Intersection Of Spirituality Research Articles

The ordinary and the mystical? Exploring the intersections of Spirituality and Public Theology

This article starts from the premise that the ordinary is the mystical. It does so by delving into the dynamic relationship between Spirituality and Public Theology against the backdrop of Christianity’s societal roles. It explores how Christian theology extends beyond private faith to address broad societal issues. Through a critical examination of Public Theology’s distinct contributions to contemporary discussions, the article emphasises the necessity of engaging Spirituality – with its focus on the divine-human relationship into this discourse.Contribution: This synthesis aims to enrich our comprehension of Christianity’s impact on public life, advocating for a faith that actively contributes to societal transformation across diverse contexts.

Relationship between Prayer Intensity and Anxiety Levels among Medical Students at Muslim Indonesian University

In the dynamic environment of Indonesian universities, students, particularly those in the medical field, face a crucial juncture of personal growth amid academic rigor. This transition from youth to adulthood brings with it not only academic challenges but also psychological hurdles, notably anxiety. While anxiety is a common human experience, it can impede a student's ability to thrive. However, within the context of Indonesian culture, prayer serves as a powerful tool for mental well-being. Studies have indicated its potential to alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of calmness. Thus, this research endeavors to explore the relationship between prayer intensity and anxiety levels among the 2021 cohort of medical students at the Muslim University of Indonesia, shedding light on the intersection of spirituality and mental health in academic settings. The study revealed that the majority of the 2021 cohort of medical students at Muslim University of Indonesia are 21 years old (54.8%), predominantly female (76.7%), with most exhibiting good prayer intensity (49.3%) and normal anxiety levels (74%). Additionally, Chi-Square analysis indicated a significant relationship between prayer intensity and anxiety levels among these students (p = 0.005<0.05). The study findings indicate that the sampled 2021 medical students at Muslim University of Indonesia exhibit good prayer intensity and normal anxiety levels. Moreover, there's a significant relationship between prayer intensity and anxiety levels among these students.

The Intersection of Spirituality, Religiosity, and Lifestyle Practices in Religious Communities to Successful Aging: A Review Article

Defining successful aging continues to be a challenge, given the more recent transition from a bioscientific definition to a more comprehensive and holistic perspective. The holistic perspective may include more subjective aspects of aging. Research has shown that certain factors, such as lifestyle practices of spirituality, religious practice, meditation, communal support, and purposeful living, may be as influential as genetic factors in helping aging adults diminish age-related limitations. Spirituality and religiosity as lifestyle practice resources may assist older adults to mitigate the circumstances of chronic disease and positively impact aging, life quality, and well-being. Religious and/or spiritual communities, such as Women Religious and other clergy and monks, may provide insight into specific practices that promote social exchanges, life meaning, meditative practice, daily prayer, belief in the divine, communal living, and homogeneity of lifestyle that ultimately promote successful aging and resiliency into older age. Research has shown that lifestyle factors may mitigate diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in older age. The population of older adults has grown consistently on a global level since the turn of the century. This article review seeks to examine aging and emphasize, through research, which lifestyle practices and communities may impact the experience of aging in a more beneficial manner.

Ma Rainey's Spiritual Blues: Exploring the Intersection of Religion and Musicin Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a theatrical masterpiece that not only captures the essence of the jazz era but also delves into the complexities of the African American experience, including the role of religion. Religion serves as a nuanced backdrop that adds depth to the characters and their experiences. This paper delves into how religion is portrayed in the play, particularly in the context of spirituality and music, and how it influences the characters and their worldviews. By analysing the spiritual power of music, the contrasting perspectives of Levee and Jeremy on religion, and the subtle religious symbolism, this paper sheds light on the intersection of spirituality and artistry in the lives of Black musicians in 1920s Chicago.

