A Healthy Approach to Religion: Criteria for Spiritual Growth and Inclusivity

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 15 January 2025 In an era marked by increasing interconnectivity between cultures, religions and worldviews and often polarising ideologies based on certain approaches to religion/religious traditions, the necessity for a healthy approach to religion has never been more apparent. As the world grapples with the complexities of diverse belief systems, it becomes crucial to establish criteria that foster an inclusive and enriching spiritual environment. In this essay I want to outline eight criteria that I consider essential for a healthy approach to religion (that also inform my own worldview ,) emphasising universal spirituality, scholarly inquiry, the dignity of all individuals, openness, personal experience, avoidance of fundamentalism, departure from divine command theories and valuing of creativity and aesthetics. 1. Affirming Universal Spirituality At the heart of a healthy religious tradition lies the affirmation of universal spirituality. This perspective transcends specific doctrines and practices, recognising the underlying spiritual essence that connects all humanity. It emphasises that, regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds, individuals seek meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than themselves. Universal spirituality encourages a sense of belonging and unity among diverse groups. It allows individuals to explore their spiritual paths without feeling confined to rigid dogmas. By embracing this broader spiritual framework, religious traditions can cultivate an environment where individuals feel free to express their beliefs while respecting the beliefs of others. This inclusivity fosters dialogue and understanding, creating a more harmonious coexistence among different faiths. 2. Welcoming Philosophical and Metaphysical Reflection A healthy religious tradition is one that welcomes philosophical and metaphysical reflection. The quest for understanding the nature of existence, the universe, and humanity’s place within it is a fundamental aspect of spirituality. Encouraging inquiry and intellectual exploration allows individuals to grapple with profound questions, fostering a deeper connection to their beliefs. Scholarly inquiry enriches religious traditions by integrating diverse perspectives and interpretations. It invites theologians, philosophers, and laypeople alike to engage in discussions that challenge preconceived notions and explore the complexities of faith. When faith traditions embrace this intellectual curiosity, they evolve, becoming more relevant in a rapidly changing world. 3. Affirming Fundamental Dignity and Rights A hallmark of a healthy approach to religion is the affirmation of the fundamental dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their doctrinal status. This principle asserts that every person possesses inherent worth and deserves respect, irrespective of their beliefs or lack thereof. Religious traditions that prioritise human dignity promote social justice, equality, and compassion. They recognise the interconnectedness of all people. By highlighting the common humanity shared by all, these traditions can dismantle barriers and foster a culture of empathy and understanding. 4. Openness to New Ideas Openness is a vital characteristic of a healthy religious tradition. This involves a willingness to embrace new ideas, experiences, and interpretations of faith. An open-ended approach allows for growth and transformation, enabling individuals to adapt their beliefs in response to new insights and life experiences. When religious traditions are open to change and evolution, they can respond to contemporary issues and the needs of their communities. This adaptability fosters resilience and relevance, ensuring that faith remains a vital source of support and guidance in an ever-changing world. An open-ended approach also encourages interfaith dialogue, promoting collaboration and mutual respect among different belief systems. 5. Valuing Personal Religious Experience Personal religious experience, including mystical encounters, plays a crucial role in a healthy approach to religion. These experiences often provide individuals with profound insights and a sense of connection to the divine. Valuing personal experiences emphasises the importance of individual spirituality and allows for diverse interpretations of faith. By honouring personal experiences, religious traditions can foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their spiritual journeys. This sharing can cultivate a sense of community and belonging, as individuals recognize that they are not alone in their experiences. Moreover, it encourages others to explore their spirituality, leading to a richer tapestry of beliefs and practices. 6. Avoiding Text-Based Fundamentalism A healthy religious approach avoids the trap of text-based fundamentalism, which often results in rigid interpretations and exclusionary practices. Fundamentalism can stifle spiritual growth by prioritizing textualist readings of sacred texts over lived experiences and evolving understandings of faith. By steering clear of fundamentalism, religious traditions can focus on the underlying messages of compassion, love, and justice inherent in their teachings. This approach allows for a more nuanced understandingof sacred texts, encouraging believers to engage with their traditions critically and reflectively. It promotes an atmosphere where questions are welcomed, and diverse interpretations are celebrated. 7. Moving Beyond Divine Command Theory Finally, a healthy approach to religion is not based on divine command theory or divine voluntarism, both in theology and ethics. These frameworks often reduce morality to mere obedience to divine edicts, which can lead to ethical dilemmas and moral absolutism. A healthier alternative recognizes that morality is rooted in the well-being of individuals and communities rather than solely in adherence to perceived divine commands. This shift allows individuals to engage in moral reasoning that considers the complexities of human experience, fostering a more inclusive and humane approach to ethics. 8. Valuing Aesthetics and Creativity A healthy approach to religion also highly values aesthetics and the role of creativityin spiritual expression. The aesthetic dimension of religious traditions can profoundly shape individual and communal experiences of the divine. Art, music, architecture, and literature have historically served as powerful vehicles for conveying spiritual truths, fostering emotional connections, and enriching worship practices. Aesthetics in religion transcends mere beauty; it encompasses the ways in which creativity manifests in spiritual life. From the intricate designs of sacred spaces to the profound narratives expressed in religious texts, aesthetics invites individuals to engage their senses and emotions in the pursuit of spiritual understanding. This engagement can create moments of transcendence, where individuals feel a deep connection to the divine and to each other. By emphasising aesthetics, religious traditions can inspire creativity among their followers. Artistic expression becomes a form of worship, allowing individuals to explore and articulate their spiritual journeys in unique and personal ways. This not only enhances individual spirituality but also enriches the community, fostering collaboration and dialogue among diverse creative voices. Moreover, fostering a culture of creativitywithin religious traditions can lead to innovative interpretations of faith and practice. It invites individuals to question norms, explore new ideas, and express their understanding of spirituality in ways that reflect their unique identities and experiences. This openness to creativity can invigorate faith communities, making them more dynamic and relevant in today's world. Additionally, aesthetics can serve as a bridge between different faiths and cultures. Artistic expressions often transcend linguistic and doctrinal barriers, creating shared experiences that resonate across diverse backgrounds. Interfaith art projects, collaborative performances, and community exhibitions can foster understanding and respect among various religious traditions, highlighting common values and aspirations. This approach nurtures a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of spirituality, ultimately enhancing the collective human experience. As religious traditions navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing the above described features of a healthy approach to religion / religious traditions can foster a more inclusive, compassionate, and intellectually vibrant spiritual environment and shield us from harmfuleffects of dogmatism ,fundamentalism and puritanical forms of religion that are harmfulnot only to our spiritual and emotional well being but to entire societies in general. ------ Checkout Dr. Adis Duderija’s personal website at: https://dradisduderija.com/ ---- A decades old patron of New Age Islam, Dr Adis Duderija is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and Society, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science; Senior Fellow Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, Griffith University | Nathan | Queensland | Australia. His forthcoming books are ( co-edited)- Shame, Modesty, and Honora in Islam and Interfaith Engagement Beyond the Divide (Springer) URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/religion-criteria-spiritual-growth-inclusivity/d/134338 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism