Directions for the future.

Abstract

Finally, if science and religion are so broadly similar, and not arbitrarily limited in their domain, they should at some time converge. 1 believe this convergence is inevitable . . . --Charles H. Townes Nobel Laureate in PhysicsIn this chapter we discuss what we believe are the needs and directions for the future relative to the advancement of a spiritual strategy in psychology and psychotherapy. We first discuss pressing theoretical and research questions that need investigation. We then discuss and make recommendations for education and clinical training. Finally, we briefly discuss a number of domains in which a spiritual strategy can make potentially important contributions to practice, including psychotherapy, medicine, health psychology, education and prevention, and religious institutions. THEORY AND RESEARCHAlthough theory and research relevant to a spiritual strategy have increased greatly during the past decade (Shafranske, 1996; Worthington, Kurusu, McCullough, & Sanders, 1996), there are still many pressing ques-333