...In Solomon’s book Spirituality for the Skeptic, the main idea and purpose of the text is: “the elucidation of a “naturalized” spirituality as distinct from normative understandings of “religion,” reconciled with the rationality driving various philosophical schools.” The chapter I chose to reflect upon and it’s relation to the main idea of the book is the chapter “Facing Up to Tragedy.” I chose this chapter because Solomon really shows how people deal with tragedy in a more spiritual individual level rather than the traditional religious level which ties into his overall theme of the book. Solomon describes tragedy as being meaningful because we as humans know that life is not fair and we accept and “adopt the tragic sense of life is nothing less than accepting reality.” (page 5 of 16 in the Chapter. I’m using a PDF ebook) I feel as though it is meaningful because it actually shapes our outlooks on life. A person that experiences more tragedy in their lifetime than someone who has not probably has a more realistic perspective on life and arguably a more pessimistic outlook in some cases. Solomon’s idea that we adopt the tragic sense of life and accepting it as a reality really relates to his overall theme of the book because in the process of life it seems to be a natural spiritual step that most people seem to reach at some point in our lives especially after witnesses multiple tragedies first hand. Solomon references how people deal with tragedy by saying “shit happens...
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...That goal is to strive for better life, good health, better jobs, a good spouse, good crops, a better car, etc. For this better life we look up to a higher power to help us to reach our needs. In the American Heritage dictionary the definition of spirituality is, “ relating to or consisting of spirit, Ecclesiastical; sacred”. Most cultures call this spirit, “ God”. Gods in all cultures, from the earliest recorded evidence, have the same characteristics. Gods must be perfect, they are the omniscient originators of the universe, they are the principle objects of faith and worship, and they are of supernatural powers. I have chosen a portrait from the magazine, Christianity Today, December 9th, 2002. The faces have eyes to show us that they see where they are going, but the faces are without features because they represent that all mankind is included in the goal of reaching a higher power with the help of the higher power. Evidence has been found that suggests that since the very earliest civilization, humans have looked to a higher power. There has to be some sense of guidance from someone that is trustworthy, someone who has never made a mistake, and someone who judges, punishes, and rewards human behavior. In early Mesopotamia, in the order of the governmental hierarchy, the diviners would interpret signs in the universe that they considered signs from the Gods. Events such as floods and droughts, winning and loosing wars, good crops and bad crops. These things would be signs...
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...When people ask me about my religious background, I often describe myself as growing up Jewish but that I’m currently “between religions at the moment.” If that response peeks the asker’s interest, I will usually go on to say I’m an Agnostic Theist and explain that while I hold the belief that there maybe some divine supreme dude or dudette (or something else entirely) watching over me, I just don’t know who or what they are just yet. I grew up in what I would describe now as a Humanistic Jewish family. We identified ourselves as Jews in the sense of culture and history but attending temple or practicing Judaism’s religious customs were a rare occasions. I attended Hebrew school not as a matter of learning about faith, but preparing for my Bar Mitzvah. In fact, the last time I spoke Hebrew was at my Bar Mitzvah. Still, not being content with being told by others what to believe, I did explore what it meant to be a Jew to some extent. Even today, I consider a part of myself Jewish in a historical sense, just not in a religious sense. I have a deep respect and curiosity for religious faith and sometimes feel a little envious of those who have found and settled on their spiritual path. From my observations, religion can be valuable tool in shaping someone’s overall wellbeing and sense of connection with those around them. Organized religious faith does help quite few people find meaning in their lives and provides avenues for deep personal growth. This is wonderful thing....
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...Spirituality has a direct connection with our psychological behavior. Our inspirations, mood and transitions can be affected by our spiritual values. We learn to build the foundation of our education on human values through our spiritual faith. One of the most important aspects of education is to bring out what is within us. The proper binding of spiritual and material education improves the ideals and intentions of the people. Many students from past has grown to big philosophers, scientists, doctors, engineers, etc. and has been inspired by the spirituality. If we are able to engrave our spiritual values to our education, we will be able to understand, relate and enhance our society and its people. Every society has some faith on some higher power, who is the controller and the creator. Just like Sun is called in different names in different language such as “Sun” in English, “surya” in Nepali, “sole” in Italian, “Sonne“ in German etc. In the same way many people call the same almighty God with so many different names, some call Him as Krishna, Some as Allah, Some as Jehovah. But the focus of all these people practicing religion is the same which is to love God and love God’s children by being compassionate to entire living creatures. I do not discriminate any faith that people practice but we should get into the real understanding of what their scriptures teach us. What is the ultimate understanding? It is definitely higher than any mere physical and social culture. Spirituality...
