THE EVOLUTION OF WESTERN SPIRITUALITY: FROM ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME TO CONTEMPORARY PRACTICES
Uludağ Üniversitesi Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi July 8, 2023 Takyettin Karakaya
Western spirituality evolved from ancient Greek and Roman traditions through early Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, and the Enlightenment to contemporary forms that emphasize personal experience and reject institutional dogma. Contemporary spirituality has influenced health and wellness but faces criticism for lacking structure and promoting subjective experience over objective truth. Challenges include spiritual bypassing and the need for authenticity. The article surveys key figures and works across eras, showing the diversity of spiritual perspectives and their enduring cultural impact.