Religion is the belief of another mans experience written down in sacred scripture, but spirituality is the belief of ones own experience. 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. WebWho is a spiritual person? Seek what they sought.. There is no definitive answer to whether it is better to be spiritual or religious, as the right path for one person may not be the same for another. Forty-two percent (42%) of spiritual people meditate when stressed rather than overeat or indulge in unhealthy coping The word religion comes from the Latin word religionem, which means, respect for what is sacred, reverence for the gods; conscientiousness, sense of right, moral obligation. (1) Religion is connecting to the Divine through someone elses experience. A spiritual person is a kind person. Religious people score much higher on those they view [them] as much more relevant for being moral compared to the disbelievers." People who are spiritual are able to adjust to new conditions and their discoveries throughout life. Religion is based upon traditional beliefs and teachings that may impose very strict interpretations and limitations, often excluding people of certain communities. Religion: Traditional religious beliefs, sometimes based upon rigid interpretations of key teachings, can create an exclusive worldview that isolates those who may not share their views or interpretations. The fear of punishment for one's actions is often a principle factor in religion. Read through the list of differences between spirituality and religion at the beginning of this article. A person will tend to lean on one side instead of balancing both. Lets try to clear things up by taking a closer look at the most defining differences between religious and spiritual paths. 1. Acceptance and surrender to the divine are taught as the path that leads to ultimate salvation. Religion: On the whole, a formal religion is often an objective experience. Mysticism is the common thread running through both spirituality and religion. It creates practical implications for everyday behaviors in adherence to the beliefs, rituals, and practices of the group. Our study looks at a large number of different religious groups across 100 countries from 1981 to 2014 using data from the World Value Survey. Spirituality is about one's soul and inner self. There are many people who do not practice a religion, who do not meditate, pray or belong to any group, who are very spiritual people. These practices are observed by a group of people who share the same beliefs and follow the same traditions. It deals with being fully present and living as it happens. Start here . WebMuslims vs other people |The world beautiful religion|Muslims attitude status #shorts subscribe my channel Being a spiritual person is synonymous with being a person whose highest priority is to be loving to yourself and others. Advance online publication. This exploration is not necessarily constrained by any organized faith or doctrine- rather, it gives someone space to grow into who they are on a personal level. Whether religious or spiritual, its vital that both are used for balance and not for selfish desires. Peace comes within the soul of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its power. However, while one's spiritual beliefs are typically unique, spirituality often enforces the idea that all people are the same. To them, part of this spirituality means being compassionate, empathetic and Being religious has a more connotative reaction from others. A new study suggests there may be fewer differences than expected between people in an organized religion versus those who practice spirituality. A spiritual person is selfless, perhaps ascetic, one who strives to imbue his life with a higher meaning, to think of and serve others, not himself, to see the purpose and goodness in While there are many similarities between spirituality and religion, they are distinctly different concepts. Even though both aim for balance, the meaning behind spirituality and a religious lifestyle is dynamically different. Spirituality: By comparison, spirituality is often less focused on the rigidly traditional approach and often favors an evolutionary mentality. The details of their lives as holy or highly evolved beings have been carried to us across the mists of time through oral tradition and written scriptures. Religious teachings are usually based on what has been passed down through scriptures, religious scrolls, and books or what religious leaders teach. It is primarily concerned with believing in, following, and obeying the rules created by a certain Deity or spiritual teacher. First up in the types of spiritual personalities is the mystic. So why the need to keep one and discard the other? WebSome non-religious people can be thought of as spiritual but not religious (SBNR). 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. The word mystic derives from the Greek word mustiks which means secret; connected to the mysteries and msts which means one who has been initiated. (1) As such, we can define a mystic as a person who has been initiated into the mysteries of the Divine. We have a path of integration, depth, and tremendous power for good. However, both of these methods of believing in something help people live happy, meaningful lives. 