Nature of Truth and Spirituality What is Spirituality

Nature of Truth and Spirituality

What is Spirituality? Objectives: To identify and understand what the term ‘spirituality’ means

How Spiritual Are You? Play game to see how spiritual you are?

Add up your score • 1. A= 5 B= 4 C=2 D=1 • 9. A=5 • 2. A=5 B=4 C=2 D=1 • 10. A=5 B=4 C=2 D=1 • 3. A=1 B=2 C=4 D=5 • 11. A=5 B=4 C=3 D=1 • 4. A=4 B= 2 C=2 D=4 • 12. A=1 B=3 C=3 D=1 • 5. A=5 B=4 D=1 • 13. A=5 B=4 C=1 D=1 • 6. A=1 B= 2 C=3 D= 5 • 14. A=5 B=3 C=2 D=1 • 7. A=4 B=3 C=2 D=1 • 15 A=4 B=1 • 8. A=3 B=1 C=1 D=3 • 16. A=5 B=4 C=2 C=1 C=2 D=1 D=3 D=1

Your Score • 16 -28 You don’t think being spiritual is very important. You find meaning through very practical activities • 29 -42 Some aspects of spirituality are important to you- your way of life doesn’t leave time for thinking deeply • 43 - 58 You have many questions about life and its mysteries and want to explore these ideas further • 59 - 72 You are a very spiritual person. You are a deep thinker and things such as family, creation etc are very important to you

What is Spirituality? ? ? Many people believe that there is more to life than possessions whether or not they believe in God- they are aware that there are important things in life that are deeper than physical belongings and possessions. This is called SPIRITUALITY

• Spiritual Person • Materialistic • People who believe in • People who live only something greater and for the now find more meaningful than pleasure in possessions what we see, touch, -materialistic hear, smell and taste are said to be spiritual.

Spirituality may involve • A feeing of awe and wonder e. g. beauty of nature • Artistic creativity e. g. painting, writing, music • Awareness of one’s own identity, uniqueness and value • Awareness of the preciousness of the universe and all living things • Awareness of the presence of god (or some power beyond oneself)

Religious believers express their spirituality by 1. Belonging to a faith community 2. Individual commitment 3. Service to others

Belonging to a faith community • • • Worship Study of the faith Spiritual enrichment Answer ultimate questions Sense of belonging receive guidance, support encouragement and comfort • Act of witness to the outside world

Expression of individual commitment Individuals show their spirituality through their use of symbolism. For example, carrying out acts of devotion such as kneeling, bowing and prostrating. Piety – religious devotion e. g. worship Creativity – architecture, religious art e. g. Sistine chapel

Religious Experience • A personal experience of God or the Divine

Support voluntary organisations Spirituality can be expressed by becoming involved in voluntary work on behalf of others. Example: Christians- Christian Aid

Support of voluntary organisations. Christians believe their faith is not only about personal spiritual growth but also about expressing the teachings and love of Jesus in a practical way. The Parable of the Good Samaritan are an inspiration for social action. This may range from full-time work in large international organisations to helping in local volunteer groups.