Etymology of Spirituality: Life-Giving Breath
Etymologically, spirituality comes of the the ancient Greek word pneuma, which means "breath." The Latin word spirare means "breathe," "to blow" and "to live." Therefore, spirituality (at its best) has to do with human values/beliefs and its accompanying practices that gives life-giving breath; they enable the thriving and flourishing of human life.
Etymologically, spirituality comes of the the ancient Greek word pneuma, which means "breath." The Latin word spirare means "breathe," "to blow" and "to live." Therefore, spirituality (at its best) has to do with human values/beliefs and its accompanying practices that gives life-giving breath; they enable the thriving and flourishing of human life.
Chaplaincy in relationship to Spirituality and Religion
Chaplains support people's spirituality and expressions of it, which may or may not include religion. If religions are expressions of spirituality, not all expressions of spirituality are tied to religion (i.e., an organized system of beliefs, practices, rituals and symbols designed to connect an individual with the Sacred, Higher Power, or Inner Wisdom, or a community). Extending beyond the confines of an organized belief system, spirituality entails the human search and yearning for ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence within society/community, nature, the cosmos, and the sacred/holy. The spiritual dimension “is not material in nature, but belongs to the realm of ideas, beliefs, values, and ethics that have arisen in the minds and conscience of human beings, particularly ennobling ideas” (quote from the World Health Organization). Thus, while spirituality dwells within the realm of human beliefs and values, it is expressed through human actions/practices.
Chaplains support people's spirituality and expressions of it, which may or may not include religion. If religions are expressions of spirituality, not all expressions of spirituality are tied to religion (i.e., an organized system of beliefs, practices, rituals and symbols designed to connect an individual with the Sacred, Higher Power, or Inner Wisdom, or a community). Extending beyond the confines of an organized belief system, spirituality entails the human search and yearning for ultimate meaning, purpose, and transcendence within society/community, nature, the cosmos, and the sacred/holy. The spiritual dimension “is not material in nature, but belongs to the realm of ideas, beliefs, values, and ethics that have arisen in the minds and conscience of human beings, particularly ennobling ideas” (quote from the World Health Organization). Thus, while spirituality dwells within the realm of human beliefs and values, it is expressed through human actions/practices.
