Both can enrich or demoralize our human experience. Religious institutions conservatively guard their practices and values, holding rigidly to the past and the original interpretations of the founders teachings. Take a deep dive into Ayurveda - the centuries-old proven health and healing system. For example, Christians are encouraged in the Bible to build a community of believers, gather together to pray and worship, and observe certain holidays or holy days. Religion vs. Spirituality: The Difference Between Them. There is a lot of beauty and depth in both religion and spirituality, and before we throw the baby out with the bathwater, I want to offer you, dear spiritual sojourner, some food for thought; something to meditate upon and contemplate. But instead of seeing things in black-or-white terms (which creates division and therefore fear), I see that religion and spirituality can be like sisters, brothers, or friends that support each other harmoniously. Getting ongoing spiritual guidance from someone else will also help to protect against ego inflation. A new studysuggests there may be fewer differences than expected between people in an organized religion and those who practice spirituality. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I think a few key things were left out of this comparison. Where the two overlap is each person's individual experiences that impact how they think, feel, and act. Spirituality is simply one's ability to recognize that every person is more than just a human bodythey are a soul that has unlimited potential. Religion and spirituality can: Offer comfort in times of grief. In spirituality, one may ponder, Where do I find meaning in life, and what are my true values? Meanwhile, in religion, common questions might be What is the truth? and What is right and wrong?. The practices of spirituality, like meditation and yoga, gives people the chance to make "conscious contact" with expanded states of consciousness. This suggests that most people feel that spirituality is more beneficial than religion for personal growth and development. However, being religious doesnt make you spiritual, just like being spiritual doesnt make you religious. WebMuslims vs other people |The world beautiful religion|Muslims attitude status #shorts subscribe my channel In the US, > 90% of older people consider themselves religious or spiritual; about 6 to 10% are atheists and do not seek meaning through religion or a spiritual life. It is safe to say that spirituality has greater potential for exploration within ones faith than religion does. Religion often discourages people from listening to their own instincts, and instead teaches people to accept and do what theyre told, without questioning it. For example, spiritual people are more likely to: Volunteer or donate to the poor. Provide moral guidelines by which to live. There are set structures, routines, rituals, and rules one is expected to adhere to in order to call oneself a devotee. Most people dont really find religion; rather, its programmed into them from either a very early age or from a vulnerable place. WebWho is a spiritual person? Those who are spiritual but not religious are about evenly split between men (47%) and women (53%) in stark contrast with those who say they are neither religious Many people rely on their own understanding of the world when making decisions or expressing themselves. If you have found any comfort, support or guidance in our work, please consider donating: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'd like to receive your latest weekly newsletter! A spiritual person knows that we are all One, and consciously attempts to honor this Oneness. There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. Iconic singer David Bowie famously described spirituality vs religion in the following brilliantly irreverent way: Religion is for people whore afraid of going to hell. Religion, on the other hand, is about submitting oneself to a certain path (i.e., obedience) and searching for freedom from suffering. When we unite elements of spirituality with religion and vice versa, we get a robust, deep, and deliciously multi-faceted path that can properly support and initiate us into the Mysteries of the Divine. Zhang, H., Hook, J. N., Hodge, A. S., Van Tongeren, D. R., Davis, D. E., & Jin, L. (2021). You are part of the universal hologram, all gods and goddesses in disguise. Spiritual people learn and develop their beliefs based on their own experience while religious people learns it based on the experiences they are told about their religious founders. They are twins that can form one Whole if we are open to that possibility. Meanwhile, if you're looking for ways of adding meaning into your life, a habit of gratitude is one way to start. For thousands of years, humanity has passionately pursued the Truth with a capital Tthe ultimate answers to life and the universe. WebTraditional religion involves accountability and responsibility; spirituality has fewer requirements. Purchase our best-selling 21-day and 7-day meditations. Likewise, Muslims are encouraged to participate in daily prayers five times daily, with men particularly urged to perform the prayers in the mosque. