National Spiritual Literacy Month: An Educational Report

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1. Introduction and Definition

National Spiritual Literacy Month, traditionally observed in December, is a designated time for individuals and communities to read "the sacred in everyday life." Unlike religious literacy, which often focuses on the tenets, history, and dogmas of specific faiths, spiritual literacy is defined as the ability to identify and decipher spiritual meaning in daily experiences, texts, films, nature, and relationships.

• Dates of Observance: While widely celebrated in December by libraries, bookstores, and the general public, the founders (Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat) officially moved their observance to May in 2014 to separate it from the commercial pressures of the holiday season. However, December remains the most common time for public participation.

• Founders: The month was established in 1996 by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, founders of the website Spirituality & Practice.

• Core Philosophy: The month is based on the idea that the world is a "book" filled with signs and messages. Developing spiritual literacy means learning the "alphabet" of this language—qualities like attention, compassion, gratitude, and wonder.

 

2. Educational Objectives

For educators, students, and lifelong learners, Spiritual Literacy Month offers a unique framework for personal and intellectual growth. Key learning objectives include:

• Cultural Competence: Gaining a deeper understanding of how diverse cultures and traditions find meaning in the world.

• Interfaith Dialogue: Creating a neutral ground where people of different faiths (or no faith) can discuss shared human experiences rather than debating theological differences.

• Reflective Critical Thinking: Moving beyond "reading for information" to "reading for transformation," engaging with texts in a way that prompts self-inquiry.

• Emotional Intelligence: Developing vocabulary for inner states (awe, grief, joy) through literature and art.

 

3. Key Practices and Activities

Educators and community leaders can incorporate the following activities into their curriculum or programming:

A. The "Book of the World" Walk

Encourage participants to take a "reading walk" in a park or city center. Instead of looking for street signs, they should look for "spiritual signs"—instances of kindness, resilience (e.g., a flower growing through concrete), or interdependence.

• Educational Output: A photo journal or essay describing what they "read."

B. Interfaith Text Study

Select a universal theme (e.g., "Light," "Hospitality," or "Silence") and read short excerpts from 3–4 different traditions on that topic.

• Educational Output: A comparative Venn diagram or a reflective discussion circle.

C. Film as Sacred Text

Watch a film not explicitly labeled as "religious" (e.g., Groundhog Day for themes of redemption, or Inside Out for emotional literacy) and analyze it through a spiritual lens.

• Educational Output: A film review focusing on the protagonist's inner transformation.

 

4. Curated Educational Resources

The following resources offer high-quality, vetted materials for teaching and learning about spiritual literacy and interfaith understanding.

Primary Source & Founders

• Spirituality & Practice: The official home of Spiritual Literacy Month. It hosts a massive database of book reviews, film reviews, and the "Alphabet of Spiritual Literacy."

  • Best for: Finding the "Spiritual Literacy Film Series" and daily practice guides.

Academic & University Resources

• The Pluralism Project (Harvard University): A research project studying the changing religious landscape of the U.S.

  • Best for: Detailed profiles of different religious traditions and "interfaith infrastructure" maps for students.

• Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology: An international project exploring religious worldviews, texts, and ethics to broaden the understanding of environmental problems.

  • Best for: Connecting spiritual literacy with environmental science and nature studies.

• Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC): An educational center offering online courses and daily meditations rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition but open to all seekers.

  • Best for: Structured online courses on mysticism and transformation.

Curriculum & Teaching Tools

• Charter for Compassion Education Institute: Offers courses and resources for cultivating compassion in schools and communities.

  • Best for: Lesson plans on empathy and the "Golden Rule" across cultures.

• Teaching Tolerance (Learning for Justice): While broader than spirituality, this site offers excellent texts on religious diversity and tolerance.

  • Best for: K-12 classroom activities regarding religious inclusion.

Reading Lists

• Interfaith Friendship Stories for Kids (Bookshop.org): A curated list of children's books that feature friendships across religious divides.

• Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life: The foundational book by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat that defines the movement.

 

Conclusion

National Spiritual Literacy Month challenges us to see literacy as more than the ability to decode words; it is the ability to decode meaning. By engaging with these resources, learners can cultivate a more profound, empathetic, and interconnected view of the world.