Abstract
This paper focuses on spirituality as part of a broad understanding of intelligence
and the inquiry into human abilities. Based on a theistic approach, spiritual intelligence is perceived
as an ability to understand the world and oneself through God-centeredness and to adapt one's life
accordingly. It is a basic ability that shapes and directs all other abilities. Relying on the personal
experience of known spiritual authors and lay people, several attributes of spiritual intelligence,
such as faith, humility, gratitude, integrative ability, the ability to regulate emotions, morality and
the ability for moral conduct, and the ability for forgiveness and love, are portrayed in a noninclusive
description. Spiritual intelligence is considered as developmental in nature, built through
the accumulation of separate experiences, as manifestations of spiritual intelligence appear in an
individual's life in an increasing manner. An illustrative example of spiritual intelligence in action is
provided.
Original language | American English |
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Pages (from-to) | 100-119 |
Journal | Journal of Transpersonal Psychology |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 1 |
State | Published - 2008 |