Abstract
AbstractSpiritual experiences are defined as experiences of ultimate meaning, which are existentially relevant, unexpected and sometimes (but not necessarily) objectively strange compared to normal experience. Two types of spiritual experiences can be distinguished: an orientation type and a transformation type. Spiritual transformation is defined as a process of self-awareness to unify the divided self. The ultimate (final, eternal, sublime) guides this process of change into a true self (wholeness, unification). We distinguish between five types of transformation, following the seminal work by Kees Waaijman,Spirituality: forms, foundations, methods(Dutch, 2000; English translation, 2003). They are labelled form-given, re-forming, con-forming, transparent-form and beyond-form. A measuring instrument was developed, based on this theoretical framework, and tested on a sample of school leaders in South Africa (n=132). Three types of transformation are confirmed (form-given, re-forming and beyond-form); two types clustered together (con-forming, transparent-form). The article concludes with a reflection on this result and suggestions for further development of the measuring instrument and the concept of spiritual transformation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
More From: Journal of Empirical Theology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
