This empowers people to discover their own truths without setting any limits as to the depth of one's understanding. | 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. Instead, it favors an inclusive approach. 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. Spirituality is a universal, personalized experience, and everyone's experience is unique. Sofia Stewart is a writer and former contributor to YourTango who covers astrology, numerology, spirituality, and relationships. 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. Both of these are routes to discovering the divine truth. A spiritual person often arrives at their own truths while they are developing their spirituality, rather than following an ideology or set of rules. 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. People are inclined to think that these two lifestyles are the same, and on the surface they are. Spiritual people tend to be more individual and less dependent on others to seek a stronger connection. Religion: 5 Essential Differences Everyone Should Know, 101 Life-Improving Affirmations For Self-Confidence. Religion generally involves participation in organized rituals such as prayer or meditation and attending services at places of worship. Their worldview can isolate people who don't see it that way. 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. Biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins travelled to the lab of Canadian neuroscientist Michael Persinger in the hope of having a religious experience. Belief vs. Spiritual Experience; The foundation of religion is faith. Spirituality vs. 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. WebFor many people, spirituality is about having a sense of purpose and direction in life. A spiritual person cares about people, animals and the planet. That is a persons acceptance of the religions teachings. Read through the list of differences between spirituality and religion at the beginning of this article. WebAs Table 1 shows, from 1998 to 2018 there have been major changes in peoples religious vs. spiritual identification. 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. Its not that their experiences dont make sense or are hare-brained. They do not hold on to their memories which may bring you down. Spirituality and religion are two distinct concepts with important differences. Spirituality doesn't make distinctions of that sort. The word atheist originates with the Greek atheos, which is built from the roots a- (without) and theos (a god). WebWho is a spiritual person? This kind of statement perfectly summarizes the kind of (rightfully justified) cynicism and disillusionment that we carry toward the popular patriarchal notion of a white dude sitting in the sky, judging all our actions. So, you can go to church every Sunday and say your prayers every day, without caring about loving yourself, others and the planet. Before gaining insight into this complex relationship, we must look at some key topics. Forty-two percent (42%) of spiritual people meditate when stressed rather than overeat or indulge in unhealthy coping 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. 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 For instance, Christians often draw upon their spirituality when making decisions about their faith, but it is not an essential part of the religion. They then asked participants to complete a series of psychological scales, including: The researchers then tested to see whether any of the three groups (traditionally religious, nonreligious but spiritual, or neither religious nor spiritual) differed on the measures listed above. For example, spiritual people are more likely to: Volunteer or donate to the poor. BEING RELIGIOUS Being religious means belonging to an established religious order, whether large or small. But how can we make sense of this dichotomy? Unfortunately, most people assume that spirituality and religion are one and the same, but this assumption is wrong. Because of this, someone who practices spirituality may continually change their beliefs throughout their life. Ultimately, spiritual paths are what you make of them and what resonates with you as an individual, making them unique. For example, one national survey found that about 65% of Americans label themselves "religious and spiritual" 15 to 20% of Americans call themselves "spiritual but not religious" They believe the universe governs itself through actions and intentions. 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. Spirituality embraces a consciousness-based worldview that supports all human beings on their path to awakening in unconditional love and kindness. Aletheia is a prolific psychospiritual writer, author, educator, and guide whose work has touched the lives of millions worldwide. And if they can be salvaged, which path do we walk (if any)? within the religious organization. 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. Spirituality is an inward journey that involves a shift in awareness rather than some form of external activity. There are set structures, routines, rituals, and rules one is expected to adhere to in order to call oneself a devotee. Lives in the present moment and grateful. Not spiritual but religious: people who are less spiritual than average, but more religious than average; Conversely, women are more likely than men to identify as both spiritual and religious (33% vs. 24%, respectively). Spirituality and religion have been an age-old debate in human society. In our multi-faceted world, it can be difficult to understand the complex relationship between spirituality and religion. 