Spirituality I : What is Spirituality?

Summary

The video script delves into the concept of spirituality, which has evolved from a rarely mentioned topic in the 1950s to a prevalent aspect of modern life. It challenges the notion that spirituality is exotic or reserved for religious practices, instead suggesting it is an intrinsic part of life, defined by one's actions and choices. The script introduces two definitions: spirituality as prayer elevated to a lifestyle, implying a constant communion with the divine, and as theology in walking shoes, meaning understanding God through life experiences. It emphasizes that true spirituality is living a life of awe, gratitude, and respect for all creation, reflecting one's vision of God and the world.

Takeaways

• 📚 Spirituality was not a common topic in the mid-20th century but has become prevalent in various aspects of life today.
• 🌟 The term 'spirituality' is often misunderstood as something exotic or only for those deeply religious.
• 💭 Spirituality is derived from 'spirit,' which means breath or life, making it an inherent part of every person's existence.
• 🔄 It can be positive or negative, depending on how one lives their life and interacts with others and the world.
• 🙏 Doris Donnelly defines spirituality as prayer elevated to a lifestyle, suggesting a continuous communion with the divine.
• 🚶‍♀️ Mary Ellen Yonkers views spirituality as theology in walking shoes, implying active living of one's understanding of God.
• 🌱 Both definitions emphasize that spirituality is about life and how one lives it, not just theoretical knowledge or occasional practices.
• 👁️ Spirituality is about one's vision of life, self, others, creation, and God, and crucially, how one embodies this vision in daily living.
• 🎥 A person's spirituality can be truly understood by observing their entire day, including their thoughts, choices, and interactions when alone and in public.
• 🌈 A truly spiritual person lives with a sense of awe, gratitude, and wonder, respecting and valuing life and the dignity of all creation.
• 🔮 Saint Irenaeus expressed that the glory of God is seen in a human being fully alive, reflecting the vision of God through their life.

Q & A

What was the perception of spirituality in the 1950s and 1960s according to the script?

In the 1950s, spirituality was not a commonly discussed topic, and by the 1960s, it was considered exotic and not for everyday life. It was often associated with religious practices and not seen as a part of secular life.

How is spirituality defined in the context of the script?

Spirituality is defined as an aspect of life that is inherent in every individual, related to how one lives their life. It can be positive or negative, depending on whether one's actions help others grow, build relationships, and enhance life.

What does the term 'spirit' mean, as mentioned in the script?

The term 'spirit' is derived from the word for 'breath' or 'life.' Thus, spirituality is intrinsically linked to the life force within each person.

What are the two provocative definitions of spirituality mentioned in the script?

The two definitions are: 1) Spirituality as prayer elevated to a lifestyle, and 2) Spirituality as theology in walking shoes.

How does Doris Donnelly define spirituality in the script?

Doris Donnelly defines spirituality as prayer, which is communion with God, elevated to a lifestyle, meaning that one's life should reflect this communion with God.

What does Mary Ellen Yin's definition of spirituality as 'theology in walking shoes' imply?

Mary Ellen Yin suggests that spirituality is not just about understanding God through theology in a classroom or library setting, but about living that understanding and seeking to understand God through life's experiences and interactions.

What is the key aspect of spirituality according to the script?

The key aspect of spirituality is how one lives their life, reflecting their vision of themselves, others, creation, and God.

How does the script suggest understanding one's spirituality?

The script suggests understanding one's spirituality by monitoring one's thoughts, choices, interactions with people, and management of creation throughout the day, both in public and in private.

What does the script say about a truly spiritual person?

A truly spiritual person is one who lives with a sense of awe, gratitude, and wonder for every human being and the glory of creation, living life gloriously and joyfully.

What did Saint Irenaeus say about the glory of God and human life?

Saint Irenaeus said, 'Gloria ennum de, vivere ends home vita alton hominis visio,' which means the glory of God is the human person fully alive, and the life of the human person is the vision of God.

What question does the script leave the audience with?

The script leaves the audience with the question, 'Are you a spiritual person?'