Transcript No Slide Title

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
Brain
• Pantheism
Universe is expression of God
• Theism
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?
• 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?
• How can we increase meaning in our lives, in general, and
my life, in particular?
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
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Creative Drive
Need for Initiation
Urge of Transcendence
Hunger for Joy and Delight
Yearning for Deep Connection
Longing for Silence and Solitude
Search for Meaning and Purpose
Stages of Faith
0.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Undifferentiated Faith
Intuitive-Projective Faith
Mythic-Literal
Synthetic-Conventional
Individuative-Reflective
Conjunctive
Universalizing Faith
Activities
• Create conducive environment -- Save, secure, supportive
• Maintain neutrality between secular and religious
and among religions
• Any activity that allows students to gain meaningful
insights regarding self, others, nature, God or universal
unknowns
• Provide variety of activities using Kessler’s “Pathways”
as a guideline
The End