Axiology And Spirituality

Worldliness, Dogmatism And Saintliness

Abstract

This article thoroughly examines the religious personality-types of Worldliness, Dogmatism, and Saintliness and critiques each from the perspective of Hartmanian axiology. In worldly types, extrinsic values and evaluations dominate, but they may also evaluate extrinsic values intrinsically. In dogmatic types, systemic values are dominant and may often be loved intrinsically. There are at least two types of Saintliness. In purely intrinsic Saintliness, intrinsic evaluations dominate but systemic and extrinsic values and evaluation capacities are poorly developed. In “wholistic” saints, all values and evaluation capacities are fully present and constantly functional, relative to the uniqueness and distinctive circumstances of such persons. The article concludes that the wholistic saintly life is the most abundant life that anyone could possibly lead.