Imagination and Spirituality
- John Scoble
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on the role of the imagination in your spiritual journey. Commencing with brain science theory and its application in Western Christianity, the paper will outline the ways in which imagination creates a bridge between inner experience and deeper truths. It will then provide two examples of imagination at work in the spiritual journey.
Brain science
Ian McGilchrist is a British psychiatrist, philosopher and neuroscientist. In his writings [1], he argues that the brain’s hemispheres offer two fundamentally different ways of engaging reality.
The right hemisphere is primary. It attends to the world in a broad, open, relational, and embodied way. It grasps context, living presence, emotion, metaphor, music, and the uniqueness of things. It is concerned with meaning, connection, and reality as experienced.
The left hemisphere is secondary and instrumental. It focuses narrowly, abstracts, categorises, measures, and manipulates. It prefers what is clear, fixed, explicit, and controllable. Language, analysis, technology, and bureaucratic systems are largely left-hemisphere strengths. It is excellent for using the world, but not for understanding it fully.
McGilchrist’s key claim is cultural: modern society has allowed the left hemisphere to dominate, mistaking its simplified models for reality itself. This leads to fragmentation, loss of meaning, mechanistic thinking, and over-control. Healthy cultures and persons, he argues, require the right hemisphere to remain the “master” (guiding vision and values), with the left as the “emissary” (serving practical purposes). When balance is lost, we gain efficiency but lose wisdom, depth, and relational understanding.
As an aside, I remember reading that when the schism occurred in the Catholic Church in 1054, Western Christianity went with the head and Eastern Christianity went with the heart. While this is an oversimplification of a very complex debate spanning centuries, there are elements of truth in the statement.
The role of imagination
Many of the functions attributed by McGilchrist to the right hemisphere of the brain involve the use of imagination. Imagination plays a central and transformative role in spirituality. Imagination, when grounded and disciplined, can become a means to encounter the sacred, cultivate insight, and deepen one’s sense of meaning and connection. Here are some of the functions of imagination in a spiritual life:
In many spiritual traditions, imagination helps us perceive what cannot be seen with the eyes alone. It allows us to symbolically and experientially engage with the divine. The mystic’s imagination intuits realities beyond the literal. Through symbols, images, and inner vision, imagination helps us enter prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
Spirituality often involves knowledge of the heart and spirit, not just the intellect. Imagination allows us to grasp meaning in ways that rational thinking alone cannot. It connects us with archetypes, parables, and metaphors that shape inner transformation. Imagination becomes a way of sensing truth rather than simply thinking about it.
Mystics emphasize that spiritual imagination isn’t daydreaming — it's participation in a deeper reality. When disciplined through prayer and ethical grounding, it leads to compassion, humility, and presence. As Meister Eckhart is reported to have said: “Imagination cradles the divine.” Mystics often warn that without discipline and discernment, imagination can become self-deceptive. But when held with grounding, it becomes a pathway to deeper awareness.
Spiritual growth involves inner transformation—a shift in how we see ourselves, others, and ultimate reality. Imagination allows us to rehearse, embody, and internalize qualities like love, surrender, clarity, and compassion. In contemplative practice, for instance, guided imagery can help soften judgment, cultivate forgiveness, and open the heart.
In summary, spiritual imagination complements rational thinking, allowing us to engage with meaning, symbol, and ultimate reality in ways that pure logic cannot reach.
Example 1 – A Song
In 1971, John Lennon composed Imagine shortly after The Beatles had broken up the previous year. Lennon later acknowledged that the song’s lyrics and central concept were heavily inspired by his wife Yoko Ono’s book of conceptual poetry, Grapefruit—especially poems inviting the reader to “imagine” various scenarios. Lennon also cited another influence: a Christian prayer book given to him and Ono by comedian and activist Dick Gregory, which introduced him to the idea of “positive prayer”.
The simple yet radical lyrics—imagining a world without heaven, countries, religion, or possessions—reflect Lennon’s humanistic and idealistic vision for global unity and peace. Imagine has become one of the most enduring anthems of peace and hope in popular music. Here are the lyrics; you can also listen to John singing:
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today, ah
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace, you
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world, you
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
Example 2 – Imaginative Prayer in the Ignation Tradition
This involves accompanying Jesus through his life by imagining scenes from the Gospel stories. You allow the events of Jesus’ life to be present to you right now. Visualize each chosen event as if you were making a movie. Pay attention to the details: sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings of the event. Lose yourself in the story; don’t worry if your imagination is running too wild. At some point, place yourself in the scene.
Through this process of contemplation, the Holy Spirit makes present a mystery of Jesus’ life in a way that is meaningful for you now. Use your imagination to dig deeper into the story so that God may communicate with you in a personal, evocative way.
In 1992, renowned Dutch Catholic priest and author, Henri Nouwen, wrote The Return of the Prodigal Son, after sitting for days staring at Rembrandt’s painting of this well-known parable. His book is an extraordinary example of imaginative prayer. He encourages readers to progressively imagine themselves in each role as the Prodigal Son, the Older Brother and the Father (Refer Lk 15:11-32). It may be helpful to use three separate sessions to do this. Which of the three characters do you identify with most?
Questions for reflection
1. In what ways do you tap into your creative, imaginative side?
2. How does John Lennon’s song accord with your spiritual aspirations?
3. Imagine yourself as the innkeeper in the Good Samaritan parable. What is your reaction when the Good Samaritan asks you to look after the broken man?
Footnotes
1. The Master and His Emissary (2009) and The Matter with Things (2021).
FAQs Imagination and Spirituality
Is imagination just fantasy, or is it a real way of knowing anything spiritual?
Imagination can be both. It can be fantasy, but it is also a basic human way of grasping meaning, possibilities and symbols. It helps translate subtle impressions and experiences into images and stories your mind can work with.
How can I tell the difference between my imagination and genuine spiritual guidance, intuition or revelation?
Genuine guidance tends to deepen love, humility, clarity and responsibility. Pay attention to qualities like quiet persistence, inner peace, and alignment with your deepest values.
How can I practically use imagination in prayer, meditation or contemplation?
As described in the paper above, you can enter a sacred story or scene with all your senses. Imagine yourself present and speak with the characters involved. You can also picture light, compassion and blessing flowing towards you. Let an image arise and ask what it wants to show you.
How does imagination open me to mystery in ordinary life and deepen gratitude and awe?
Imagination lets you see more in simple things - a cup of coffee, a tree, a bird flying past, a stranger's face. They are consolations and gateways to wonder. By paying attention to the fragility of ordinary moments, gratitude and reverence are stirred within you.
Is it acceptable to re-imagine inherited images of God, heaven, salvation, or the self?
Yes. One needs to read the signs of the times and respond to changes in scientific knowledge and scriptural interpretation. A useful approach would be to ask whether your re-imagining stays faithful to the core elements of your tradition (love, justice, truth etc.) rather than replacing it with a more convenient image.
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.
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