“I am certainly convinced that to reach something above the natural state is one of the noblest impulses of mankind” (James Baldwin).
Spirituality begins from the premise that total reality includes much more than the tangible, physical phenomena we experience with our five senses. Of course, this idea may be right or wrong, accurate or inaccurate, but in any event, this is where spirituality begins: with the belief that physical reality is not everything – there is also a spiritual reality that surrounds or pervades us. And not only is there a spiritual part of reality, but most spiritually minded people believe that the spiritual part is more permanent and should be given more priority than the physical.
The question raised by spirituality is not a trivial question. If reality has a spiritual dimension, then ignoring that reality or treating it irresponsibly would be at least foolish, and possibly even destructive. Spirituality needs to be considered quite carefully and at the same time, if we accept it as legitimate, it is a wise decision as to what we are going to do about it.
These days, we often hear people talk about being “spiritual but not religious” with apparent satisfaction. What about that possibility? For some people, this phrase simply means that they do not participate in “organized” religion, and in that case, Jonathan Swift’s comment may be appropriate: “What religion is he? Why, he’s an Anthingerian.” But there is a deeper issue, and it concerns whether religion has any substance or validity of any kind. If true religion (whether “organized” or not) involves treating God correctly, then the question of practicing it depends on whether one believes one should treat God the way one does. If God really exists, it would seem dangerous to exclude religion from our spirituality.
These daily lessons are not spiritual. They are only about positive words and worthy character traits. Yet any list of positive words that omitted “spirituality” would be incomplete, wouldn’t it? When it comes down to it, some of us are card-carrying materialists. In our hearts, we believe in spiritual realities – and we are great for it.
“Great men are those who see that spirituality is stronger than any physical force” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