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...wellness and patient interaction involves an understanding of the relationship between spirituality and faith. A helping relationship between a patient and a caregiver is based more on faith and trust than on the exchange of data or factual information.29 Faith or trust in a caregiver is developed through authentic engagement, acknowledgement of the limits and uncertainty the patient faces, and experiences of shared humanity. An inability to tolerate uncertainty undermines basic trust; however, when caregivers and patients face uncertainty together, patients begin to trust that they will be helped and supported through any possible turn of events or outcome. Caregivers often envision intense, timeconsuming interventions as necessary for providing spiritual care. In many instances, however, small and even subtle exchanges provide powerful spiritual benefits for patients. Some authors argue that spiritual care emerges from the natural instincts of caregivers.37 Caregivers do not always realize how important interpersonal relationships are for patients in transition and may not recognize the spiritual dimensions of caregiving activities. Patients and caregivers are better served by holistic approaches that include recognition of and attention to the spiritual dimension. Spiritual care involves the processes of finding meaning in illness, facing mortality and fear, living with uncertainty, and coping with life transitions. Nurses can facilitate a patient’s spiritual wellness and...
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...Spirituality in Counseling Integrating Religion and Spirituality In Counseling Anntoni Leonard University of the Cumberlands COUN 636 Abstract Religion and spirituality are arguably among the most important factors which structure human experience, beliefs, values and behavior. Religion and spirituality are clearly important to most Americans; however, most counselors have little or no training in dealing with religious and spiritual issues. Since the mid-1990’s, the integration of spirituality and religion into therapeutic sessions has generated much interest as an area that needs to be addressed with regards to diversity in clients. This paper will address the inclusion of religion and spirituality in client’s session and counselor’s attitudes toward a client’s faith based on the assumption that the client’s faith and the counselor’s attitude can have significant impact on the outcome of the treatment of the client. A counselor’s willingness to attend to faith as a means of growth can build rapport and lessen potential resistance with clients who are religious (Worthington, 1989). Spirituality in Counseling: Integrating Religion and Spirituality Spirituality has become increasingly important in counseling and prayer has become the spiritual intervention of choice for Christian counselors, as well as secular counselors. The controversial nature of including prayer in counseling requires much consideration on the grounds of ethical boundaries. Majority of mental health...
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...primarily are ours to make from what pair of shoes to wear, what we ingest, what kind of car we drive to who we vote into the oval office. The same holds true for one’s religious and/or spiritual beliefs. Whether by choice or by upbringing in one’s family and culture, not everyone shares the same philosophy towards a higher power or modern medicine. Healing is a process toward wholeness or wellness and encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and tribal attributes (Zarren, n.d.). Not only does it focus on the disease or illness, but additionally embodies a holistic approach to care. What may not be important to the physician, nurse, or support staff is important to the patient; for it is the patient and their families that we serve. Spirituality is personal and important to everyone. Defined as, “a complex and multidimensional part of the human experience-our inner belief system. It helps individuals search for the meaning and purpose of life, and it helps them experience hope, love, inner peace, comfort, and support.” (Ashcraft, Anthony, & Mancuso, 2010). With this in mind, healthcare providers and institutions need to be cognizant of various faiths and spiritual practices to allow for healing of an individual stricken with disease or illness. In looking at Native American, Muslim, and Buddhism faiths the intent is to identify what rituals, practices, and philosophies are important to each domain with respect to healing and modern medicine. Native American I chose Native American...
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...Spirituality in the Workplace ABSTRACT In this paper I will attempt to study and understand the need for spirituality in the workplace. Workplace Spirituality is awareness, interconnectedness with one another and a higher existence, a sense of fulfilment, and value and meaning to one’s calling. Spirituality in organizations is an area gaining increasing popularity. The growing interest, however, is on how spirituality improves organizational performance, and the impact of spiritual influences in a workplace. Introduction: In today society’s organizations want their employees to be able to come to work and manage their emotions while working with coworkers and customers. However, employees are constantly under stress which may reduce the effectiveness of his or her work ethics. Workplace spirituality is the method of incorporating one’s personal idea of “spirituality” in their daily work schedule. Spirituality can give employees a sense of balance and security and therefore improve their organizational efficiency and effectiveness. With spiritualty now incorporating itself in to the workplace it is helping the organization enhance its performance and increase the development of business ethics. The importance of a business to incorporate spirituality within the workplace will continue to influence the culture of business in the anticipated future. What is Spirituality? Webster’s College Dictionary defines spirituality as the quality or “state of being...
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...What Is Spirituality Spirituality is a word that has endless definitions and means something different to everyone. Although no one definition may be the same, they all lead back to one basic idea – faith. Everyone believes that spirituality is something that you believe in and something that you feel. When I asked five very different people what their definition of the word spirituality was I got various answers. The answers ranged from being very religion based to not at all. The first person I asked was a sixteen year old girl. Her response to the question of what spirituality means she said “It means it’s a feeling about being in touch with your soul. That you believe in not just that God rules everything but that everything happens for a reason. Also, that if you are more in touch with yourself that you will be more in touch with the world and that means you will have total happiness.” At this age it is sometimes hard I think to come up with your own personal definition because you still want and are sometimes expected to follow what your parents are doing with their own spirituality. The second person I questioned was an eighteen year old girl. Her statement was that “it is the religious aspect of your personality. It effects how you act, usually making you a better person. It means believing in something bigger than yourself and having faith in humanity.” Next, I asked a friend of mine who is a twenty year old male. He answered with “It is obviously being religions...
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...Reflection #7 Religion and spirituality is a subject that I have been conflicted with since freshman year. What does it mean to be spiritual and now religious? My grandma, a devout Pentecostal, considers it “sinner doing what they like and thinking they can enter the kingdom.” For such a long time, I thought she was right. How can one ignore religion but still feel some level of spiritual connection? As I have traveled along this college journey, I have begun to question my faith and even scrutinize it. The same things that I thought that were inherently un-debatable are now up for discussion. Many of them revolve around women and sexuality. Growing up in a Pentecostal background, the way I viewed women were more on a level of high respect and dignity according to standard principle and reflection. It was not in good taste to see a women make more than her husband or lead the household. It was looked down upon to see women wear pants or act out in a very flamboyant or bold manner that drew abnormal amounts of attention. Women, in many ways were seen as the strong supporting cast role in a film that seems to spotlight the leading male performance. For most of my life, I was groomed to be this leading man and that often shaped how I viewed the role of women. Marriage was to be something that was expected, otherwise there would be no discussion of love or sex or children. “A man is worse than an infidel if he does not take care of his children,” my elders used to preach. I...
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...Human Spirituality Professor Jan P. Hatcher 1/17/12 What is Human Spirituality? People from all over the world take a moment each and every day to reflect upon their certain religion. These practices can consist of going to church, watching television, or simply saying a quick prayer just before the person goes to bed. Human Spirituality inspires people’s everyday day life. There are about 20 major religions studied in today’s society. Human Spirituality is known as the inner path that allows a person to discover his or her well being. Spiritual practices can be done through prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Believing in a specific religion allows one to devote themselves to that specific religion. All of their faith and dedication turns to that special god or leader. In times of dire need, humans can turn to their faith to help them overcome certain hardships in their lives. As a believer in Catholicism, I myself, always turn to God in situations in which I feel as If I may have a chance of failing in. Before a big game, I will kneel down in the corner of the locker room and ask our lord to be there with me throughout the game. There’s nothing better than having someone to turn to for help or guidance, at any hour of the day. Human Spirituality has been known to cleanse the soul of stressors and nerves. Human Spirituality is not a necessity in today’s world. People can choose to either partake or not partake in a certain religion practice. Human Spirituality allows...
