Hubungan Pengetahuan Ekoteologi dan Kepedulian Remaja Katolik Terhadap Lingkungan Hidup

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of Ecotheological Knowledge on Environmental Concern among Catholic adolescents aged 15–17 years in Java Island, Indonesia. The research employed a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design, integrating quantitative and qualitative data in consecutive stages. Quantitative data were collected through a survey involving 92 respondents using validated and reliable questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews to enrich the statistical findings. Quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression, whereas qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that Ecotheological Knowledge has a positive and significant effect on Environmental Concern (β = 0.632; t = 7.738; p < 0.001), with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.400. This indicates that Ecotheological Knowledge explains 40.0% of the variance in Environmental Concern among Catholic adolescents. From the perspective of Laudato Si’, understanding the Church’s teachings regarding human responsibility toward creation contributes significantly to the development of ecological awareness and environmental concern. The study highlights the importance of ecotheological education as a strategic approach to fostering ecological character among young people and provides practical implications for faith formation and youth ministry within the Catholic Church.