Overcoming Spiritual Dryness
Transformative Processes Among Religious Brothers and Sisters in Germany
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10337759 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mareike Gerundt (0000-0001-6279-0288, Witten/Herdecke University, corresponding author), Arndt Büssing (0000-0002-5025-7950, Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Münster), Yvonne Beerenbrock (0000-0002-1200-5437, Witten/Herdecke University) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 73 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 23-41 |
| Publication date | 2023-11-27 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Pastoral Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0031-2789 • E-ISSN: 1573-6679 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11089-023-01117-4 |
| OpenAlex | W4389047234 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 19 |
One should not regard the experience of spiritual dryness as an insurmountable obstacle in one’s spiritual journey; on the contrary, such periods can catalyze processes of profound transformation. Empirical research indicates that individuals who successfully navigate these challenges report heightened spiritual clarity, greater spiritual depth, and a greater inclination towards altruistic behavior. Against this backdrop, the present study explored the effects of overcoming spiritual dryness among religious sisters and brothers who had spent several decades living in monastic / congregational communities. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 16 brothers and 14 sisters to elicit their perspectives on perceived changes and behaviors in response to phases of spiritual dryness. Drawing on the criteria of qualitative content analysis, we conducted a rigorous, inductive analysis of the data collected from 30 interviews, yielding four main categories of transformative experiences: (1) deepened spiritual connection (to God), (2) profound inner and outer changes, (3) renewed focus on sacred scriptures, and (4) personal wounding or hardly any (perceptible) changes. Christian faith is fundamentally relational, and as our personality constantly develops, our faith journey unfolds in parallel with our personal growth and development. In this context, experiences of spiritual dryness are not uncommon; indeed, they might be essential in nurturing a deeper relationship with the divine. Our findings underscore the potential for transformative growth and personal maturation that can emerge from navigating spiritual dryness despite the profound heaviness, sadness, irritation, and pain. Such experiences can foster new perspectives on life and new pathways for personal agency
Aesthetics · Agency (philosophy · Context (archaeology · Developmental psychology · Dryness · Epistemology · Faith · Qualitative research · Religious experience · Silence · Social science · Sociology · Spiritual development · Spirituality · Transformative learning · Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion · Medicine · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology
Religious and spiritual struggles.
Kritische Lebensereignisse und Lebenskrisen
Spiritual dryness in Catholic priests
Experience of Spiritual Dryness and Acedia Symptoms in Seventh-Day Adventists
Strategies to Cope with Phases of Spiritual Dryness in Seventh-Day Adventists
Reactions and Strategies of German Catholic Priests to Cope with Phases of Spiritual Dryness
Religious and Spiritual Struggles as Concerns for Health and Well-Being
Seeing God as Cruel or Distant
Self-Attributed Importance of Spiritual Practices in Catholic Pastoral Workers and their Association with Life Satisfaction
Triggers of Spiritual Dryness – Results from Qualitative Interviews with Religious Brothers and Sisters
Not Getting Stuck in Dryness - Strategies for Coping with Phases of Spiritual Dryness Among Religious Brothers and Sisters in Germany—Findings from Qualitative Interviews
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |