Opening the future : the evolving landscape of spiritual experience [Preface]

Abstract

On 24–25 April 2025, the Faculty of Theology at the University of Malta hosted the Spirituality Colloquium at the Msida campus. Organised by the Department of Moral Theology in collaboration with the Carmelite Institute Malta and the Maltese Association for the Study of Spirituality and Spiritual Companionship, this year’s colloquium was titled “Spirituality: In-between the Post-Traditional and the Post-Secular.” This theme invited critical engagement with the shifting contours of spiritual life in our contemporary, pluralistic society, where traditional forms of religious expression are being re-evaluated in light of emerging post-secular sensibilities. The publication of the colloquium proceedings in this volume continues to serve as a vital forum for dialogue, reflection, and scholarly exchange on the evolving expressions of spirituality today. By bringing together theologians, philosophers, practitioners, and artists from diverse backgrounds, it fostered a deeper understanding of how spiritual experience is shaped by, and responds to, both continuity and change. The event’s multidisciplinary nature allowed for rich and nuanced perspectives, ranging from academic analysis to creative and contemplative practices. The contributions collected in these proceedings reflect not only the intellectual depth of the colloquium but also the spirit of attentive listening and mutual enrichment that characterise its ethos. It is our hope that this publication will serve as a resource and an inspiration for all those who seek to explore the profound role of spirituality in the contemporary world. [excerpt]