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A model for describing spirituality

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Abstract

A model for describing the spiritual dimension of life is presented. The model consists of six factors or dimensions along which life can be experienced as a spiritual person. These factors are identified as those of the journey, transcendence, community, religion, “the mystery of creation”, and transformation. Evil is described as a lack of progress and/or regression in any of these six dimensions. Recent literature is cited to indicate some of the diversity of understanding of spirituality and in support of various parts of the author's model.

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Authors

Additional information

Lawrence L. LaPierro, M. Div., is a United Methodist Church minister serving as Director of Chaplains at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont who has appeared before in this journal.

The author gratefully acknowledges the encouragement and editorial suggestions of Gail M. Barton, M.D., Director of Outpatient Psychiatry at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont.

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Lapierre, L.L. A model for describing spirituality. J Relig Health 33, 153–161 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02354535

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