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...Spirituality in workplace or workplace spirituality is a widely discussed topic among the business as well as the religious world. As the discussion of this topic is growing, one can find various debates going on as to what exactly the term “Spirituality” means. It has lead t to different perceptions and attempts to define spirituality on the basis of the very strong personal nature of the word. It is still argumentative that whether one should encourage spirituality in organizations and who will get the true benefit of it. However, it is to be noted that many modern organizations are planning to and still implementing spirituality- based culture within firms. Regarding this fact, it would be better for one to recollect the words of the Nobel Prize winning French Novelist, Essayist and Playwright, Albert Camus when he said: “Without work, all life goes rotten. But when work is soulless, life stifles and dies” (Albert Camus quotes). This underlines the significance of spirituality in workplace. As spirituality is a controversial topic, one needs much care and attention when evaluating the role of spirituality in workplace. Therefore, the purpose of this study id to explore what workplace spirituality means how one can implement it in one’s work environment. Many modern articles have identified the growing interest of the corporate world in spirituality. This probably leads to the question “Why is there such an increased interest in workplace spirituality?” (Krishnakumar & Neck...
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...entire members in my family are my hope and my strengths Question 2: For some people, their religious or spiritual beliefs acts as sources of comfort and strength in dealing life’s ups and downs is this for you? Answer: Yes, I am truly believe what God direct me Question 3: Do you consider yourself part of an organized religion? Answer: Yes I am always consider myself is a part of religion Does it help you? It is help me a lot especially in my illness time when I was in hospital Question4: What aspect of your spirituality or spiritual practice do you find the most helpful to you personally? Answer: Pray. I usually prayer alone at night. I pray for all my family and others to have a closer relationship with God Question 5: Do you believe to God? Answer: yes, I believe to God. God does provide me with strength and hope. My family attends to the church every Saturday. Question 6: Has being sick affect your ability to do the things that usually help you spirituality? Answer: No, actually when I was sick, I was scary I always went to the church because I know they are always there for me no matter what. Question 7: What does...
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...Spirituality is an essential part of humanity. Disaster disrupts people’s spiritual lives significantly. Nurturing people’s spiritual needs contributes to holistic healing. Everyone can benefit from Spiritual Care in times of disaster(Light our way, 2012) Spirituality is a broader concept than Religion or Faith. Many people choose to adhere to a religion or faith tradition which provides a source of belonging, meaning, and identity. Spirituality is very broad because every person has a sense of spirituality, whether or not they are ‘religious’. There are many definition of spirituality, however, they all share common elements involving the struggle for meaning and the relationship of the Human Spirit to transcendence and hope. Spirituality is a complex and intricately personal experience.When a disaster occurs, either manmade or natural people question their belief systems. They question their spirituality. They need a place, or someone to blame. They question their God about why he could let this happen, they question the universe. In a man made disaster they blame the people our the community. In a natural disaster they could blame their God. The cause that is “blamed” for the disaster speaks to the belief structure that the person views the world through. It determines how he or she has been viewing established meaning. It also speaks to how the person perceives community, as well as how participation in community should be and how it is influenced. (2012) Disasters disrupt...
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...New Age Spirituality February 19, 2012 New Age Spirituality Is New Age Spirituality really new? Is it something old that has been creeping in and out as a worldview? The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun. “That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9). This paper will show that New Age Spirituality is not so new, but is an ancient religion which holds to the belief that there are many gods and is essentially the revival of the substitute faith called occultism (Martin, 1989, pg. 14-15). We will see that this spirituality movement is merely a clever attempt made by depraved mankind in his ongoing quest to be his own God. I will examine the opinions of scholars and come to the conclusion that the New Age Religion is actually the Old Religion repackaged. This paper will show that the New Age Religion leads to an unfulfilled life in contrast to Christianity which leads to eternal life. The New Age Spiritualism worldview is a hodgepodge of beliefs that combines many beliefs together into a sweet, appetizing, appealing sounding religion. But drinking from this “fountain” is detrimental to the soul. A little bit of cyanide in the Kool-Aid will kill (Martin, 1989, pg. 52). Cult leader, Jim Jones, was heavily influenced by New Age spiritualism. As a result of this, 915 people died in Jonestown, Guyana at his indirect hands in a standoff between...
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