Religion, Spirituality and Virtue

‘Religion’, ‘spirituality’ and ‘virtue’ are often used with the implication that they are closely related, or even the same thing, though other uses distinguish them. Of various possible modes of definition, an operational one seems the most helpful. Religion can best be taken as a polythetic concept, defined by a selection from a list of characteristics. Spirituality has several different meanings, while virtue corresponds to one entity, with much agreement, though also some disagreement, as to what counts as virtuous. The three overlap in some respects but are distinct in others. It is desirable to be clear about precisely what is meant in any discussion of them.

Citation:
Radford, J. (2009) ‘Religion, Spirituality and Virtue’ Transpersonal Psychology Review, 13 (2), 50-57.