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?. Religion often has a hierarchical system in which God is seen as the ultimate authority and the one who should be worshipped, obeyed, and revered above all else. Applying the Bare-Minimum Monday Philosophy to Relationships, Mass Shooters and the Myth That Evil Is Obvious, Transforming Empathy Into Compassion: Why It Matters, Spirituality, not organized religion, may be the key to finding meaning in life, 5 Spiritual Practices That Increase Well-Being. Spirituality vs. Instead, spirituality helps others focus not just on their own well-being, but for others, nature, or any sacred being. Help people find meaning and purpose in life. It's about a search for our life's significance and allows us to feel part of something. A spiritual person looks within themselves to do the right thing and a religious person looks to the outside for guidance. Focuses on experiencing internal Divinity, Focuses on obeying or devotion to an external Divinity, Present-oriented (heaven is within you now), Future-oriented (heaven is where you go when you die), Duality-oriented (good/evil, right/wrong, heaven/hell), Promotes joy, spontaneity, and compassion, Promotes self-sacrifice, devotion, and service to others. This includes religions with billions of followings 2. Everything you need to live a life in total balance from the authority in well-being. As a spiritual person grows in life, so will their perception and beliefs. 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. This understanding invites people to be inspired to embrace each other and support each other on the path to enlightenment together. This empowers people to discover their own truths without setting any limits as to the depth of one's understanding. What is most important is finding a path that brings meaning to your life and helps you feel connected to something greater than yourself. ), and has been on the spiritual-but-not-religious path for over a decade, I find myself in the middle. Id love for you to share them below in the comments. It is safe to say that spirituality has greater potential for exploration within ones faith than religion does. RELATED: 7 Reasons Why So Many Spiritual People Refuse To Call Themselves 'Religious'. Both can enrich or demoralize our human experience. It focuses only on good energy to allow people to be the best version of themselves. But spirituality doesnt aim to please a specific God; rather, it focuses on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. Im not there to change that. These are important questions to consider when you are trying to determine if you are religious or spiritual. Spirituality is a solitary experience of the divine, 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. Notice how it helps to create a more rich and well-rounded experience. (Meanwhile, the habit of gratitude can also increase your long-term happiness. Ultimately, what matters most isnt what you believe but how it helps guide your life and help you become the best version of yourself. 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? People constantly make the claim that God/the Universe is doing this or that in their favor or wanting them to do this or that. And at religions most infantile form, it can be a force of destruction that creates more division and suffering. That is, nobody is left out, behind, or forgotten. Another key difference is tolerance levels. Spiritual people often learn and develop their beliefs through their own experiences (often through trial and error). Religion emphasizes the content of followers' beliefs and how those beliefs play out in their everyday lives. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, this means whenever you buy a book on Amazon from a link on this website, we receive a small percentage of its price at no extra cost to you. Moral rules, laws, and doctrines, as well as specific codes and criteria, create the organized structure that contains the religions specific belief system. This perennial knowledge constitutes the answers to what are often called the soul questions: Historically, from the perspective of the soul, there have been two foundational routes to discover these truths: religion and spirituality. Getting ongoing spiritual guidance from someone else will also help to protect against ego inflation. People may reject traditional religion but consider themselves spiritual. Take well-being with you wherever you go with the Chopra app. You may have heardor even usedthe terms religion and spirituality interchangeably. They are flexible in their beliefs. For example, they may believe in God while asking for positive energy through their journey of self-discovering. 