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. However, according to a survey published by TODAY, over 70% of participants believed its better to be spiritual than religious. Being spiritual doesnt mean you have the responsibility of worshiping a God. Spirituality: By contrast, spirituality is more often based upon the practical application of the founders teachings. Every person is essentially a small goda unique and powerful manifestation of existence that serves a purpose in this world. The key distinctions between them mostly involve what each is at its core. Spirituality: Spirituality, on the other hand, connotes an experience of connection to something larger than you; living everyday life in a reverent and sacred manner. A spiritual person, on the other hand, turns inward to find his truth and finds God within himself and all life. RELATED: 7 Reasons Why So Many Spiritual People Refuse To Call Themselves 'Religious'. Religious people score much higher on those they view [them] as much more relevant for being moral compared to the disbelievers." When someone is spiritual, they do what they feel is right, despite any potential consequences. Nothing is totally black and white. Spirituality, on the other hand, doesnt necessarily involve worship at all. On the other hand, a religious person accepts the truth as defined by his or her religion, and these truths are often documented and shared with others. For a religious person, the concept of God is predetermined, named, and comes with an established method of how to worship that God. Spirituality: Definition, Types, Benefits, and How to Practice For instance, religious people are rigid in their beliefs, usually adhering to a particular set of teachings that have been taught and passed down through generations. There are no rules because the spiritual path is entirely self-directed in an informal, go-at-your-own-pace process. Spirituality is a solitary experience of the divine, At its most infantile form, spirituality can become new age fluff that lacks depth, commitment, accountability, the ability to create meaningful social change, and credibility. In the study, the researchers asked participants to denote their religious affiliation, either as (1) traditionally religious, (2) nonreligious but spiritual, or (3) neither religious nor spiritual. [Read More]. We guide spiritual seekers undergoing an awakening to walk the path less travelled, practice inner soul work, and rediscover their interconnected True Nature in the present moment. While both participate in certain practices and rituals to achieve this, the two groups have some key differences. A spiritual person looks within themselves to do the right thing and a religious person looks to the outside for guidance. Each person's own definition of spirituality can vary throughout their lifetime, adapting to individual experiences through personal study and self-reflection. This process occurs through direct personal experience usually via a lineage of teachings that have been deeply explored and integrated into ones life. Whatever path you choose, I hope you find what youre looking for and know that its okay to experiment, and its also okay to commit deeply and fully. Spirituality teaches us that All is One (non-duality), that there is ultimately no separation between the spark of Divine within us and the Divine that pervades everything. Religion is an organized set of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. These are important questions to consider when you are trying to determine if you are religious or spiritual. They are following not a set of external rules, but their own inner call to spirit. Peace comes within the soul of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its power. Moral rules, laws, and doctrines, as well as specific codes and criteria, create the organized structure that contains the religions specific belief system. Those rules encourage them to develop discipline to grow closer to God. Welcome! Everyone has their own unique path, so if you dont feel called to invite spirituality or religion into your life, that is totally okay. Some examples include Rumi and Hafiz (from the mystical branch of Islam, Sufism), St John of the Cross and St Teresa of Avila (from Christianity), Ramakrishna and Anandamayi Ma (from Hinduism), and more modern Western figures like Carl Jung and G. I. Gurdjieff. On the other, we have spirituality, which is a very yin force. With spiritual practice, ideas and interpretations change as individuals, societies, and the world move forward. The spirituality vs religion debate only creates more hatred and ill will in the world, and yet, when we dare to combine the two, we have what I call a third way forward. Forty-two percent (42%) of spiritual people meditate when stressed rather than overeat or indulge in unhealthy coping Religion maintains a defined, tangible code of ethics, while spirituality is largely undefinable. Atheism is the doctrine or belief that there is no god. Spirituality: By contrast, spirituality typically discards the vestiges of fear and worry in favor of a more loving, compassionate approach to lifeand death. With religion, there is a high level of accountability often built into the structure of religious institutions. There's no scientific evidence to corroborate its existence. Whether you choose to explore your spirituality or your religion, what matters most is what brings meaning and purpose to your life. Whichever path or combination of the two you follow is the personal and subjective expression of your journey of awakening. 1. Spirituality (or mysticism), on the other hand, is something people discover and can choose to embrace or not. People who are spiritual are able to adjust to new conditions and their discoveries throughout life. Therapytips.org, November 9, 2021. See additional information. In contrast, the word agnostic refers to a person who neither believes nor disbelieves in a god or religious doctrine. Here are 6 ways to pray the rosary as a non-Catholic or non-religious person. Description for this block. Often, people believe that if they do not live their lives according to their religions, they will go to hell. For example, if a person is more religious, they run the risk of becoming socially dependent on their church peers. Everything you need to live a life in total balance from the authority in well-being. Total Well-being Teacher and Coaching Certification. Religion: At its core, religion is about faith. In seeking the divinewhether from a church