FROM DEVOTION TO PERFORMANCE: THE EFFECTS OF TREND BASED RELIGIOUS PRACTICES ON MORAL AND SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION

This study examines the effects of trend-based religious practices particularly contemporary worship music and digitally mediated worship on the moral and spiritual perceptions of youth in religious communities. In the digital age, worship has increasingly incorporated modern musical styles, social media trends, and virtual engagement platforms, raising important questions about the balance between authentic devotion and performance-oriented expressions. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study utilizes quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews to explore youth perceptions of worship meaning, levels of spiritual engagement, and moral formation. Findings indicate that while modern worship practices enhance participation and cultural relevance, they also produce varied interpretations of spiritual depth and moral significance. The study offers implications for worship planning and youth spiritual development, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with meaningful and authentic religious expression.