Spiritual Intelligence: A Vision for Formation in Religious Education

Abstract

AbstractThis article introduces the category of spiritual intelligence (SI) as a vital way for religious education to cultivate knowledge and practical wisdom. SI fosters human interconnectedness and promotes a sense of belonging for learners. It helps strengthen learners’ identities and creates a just learning environment. The article proposes a version of SI grounded in the ideas of Koinonia (communion) in Christianity and Sangha (community) in Buddhism, which are useful for learners in both religious traditions and across religions.Keywords: Formationspiritual intelligencespiritual crisiswisdomcommunityinterconnectedness Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsThi An Hoa Nguyen,Thi An Hoa Nguyen is a third-year Ph.D. student in Theology and Education at Boston College. She is a member of the Congregation of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Đà Lạt (LHC), the first women’s religious congregation instituted in Vietnam in 1671. Sr. An Hoa holds an M.A. in Theology from Yale University. Email: thianhoa.nguyen@bc.edu