Spiritual Self

• Why does the question of the meaning of life arise for individuals?


  It arises when confronted with happiness, sorrow, pain, and the prospect of death.
• What conclusion do people reach about the foundation of human existence?


  Human existence is founded on the goal towards which it tends, not on itself.
• How has modern man's relationship with tradition changed?


  Modern man has become a stranger to his own traditions.
• What is intrinsic to the human spirit according to the text?


  It is intrinsic to the human spirit to be open to the Absolute.
• What role does reason play in faith according to the text?


  Without reason, faith cannot stand.
• What is the nature of religion as described in the text?

  Religion is a universal phenomenon that shapes human behavior.
• How does religiosity manifest in human behavior?


  Religiosity shapes behavior through symbolic actions with specific meanings.
• What are the basic concepts of the spiritual self?

  • Inner essence connecting to the sacred and universe
  • Experience of oneness with God and deeper life purpose
  • Develops through interaction, observation, and imitation
  • Influenced by family, school, and church
  • Begins early and continues throughout life
• What does the term "spirituality" originate from?


  It comes from the Latin word "spiritus," meaning breath or life force.
• What does spirituality involve according to the text?


  Spirituality involves a search for the sacred and discovering meaning in life.
• How is the sacred transcendence defined in the context of spirituality?


  The sacred transcendence could refer to God.
• How was the term "spirituality" originally developed?


  It was originally developed in early Christianity to describe the Holy Spirit.
• What characterizes the experience of the sacred according to Peschke?


  Reverence, faith, fear, trust, love, and admiration connected to God.
• What is considered an essential act to realize the ultimate meaning of transcendence?


  Worship is regarded as an essential act.
• How does spirituality function in today's pluralistic society?


  Spirituality may serve as a contemporary alternative to religion.
• Who are considered "spiritual but not religious" individuals?

  Those engaged in New Age beliefs but not traditional religions.
• What are the etymological roots of the word "religion"?


  Derived from relegere, religare, reeligere, and relinquere.
• How does Cicero define the term "relegere" in relation to religion?


  As re-reading or considering carefully what has to do with the gods.
• What does "religare" signify according to Lactantius and St. Augustine?


  It signifies binding us to God from whom man has been separated.
• What does "reeligere" imply in the context of religion?


  It implies choosing God again after separation through sin.
• How does Macrobius define "relinquere" in relation to religion?


  It refers to religion left to us by our ancestors through revelation.
• How is religion defined in the text?

  As an organized system of attitudes, practices, rites, and beliefs relating to God or the supernatural.
• What are the common features of major religious traditions?

  • Belief in a non-material (spiritual) reality
  • Purpose of life is to increase harmony by doing good
  • Source of existence (God) is also the source of moral directives
  • Dependence on social organization for communication of ideas
• What does religiosity measure?


  The extent to which a person engages in different kinds of religious behaviors and beliefs.
• What are the dimensions of religiosity according to Glock and Stark?


  Experiential, ritual, belief, intellectual, and application.
• What does the experiential dimension of religiosity refer to?


  The extent to which a person has religious experiences.
• What does the ritual dimension of religiosity involve?


  The extent to which a person engages in religious ritual practices.
• What does the belief dimension of religiosity measure?


  The extent to which a person subscribes to commonly endorsed beliefs.
• What does the intellectual dimension of religiosity assess?


  The extent of knowledge about religious teachings and traditions.
• What does the application dimension of religiosity reflect?


  The extent to which the first four dimensions are applied in daily life.
• What does the affiliation dimension of religiosity indicate?


  Whether the person belongs to a religious group.
• What does the identity or self-definition dimension of religiosity measure?


  Whether the person defines themselves as religious or belonging to a specific faith.
• What is the psychology of religion?


  The study of religious behavior, thought, and feeling.
• How does prayer establish a relationship with God?


  Prayer is a dialogue between man and God, a special form of communication.
• How is prayer defined in the text?


  A solemn request or thanksgiving to God or an object of worship.
• What trends are observed in prayer habits as people age?


  People tend to pray more as they grow older.
• What demographic is noted to pray more often according to the text?

  Women may pray more often than men.
• In what context do soldiers typically pray, and what is the psychological benefit?


  Soldiers usually pray in battle and find it beneficial psychologically.
• What cognitive strategy was reported as most helpful under battle conditions?


  Prayer was reported to be the most helpful cognitive strategy.
• What are some possible effects of prayer as suggested by Johnson?


  Prayer makes us aware of our needs, allows confession, engenders faith, and clarifies goals.