Creativity and spirituality : psychological perspectives

This chapter introduces the argument for using insights from different disciplines to consider spirituality and creativity in contemporary research and scholarship. Some of the matters considered in this chapter will be addressed at greater length, and from different perspectives, in subsequent chapters of this volume. Nonetheless, the focus of this chapter is on psychological insights in relation to three themes. First, I address the importance of both creativity and spirituality in the 21st century, arguing that both are significant for developing a vision of the good life, pointing toward the achievement of the good life, and overcoming contemporary barriers to both this vision and achievement. Second, I consider challenges to more nuanced understandings of creativity and spirituality. These challenges arise in view of contested definitions of each, different assumptions of each, and different psychological understandings of creativity and spirituality. Finally, I consider the need for more integrated accounts in light of some commonality with respect to the structure, functions, and outcomes of creativity and spirituality.