Spiritual Intelligence in Seven Steps

This monograph presents a contemporary framework for developing spiritual intelligence through systematic practices rooted in ancient wisdom traditions. Vernon approaches spirituality not as religious doctrine but as a cultivable form of intelligence that enhances human flourishing and engagement with questions of ultimate meaning. The work positions itself within the growing field of contemplative studies while maintaining dialogue with both religious and secular perspectives on human development.

Vernon structures his argument around seven progressive steps that build spiritual capacity, drawing from diverse sources including Christian mysticism, Buddhist meditation practices, Greek philosophy, and modern psychology. Each step represents a deepening of awareness and capability, beginning with basic mindfulness practices and culminating in what Vernon terms "participatory consciousness" - a mode of being that transcends subject-object dualism. The author argues that spiritual intelligence differs fundamentally from emotional or cognitive intelligence in its orientation toward transcendent dimensions of experience while remaining grounded in embodied practice.

The work engages critically with reductive materialist accounts of consciousness that dismiss spiritual experience as mere brain states or evolutionary byproducts. Vernon contends that such approaches fail to account for the phenomenological richness and transformative power of spiritual practice. Simultaneously, he distances his framework from New Age spirituality or fundamentalist religion, advocating instead for a disciplined, intellectually rigorous approach to spiritual development. His methodology combines philosophical analysis with practical exercises, creating a bridge between academic discourse and lived experience.

Vernon's contribution to the God debate lies in his reframing of the question itself. Rather than arguing for or against divine existence, he suggests that developing spiritual intelligence allows individuals to engage more meaningfully with ultimate questions. The work implies that debates about God often founder on inadequate conceptual frameworks that spiritual practice can help transcend. By emphasizing practice over belief, Vernon offers a pragmatic approach that sidesteps traditional theological controversies while maintaining openness to transcendent dimensions of reality.

The significance of this work rests in its synthesis of contemplative traditions with contemporary psychological insights, offering a structured pathway for spiritual development that appeals to both religious and secular audiences. Vernon's framework provides practical tools for those seeking meaning beyond material existence while remaining intellectually credible in academic contexts.