THE 9 ASPECTS AND THE SEARCH FOR MEANING

Beliefs

Holding a belief system can encourage an individual to have a sense of purpose, and meaning in their life, trusting that their life of divinity will serve them good.

Ethics

Individuals are able to confront the fundamental questions between good and evil, right and wrong, and their responsibilities towards others. This engagement with ethical issues can lead to a greater understanding of a person’s values and beliefs, creating a sense of purpose.

Rituals

Rituals offer individuals a unique way to connect with the sacred and experience a sense of transcendence which provides a profound source of meaning, belonging, and hope.

Sacred Stories

Helps individuals respond to the big questions about life, such as the nature of God, the meaning of existence, and the possibility of life after death.

Social Structures

Offer individuals a sense of belonging and community, fostering communal engagement and support.

Spiritual Experience

They bond adherents to the mystery of ultimate reality, creating a profound sense of connection to the divine/transcendent.

Provide comfort, guidance, and direction during SLEs, helping individuals to embrace or reaffirm their religious beliefs, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.

Space

Enable individuals to experience the sacred and provide a focal point for worship, strengthening the connection to ultimate reality.

Place

Provide physical locations for worship, helping individuals to feel tangibly connected to the ultimate reality and offering opportunities for communal gatherings, promoting a sense of belonging.

Time

Separate secular and divine time, establishing a rhythm which allows adherents to connect with the sacred and reflect on their beliefs, strengthening their connection with ultimate reality, aiding them to find their purpose.

Artefact

Help to facilitate worship by providing physical objects which embody religious meaning, offering believers a tangible way to connect with their faith.

Symbol

Help individuals to connect with the sacred and respond to the search for meaning by providing visual and tangible reminders of their beliefs, promoting their connection to ultimate reality.

Texts

Aid adherents to connect with the divine, offering insights into the nature of ultimate reality and their place within the larger framework of existence, giving them a sense of purpose.