David Tacey calls this 'generic spirituality'. "It's part of a genre of talking about meaning, and talking about what's sacred in life but not necessarily being part of a specific religious tradition."

Spirituality is about meaning, inspiration and wisdom. It is about a deeper sense of purpose and place. It is about connectedness and the highest aspirations of the human spirit.


Spiritual Literacy

"Spiritual literacy is the ability to read the signs written in the texts of our own experiences." (M. Brussat)

It is about reading the sacred in everyday life - in nature, at home, in the classroom, at work, at leisure, in relationships...

Spiritual literacy is not a religious practice for the initiated few. It is a basic literacy for all people that enables the reading and use of the deeper meaning and connection in all aspects of life. Spiritual literacy is widely practised among indigenous cultures who can read and use the 'signs' of the sacred world around them.

Being spiritually illiterate means that we do not see the web which connects us with other people and the natural world. Being spiritually illiterate means that we do not have access to open doors of information and inspiration that lead to more fulfilling lives. Like other illiteracies we would live in a shallower world with less opportunities, limited meaning and a reduced capacity to create preferred futures.

Some might go further to say that being spiritually illiterate can lead to increased feelings of purposelessness, disconnection, isolation and loneliness in the world. (T. Moore)

References:

Brussat, F. and M.  (1996)  Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life. New York: Scribner

Moore, T.  (1994) Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. New York: HarperPerennial

Tacey, D. (2000) Re-Enchantment: The New Australian Spirituality. Sydney:HarperCollins