Many historians and researchers argue that spirituality is a fundamental part of human nature, which can have a positive effect on our well-being, while critics point to its potential to create oppression. We see examples of destructive spirituality in cases of sectarianism reported in the West and globally.

We need to engage in critical thinking and question power hierarchies within spiritual contexts in order to distance ourselves from that which risks causing oppressive structures. Spirituality is a subjective experience, often involving a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, whether it be nature, the universe, a higher power, or even one’s own inner heart. Some believe spirituality occurs within our psychological boundaries, while others argue that it exists outside of us on a universal level.