aimed to identify key elements of liturgical music, including lyrics, melody, and rhythm, that contribute to emotional and spiritual engagement. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The study revealed that 87% of respondents felt an enhanced emotional connection during worship through music. Lyrics were identified as the most impactful element (mean score 4.6/5), followed by melody and rhythm. Contemporary music styles fostered higher physical engagement, while traditional hymns strengthened feelings of historical connection. The results highlight the multifaceted role of music in worship, emphasizing the importance of well-crafted lyrics, the participatory nature of congregational singing, and the influence of contextual factors, such as musician skill and sound quality. The alignment of music with service themes also positively impacted worship satisfaction. Liturgical music significantly enhances worship by deepening emotional engagement, fostering communal participation, and uniting congregants across generations. The findings provide practical insights for church leaders and music directors in crafting meaningful worship experiences.

This study examines the integration of traditional hymns and contemporary worship music within church music education, focusing on the effects of a balanced curriculum on students' musical skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 50 church music students enrolled in a 6-month program at a major Christian university. Data were collected through practical exams, written tests, attitudinal surveys, and semi-structured interviews, measuring changes in students' proficiency, understanding of church music history and theology, and their views on different worship music styles. The results show significant improvements in students’ performance and arrangement skills across both traditional and contemporary styles. Additionally, students demonstrated a deeper understanding of the historical and theological significance of church music, enabling them to make more informed decisions about worship music selection. The study also found notable attitudinal shifts, with students developing a more balanced and appreciative view of both traditional hymns and contemporary worship music. These findings suggest that an integrated curriculum not only enhances students’ musical versatility but also fosters inclusivity, better preparing them to navigate the diverse and evolving landscape of modern worship music. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of a balanced integration of traditional and contemporary elements in church music education, offering insights that can inform future curricula aimed at developing well-rounded church musicians capable of leading worship in a variety of settings.

The nature of tourism in any society is influenced by complex and intertwined economic, political, cultural, and social factors. Despite the significant and significant economic consequences of the tourism industry, many experts believe that tourism is more of a cultural phenomenon than an economic activity. Over the centuries, humans have transformed the natural environment into a landscape of cultural heritage using reason, hope, and hard work. These landscapes are priceless cultural heritage and are almost irreplaceable. As one of the ancient civilizations, Iran has a huge and impressive cultural heritage. One of the places that has an ancient history and civilization and has historical and ancient buildings and sites, etc. is Hamedan County. This county is a mountainous region and the highest county in Hamedan Province with an area of about 2300 square kilometers. This research attempts to help develop tourism in this ancient region by planning and presenting a strategy for developing the cultural heritage of the central part of Hamedan County. According to the results obtained and data analysis, the most important strategies for developing tourism resources in the research area and even in Hamedan County are to create a database of the status, type, and conditions of attractions in the research area for use in advanced plans and studies to fully identify tourism resources and plan for them.

This study explores the integration of biblical literacy with critical thinking development in Christian religious education, focusing on dynamic and multicultural contexts such as Batam, Indonesia. Traditionally, Christian education has emphasized memorization and doctrinal instruction; however, the demands of 21st-century education require a pedagogical transformation. Students must now engage Scripture not only as sacred text but also as material for critical interpretation and application in contemporary ethical and social contexts. This systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA guidelines, synthesizes findings from 45 studies published between 2015 and 2024. The analysis identified four primary pedagogical approaches: hermeneutical inquiry-based learning, Socratic dialogue, contextual theology integration, and digital literacy in biblical education. Each method demonstrated significant positive outcomes in enhancing students’ biblical comprehension and critical reasoning abilities. Hermeneutical inquiry was most effective in developing interpretive skills, while contextual theology fostered the application of Scripture to modern life. Socratic dialogue encouraged theological reflection through structured questioning, and digital tools expanded access to collaborative biblical study. The findings highlight that integrating critical thinking into biblical instruction does not diminish theological integrity but rather enriches students’ spiritual formation and intellectual development. Effective implementation depends on teacher training, institutional support, and cultural adaptation, particularly in diverse settings like Batam. This research underscores the need for Christian education to evolve, promoting holistic student growth by cultivating both cognitive skills and spiritual resilience. By adopting innovative pedagogies, Christian schools can prepare students for ethical leadership and faithful engagement in pluralistic societies.