Development of Early Jain Manuscript Paintings: A Journey through Kalpasutra Paintings

Jain manuscripts have a rich history of artistic embellishment. Interestingly, some of the earliest instances of Indian miniature paintings can be traced back to illustrated Jain manuscripts. We explore the stylistic roots of Jain manuscript paintings along with the role of patronage in the production of these manuscripts. In this scholarly exploration, we delve into the stylistic journey of these paintings, focusing specifically on the widely illustrated Kalpasutra until the 16th century. The earliest Jain manuscripts were meticulously crafted on palm leaves and encased within painted wooden covers. These early works featured sparse illustrations, often centered around decorative borders and single figures. However, with the adoption of paper, the painting style underwent significant transformation. It became more detailed and ornate, while still adhering to hieratic conventions. Noteworthy features of this style include the use of bright primary colors, precise lines, formal composition, and stylized figures with sharply defined gestures and prominent eyes. As we approach the late 15th to early 16th centuries, Jain manuscript paintings began to draw inspiration from external artistic traditions. Influences from Mamluk Egypt and Timurid Persia shaped the visual language of these illustrations. During this period, the palette shifted, with hues of blue and gold dominating the compositions, signaling a move toward a more opulent aesthetic. Production centers such as Patan, Mandu, and Jaunpur contributed distinct regional stylistic idioms to the world of Jain manuscript art. In fine, it can be said that these manuscripts serve as a testament to the intersection of spirituality, creativity, and patronage within the vibrant realm of Jain culture and art.

Embodied spirituality: Shaolin martial arts as a Chan Buddhist practice

This paper explores the intersection of spirituality and martial arts through an in-depth examination of Shaolin Kung Fu as practiced within the Shaolin Monastery in Henan Province, China. Conducting fieldwork from April 2018 to August 2020, the study employs theories of practice and embodiment to understand how religious teachings are interwoven into physical movements and martial practices. This phenomenological analysis of bodily movement integrates the physical body with the sense of self, highlighting the relationship between individual habitus and the agency of the moving body, referred to as the “lived body.” It argues that Shaolin martial artists engage in a form of dynamic embodiment, where Chan Buddhist doctrines are embedded within the “lived body,” influencing both movement and perception. This process allows practitioners to interpret and interact with their socio-cultural environment through a religious lens, highlighting the deep connection between spiritual beliefs and bodily actions.The paper presents a comprehensive approach, combining intensive participant observation, historical analysis, and a close look at both the communal and individual aspects of monastic life and learning. By examining narratives, daily routines, and pedagogical methods, the study reveals how the socio-cultural setting of the monastery fosters collective habitus and transforms the individual habitus of practitioners. It shows how this transformation contributes to the development of a spiritual dimension in their martial performance. By highlighting the link between the habitus, the lived body, and the dynamic embodiment, the paper extends the current discourse on embodiment, offering a novel perspective on the relationship between spirituality, culture, and physical practice in the context of Shaolin Kung Fu.

The Spiritualization of Domestic Violence in the Digital Era: Examining the Cathartic Role of Religious Institutions in Empowering Victims

This study delves into the intricate intersection of domestic violence, spirituality, and the digital age, aiming to understand the evolving dynamics and the role religious institutions play in providing catharsis for victims. As technology increasingly permeates our daily lives, the digital era has brought about new dimensions to the manifestation and perception of domestic violence. This research seeks to shed light on the phenomenon of spiritualization, where religious narratives and beliefs are interwoven with domestic violence experiences, either exacerbating or alleviating the trauma. Through a comprehensive review of scholarly literature, and digital ethnography, this study explores how religious institutions engage with domestic violence victims in the digital realm. It examines the ways in which religious teachings, counselling, and support mechanisms are leveraged to address the unique challenges posed by the intersection of spirituality, technology, and intimate partner violence.
 
 The research also investigates the potential pitfalls of spiritualization, considering instances where religious doctrines may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of abuse or hinder victims from seeking help. By analyzing online forums, social media platforms, and religious websites, the study aims to elucidate the ways in which digital spaces either facilitate or impede the spiritualization process for domestic violence victims. Furthermore, the role of religious leaders and communities in raising awareness, providing resources, and fostering a supportive environment for victims is explored. The study aims to identify best practices employed by religious institutions in addressing domestic violence in the digital age, offering insights for policymakers, advocates, and religious leaders to collaboratively develop more effective strategies for supporting victims and preventing further harm. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on domestic violence, spirituality, and technology, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. The findings hold implications for both academic scholarship and practical interventions, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach to empower victims and create a more compassionate and informed societal response to domestic violence in the digital era. 
 
 keywords: domestic violence; digital era; Islamic law.