3. She is the author of hundreds of popular articles, as well as numerous books and journals on the topics of Self-Love, Spiritual Awakening, and more. If a change was to occur in religion, it would be a slow process. The difference between a spiritual and religious person comes down to how they see God. For a religious person, the concept of God is predetermined, named, and comes with a set method on how to worship that God. A spiritual person on the other hand, turns inwards to find their truth and finds God within themselves and all of life. 1. The same goes for the protective qualities of religious belief and spirituality. You can belong to a religious group and still be spiritual, and vice versa. In fact, some may find that their spirituality is closely linked to a religion, while others may have their own personal relationship with a higher power. Others seek the meaning of life through their connections to nature or art. These are mere beliefs that are treated as truths and that can (and sometimes does) lead to unsavory outcomes. To them, part of this spirituality means being compassionate, empathetic and Please consult your doctor before taking any action. As you can see, there are good and bad things about spirituality and religion. Sadly, this religious in-group mentality can be used to justify the exclusion of minorities or those deemed unworthy of Gods favor. Whether you choose to explore your spirituality or your religion, what matters most is what brings meaning and purpose to your life. As such, spirituality is much more about inner understanding than outer worship. This is very harmful to both self and society. This unites people who share a religion, as they share character traits and outlooks on life. With religion, there is a high level of accountability often built into the structure of religious institutions. Religion often discourages people from listening to their own instincts, and instead teaches people to accept and do what theyre told, without questioning 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. Regular community service can serve as a buffer against the effects of stress, thus leading to longer lives. The experience is often personal and occurs in private, allowing people to follow their own intuition and do the things that are in their own best interests. Are you a spiritual traveler? Those rules encourage them to develop discipline to grow closer to God. However, according to a survey published by TODAY, over 70% of participants believed its better to be spiritual than religious. But spirituality doesnt aim to please a specific God; rather, it focuses on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. However, both of these methods of believing in something help people live happy, meaningful lives. Here are some examples of the differences between the two. Religion is the container and spirituality is the contents. The leaders often carry out certain rituals regarding the core beliefs of the religion, which lay the foundation for how one's life should be lived. If you'd like to learn more, I recommend you check out The 90-Day Gratitude Journal that provides writing prompts designed to develop your appreciation for what life's given you. [Read More]. Its often seen as more rigid and less open to exploration. The following characteristics differentiate a spiritual person from a religious person. When someone is spiritual, they do what they feel is right, despite any potential consequences. Religion aims to build one's character. I often straddle the line between religiosity and spirituality knowing that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Spirituality is all about experiencing, feeling, and embodying the Divine. This includes religions with billions of followings By Sofia Stewart Updated on Feb 11, 2023. Religious beliefs and spiritual beliefs differ in the ways in which they are practiced. Being spiritual involves holding one's personal set of beliefs and practices and searching for the purpose of life. They are flexible in their beliefs. WebTraditional religion involves accountability and responsibility; spirituality has fewer requirements. The authors hope their work reduces negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding non-traditional religious practices and affiliations. It deals with being fully present and living as it happens. A new article published in the journal journal Spirituality in Clinical Practice suggests that there are fewer differences between people who are part of an organized religion and those who practice spirituality on their own than might be expectedat least from a psychological standpoint. You know something because you have tasted the experience yourself and have allowed it to resonate, as opposed to taking the word of another. Somatic Bodywork: 7 Types For Psychospiritual Healing, 7 Vagus Nerve Exercises For Nervous System Healing, How to Begin a Spiritual Journal (Start Here! Spirituality offers an endless amount of potential benefits, while with religion it offers punishments or rewards. What Im speaking about here is quite Taoistic (without me necessarily being a Taoist). In other words, there is usually a greater focus on the externals: This is the equivalent of object-referral in which your attention is placed upon the objects in your experience. Alternatively, if youre religious, find a spiritual practice or philosophy, then try incorporating that into your religious path. Thats where my experience, reflections, and discoveries can help. In this article, we will define both and talk about four major ways they they are different from one another. One may describe a spiritual experience as being sacred or transcendent, or plainly a true sense of liveliness and feeling interconnected, or pure gratitude. There are no rules because the spiritual path is entirely self-directed in an informal, go-at-your-own-pace process. A spiritual person, on the other hand, turns inward to find his truth and finds God within himself and all life. And knowing the difference between spirituality and religion will help anyone decide which path they should take to discover their truth. 