| We all grow naturally. Without much effort, we see | | | | now when examining the human spirit. For example, |
| bones develop from infant stages into adult hood, from | | | | religion sees human beings as just spiritual beings that |
| soft pliable material to hard matter. We see muscles | | | | move on this planet momentarily, and science sees the |
| grow and we feel ourselves getting stronger with time. | | | | spirit as just a part of the whole individual. People grow |
| All of this occurs naturally, as we eat, work, and play. | | | | spiritually when the recognize what they must do |
| But what does it take for us to grow spiritually? | | | | enhance growth: their beliefs, morality, experience, and |
| Spiritual growth requires a conscious effort of | | | | good works form the foundation for spiritual growth. |
| introspection and analysis. | | | | Ironically, the psychologist James Maslow theorized |
| If we want to grow spiritually, we need to be by | | | | that if a person can meet his physical needs, he can |
| turning our thoughts in instead of out. Instead of | | | | meet his spiritual needs as well. |
| focusing on what is around us, we need to examine | | | | Ultimately, when we seek to grow spiritually, we seek |
| our hearts. Why do we do what we do? Why do we | | | | meaning in our lives. And that's where faith comes in. |
| hang out with the people that we hang out with? What | | | | Religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam teach |
| are our good traits and how did we attain them? What | | | | that their followers will find meaning through serving a |
| are our bad traits, and how can we get rid of them? | | | | higher being, a Creator. And psychologists theorize that |
| Introspection teaches us to consider how we act and | | | | we find meaning through ourselves, that we determine |
| it motivates us to change how we behave on a daily | | | | if we have meaning in our lives. But ultimately, finding |
| and moment by moment basis. But introspection | | | | meaning means realizing that we live on this earth for |
| requires great courage. Many people never look | | | | a purpose, and once we realize that, we put all of our |
| inward because they fear that they won't like what | | | | desires and actions into focus with that purpose: we |
| they see, and ultimately they don't want to change | | | | live for that purpose. |
| what they see. | | | | Finally, growing spiritually means understanding our |
| When you grow spiritually, you take hold of the | | | | connection with the world around us. Doing so will lead |
| potentials you've been given. You consider what you | | | | to a greater respect of the things and people around |
| can do, and you grow even more by reaching beyond | | | | us. And whether we find that connection through faith |
| what you think you can do and thus developing more | | | | or psychology, ultimately we grow spiritually because |
| potential. | | | | of that connection. |
| Science and religion have been at odds for decades | | | | |