# Spirituality and Religion
A random musing….
Spirituality and Religion are different. Basically, Religion is Spirituality but with dogma and creeds attached. I think everybody has spirituality, and it’s their choice whether to acknowledge that. If they do acknowledge that then they should be free to choose whether or not to explore that through formal means (e.g. at a Church or a Temple etc)… that’s when that person becomes religious.
The problem is spirituality is attached to us, and we (as individuals) grow in person physically and mentally. This kind of growth, or evolution if you like, filters through into the spiritual us. Unfortunately, religion is a collective thing, and so if one person evolves their spirituality, it’s unlikely that the rest of that religious group evolves with him/her. Therefore, that religion may become more of a degrading religion than an upgrading religion to that person… and for fulfilment that person may develop better using other techniques which that group may not be providing.
Unfortunately, the people within religious institutions are sometimes too conservative in their beliefs. Therefore, if you are not in their group, then you have the opposite of their beliefs and become some kind of “nemesis” to them. This is pretty unfair if you take the fact that we’re constantly evolving into consideration, and that we, as humans, are completely equal (no matter of gender, culture or race).
From a personal point of view, I class myself as Christian and I go to a Church of England (Anglican/Episcopal) Church. But I acknowledge my Spirituality, I don’t follow the crowds and I try to make my own mind up on things when I have the knowledge and intellect to do so. This has lead to conversations with other Christians which seem to prove that I have completely different views to them. I was even talking to a atheist (who acknowledges his spirituality) the other day, and he actually related my belief system most similar to Atheism, Humanism or Buddhism…. stating that everything I said even Richard Dawkins would not disagree with (see his online article “Atheists for Jesus“). But this is my current state of spirituality, I feel certain things about the world and I apply them to my understanding of things. I therefore decide to interpret Christian scripture in what may seem like a Humanist/Buddhist fashion, because that is what Christianity speaks to me… and on the other hand I am completely happy to talk to another Christian who thinks otherwise.
I feel that it’s not going to be religion that makes peace on this world, but it’ll be the acknowledgement of spirituality. We are all spiritual people, we are all humans (brothers and sisters if you like), it is very natural to be spiritual, but it doesn’t always fit to be religious.
Yes, I feel like we’re entering a third era which will eventually unite all peoples through acknowledgement of spirituality.
Comments welcome,
Daniel
November 18th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
They’re both very powerful things, but it’s a lot harder to go against your own spirituality than it is to be misled as part of a large social group - that’s why I think that spirituality has always been viewed as the purer, more peaceful of the two.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I’ll be honest Dan, I’m not at all religious, I wouldn’t say I’m an atheist either. I definatley don’t believe in god(s)/some ultimate being, I don’t believe in fate, or “for the greater cause” or even in the concept of heaven and hell etc…
I understand that a lot of people get some form of closure from religion, but again I don’t feel that way…
What I do believe in is that religion teaches people fundamentals to life. I feel that religion teaches people to be at peace with themselves, be at peace with others, and treat others how they would like to be treated etc… Almost common sense really
Just reading what I’ve written, I’m probably way off of the mark from the point you were making, but meh
Anyway, now I’ve said all that, come and join my religion, it is better than all others
November 19th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
You’re heading in the right direction.
“Spirituality is when the inside of things is bigger than the outside” - R Rohr.
You might also find Catholic Spirituality an interesting read.
Seems to me that spirituality = experientially thinking about one’s place in the universe and related (probably metaphysical) things; faith = starting to get specific about a particular strand / tradition; religion = a given canned set of faith statements and practices to which one might subscribe (to some extent).
(This is quite a consumer-centric model.)
November 19th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Daniel scripsit: even in the concept of heaven and hell etc…
Which concept of heaven and hell?
November 21st, 2008 at 1:53 am
Daniel, I not only concur, but believe you will find (as I have) that most fairly intelligent and open minded people will concur too. Some discuss whether our sexual orientation is decided by nature or nurture. I wonder how or when common sense is decided? Are we all born sensible and able to take a pragmatic open approach to a topic or situation, or are we born as cold, logical beings, but somehow, compasion and humanity has evolved as we have collectively risen up Maslow’s Hiarchy of Needs and therefore our meta physical priorities have changed? After all, one is unlikely to be concerned for the well being of another entity, if one is freezing cold, starving and chasing our dinner. But once comfort sets in, and we have the time, we can contemplate other issues. The birth of spirituality.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Daniel,
I agree with your separating spirituality and religion. So much of what we think about affects our spirituality and its development. Personally, my religion keeps me on track with spiritual development.
Regarding your comment about religion possibly hindering personal development, I would disagree and say that there will always be greater and lesser persons than ourselves. Most of us realize that. And, we may gravitate toward the ones who are more spiritually developed and at the same time help those who aren’t. I think the same goes with religious tenets that help us and those that we find to be common sense.
Thanks for your thoughts. Keep up the good work.