© Getty Images

What is spiritual literacy? -

Spiritual literacy is the ability to read the signs written in the texts of our own experiences. It allows us to recognize that the whole world is charged with sacred meaning.

© Shutterstock 

Four types of spirituality -

There are four types of spirituality, namely ascetical, mystical, prophetic practical, and active practical.

© Shutterstock 

Spirituality and early Christianity -

In early Christianity, the term spirituality referred to a life oriented towards the Holy Spirit. During the Middle Ages, its meaning was broadened to include mental aspects of life.

© Getty Images 

Holy Spirit -

In Judaism, the Holy Spirit is the divine force, quality, and influence of God over the Universe or over his creatures. Christians believe the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost to be the third person of the Trinity.

© Shutterstock 

Ministry of Jesus -

The spiritual literacy timeline effectively begins with the advent of early Christianity and the Ministry of Jesus.

© Getty Images

First Council of Nicaea -

The First Council of Nicaea was convened in 325 CE by the Roman Emperor Constantine I. He summoned a ecumenical council of 220 bishops in the first effort to attain consensus in the Church through an assembly representing all Christendom. The idea was to agree on a universally acceptable definition of Jesus Christ.

© Getty Images 

Martin Luther (1483-1546) -

But this conventional wisdom was challenged by German priest, author, and theologian Martin Luther, the leading voice of the religious and cultural movement known as the Protestant Reformation. He is one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity and has been described as a "spiritual virtuoso" because he completely devoted his life to religious study and practice. In fact, his intense commitment to spiritual perfection resembled the perseverance of outstanding virtuosi in fields like music, athletics, or dance.

© Getty Images 

Medieval definition of spiritual literacy -

In the Middle Ages, monks described the concept of spiritual literacy as "reading the book of the world."

© Getty Images 

'The Pilgrim's Progress' -

In 1678, 'The Pilgrim's Progress' was published. A Christian allegory written by John Bunyan (1628–1688), the work is a symbolic vision of the good man's pilgrimage through life. While rooted in the truths of the Bible, the book is presented as the author's dream of the trials and adventures of a Christian (an everyman figure) as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City—a journey of spiritual enlightenment.

© Getty Images

East meets West -

The melding of Eastern thought with Western culture further defined the term "spiritual literacy." Muslims characterize spiritual literacy as everything that happens inside and outside us is a letter to be read.

© Getty Images 

The Quaker point of view -

Quakers refer to spiritual literacy in their practice of "praying the Ordinary"—a 'prayer in action' where the distinction between the sacred and the secular is erased.

© Getty Images 

The Native American "sign" -

Native Americans define spiritual literacy as a "reading sign."

© Getty Images 

Buddhist enlightenment -

Buddhists, meanwhile, speak of it as the 84,000 "dharma doors"—a metaphor to basically state that there are innumerable paths to enlightenment—that exist all around us for our benefit and learning.

© Getty Images 

Secular spirituality -

The term secular spirituality is used to refer to a form of spirituality that appears in non-religious contexts. Meditation is considered a "spiritual alternative" to conventional religious values and goals. Contemplations and resolutions, which can transform the life of a person, can be considered non-religious spirituality.

© Shutterstock 

Power of nature and creativity -

Secular spirituality embraces the power of creativity, exemplified by practicing music, painting, dance, and other expressive art forms. Simply engaging with and enjoying nature is another way of embracing secular spirituality.

© Shutterstock 

Scope of spiritual literacy -

While verbal literacy requires training, tutors, books, and some form of technique, becoming spiritually literate relies just on opening a door to the world around you. Spiritual literacy is universal literacy.

© Shutterstock 

Emotional intelligence -

Being spiritually literate is akin to being emotionally intelligent. It requires the use of a full range of senses, including compassion, devotion, enthusiasm, forgiveness, imagination, kindness, and love.

© Shutterstock 

Open horizons -

Indeed, spiritual literacy allows you to see the web that connects you with other people, your community, and the natural world.

© Shutterstock 

Community spirit -

Embracing spiritual literacy is an educative experience. Learning about other people's spiritual perspectives and ideals makes it easy to understand them. Furthermore, practitioners gain an insightful knowledge of others' spiritual way of life.

© Shutterstock 

Teachers of spiritual literacy -

Teachers of spiritual literacy often appear in the most unlikeliest of forms. A spiritual tutor is just as likely to be a animal, plant, or even our own body.

© Shutterstock

Rethinking reality -

Recognizing these various forms of educators, however, requires an open mind and a willingness to rethink some of our basic assumptions about reality.

© Shutterstock 

Benefits of becoming spiritually literate -

Being able to read the meaning in everyday life and events is important because life is constantly communicating with us, imparting insight, help, and wisdom. Being spiritually literate supports our quest for sense and clarity.

© Shutterstock 

Achieving life balance -

Spiritual literacy also helps us recognize our true place in the bigger scheme of things. When we can "read the book of the world," we are better able to achieve and maintain a balanced sense of who we are and what our responsibilities are to the Earth and life on it.

© Shutterstock 

A sacred world -

Indeed, a wider benefit of being spiritually literate is that it teaches us that the world is sacred. Realizing this reinforces a commitment to protect the Earth.

© Shutterstock 

Environmentally friendly -

Spiritual literacy fosters environmental concern. Embracing this awareness makes it very difficult to pollute the planet, and ourselves.

© Shutterstock 

Peace and love -

Spiritual awareness is a unifying force. It promotes hope, compassion, and kindness. It also deepens out faith and belief.

© Shutterstock 

Spiritual or religious? -

People with a spiritual side are not necessarily religiously affiliated. But reading a holy book can offer you a deep, soul-searching experience and connection with your creator.

© Shutterstock 

Spiritual reads -

Absorbing a spiritual text can open the door to the information and inspiration you need for independence and fulfillment. It can also provide communion with your maker. Influential publications include 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' by Richard Bach, and 'The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success' by Deepak Chopra.

© Public Domain  

Spiritual alphabet -

You can also read and recite the spiritual alphabet compiled by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat in what they call the "letters to know to read the world spiritually and to spell meaning in daily life."

Sources: (Jungian Center for the Spiritual Sciences) (PBS) (Christianity Today) (World History Encyclopedia) (Crossway) (Spirituality & Practice)

See also: Science confirms these parts of the Bible are true

© Shutterstock