Where are you on the spirituality continuum?
While studying for my license today I came across a section on the ‘Theories of Spiritual Development Throughout the Lifespan’. I’ve seen people go back and forth frequently on the topics of religion and spirituality and religion vs spirituality. So I wanted to share what was described and hopefully start a conversation.
Remember… theories are not facts. They are hypotheses that have been supported or unsupported through research. Most social theories are based on the collection of data presented by studying/researching people. The groups of people who may have been studied and the time of those studies varies. So what is stated may not resonate with you and that’s okay.
The four types of spirituality on the continuum are described:
Individuals are unwilling to accept a will greater than their own.
Behavior is chaotic, disordered and reckless. Individuals tend to defy and disobey, and are extremely egoistic. They lack empathy for others. Adults who do not move beyond this point in the continuum may engage in criminal activity because they cannot obey rules.
Individuals have blind faith in authority figures and see the world as divided simply into good and evil and right and wrong.
Children who learn to obey their parents and other authority figures move to this point in the continuum. Many “religious” people who have blind faith in a spiritual being and do not question its existence may also be at this point. Individuals who are good, law-abiding citizens may never move further in the continuum.
Scientific skepticism and questioning are critical, because an individual does not accept things on faith but only convinced logically.
Many people working in a scientific and technical field may question spiritual or supernatural forces because they are difficult to measure or prove scientifically. Those who do engage in this skepticism move away from the simple, official doctrines.
The individual starts enjoying the mystery and beauty of nature and existence.
The individual develops a deeper understanding of good and evil, forgiveness and mercy, compassion and love. Religiousness and spirituality differ significantly from other points in the continuum and things are not accepted on blind faith or out of fear. The individual does not judge people harshly or seek to inflict punishment on them for their transgressions. This is the stage of loving others as one loves oneself, losing attachment to ego and forgiving enemies.
Where do you fall on this continuum?
What do you resonate with the most (if at all)?
Which do you feel is the most valuable?
**I am using this post as a conversation starter for those who have joined my website community. Thank you for your support!**
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