This paper explores three debates surrounding the growing concept of spirituality as applied to nursing: 'Spirituality: in pursuit of conceptual and theoretical unity'; 'The demise of spirituality and the rise of secularism within nursing'; and 'Spirituality: a unifying force at the foundation of holistic philosophy'. The debates reveal the complex and diverse nature of spirituality suggesting that there is no single authoritative definition. The debates challenge the nursing profession to develop a definition of spirituality which is broad enough to accommodate the uniqueness of all individuals.