Post on 03-Jan-2016
description
Spiritual Development
William G. Huitt
Valdosta State University
Last Revised: June 2003
Definition
• Inherent property of the human being
• Meaningfulness of our lives and our relationships to
– ourselves
– to others
– to nature
– to a higher power (or to the unknowns of the universe)
Source of Spirituality
• Naturalism
• Pantheism
• Theism
Brain
Universe is expression of God
Non-material soul created by God
Benefits of Spirituality
• Improved physical health, including blood pressure
• Healthier lifestyles and less risky behavior
• Improved coping ability
• Less depression
• Faster healing
• Lower levels of bereavement after the death of a loved one
• A decrease in fear of death
• Higher school achievement
Liability for Lack of Spirituality
• Overeating
• Risky behavior
• Low self-esteem
• Poor health
Spirituality-Related Questions
• Who are we as human beings? Where did we come from?
• Where did the universe come from? What are its origins?
• Are we in control of our lives or is our destination a result of fate?
• How can we increase meaning in our lives, in general, and my life, in particular?
• Is there a God (in whatever way we define or know a Supreme Being)?
• What is our relationship to God or the Creator, if there is one?
• Is there a continuity of life after this life? If so, what is it like?
Relating To Self
• Signature Strengths: http://www.authentichappiness.org/
• Index to Learning Style: http://www.ncsu.edu/felder-public/ILSdir/ilsweb.html
• Jung Typology Personality Test: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
• Classical Intelligence Test (2nd Rev.): http://www.queendom.com/tests/iq/classical_iq_r2_access.html
• Emotional Intelligence Assessment: http://etesting.modwest.com/tests.php?test=2
• Becoming A Brilliant Star http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/brilstar/BrilStaract.pdf
Pathways To The Soul
• Search for Meaning and Purpose
• Yearning for Deep Connection
• Longing for Silence and Solitude
• Hunger for Joy and Delight
• Creative Drive
• Urge of Transcendence
• Need for Initiation
Stages of Faith
IV. Individuative-Reflective
V. Conjunctive
VI. Universalizing Faith
III. Synthetic-Conventional
0. Undifferentiated Faith
II. Mythic-Literal
I. Intuitive-Projective Faith
Activities
• Provide variety of activities using Kessler’s “Pathways” as a guideline
• Any activity that allows students to gain meaningful insights regarding self, others, nature, God or universal unknowns
• Maintain neutrality between secular and religious and among religions
• Create conducive environment -- Save, secure, supportive
The End