pew on a Sunday or on top of a ridge looking at a glorious sunrisewe increase our feelings of happiness, peace, and appreciation for the life that we have. WebSpiritual abuse is not limited to one religion, denomination, or group of people. Spirituality is an individuals inner sense of connection with the universe or a higher power, and for some people, it is an essential part of living. In addition to those who say they are spiritual but not religious, 48% say they are both religious and spiritual, while 6% say they are religious but not spiritual. Another 18% answer both questions negatively, saying they are neither religious nor spiritual. Here are five essential differences between spirituality and religion to consider: Religion focuses on outward structures and traditions, whereas spiritualism directs its attention inwardly toward self-discovery. WebIn short, the tension between religion and spirituality may be overstated. Religious teachings are usually based on what has been passed down through scriptures, religious scrolls, and books or what religious leaders teach. Spiritual people are more flexible in their beliefs and often draw from multiple teachings and practices to create what works best for them. So, when asking the question, Can you be spiritual and religious? the answer is yesif your true beliefs fall in line with a certain religion. However, many who are spiritual believe that everyone's ultimate truth is the same, despite any differences among them. For example, while Christians may focus on the story of Moses and the 10 Commandments in detail, someone who is spiritual may take away some broader messages from the story, such as being grateful for the things in one's life or always being honest. Gathering knowledge is meant to equip us with the ability to live life in a way that has integrity. In the words of Nietzsche, the well-known German philosopher who essentially prophesied the crumbling of religion in the West (God is dead): What do we do with a human God, when we turn to God, precisely because were disgusted by mankind? The foundation of spirituality is a pure spirit of unifying force. We value a raw, real, and down-to-earth approach to spirituality. Religion, on the other hand, puts emphasis on humbling ourselves to a Divinity that is usually seen as outside of ourselves. 13 Of The Best Meditation Chairs For A More Comfortable Practice, 25 Mindfulness Journal Prompts For Present Moment Awareness, Heal Your Shadow Self With 9 Mindful Shadow Work Exercises, Enhance Your Mindfulness Practice With 13 Mindfulness Worksheets. They found that both traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals scored higher on measures of life satisfaction than nonreligious/non-spiritual individuals. Religion is faith. It is a structured, frequently rule-based construct that to some degree governs the behavior of its members. They are merely general markers meant to better explore the qualities between two equally valid approaches to seeking the truth. Its a deeply personal journey that has no outward structure or dogma attached to it. Religious People and How They May Differ, Create A Mindful Morning With A Morning Routine Chart For Kids, Increase Your Spiritual Energy Levels With These 9 Habits, 7 Excellent Stretches To Perform Before Meditation, 27 Soul-Searching Questions About Spirituality To Help You Grow, Spirituality Vs. Seek what they sought.. Instead, spirituality helps others focus not just on their own well-being, but for others, nature, or any sacred being. Inspired by our world-class Chopra Health Retreat, this kit includes all the ingredients and guided rituals you need to: Well send you content youll want to readand put to use. And knowing the difference between spirituality and religion will help anyone decide which path they should take to discover their truth. Luna & Sol Pty Ltd 2012 - 2023 LonerWolf.com. Spirituality also fosters a sense of interconnectedness with things beyond what we can see and touch. Religion: Religions are most often based upon the lives, teachings, and beliefs of a historical or archetypal figure (e.g., Christ, Buddha, Moses, Krishna, Muhammad). So, what is the difference between a spiritual person and a religious person? Spirituality and religion are two distinct concepts with important differences. Religion, contrary to spirituality, is highly formal. Thats very important. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Whadjuk people of Noongar Boodjar. Being a spiritual person is synonymous with being a person whose highest priority is to be loving to yourself and others. WebWith the phrase generally comes the presumption that religion has to do with doctrines, dogmas, and ritual practices, whereas spirituality has to do with the heart, feeling, and Spirituality encourages people to create their own path, which allows people to take their own journey of enlightenment. While religion looks to God for purpose, spirituality looks within life's foundation. Knowing the differences can help you define your beliefs and arrive at a place of peace with yourself no matter where you lie on the spectrum of religious practice or spiritual growth. A spiritual person is a kind person. Their worldview can isolate people who don't see it that way. That is to say, belief in something based upon unconditional acceptance of the religions teachings. Final Thoughts on the Differences Between Religion and Spirituality. It usually involves rituals, traditions, ethics, and a way of life based on the teachings and practices of a larger community. A religious person is committed to following the guidelines set by his or her religion. The same goes for the protective qualities of religious belief and spirituality. As individuals, societies, and what are my true values foundation of spirituality is a structured, rule-based... 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