Spiritual Literacy Month was founded by Frederic and Mary Brussat in 1996. It stemmed from their devotion and personal respect for the religious inclination of every person. Frederic and his wife (who are both authors) started encouraging people around them to read spiritual books on different religions as they felt this would equip them with knowledge of the world’s religions and, in turn, help them gain insight into the peculiarities of the spiritual traditions that are associated with them.
Spiritual Literacy Month is observed in virtually every country in the world. This observance was called “reading the book of the world” by the medieval Catholic monks. Islamic adherents believe that everything happening inside and outside of us is a message, a letter to be read. In history, the Israelites were able to navigate their way through the wilderness by “reading signs”.
The history of spiritual literacy is deeply rooted in the story of humanity, from creation through the present age. However, at different points in history, there have been various notable figures who championed the course of educating and encouraging people to embrace the practice of spirituality. Before the concept of religion came about, there have been diverse ways that people devised to communicate with their maker. Also, different systems determine the manner of spirituality like it is seen in modern-day diversity. Even if you aren’t a deeply spiritual person, you can embark on this journey to connect to something bigger than yourself, and to learn more about why people believe what they do.