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. For a religious person, the concept of God is predetermined, named, and comes with an established method of how to worship that God. Some religions have a reward that comes after death, like getting into heaven. It usually involves rituals, traditions, ethics, and a way of life based on the teachings and practices of a larger community. Religious beliefs and spiritual beliefs differ in the ways in which they are practiced. Learn how to tell the difference between religion and spirituality. On the other hand, spirituality concentrates more on each person's individual soul. So instead, to fill the empty hole that religion once occupied, we have replaced it with rationality, logic, and an over-emphasis on mechanistic ideas of reality. If you feel called toward specifically spirituality or religion, youre in your every right to do that. Religion: By definition, religion is a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; the service and worship of God or the supernatural. On the other hand, spirituality is less about what you do and more about what you achieve inwardly through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and introspection. The two dance together, hand in hand or at least, they can do. The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; not will they say Here it is or There it is, because the kingdom of God is within you. For example, churches are slowly accepting LGBTQ acceptance into their congregation, which before was unheard of. The same goes for the protective qualities of religious belief and spirituality. If you're interested to learn more, check out The 90-Day Gratitude Journal that contains writing prompts designed to deepen your appreciation for what you have in life). Whereas within religion, self-sacrifice, devotion, and service to others support us in feeling like we have a mission or greater purpose. Either one can lead to the other, but might not necessarily lead to a creator/god. What It Means To Be A Spiritual Person Vs. A Religious Person, What 'Spiritual Healing' Really Means And How To Start Your Journey, 7 Reasons Why So Many Spiritual People Refuse To Call Themselves 'Religious', The Spiritual Habit That Keeps Couples Energetically-Connected (And Happy!) On the other hand, religious people typically rely on some form of organized religion or institution. Unit #2007 Mahwah, NJ 07430, in fact, in this article we talk about 54 strategies, 4 Differences Between Spirituality and Religion. It shapes one's beliefs, attitudes, and actions by giving importance to the adherence of rules. You can belong to a religious group and still be spiritual, and vice versa. Experiencing and developing joy, spontaneity, and compassion on the spiritual path helps us to feel as though were truly living life to the fullest. Spirituality embraces everything good, bad, and neutral as it happens without worrying about a future reward. And without water, a cup is empty and lifeless. Spirituality: By contrast, spirituality is more often based upon the practical application of the founders teachings. Religion and spirituality are neither the same thing nor completely separate from one another. The recognized authorities of the religious group reinforce or communicate changes regarding the ideologies for members of the religious group to follow. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. It often depends on individual personalities and goals- what could be beneficial for one person could be detrimental to another. Please do your own research before making any online purchase. They do not hold on to their memories which may bring you down. There were some downsides to religiosity and spirituality: For example, the researchers found that depression levels were higher among traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals. I often straddle the line between religiosity and spirituality knowing that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. 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. 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. God is an infinite circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere. A spiritual atheist is someone who, unlike a religious person, does not believe in any God. This process occurs through direct personal experience usually via a lineage of teachings that have been deeply explored and integrated into ones life. And yet, regardless of where we stand as a species, we all have an innate drive to seek something higher and greater than ourselves whether that be God, Enlightened Consciousness, our next-and-best consumerist purchase, or a dogmatic belief that Science is the only true way of seeing the world. This isnt necessarily a bad thing. | Our names are Aletheia Luna & Mateo Sol and were spiritual educators and guides currently living in Perth, Western Australia. For instance, both groups show elevated emotional well-being compared to nonreligious individuals. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Nonreligious spirituality, mental health, and well-being. Religious people lean on gathering with others, to reach a unison connection with God, but spirituality develops their own belief system. Spirituality is more personal. All paths Arjuna, lead to me.. A major difference between religion and spirituality is believing versus being. There are no rules because the spiritual path is entirely self-directed in an informal, go-at-your-own-pace process. A beach will do. within the religious organization. This research may help reduce negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding non-traditional religious practices and affiliations. Spirituality is a solitary experience of the divine, while religion involves a group of people brought together by their common faith or beliefs about the divine. Both traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals scored higher on measures of life satisfaction than nonreligious people. Spirituality, lacking a clear structure, is all about gaining and experiencing love and freedom. Spirituality teaches sacredness or that the Divine can be experienced, felt, and embodied. Aletheia is a prolific psychospiritual writer, author, educator, and guide whose work has touched the lives of millions worldwide. In contrast, spirituality encourages individuals to seek out what truth means to them by diving deeper into what they feel is right. 