Spiritual theology combines the study of theology with living the tenets of a particular faith. It is practiced by those who believe in a certain theology and shape their lives according to its teachings. It is often applied to evangelical Christians and Catholics who structure their lives around the literal interpretation of the Bible. The emphasis on related study is intended to help train true adherents and build overall morality. Saint Teresa of Avila is an example of one devoted to the practice of spiritual theology.
Spiritual theology is the practice of studying theology in tandem with living the tenets of a particular faith. While spirituality involves faith and living a lifestyle in accordance with this faith, and theology involves studying a certain religion or faith, spiritual theology is a combination of both. Those who practice spiritual theology do not identify with a separation between what is written in the sacred texts of a particular faith and what is experienced by a believer of these texts.
Theology courses can be taken by people who believe in a certain religion or by those who do not, but wish to study a faith from an academic perspective. Many people also consider themselves to have a spiritual faith, but don’t give much credence to the study of theology. Spiritual theology, however, is practiced when a person or group of people believe in a certain theology and shape their lives according to the teachings of that theology.
While there are many types of theology, most often the spiritual theology label is applied to evangelical Christians and Catholics who espouse a belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible and structure their lives around its content. Christian college students pursuing a theology degree are often exposed to theology courses designed to explore the meaning of spiritual theology. While learning theology from a formal perspective, students are also expected to look more closely at their personal relationships with God and the world around them. In addition to a theological education, habits, missionary work, relationships, and worldviews are all scrutinized in the effort for improvement.
Individuals who combine spirituality and theology argue that this builds their overall sense of morality. Prayer and study are meant to have practical application in a practitioner’s daily life. This also extends to personal and professional relationships as well as political affiliations.
Experts in spiritual theology argue that the emphasis on related study is not only academic but is also intended to help train true adherents. An example of the one devoted to the practice of spiritual theology can be found in the Catholic Saint Teresa of Avila, who is also known as the patroness of headache sufferers. Canonized in 1622, she is one of only two women to bear the prestigious title of Doctor of the Church for her devoted service and work, which included establishing a convent at a time when women did not engage in such activities as well as teaching and writing about prayer.
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