The characterisation of the Spiritual Christian: In conversation with God according to 1 Corinthians 2

Abstract

Irrespective of the short academic history of Christian spirituality, a vast number of academic and popular publications ensued and is still dynamically growing. Many definitions have been proposed to define (Christian) spirituality. Spirituality is also no longer connected only to religion, although in this research the focus will fall on Christian spirituality. This research intends to partake in the continuing academic dialogue to define Christian spirituality. Christian spirituality is interpreted from the perspective of the divine-human conversation. This research consists of three sections. In the first section, a working definition of Christian spirituality is formulated. In the second section, various aspects that constitute spiritualities are distinguished and discussed. In the last section, the constituents of Christian spirituality are pointed out and are reviewed from a conversational perspective. The focus will be on ‘the experience of the divine’ when living a life that resonates with the Christian life.

Introducing the Study of Life and Death Education to Support the Importance of Positive Psychology: An Integrated Model of Philosophical Beliefs, Religious Faith, and Spirituality

“…Life education from the perspective of Taiwanese education is quite unique in terms of its theoretical premise, which we contend may coincide with other religious faiths, cultural practices and values, and philosophical beliefs, for example, Christianity ( Davis, 2004 ; Knitter, 2009 ; Van der Merwe, 2018 ), Hinduism ( Warrier, 2006 ; Srivastava and Barmola, 2013 ; Goswami, 2014 ), and Islam ( Nasr, 1987/2008 ; Bonab et al, 2013 ; Marzband et al, 2017 ). In this analysis, as a point of prominence, life education’s focus is more philosophical, spiritual, and personal, delving into a person’s inner self and his/her relationship with nature, others in society, and some form of “divine being” (e.g., Buddha).…”

“…By all accounts, we acknowledge that this viewpoint and rationalization may resonate elsewhere with other religious faiths, teaching subjects, cultural practices, etc. Indeed, as attested from the extensive literature, religious faiths such as Christianity ( Davis, 2004 ; Knitter, 2009 ; Van der Merwe, 2018 ), Hinduism ( Warrier, 2006 ; Srivastava and Barmola, 2013 ; Goswami, 2014 ), and Islam ( Nasr, 1987/2008 ; Bonab et al, 2013 ; Marzband et al, 2017 ) also explore the importance of spiritual cultivation and life enlightenment. For example, as we briefly referenced, Hindu faith places emphasis on a need for a person to “know and live in the highest self, the divine, the all-embracing unity, and to raise life in all its parts to the divinest possible values” ( Goswami, 2014 , p. 242).…”

“…This point about spirituality and enlightenment, in a general sense, is not novel and has been noted to resonate with other religious faiths. For example, aside from Islam faith, Hindu faith, etc., Christian spirituality also recognizes the importance of a “dynamic divine–human dialogue—between the divine and the spiritual person” ( Van der Merwe, 2018 , p. 9). What is of consistency, perhaps, is that a perceived sense of spirituality could give rise to a person’s “eureka moment” of awakening, or enlightenment ( Schneiders, 1986 ; Knitter, 2009 ), resulting in his/her experience of connectedness with nature, people, and divinity ( Van der Merwe, 2018 ).…”

“…Our consideration in this matter connotes that virtues (e.g., compassion) and quality characteristics (e.g., having a positive outlook), in this case, may reflect a person’s optimal “individual experience.” In other words, a person’s achievement and/or experience of spirituality and enlightenment is more than just perceived evidence of positivity; rather, we rationalize that development of the holistic self is the ultimate optimal achievement or fulfillment that a person may experience. This optimal personal experience of spirituality and enlightenment, enabling a person to feel connected with God or some divine being ( Nasr, 1987/2008 ; Bonab et al, 2013 ; Goswami, 2014 ; Van der Merwe, 2018 ), is of an exceptional level, which many of us may not achieve.…”

“…, " which translate to mean "life education." The term life education has been in use since 1997, when Taiwan started to promote various life education programs for secondary school teaching and learning (Ministry of Education Taiwan, 2008, 2018. Likewise, and interestingly, the Ministry of Education, Taiwan, dedicated 2001 as the Year of Life Education in acknowledgment and recognition of its significance and relevance to individuals, families, and the community.…”