Applying Intelligence to Spiritual Growth

The field of psychology has advanced significantly in recent decades. Intelligence used to be measured simply by IQ. In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed that there were nine distinct intelligence capacities, namely:

 

1. Linguistic – skill with words and language

2. Logical–mathematical – skill with reasoning and numbers

3. Musical – skill in rhythm, melody, and sound

4. Bodily–kinesthetic – skill in movement and coordination

5. Spatial – skill in visualising and manipulating space

6. Interpersonal – skill in understanding and relating to others

7. Intrapersonal – skill in self-awareness and reflection

8. Naturalistic – skill in recognising and categorising nature

9. Existential - concerning meaning and purpose.

Then, Daniel Goleman popularised the concept of emotional intelligence or EQ in 1995.

It seems to me that humans use three organs to tap into basic intelligence capacities:

· The mind or brain, which provides thinking, knowledge and perception

·  The heart, which provides emotion, compassion and love

·  The gut, which provides visceral or bodily reactions to events or experiences.

We need to use all three in appropriate proportion to live a balanced, happy and fulfilling life.

During the 1970s, there was a popular stage play called “Godspell”.

It told the story of the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth in script and song. One of the songs has stuck with me throughout my life. Called “Day by Day”, its chorus has these words:

Day by day,

Oh, dear Lord three things I pray:

To see thee more clearly

To love the more dearly

To follow the more nearly

Day by day

How is this prayer lived out?

“Seeing more clearly” requires a continuous improvement in understanding who Jesus is and what he taught.

This is achieved through reading and interpreting Scripture, meditation and reflection on personal experiences. This is part of the waking up and growing up stages of Ken Wilber’s integral theory model.

“Loving more dearly” requires loving God and all the things that God loves.

This includes yourself, neighbours, enemies, animals, plants, the environment, the air, the water et cetera. It also requires a transition to the second half of life, as popularised by Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr.

“Following more nearly” requires taking action consistent with the teachings of Jesus.

This includes detaching from unhelpful behaviours and reinforcing positive behaviours. These are part of the cleaning up and showing up stages of Wilber’s model.

It can reasonably be anticipated that the results of these three endeavours are personal peace and harmony, a more mature worldview and an outwardly focused spiritual consciousness. Praying the prayer daily provides a useful reminder to fully employ the three intelligence organs in your regular routine.

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FAQs - Applying Intelligence to Spiritual Growth

What is spiritual intelligence and why is it crucial for spiritual growth?

Spiritual intelligence (SI) means using qualities like meaning-making, compassion, awareness, and purpose to guide everyday life (not just what you believe, but how you live). Recent scoping reviews show that in 67 studies most people see SI helping with wellbeing, mental health, and community belonging. (Source: PMC scoping review) PMC

Source & Insights: John Scoble & St Lucia Spirituality perspective.

How is spiritual intelligence different from IQ or EQ, and how do they complement one another?

IQ deals with reasoning, EQ with emotions, SI deals with values, meaning, purpose. Studies show that while IQ and EQ predict performance or social skills, SI adds something extra - deeper purpose, resilience, moral clarity. For example one systematic review found that students with higher SI tend to report better emotional health and academic goal alignment (Source: study on emotional intelligence & spiritual intelligence correlation) BioMed Central

Source & Insights: John Scoble & St Lucia Spirituality perspective.

What practices help cultivate spiritual intelligence in one’s daily spiritual growth?

Some of the well-supported practices are reflective prayer, meditation, journaling about one’s purpose, serving others, noticing values in ordinary moments. The research shows that people who engage regularly in contemplative practices or meaning-making rituals report higher scores on measures of SI ) ScienceDirect

Source & Insights: John Scoble & St Lucia Spirituality perspective.

What are the measurable benefits of applying spiritual intelligence to one’s spiritual journey?

Empirical studies link higher spiritual intelligence with lower depression, greater life satisfaction, stronger sense of meaning, better relational health. For instance a 2024 meta-analysis found a positive correlation (r ≈ 0.36) between spiritual intelligence and student achievement, meaning SI helps not only inner life but external outcomes too. (Source: BMC study linking SI, EQ, achievement) BioMed Central

Source & Insights: John Scoble & St Lucia Spirituality perspective.

What are common pitfalls when trying to use intelligence for spiritual growth, and how can they be avoided?

One pitfall is treating spiritual intelligence like just another goal to hit, which can lead to performance anxiety, spiritual burnout, comparison. Another is neglecting community or relationships in favour of solo practice. Research warns that SI scores measured purely by self-report can give inflated sense of progress without relational or embodied change. (Source: critiques in spiritual intelligence research about measurement and context) MDPI

Source & Insights: John Scoble & St Lucia Spirituality perspective.

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At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.

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About the Author - John Scoble

John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.

While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.

Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.