What is spirituality?

Spirituality is about being in touch with a something greater than ourselves, which we may think of as a supreme being or the life force behind the universe. Christian spirituality is about tuning in to God, the Supreme Being and Creator of everything and everyone. Christian spirituality is also about a right balance and wholeness of life, which is the meaning of 'Shalom'. Christian spirituality is not about withdrawing from everyday life, nor about the search for mystical experiences, nor yet about an unhealthy pursuit of personal purity. Christian spirituality is about how we relate to God, ourselves and to the rest of the world, and so is very practical. One aspect of Christian spirituality is about learning to live together in peace, breaking down the barriers that create exclusiveness and addressing the issues that cause conflict and violence, poverty, starvation and opression, as well as the afflictions of the wealthy such as obesity, apathy and the inability to enjoy life 'in full technicolour' or to 'have life, and have it abundantly'* as Jesus put it.

Spirituality is also about placing importance on aspects of life that are not materialistic, in other words it is about placing value on people and relationships and acknowledging that there is more to life than shopping and accumulating possessions.

If you have any thoughts on what spirituality means to you, whether you are a Christian, an adherent of another faith, or a "devout sceptic", why not share those thoughts with others on the discussion forum or submit an article to the Editor.

The hope is that everyone who takes part in the discussion forum will be able to respect other people's points of view and learn to understand each other. It is not the place to try and convince others that you are right and anyone who disagrees with you is wrong, but rather a place to grow in mutual understanding.

"Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise."

- Sam Pascoe, American scholar.

How is Christian spirituality distinctive?

Jesus reiterated the commandment to love God with our whole being that is found in Deuteronomy, and said that this was the most important commandment.

Jesus continued by saying that the second most important commandment is the one to love our neighbour as much as we love ourselves.

Christian spirituality is about learning to love God through prayer and Bible reading and by developing a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Such a relationship requires us to relate to Jesus as a living person and to open up to him on a basis of trust. We probably won't experience Jesus as a real person sitting next to us or speaking to us in an audible voice, but this is not a cause for concern as it is the normal experience of most people. However, we may experience some kind of response occasionally such as a convincing sensation of his presence with us.

In reading the Bible, especially the New Testament, and prayerfully thinking over what we read, we can learn to love ourselves as we come to realise how much God loves us and that he accepts us just as we are, warts and all. In turn all this will enable us to develop an active and practical love for our neighbour.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ". - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

What is the difference between religion and spirituality?

Religion, at it's best, is a way for people to express their spiritual side and something that helps to put them in touch with God or a force greater than themselves, so helping us to become whole human beings.

Religion also provides helpful rituals and traditions, which can give us a rythm to our lives and a feeling of continuity with those who have gone before.

Unfortunately, people can use religion to hide behind when they feel threatened and so what should set us free from fear and barriers becomes a barricade to keep out those whom they percieve as enemies and a threat to their way of life. At worst religion can be used to exclude and oppress people, to describe some as best avoided, perhaps sub-human, or even targets for violence and murder. Sadly this has happened in most, if not all, the world religions and recent examples within Christianity, Islam and Hinduism readily spring to mind.

Let us hope that people of good faith will gain prominence and and learn to speak out, so that their voices can be heard abovr those who use religion as an excuse for their own selfish and destructive ends, and so that the world religions will bring out the best in all the people of this Earth.

"Christ, when he was lifted up, did not say, 'I draw some people to myself'. He said, 'I draw all', all, all."

Archbishop, Desmond Tutu