Wandering the Diviner’s Path: A Self-Experiment in Taiwanese Divination Practices

Abstract This paper explores the author’s experiences with divination practices and master-disciple relationships in Taiwan. The author discusses his interactions with various masters and Daoist priests and the debates and conversations that ensued. He also reflects on the positive and negative aspects of the master-disciple relationship, the importance of not being engulfed in such relationships, and the scientific and personal challenges he faced as he immersed himself in his object of study. Additionally, the paper provides insights into contemporary practices of divination in Taiwan and China, including the use of social media platforms for these practices. Overall, the study provides a unique perspective on the intersection of spirituality, divinatory culture, and technology in modern-day Taiwan, as perceived by both the subjective self and the observing eye of the scientist.

From spirituality to innovation: How spiritual leadership drives mosque management innovation

In recent years, there has been increased acknowledgment of spirituality in the workplace and its potential influence on organizational outcomes, including creative work behavior. This study examines the impact of spiritual leadership on driving innovative work behavior within mosque management teams in Surabaya, with a specific focus on the mediating role of spiritual well-being. Survey data from 106 team members were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), revealing that spiritual leadership positively influences creative work behavior, with spiritual well-being partially mediating this relationship. This research contributes to the existing literature on the intersection of spirituality and innovation by investigating how spiritual leadership fosters an innovative culture within mosque administration. Furthermore, it extends the application of spiritual leadership theory to religious non-profit organizations, an area that has remained unexplored. The findings have practical implications for mosque leaders and managers seeking to promote innovation within their organizations by emphasizing spiritual leadership and well-being to enhance their teams' innovation capabilities.

The Role of Patience in Coping Mental Problems: A Quranic Perspective

Mental health issues have become a growing concern in today's fast-paced and challenging world. In the quest for effective coping strategies, researchers and professionals are increasingly turning to ancient wisdom and religious scriptures for insights. This article explores the role of patience, as emphasized in the Quran, in addressing mental problems and promoting emotional well-being. The study delves into the Quranic verses and teachings that emphasize patience as a virtue and its potential impact on mental health. Drawing from the rich Islamic tradition, the article examines the concept of "Sabr" (patience) and its multifaceted dimensions, including perseverance, endurance, and emotional resilience. Furthermore, it explores how these qualities can be cultivated and practiced in dealing with various mental health challenges. The method used in this research is a content analysis with data in the form of verses from the Qur’an, and some researches related to patience. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of literature on the intersection of spirituality and mental health, showcasing how religious teachings can offer a unique and valuable perspective on coping with mental problems. Moreover, it underscores the significance of embracing patience as a holistic approach to foster emotional well-being and promote resilience in the face of life's challenges, as emphasized in the Quranic teachings. The results of this study are 1) the word patient in the Qur’an is described more than a hundred times which generally explains that patience means self-restraint, emotion, and surviving in difficult conditions; 2) mental problems that are often experienced by people are anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and behavioral disorders; 3) patience can be one of the treatments for mental disorders through self-control, self-acceptance, and resilience. The article concludes with implications for future research and clinical practice in the realm of mental health, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach to address mental health issues in diverse populations.

Strengths and challenges with spiritual care: Student feedback from the EPICC Spiritual Care Self-Assessment Tool.

To explore qualitative data from students' self-reported competencies in spiritual care gathered during testing of a student self-assessment tool based on the EPICC Spiritual Care Education Standard. Reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative data from a multinational study on validating a new self-assessment tool. The EPICC Spiritual Care Education Standard for competency in spiritual care was developed to enhance nurses' and midwives' ability to provide spiritual care by creating a baccalaureate education standard for spiritual care competencies. Spiritual care researchers then developed a self-assessment tool to raise student awareness of spirituality and track personal and professional growth in spiritual care competency. The EPICC Spiritual Care Competency Self-Assessment Tool, tested at eight universities in five countries, provided many opportunities for student comments, resulting in rich qualitative data presented here. Themes related to strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Identified strengths were similar across countries: caring attitudes, general knowledge of caring and compassion and good communication skills. Weaknesses/challenges touched on spirituality as overlooked in some cultures but part of life for others, complex questions were hard to understand, and self-assessment tools are common for some and rare for others. Areas for improvement included need for knowledge of religious and other deeply held beliefs and for greater spiritual assessment skills. Similarities across countries related to basic training in communication and compassionate care for nurses globally. Differences lay in the challenges and/or barriers for spiritual care and may relate to cultures within countries and/or university test sites. The Tool raises awareness of spirituality among students and working nurses, providing an accessible way to self-check personal and professional growth in spiritual care competencies, which increases student and nurse capacity to become more knowledgeable and skilled in facilitating spiritual care, thus be role models for students at the intersection of spirituality and health.

