Spiritual philosophy

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Spiritual philosophy is any philosophy or teaching that pertains to spirituality. It may incorporate religious or esoteric themes. It can include any belief or thought system that embraces the existence of a reality that cannot be physically perceived (Britannica 2020). Concepts of spiritual philosophy are not universal and differ depending on one’s religious and cultural backgrounds (Inglehart & Baker 2000).  Spiritual philosophy can also be solely based on one’s personal and experiential connections (Miller 2016).

The use of the term ‘spiritual philosophy’ in European culture has its origin in the Catholic concept of living one’s life and practising God’s words through the Holy Spirit.^{[citation needed]} In the 19th century, the concept became more mainstream and evolved to encompass other religions and non-religious relationships with sacred, spiritual and supernatural beliefs.^{[citation needed]}

The notions of spiritual philosophy, for some individuals, diverge from the long-standing history and tradition of institutionalised religion with believers of faith using the practices, beliefs and rituals of their organised religion to connect with their spirituality (Inglehart & Baker 2000). In these instances, the practice of spiritual philosophy centres around the idea of god/gods or the divine (Inglehart & Baker 2000).

However, spiritual philosophy is not always defined by religion (Miller 2016). One’s beliefs in spiritual philosophy can be nontechnical and relate to one’s individual views and beliefs outside religious frameworks, regardless of one’s stance on religion (McDermott 2003).  

Whilst the notions of spiritual philosophy are based on widely versed concepts and values (in both religious and non-religious instances), the belief system that influences spiritual philosophy is unique to the individual (McDermott 2003).