©Arlene R. Taylor PhD

altMany religious and/or spiritual groups include the concept of spiritual gifts (so-called) in their tradition. Some spiritual gifts are outlined in Secripture (e.g., 1st Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1st Peter 4), while others are included in specific writings espoused or recognized by various religious and/or spiritual groups.

This summary reflects input from conversations with Benziger and others including chaplains.

 

altPrioritizing Division

 

altEnvisioning Division

 

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division may exhibit one or more of these spiritual gifts from a position of innate ability:

  • Knowledge (relating to functions directed by this division)
  • Wisdom of King Solomon*
  • Distinguishing among spirits
  • Preaching (e.g., apostles), evangelizing, proselytizing
  • Leading and directing
  • Contributing (raising money)

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division may exhibit one or more of these spiritual gifts from a position of innate ability:

  • Knowledge (relating to functions directed by this division)
  • Prophesying (e.g., prophets), teaching
  • Faith (through perceived patterns)
  • Healing (through hope, inspiration)
  • Leading charismatically
  • Innovation (e.g., a new song, poem, reading)

 

altMaintaining Division

altHarmonizing Division

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division may exhibit one or more of these spiritual gifts from a position of innate ability:

  • Knowledge (relating to functions directed by this division)
  • Administrating, managing
  • Ministering (e.g., clerics)
  • Interpreting of tongues
  • Preparing for works of service to others including preparation and carrying out of rituals
  • Serving and producing
  • Teaching

 

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division may exhibit one or more of these spiritual gifts from a position of innate ability:

  • Knowledge (relating to functions directed by this division)
  • Encouraging, showing mercy, or empathizing
  • Faith (through feeling “in the spirit”)
  • Healing (laying on of hands)
  • Working miracles, speaking in tongues, religious drama or dance
  • Hospitality
  • Pastoral care
  • Teaching

 

*According to Benziger, each cerebral division houses a wisdom potential that can increase with maturity, skill development, and overall integration of brain function. This differs from “King Solomon’s wisdom,” so called, that is typically associated with functions of the Left Frontal Lobe, or the intuitive flashes of wisdom that is typically associated with functions of the Right Frontal Lobe.

It is recognized that some religious authorities believe that a spiritual gift may be given to an individual because of a need in a specific situation, regardless of the individual’s innate giftedness. My opinion is that almost any brain-function can be utilized as a “spiritual gift” within an appropriate environment.