Am I Really a Hero(ine)?

Elizabeth Johnston Taylor, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a professor at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Her scholarship addresses the intersection of spirituality, religiosity, health, and nursing. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Spirituality and the HCA: the personal, cultural and community aspects

This series of articles will explore the intersections of spirituality and the delivery of contemporary health care across several healthcare and nursing environments, with regard to both patient and service user groups. This seventh article will pick up on issues either raised briefly, or not covered, in earlier articles.

Spirituality and the HCA: the role of the chaplain

This series of articles will explore the intersections of spirituality and the delivery of contemporary health care across a number of healthcare and nursing environments, with regard to both patient and service user groups. This sixth article will focus on the roles and duties of the healthcare chaplain.

FAQ: How Do I Provide Spiritual Care for Those with a History of Religious Abuse?

Elizabeth Johnston Taylor, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a professor at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Her scholarship addresses the intersection of spirituality, religiosity, health, and nursing. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Forest burials in Denmark

Burial in the forest is a recent, non-confessional alternative to the established cemeteries owned and run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark. Danish forest burials fulfil common criteria for non-religion and they are an example of institutionalized non-religion. Their non-confessional character is emphasized in the information material directed towards potential buyers of forest burial plots. Forest burials appeal to both non-members and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; in fact, nearly two-thirds of those who had a forest burial by the end of 2021 were members of the church. I have participated in seven tours conducted at different forest burial sites, and I have interviewed nearly fifty participants about their motives for considering buying a forest burial plot. In my analyses, I structure the interviews along the three dimensions, knowing, doing, and being. I found that the motives for people to choose a forest burial reflected both non-religious and religious/spiritual considerations. Forest burials exemplify a religious complexity where nature, non-religion, religion, and spirituality intersect. In this complexity, I see the institution of forest burial as a non-religious vessel, which the buyers fill with their individual thoughts and acts.

Spirituality and the care of the elderly

This series of articles explores the intersections of spirituality with the delivery of contemporary health care within a number of healthcare and nursing environments and with a range of patient or service user groups. This fifth article will focus on spiritual care and the elderly.

Eastern Orthodoxy as a Resource of Ethics and Social Sustainability for the Challenges Faced by the Digital Transformation of Society

This study focuses on the potential of harnessing the power of the local Eastern Orthodox religious teachings in creating a socially sustainable glocalized digital transformation for Romania. First, we investigated within the scientific literature the ways religion might impact social action, and where does spirituality intersect with digitalization. Second, we devised a questionnaire with items targeting religious styles and the perception of digitalization during the pandemic and in the foreseeable future along with inquiring about which institutions should get more involved in directing digital development. The sample was constituted of 170 adult residents from Bucharest and Constanta urban areas, most of them having graduated from university, with the sample being balanced between the engineering domains and the humanities domains of study. Thirdly, we employed statistical data analysis in order to explore differences in perception of risks, benefits, and in the desired action towards the digital transformation, between the different flavours of spirituality and religiousness. The aim of the study is to obtain valuable insights for creating a bridge between spiritual preachers, digital policymakers, and the civil society, driving development towards spiritually and economically sustainable goals, for a conscious society and a healthy environment.

Spirituality and the healthcare assistant

This series of articles will explore the intersections of spirituality with the delivery of contemporary health care within a number of healthcare and nursing environments. This fourth article will set out and explore spirituality and spiritual care within a number of settings and service user groups, specifically those who have a learning disability, those who experience mental health issues, and children.

Spirituality and the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code

This series of articles will explore the intersections of spirituality with the delivery of contemporary healthcare within a number of healthcare and nursing environments. This third article will set out and explore issues around the assessment of spirituality and a range of tools that could be useful in assessing spirituality with patients or service users.