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). Spiritual and religious practices have been intertwined across cultures throughout the centuries. Spirituality: Spirituality makes no such distinctions. Thats why you follow the rules of the relevant religion. Those rules encourage them to develop discipline to grow closer to God. He or she observes the rites and practices, such as regularly attending church services on a Sunday for Christians, observing the Sabbath for Jews, and fasting during Ramadan for Muslims. 3. Sometimes people can have negative stereotypes toward people who practice non-religious spirituality (e.g., thinking they are in a cult), says Zhang. Most people dont really find religion; rather, its programmed into them from either a very early age or from a vulnerable place. This encourages exploration and understanding of what lies beyond our physical boundaries, including nature, the universe, or even different spiritual realms. Being spiritual doesnt mean you have the responsibility of worshiping a God. For thousands of years, humanity has passionately pursued the Truth with a capital Tthe ultimate answers to life and the universe. Unlike religious beliefs, which tend to have strict rules and organized doctrines, spirituality is highly individualized. Spirituality leans heavily on the personal experience of one's soul. The Chopra Renew & Restore Detox Kit is a gentle and effective 7-Day cleanse rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda and backed by science. Its often seen as more rigid and less open to exploration. Spirituality doesn't make distinctions of that sort. Spirituality is all about experiencing, feeling, and embodying the Divine. For example, if a person is more religious, they run the risk of becoming socially dependent on their church peers. You can create a hybrid of the two concepts, allowing what resonates with you individually to be your guide. Religion vs. Spirituality: The Difference Between Them. Biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins travelled to the lab of Canadian neuroscientist Michael Persinger in the hope of having a religious experience. 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. 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. However, each practice serves as a vehicle to lead you closer to the truth you seek. 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. Being spiritual involves holding one's personal set of beliefs and practices and searching for the purpose of life. WebSpiritual abuse is not limited to one religion, denomination, or group of people. In contrast, the majority (56%) of Americans who are neither spiritual nor religious are men, while about four in ten (44%) are women. To set things straight, Im not in either the religion is evil or spirituality is nonsense groups. On the one hand, we have religion which is a very yang force. All are welcome in Gods eyes. Sofia Stewart is a writer and former contributor to YourTango who covers astrology, numerology, spirituality, and relationships. Regardless of whether were religious or spiritual, the human psyche, the human soul, innately craves for something greater than itself. Does a Dog's Head Shape Predict How Smart It Is? This is not to say that worship is not a part of spirituality; its a matter of where the devotion and worship are directed: Religion: One of the hallmarks of religion is its organization. With spirituality, self-discovery has no boundaries. In religion, there is often a promise of punishment or reward for maintaining beliefs or following rituals. Everyone has their own unique path, so if you dont feel called to invite spirituality or religion into your life, that is totally okay. Im that weird outlier whos hanging out on the outskirts holding up a sign that says BOTH are good and BOTH are bad folks.. Your fate in the afterlife can loom like a specter in the back of your mind, subtly influencing your thoughts and behavior. Spiritual philosophies teach that heaven is within us right now with an emphasis on mindfulness, presence, and tuning into our Higher Selves. But for spirituality, the reward is just one's own inner peace. Because every human's essence is the same, it means that any differences are superficial. On the other hand, religion provides its followers with a single set of rules and beliefs to follow, typically with less room for personal growth within those parameters. From time immemorial, humanity has struggled to find the balance between two great life-guiding forces that seem to work together but are often pitted against each other. Being too spiritual may also cause long-term separation from loved ones or more concern for their own issues, instead of trusting a higher being for tomorrows worry. Yes, you can be both religious and spiritual. 5. They found that both traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals scored higher on measures of life satisfaction than nonreligious/non-spiritual individuals.

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