The Spiritual Dimension: Part 1

First episode of two parts on the spiritual dimension.  Humans appear designed to pursue knowledge and particularly knowledge of the sacred or transcendent.  Defining the spiritual dimension as things that are transcendently good, true, and beautiful, and God Himself is robust for four reasons:  1) it distinguishes the spiritual dimensions from the other three dimensions, 2) these four areas all work harmoniously together, 3) it distinguishes humans from the rest of creation, and 4) it reflects the nature and character of God.

The spiritual dimension consists of things that are transcendently good, true, and beautiful, and ultimately God Himself.  All these areas in the spiritual dimension are essential and work harmoniously together to promote human flourishing and fulfill the two greatest commandments: to love God and love our neighbor as our self.

The good consists of the virtues to include the four cardinal virtues (courage, temperance, prudence, and justice) along with the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love).  All the virtues work together and are required.

The true addresses transcendent truths about the nature of creation, humanity, and God.  We need to humbly but firmly hold on to transcendent truths so that the virtues correctly select the right means and ends (preferably the basic goods of life, health, work, play, marriage, friendship, knowledge, esthetic experience, personal integrity, and harmony with the Divine). 

The beautiful includes things and stories that resonate deeply amongst people across different cultures and times.  These include works of art, architecture, and literature, but also creation itself.  The story of Jesus reflects the most beautiful person in the most beautiful story ever told.

A relationship with God is essential as the source and standard of all that is good, true, and beautiful.  This relationship also grounds humans in the imperative of love and guards us from disordering the goods or turning them into idols which would harm ourselves and others.  

The transcendent good, true, and beautiful also is a capability that humans uniquely have in creation and share with God Himself.  Thus, this definition of the spiritual further helps to understand the nature of humanity versus the rest of creation.  

References

The Spiritual Brain: Science and Religious Experience by Dr. Andrew Newberg

The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life by Dr. Lisa Miller

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp

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