GE-RED103: Spirituality and Transformation

• Christian Spirituality and Social Transformation is the course name, denoted as GE-RED103.

Spirituality Defined

• Edward Sellner defines it as any religious or ethical value concretized as an attitude or spirit, which informs one's actions.
• Spirituality connects faith and action, emphasizing that "faith without good works is dead," as stated in James 2:17.

Spirituality according to saints

• St. Teresa of Calcutta describes it as putting love into action, focusing on the love put into actions rather than prayer quantity.
• St. Thérèse of Lisieux characterizes it as simplicity in trusting God and performing small acts with great love.
• St. Oscar Romero describes it as living out faith by working for justice, peace, and human dignity.

Islamic Spirituality

• It is rooted in submission to Allah's will and righteous living.
• Ethical Spirituality is a focus on a moral life and fulfilling social obligations as acts of worship.
• Charity (Zakat) involves giving 2.5% of wealth to the poor and needy.

Hindu Spirituality

• It aims for union with the divine and liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
• Daily Puja (Worship) involves offering prayers, incense, and food to deities at home or in temples.
• Festivals like Diwali are celebrated with rituals and acts of service.

Judaic Spirituality

• It involves a covenant relationship with God, guided by the Torah (Law).
• Observing the Sabbath (Shabbat) includes resting, praying, and family time from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
• Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) means engaging in social justice, charity and kindness.

Buddhist Spirituality

• It is achieved through practicing mindfulness and meditation for inner peace and enlightenment (Nirvana).
• Following the Noble Eightfold Path, includes right actions, speech, and livelihood.
• Showing loving-kindness (metta) is about helping others.

Christian Spirituality

• It entails a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
• It includes regular prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, and receiving sacraments like the Eucharist.
• Feeding the homeless, caring for the sick, and mission work forms the cornerstones of good works.
• Spirituality has a pivotal role for many people across varying lifestyles.
• St. Frances de Sales says practicing devotion should adapt to each person's duties and occupation.

Elements of Spirituality - Prayer

• Traditionally defined as lifting up our heart and mind to God.
• It has a two-way process: God's action and our participation.
• Described as a "conversation with God," involving speaking and listening.

Kinds of Prayer

• Vocal Prayer: Expressing thoughts and concerns through structured or spontaneous prayers. Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, are some examples of structured prayers.
• Spontaneous Prayer: Telling God what is in the mind and heart at the moment.
• Mental Prayer: Using mind and imagination to unite with God, such as in meditation or examination of conscience.
• Contemplation: A prayer of loving attentiveness to God's mysterious presence; is more quiet, receptive, and affective than mental prayer, of the heart. e.g. 30 day Prayer Retreat and Centering Prayer.
• Liturgical Prayer: A prayer of the church gathered in worship and praise of God- the most important liturgical prayer for Catholics is the Mass or the Eucharist.

Elements of Spirituality - Sacrifice

• Sacrifice is always a part of Authentic Christian Spirituality
• Embodied through Christ's Paschal Mystery; means HOLY ACTION or SACRED ACTION.
• Understood negatively in modern times as a hassle or hindrance.
• It can allow individuals to become good or holy and can be exemplified through ASCETICISM; defined as “a self-denying way of life".

Elements of Spirituality - Spiritual Discipline

• Fasting: Voluntarily giving up food, drink, or certain pleasures to empathize with those who suffer.
• Abstinence: Refraining from certain foods, activities, or behaviors to honor God.
• Solitude: Withdrawing from external distractions to create space for reflection and connection with God.
• Retreats and recollections: Are intentional pauses from daily life to align with God's purpose.
  • Retreat is a longer, structured spiritual experience, conducted in a secluded/peaceful environment for deep reflection and spiritual guidance.
  • Recollection is a shorter, simpler version to focus on prayer and reflection.
• Good works: Intentional acts of service, charity, and kindness as an expression of faith and love for God and others.
• Student Nurses can show the integration of spirituality through demonstrations; integrating it into nursing care and providing examples of spiritual care, emotional support, and overcoming challenges and including the positive impact on all relevant parties.

Rubrics for Nursing Care Scoring

• Relevance: Reflects the lecture highlights on spirituality worth 10 points.
• Creativity: The output is original and engaging, worth 10 points.
• Collaboration: All members actively contribute, worth 10 points.
• Clarity: The message is communicated clearly and effectively, worth 10 points.
• Respectfulness: Content is considerate of diverse beliefs, worth 10 points.
• Total: 50 points.