Religion and Spirituality

Religion connects a community of adherents through a shared narrative that articulates common beliefs, values, doctrines, disciplines, and worship practices. The narrative is typically centered on a divine figure (or figures) and guided by sacred texts. Importantly, religion relates to but is distinctive from spirituality—a concept defined by the search for wholeness, meaning, purpose, connection, and transcendence in life. Although religious narratives may animate and be the bedrock of spiritual expression for some, others may experience spirituality outside of any explicitly religious framework. Still others do not find either religion or spirituality to be personally relevant.

Renewed interest in religion and spirituality in higher education surged early in the 21st century as postsecondary scholars, leaders, and educators alike sought to understand how these forces shape higher ...