Self-Reflection - Religion and Spirituality
Related Chapters: Chapter 44 - Religion • Chapter 65 - Choosing our Religions
Purpose
For many people, religion or spirituality has been one of life's most
significant influences. For others, it has played only a small role—or perhaps
none at all. Some find meaning, comfort, purpose, and community through
religious traditions. Others find those same qualities through philosophy,
nature, relationships, service, or personal reflection.
This self-reflection is not intended to evaluate the truth of any
religious tradition or worldview. Instead, it invites you to consider the role
that religion, spirituality, or the search for meaning has played—and continues
to play—in your own life.
Reflection Statements
Scoring:
1 = Rarely 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Almost Always
Write your score in the blank preceding each statement.
_______ 1. I have thoughtfully examined my religious or spiritual beliefs rather than simply accepting them.
_______ 2. I can respectfully discuss religion or spirituality with people whose beliefs differ from my own.
_______ 3. I understand why sincere, thoughtful people reach different religious conclusions.
_______ 4. My religious or spiritual views have evolved during my lifetime.
_______ 5. I have experienced moments of awe, wonder, or deep connection that shaped my understanding of life.
_______ 6. My beliefs encourage me to treat other people with compassion and respect.
_______ 7. I am comfortable acknowledging uncertainty about questions that may never be fully answered.
_______ 8. I recognize that my family and culture strongly influenced my early beliefs.
_______ 9. I can appreciate wisdom found in traditions other than my own.
_______ 10. I have seriously considered viewpoints different from those with which I was raised.
_______ 11. My search for meaning continues, even if many of my beliefs have become settled.
_______ 12. I try to judge a worldview by the kind of people it encourages us to become, not merely by the claims it makes.
_______ 13. I am careful not to assume that people who disagree with me are less moral or less thoughtful.
_______ 14. My beliefs—or my lack of religious belief—generally contribute positively to my life.
_______ 15. I recognize that humility is valuable when considering life's biggest questions.
_______ 16. I hope to continue growing in wisdom, compassion, and understanding throughout the rest of my life.
Total Score: ________
Looking Beyond the Reflection
Before reviewing your responses, pause for a moment.
- Which statement caused you to
think the longest?
- How have your beliefs changed
during your lifetime?
- What has religion, spirituality,
or philosophy contributed to your life?
- Have there been times when your
beliefs became stronger? Weaker? Different?
- What values do you hope your
beliefs encourage in you?
- What important question do you wish had been included?
Sometimes these questions are more revealing than any score.
If You Wish to Calculate a Total
Possible scores range from 16 to 64.
This score is not intended to measure spirituality, religious commitment,
or the "quality" of your beliefs. Instead, it reflects your
willingness to thoughtfully examine your own worldview while remaining open to
learning from others.
(The four interpretation ranges we've been using fit well here.)
One Small Experiment
During the coming week, spend a few quiet minutes reflecting on one
question:
"What experiences have most shaped my understanding of life's
meaning?"
Don't try to answer it completely.
Simply notice what memories and people come to mind.
Reflection Notes (Optional)
Use this space to capture any thoughts, insights, questions, surprises, or intentions that came to mind while completing this reflection.
Final Reflection
Whether we approach life's deepest questions through religion,
spirituality, philosophy, science, or personal experience, most of us continue
searching for meaning, purpose, and understanding. We may arrive at different
conclusions, yet we share the same human desire to make sense of our lives and
to live them well. Perhaps one of the greatest expressions of wisdom is holding
our deepest convictions with both sincerity and humility while recognizing that
others are engaged in the same search.