4: The Spiritual Dimension

 What is a spiritual hero?

 How are hero and role model stories used by the adherents of particular religions for preaching and teaching, for highlighting values and shared traditions, and for framing ritual experiences?

 How do hero stories uplift and sustain the spirit of communities in times of tragedy?

 How do heroic stories link people to the cosmos and the spiritual?

 How do heroes and/or role models reveal spiritual values and beliefs?

 How can the supernatural / God’s presence can be symbolised by the deeds of a hero and/or role model?

GROUP WORK

In small groups of two or three, create a hyperdoc that demonstrates your understanding of the following questions. A hyperdoc is more than a poster. It has live links to videos and articles that illustrate or extend the points being made. Please find good examples rather than the first examples in a search. This will help to develop your evaluative skills.

 How do believers and adherents of different religious groups use stories of founders and experiences of heroic followers to: - reveal their sense of the spiritual perspective in life?

- express and reinforce their common religious and spiritual beliefs?

- inspire art and music and other creative interpretations?

- assist in personal reflection and contemplation?

- How are they shared in community rituals and liturgies?

 How do they assist adherents to love a good life and lead a good life?