UTS Chapter - 5

Spiritual Self

The aspect of self connected to beliefs, values, and practices that guide moral behavior and life purpose.

Spiritual Belief vs. Action

A person may act inconsistently with their beliefs; they must eventually choose to abandon the belief or align their actions with it.

Strength of Spiritual Self

Determined by the depth and consistency of one’s belief.

Christianity

Belief that humans are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent; includes the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Islam

Submission to Allah and His laws; Allah revealed messages to Prophet Mohammed; Jesus is a prophet, not the Messiah (Quran 4:171).

Buddhism & Hinduism

Goal is to reach Nirvana by removing desires and suffering; no personal God.

Iglesia ni Cristo

Believes God is a singular being, not a Trinity; emphasizes unity and obedience.

Protestantism

Introduced by Americans; salvation through being “born again” and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Monism

Philosophical view that only one substance or being exists.

Animism

Indigenous belief that spirits inhabit natural objects like trees, sun, sea, etc.

Religious Practice

Rituals and rites aimed at influencing human or natural conditions; includes worship, sacrifices, fiestas, meditation, etc.

Sacred Objects

Items like wine or incense sticks used in rituals depending on cultural beliefs.

Philippine Religious Freedom

Roman Catholic Christianity

80.6%

Islam

5.6%

Evangelical Protestant Christians

2.7%

Iglesia ni Cristo

2.5%

Others (Buddhists, Indigenous Beliefs, Atheists)

8.6%

Spiritual Healers

Use spirits to diagnose and heal; examples include Albukaru (Bicol) and Pagali (Moros).

Tawo (Bicol)

Invisible beings causing illness, only faith healers can communicate with them.

Pagali (Moros)

Nocturnal supernatural beings.

Aswang, Mangkukulam, Tikbalang, Kapre, Dwende

Mythical beings in Filipino folklore.

Soul

Dungan

Indigenous concept of spirit or soul, often quasi-physical and existing outside the body.

Babaylan

Female spiritual leaders who mediate between material and spiritual worlds.

Logotherapy

Psychotherapy focused on finding life’s meaning; founded by Viktor Frankl.

Franklian Philosophy

Life offers meaning, not happiness; emphasizes purposeful work, love, and courage.

Healthy Core

Belief that every person has inner spiritual resources.

Will to Meaning

Main motivation in life is to find meaning, even in suffering.

Freedom to Find Meaning

People can choose to activate their will to meaning in any circumstance.

Defiant Power of the Human Spirit

Ability to stand up against adversity using spiritual strength.