Spirituality and the Integrity of Theology

How spirituality is defined depends on prior theological assumptions and conversely reinforces or subverts certain understandings of theology. Spirituality often prioritises inwardness over outward engagement. This underscores a contrast between the sacred conceived as "wholly other" and the everyday world. However, spirituality also questions what theology conventionally understands by "knowledge". For example, classic themes in spirituality, "contemplation" and "discernment", need to be recovered specifically as ways of knowing rather than simply devotional practices. These call into question a reductionist understanding of theology as the quest for detached knowledge rather than practical wisdom, a way of life, or, properly understood, itself a form of spiritual practice.