FROM COGNITIVE TO AFFECTIVE

Strengthening Religious Moderation in Educational Institutions Through a Love-Based Curriculum

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the reorientation of the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum from a cognitive paradigm toward an affective, love-based approach as a strategy to strengthen religious moderation. The central argument of this research is grounded in the view that PAI learning, which is overly focused on cognitive aspects, tends to neglect the spiritual, emotional, and human dimensions of students. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive method using document analysis of the “Curriculum of Love” developed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The findings indicate that reorienting Islamic education from a cognitive to an affective paradigm through the Curriculum of Love represents a strategic effort to restore the spirit of compassion (rahmah), love, and humanity in PAI learning. The Curriculum of Love, formulated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, emerges as a response to this affective void by integrating the values of love for God, fellow human beings, and nature into basic competencies and learning activities. This study implies the need for policy support and continuous teacher training to broaden the implementation of love-based Islamic education in shaping moderate and humane character.