Seven Spiritual Identities: Research, Theory, and Application in Education for Public Good

• In Event: Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: Spirituality and Education, Part 2

Abstract

The paper will present findings from qualitative research conducted on a group of 125 participants. The objective of the survey based study was to examine (a) how individuals define spirituality b) how spirituality is experienced individually and collectively; and (b) identify the commonalities and differences in spiritual definitions and experiences. The participants ranged in age from 17-to over 55, and were recruited from three sources on and off-campus. Altogether they formed a self-selected sample of 29 males and 96 females, representing different religious and non-religious backgrounds. Based on the analysis, key spiritual indicators were determined, and seven spiritual identities were recognized with implications on children’s spirituality. Application of classroom strategies to facilitate spiritual development for public good with be discussed.

Author

• Mubina Hassanali Kirmani, Towson University