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. 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. To be fair, not everyone clearly hates religion or thinks spirituality is woo-woo. Spirituality Earn the highest Chopra Certification available and expand your toolbox of offerings. Ultimately, each person must decide for themselves if their spirituality is a part of their religion or not. By understanding what sets these two ideas apart, we can better decide what works best for ourselves and our individual journeys. Let go of perfection. Religion vs. Spirituality: The Difference Between Them. These rules are public so others draw near, all in order for a church to increase their congregation. But there is a sublime opportunity present within the heart of both spirituality and religion. 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. A person will tend to lean on one side instead of balancing both. As a pacifist by nature, it hasRead more . Spirituality embraces everything good, bad, and neutral as it happens without worrying about a future reward. And religion teaches holiness or that the Divine cannot be touched, directly experienced, or even looked upon because it is that much greater than us. WebWhether a person is religious, spiritual or neither, the major influence religion has on American culture will be emphasized over the coming days with religious observances of Passover and Easter. They also found that traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals showed slightly higher levels of meaning in life (e.g., My life has a clear sense of purpose) and lower levels of delusional ideation than nonreligious/non-spiritual individuals. WebMuslims vs other people |The world beautiful religion|Muslims attitude status #shorts subscribe my channel Thats very important. Modern spirituality puts a great emphasis on our personal connection with God/Life/Spirit. Please do your own research before making any online purchase. I have directly experienced both spirituality and religion in their most toxic states, and Ive also experienced the benefits of both. Religion, on the other hand, is about submitting oneself to a certain path (i.e., obedience) and searching for freedom from suffering. 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. As someone who was raised in a fundamentalist Christian faith (and kissed that goodbye years ago! And to learn more about this topic, check out this article to learn about the 10 types of spirituality practices to try in your life. Weve seen this drive to connect with something bigger than ourselves since time immemorial. Religions are based upon rituals that Alternatively, a religious individual learns or develops their beliefs based on the experiences they are told about their religious founders or through parables. There's no questioning it. 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. Notice how it helps to create a more rich and well-rounded experience. Spirituality helps you discover your own truth, while religion tells you what truth is. This isnt necessarily a bad thing. 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. This may be a spiritual teacher you trust, a leader from a religious path you trust and feel safe with, or even a counselor/therapist. The fear of punishment for one's actions is often a principle factor in religion. Moral rules, laws, and doctrines, as well as specific codes and criteria, create the organized structure that contains the religions specific belief system. What Is Your True Color Personality Type? Why Are So Many Young Men Single And Sexless? Spiritual people often learn and develop their beliefs through their own experiences (often through trial and error). Because spirituality is self-directed and all about ones personal connection with the Divine, theres low accountability. Patients receiving any form of spiritual support reported a higher quality of life at the end of life than those who didnt, she noted. Religion maintains a defined, tangible code of ethics, while spirituality is largely undefinable. Spirituality focuses more on the quality of the message that is being offered than the differences in the details of the original story. ), Spiritual Meditation: 11 Ways to Enlighten Your Mind. Share character traits and outlooks on life those rules encourage them to develop discipline to grow closer to.! Available and expand your toolbox of offerings a universal, personalized experience reflections! Increase their congregation lead to unsavory outcomes has touched the lives of millions.... And still be spiritual than religious about spirituality and religion have been major changes in peoples religious vs. spiritual.... Subscribe my channel thats very important we can better decide what works best for ourselves and individual. 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