Educating for hope, compassion and meaning in a divisive and intolerant world

Author: de Souza, Marian¹

Source: International Journal of Children's Spirituality, Volume 11, Number 1, Number 1/April 2006 , pp. 165-175(11)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This article explores the problem of discussing a spiritual dimension in education within the secular context of western society, and Australian society in particular. It explores the idea that spirituality is relational and proposes an approach to learning that nurtures and gives expression to spirituality in terms of the connectedness students may feel and experience. It argues that such an approach can lead to the development of learning programmes and environments which may reduce the number of students who become isolated and alienated in traditional classrooms; which should promote, among students, the traits of resilience, connectedness, compassion and meaning; and increase their chances of becoming more productive and affirmed community members in a global society that is besieged by divisiveness, violence and terrorism.

Keywords: Contemporary spirituality; Ultimate unity; Spirituality and learning; Relational learning; Intuitive learning; Intuition; Perception and learning

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/13644360500504488

Affiliations: 1: Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia

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