Christian Spirituality

When events like 11 September 2001 and 26 December 2004 happen our sense of being is challenged. These are major events which the whole world stops to watch on television. Events like these can affect a nation, the world or they may only affect a small group of people. These events can seriously upset us and make us question our belief systems, our spirituality.
Spirituality can be seen as the search for a purpose and meaning in life, this includes two major components: the transcendence (that existence beyond the physical/psychological); and the immanence (the discovery of the transcendent in the physical/psychological). The primary object of Christian Spirituality is to find and have a personal relationship with God the creator through Jesus Christ. Religion may be seen as the way in which people who share a common faith and belief, organise and express their desires, questions and experiences within a defined community.
An individuals spiritual practice such as prayer, meditation, attending worship services, and the reading of inspirational texts may be altered because of traumatic events either large or small. As people begin to normalise after these events any changes that were made because of the event may become more or less important. For some people being involved in a public event after a major event may be a problem more than a source of comfort.
Some people find the way that they normally pray or meditate becomes dry and that for them God may seem a long way away. Those who make themselves open to God at times like this will often be guided to the type of prayer or meditation they need to help them deal with the situation.
Why do such events as 9/11 and the Asian Tsunami happen? - Most people need to feel angry with someone rather than something after major events, if we don’t have someone to blame we may be left with an uncomfortable sense of not being in control. With the events of 9/11 it was easy to blame the terrorists that hijacked the aircraft. The Tsunami is a very different matter, there are logical and physical reasons why this event took place but this does not answer the questions of why and whom can we blame. Because there is no one to blame many people will be left feeling helpless, distressed and that the world is a cruel and unfair place.
The response by the world to the Asian Tsunami in spirit and through practical deeds of kindness and charity has been overwhelming. This indicates that humans are able to put into perspective events like this tragedy and make positive steps to lesson any devastation if such an event was to happen again. Disasters, human made or natural, can give us an understanding of just how tenuous and short human life may be. What we do understand is that people matter above possessions and that a healthy spiritual life can help individuals deal with tragedy rather than make sense of them particularly when it seems so unfair to the victims.
A starting point if you were wrestling with a problem such as this would be your local unit chaplain who, like you, is confronted with the same kind of challenges to their beliefs. The local chaplain may have already though about a liturgy to help service men and women deal with a particular event, if not, you may encourage the chaplain to commence planning a liturgy where people may explore and express their feelings.
Since loss and grief affect our whole being, it is very important to have at our disposal a number of different self-care strategies that can deal with the different parts of us. No single support will be suitable for all occasions so a number of different supports are required if they are to be effective.
Physical – If we feel disconnected from our bodies, stiff, weak or in pain, often something physical will help. Jogging, walking or other forms of aerobic exercise may help your body.
Emotional – If your heart feels broken, your emotions raw, or you need help to deal with your feelings, talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal each day or listening to calming or stimulating music may help your emotions return to their usual state.
Spiritually - When your faith is shaken by events big or small you may feel disconnected from God and other people in your community or the world. This may be when you have those questions about the meaning of life that disturb you. At times like this you may feel the need to throw yourself into the love and peace of the divine. When you are spiritually and emotionally low is a time when our soul needs sustenance. At times such as this the use of prayer, meditation, soul supporting music, attending worship or reading inspirational books may be helpful in restoring you belief or faith system.


Spiritual Tip – Life is fragile; so handle with prayer.
Spiritual Tip – A moment of meditation and prayer goes a long way towards serenity.
Spiritual Tip – Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.
Spiritual Tip – Treat others as you would like them to treat you.
Spiritual Tip – Remember; God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Spiritual Tip – All who humble themselves will be exalted.
Spiritual Tip – Try your best to enter by the narrow door.

Tension Buster – Talk it out, don't implode.
Tension Buster – You only fail when you fail to learn.
Tension Buster – Stay flexible and adaptive.
Tension Buster – Don't fight what you can't change.
Tension Buster – Definition of FEAR - False Evidence that Appears Real.
Tension Buster – Laugh now, don't wait.
Tension Buster – Get organized; plan, schedule, take notes, and keep good records.
Tension Buster – Do it now; do your most unpleasant or most difficult task at the beginning of the day when you are fresh. Procrastination feeds stress!
Tension Buster – Know your limits; be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. It's better to emphasize quality in your work, rather than sheer quantity.
Tension Buster – Treat your body right; eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
Tension Buster – Take Charge; take responsibility for making your life what you want it to be.
Tension Buster – Exercise will reduce stress and tension and improve physical and mental stamina.

Excellent post!!!

this is why i need to be here, i was in a different site, and pagans seemed to rule the site. i was chastized for believing in God, so i left. i'm glad to see someone so open about their faith and not be criticised for it.

Cheers Guys, and welcome to the site! We don't discriminate here.

I hope that I can give and receive from this site as a Christian who suffers anxiety and depression. It is good to know that there is somewhere to go where you won;t be judged for being a christian who feels this way and not treated like I am sinning because I am not letting God take all the worry.

I have been through a lot which is where the depression comes from rather than being depression in and of itself. There are a lot of circumtances that caused me to collapse in on myself and it took a lot before I did. Now, sometimes I wonder if I will ever be whole again this side of eternity. Being with like minded people on it is good.

Thank you

We dont dont judge here Melissa, only here to share stories, make friends and ask for advice etc

Thanks. I am new here so I will soon get to know my way I hope. I don't normally get too much time though but it will be good to have somewhere to vent where people understand.