Spiritual Evolution: The Path of Transcendence and Inclusion

Evolution theories tell us that the survival of the species requires adapting to new situations. The survival and flourishing of species, inclusive of humans, is determined by its ability to change and adjust its behavior in response to new circumstances. Those that do not evolve become extinct, or at least, obsolete. Growing in spiritual and psychological maturity requires that humans continue to change, adapt, and evolve.  

Richard Rohr, a living mystic, believes that spiritual and psychological evolution necessarily requires ‘transcendence and inclusion’.[1] Transcendence is the ability to rise above our initial, infantile, or developing range of spirituality and psychological maturity. Whereas inclusion is the ability to embrace our previous stages which are often frail and broken and the ability to respect and learn from individuals and groups that are different from ours. Transcendence and inclusion make us patient, understanding, and all-embracing of ourselves, our previous stages, and others. 

Rohr considers transcendence and inclusion as the infallible signs of those who are enlightened, psychologically mature, or truly adult believers. People who are spiritually evolved, irrespective of their faith tradition and spirituality are always forgiving, compassionate, and radically inclusive. They do not create enemies, and they move beyond the boundaries of their own “starter group” while still honoring them. Jesus the Jew criticizes his own religion yet never leaves it! Mature people are not either-or thinkers, they think both-and (Gandhi, Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela). These enlightened people tend to grease the wheels of religious evolution.[2]

Albert Einstein said, “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.” If we want to find a remedy for our spiritual, emotional, and societal ills, and find spiritual growth and meaning in our lives then we need to enter into the new consciousness, the spirit of transcendence and inclusion. We need to become more compassionate to ourselves and to our past and deeply inclusive of others. God constantly invites us to become whole and holy by evolving as transcendent and inclusive people.

John Baptist, OFM Cap. | Pastoral Clinical Counselor | Pennsylvania, USA

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[1] Rohr, Richard, Falling Upward, 8-12.

[2] Rohr, Richard, Falling Upward, 8-12.