Spiritual Wisdom for Secular Times

The search for meaning and faith.

Spirituality for Beginners 2: Questions

Some types of question are better than others

Michaelangelo's image of God

A good way to find out about spirituality is to ask yourself questions.
Some types of question are better than others.

For instance, the question "Does God exist?" is problematic. Why? Because it only permits a ‘yes' or ‘no' answer. Of course, a person can always say ‘I don't know', but that might not get us very far.

Also, this kind of question immediately gets people arguing. Some say ‘yes' to it, and others say ‘no', so there's a conflict; and this can waste a lot of time.

It is better to start with open questions, and questions on subjects that you already know something about. Then you can build on that knowledge.

A good question to begin exploring spirituality with is, "Who am I?" Everyone can answer that question. You just say, "I am..." and give your name. But, of course, each of us is much more than a name. Isn't that so? Each of us is a person.

So, here's another question, "What is a person?"

Now we are getting somewhere. That question doesn't have a simple yes or no answer, does it?

Spend a few minutes on it, if you like... What is a person?

I admit, there is no simple answer, but I will say more about it next time.

 

Copyright Larry Culliford

Larry's books include ‘The Psychology of Spirituality', ‘Love, Healing & Happiness' and (as Patrick Whiteside) ‘The Little Book of Happiness' and ‘Happiness: The 30 Day Guide' (personally endorsed by HH The Dalai Lama).

 



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Larry Culliford, Ph.D., is the author of the Psychology of Spirituality and a psychiatrist in Sussex, England.

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