Turkish Students' Spirituality Today (original) (raw)
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Ilahiyat Studies, 2012
A uniform and universal understanding of science is an invalid precept, especially for the social sciences and humanities. Hence, the modern version of psychology is but a reductionist, limited, and abstract description of human reality in general. One of the most recent achievements in psychology is the recognition that every culture has a special frame of meaning and that individuals develop their identities and personalities accordingly. Therefore, to understand the spiritual world of human beings and their behaviors, a new intercultural perspective is needed. This need also applies to the field of psychology of religion, which is currently based upon the so called Judeo-Christian tradition. While the issues addressed, theories and concepts developed and introduced, have considerable relevance for the individuals within the mentioned tradition, they say very little, if any, about the religious structure of the individuals outside it. For that reason, there is urgent need in research conducted in the field of psychology of religion in Turkey to consider the basic beliefs of Islam, and social, cultural, historical, and contemporary developments within it.
THE STUDY OF SPIRITUALITY: THOUGHTS FROM THE CHRISTIAN EAST
This paper is offered as an example of a human science approach to the study of spirituality as a universal human experience. From the author’s perspective, spirituality is not only a universal element of human experience, but (because I equate spirituality with human freedom), spirituality is THE foundationally quality of the human. The thesis to be tested is this: Through a careful consideration of themes central to a specific spiritual tradition (in this case, the relationship of communion and asceticism in the Eastern Christian liturgical spirituality), we can come to an appreciative critical understanding not only of that tradition, but also of themes foundational to all human spiritualities.
Psychology of Religion in Turkey (1949–2012): An Overview
This article aims to introduce, in brief, studies on psychology of religion in Turkey from 1949 to 2012 using literature survey methodology. The historical development of psychology of religion in the West will first be presented before focusing on the historical development of such studies in Turkey. Thereafter, the number of academic psychologists of religion in Turkey is listed. In addition, some information is given about journals, articles and academic dissertations covering scientific studies on the psychology of religion in Turkey. Finally, information about professional conferences regarding this field of study held in Turkey will be given.
Meaning and Affecting Factors of Spirituality
Journal of Holistic Nursing, 2020
The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of adolescents about spirituality via semistructured, in-depth interviews. Method/Design: A qualitative research design using interviews was performed with 17 adolescents in a mostly Muslim region in Turkey. Interviews were conducted via five open-ended questions. Findings: Three main categories and eight themes emerged from the analysis. The “Spirituality Meaning” category included five themes, such as mind, emotions, mind/emotions, ethical principles, and religion. Personal practices and environmental factors as well as mind, emotions, ethical principles, and religion themes were in the “Factors That Increase Spirituality” category. The theme living negativity was in the “Factors That Decrease Spirituality” category. Most of the adolescents (58.8%) stated that the meaning of spirituality was love, respect, and the ability to think, analyze, and synthesize. Conclusion: It is important to determine and evaluate the perceptions and experiences of children about spirituality in different cultures to improve the quality of care.
Six Understandings of the Word Spirituality in a Secular Country
… of Religion/Archiv f&# 252; r …, 2012
Spirituality is a growing research theme, especially in relation to health issues. The term is often poorly defined and one's understanding is often so broad that it becomes a mere frame word devoid of meaning. In this study, we asked 514 adult Danes about their understanding of the word 'spirituality'. Factor analysis of the answers resulted in six different understandings of spirituality: (1) positive dimensions in human life and well-being; (2) New Age ideology; (3) an integrated part of established religious life; (4) a vague striving, opposed to religion; (5) selfishness; and (6) ordinary inspiration in human activities. It is concluded that a common understanding of the term spirituality does not exist, at least in a modern secular setting. Suggestion for future research is that the term spirituality is not used without an indication, notions or keywords of what is meant by the term in a specific context.
Challenges Encountered in Religious Education in Turkey
Journal of Education Culture and Society, 2020
Aim. In this study, the challenges encountered during the introduction of religious education in Turkey are examined within the scope of their intended solutions. Methods. In this study, challenges encountered in the implementation of religious education in Turkey are being discussed in a descriptive manner. Literature scanning and interpretation methods, one of the qualitative research methods, were used in the study. Results. Religious education in Turkey is both maintained within the formal education system and the non-formal education system. Formal education is provided in public schools run by the Ministry of National Education [MNE]. Primary, secondary and high school education is compulsory for all students. There are Imam Hatip Schools that were opened to provide religious education at secondary and high school level. There are also two hours of compulsory religious education per week in other schools. Non-formal religious education is provided only by the Presidency of Re...
This study aims to explore the role of spirituality in psychotherapy using counselors' own experiences. A phenomenological approach was used to examine data from interviews completed by eight psychological counselors working in the counseling field in Istanbul, Turkey. Findings showed that counselors acknowledged the importance of discussing topics related to spirituality. Common reasons for engaging in spiritual discussions in treatment were outlined. Results suggest that developing skills and confidence to work with issues of spirituality is a complex and dynamic task.