Christian Spirituality

A religious paradigm shift is now in progress in western culture, described by Anne 

Patrick in “Ethics and Spirituality: The Social Justice Connection”.

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The implications for 

Christian spirituality are significant. 

This article first defines Christian spirituality, and then draws on Patrick’s 

description of the new religious paradigm as its organizing principle in addressing the 

question, “What is Christian spirituality?” Ten aspects of Christian spirituality are covered.

A Definition of Christian Spirituality

To begin with, of the many definitions of spirituality, Sandra Schneiders provides 

one of the most encompassing: Spirituality is “the experience of consciously striving to 

integrate one’s life in terms not of isolation and self-absorption but of self-transcendence 

toward the ultimate value one perceives”.2

For Christians, the ultimate concern is God 

revealed in Jesus Christ, and experienced through the gift of the Holy Spirit.3

Self-

transcendence moves one out of compulsive, addictive, obsessive patterns of behavior 

toward more healthy relationships with oneself, other persons, and God.4

In short, 

Christian spirituality is the conscious human response to God that is both personal and 

ecclesial – it is life in the Spirit.5