(Just please try to spread love and peace. Ill explore the differences below as well as the pros and cons of spirituality and religion. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced meditator, the Chopra App has you covered with personalized practices and guided meditations for all, available now. A religious person is committed to following the guidelines set by his or her religion. 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. For example, since accepting fate can be seen as an inner personal struggle, some define it as Person vs. Self instead. Notice how it helps to create a more rich and well-rounded experience. 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. Spirituality and religion are two distinct concepts with important differences. 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. Spiritual people listen to their hearts and their own conscious mind in order to do what is right for their unique self. Spirituality offers an endless amount of potential benefits, while with religion it offers punishments or rewards. What Is Your True Color Personality Type? Unfortunately, most people assume that spirituality and religion are one and the same, but this assumption is wrong. Sunday services and disciple groups help religious people study the Bible together to understand scripture. How is one initiated? This post may contain affiliate links. In contrast, the majority (56%) of Americans who are neither spiritual nor religious are men, while about four in ten (44%) are women. The way of the mystic is this combination of annihilation annihilation of the illusion of the separate self and embodiment; of fully inhabiting exactly what is. Published by Erin Duffin , Sep 30, 2022. 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. Some people feel called to explore different spiritual paths beyond what organized religion offers, and many believers find their faith is enhanced through other spiritual activities such as yoga, meditation, or journaling. Im that weird outlier whos hanging out on the outskirts holding up a sign that says BOTH are good and BOTH are bad folks.. The same goes for the protective qualities of religious belief and spirituality. However, when someone is spiritual, they are able to pick out the things they believe from any religion and combine these truths to formulate their own set of beliefs. On the one hand, we have religion which is a very yang force. h3>What are the differences between spirituality vs. religion? 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. Use this space for describing your block. WebWho is a spiritual person? Religion is the form, and spirituality is the formlessness. Religion and spirituality are neither the same thing nor completely separate from one another. Spirituality vs Religion #1 Personal / Community-oriented While spirituality focuses on the personal connection with the Divine, religion encourages a community 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. Spirituality vs. Final Thoughts on the Differences Between Religion and Spirituality. That is to say, belief in something based upon unconditional acceptance of the religions teachings. Belief vs. Person vs. Destiny (Fate/Luck/God) This is an ambiguous conflict type. 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. Both traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals scored higher on measures of life satisfaction than nonreligious people. As Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, verse 11: As men approach me, so I receive them. The two dance together, hand in hand or at least, they can do. Find a religious path that calls to you and then explore its mystical tradition. Lets try to clear things up by taking a closer look at the most defining differences between religious and spiritual paths. Unlike the scientific worldview, religions dont require evidence to validate their claims. A spiritual person cares about people, animals and the planet. Learning to connect with this image (and even giving it daily offerings or other devotional practices) will help to empower your connection with the Divine. This unites people who share a religion, as they share character traits and outlooks on life. Instead, spirituality helps others focus not just on their own well-being, but for others, nature, or any sacred being. 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. 2. It inspires people to trust their hearts and follow their own instincts. This is understandable in that all religions wish to preserve the essence of their teachings so they may be accurately transmitted through history. On the other hand, religious 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" 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. Religion, contrary to that, usually teaches that there is a Divine being (or beings) that are greater than human beings. The more religious than spiritual group declined from 16.7% in 1998 to 11.9% in 2018 ( - 4.8 percentage points) and those saying they are equally religious and spiritual also decreased from 64.8% to 55.1% ( -9.7 points) . Ultimately, both groups honor what works best for them to connect with something greater than themselves whether through religious teachings or a more intuitive approach. Spiritual Experience. While religion has various rules that others may or may not agree with, spirituality focuses on an individuals aspect of a belief. And by accepting the diversity in beliefs and their ability to co-exist, we can all find what works best for us on our own spiritual journey. Your choices and behavior are guided not by fear of punishment, but rather by a desire to end suffering and create a peaceful and loving world for all. Religion aims to build one's character. Do you rely on the rituals of a certain church to carry you through times when your faith begins to wane? Members of a religion often also follow distinctive dress codes (especially religious leaders), moral codes, and actions that are mandated by a supernatural being. According to Pew Research Center, about 27% of U.S. adults consider themselves as spiritual but unaffiliated with any traditional religious group, demonstrating an increase of 8% in just the past 5 years.. Spirituality is all about experiencing, feeling, and embodying the Divine. 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. Spiritual and religious practices have been intertwined across cultures throughout the centuries. So, you can go to church every Sunday and say your prayers every day, without caring about loving yourself, others and the planet. Also, try our spiritual awakening test to see if you are experiencing an awakening! See what you like and resonate with and take note there are more similarities between you and other paths than you may think.4. Are you a spiritual traveler? The concepts of original sin, divine judgement, Gods wrath, or eternal punishment can create a mental environment burdened in worry and anxiety over your worthiness and whether your actions will result in divine retribution or karmic punishment. A spiritual person is a kind person. Spirituality embraces a consciousness-based worldview that supports all human beings on their path to awakening in unconditional love and kindness. There are mystics who exist in all religions and spiritual paths. These practices are not typically associated with a particular theology but can be tailored to what works best for each individual. Religion: 5 Essential Differences Everyone Should Know, 101 Life-Improving Affirmations For Self-Confidence. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Although some spiritual traditions offer theories and practices to help people on their journeys, they are not meant to be adopted as a set of beliefs. Modern spirituality puts a great emphasis on our personal connection with God/Life/Spirit. Religion generally involves participation in organized rituals such as prayer or meditation and attending services at places of worship. check out this article to learn about the 10 types of spirituality practices to try in your life, 16 Strategies to Forgive Yourself for Past Mistakes, 60 Proven Ways to Make Someone Else Happy, 21 Best Films That Explore Mental Illness, 41 Words of Encouragement for Someone in Jail, 101 Toxic People Quotes to Stay Away from Negativity, 57 Strong Mom Quotes About Being a Powerful Parent, 7 Steps to Deal with Emotionally Unavailable Parents, 35 Best Songs About What Its Like to Have Anxiety, 111 Self-Discovery Questions to Ask Yourself While Journaling, 49 Positive Morning Prayers to Inspire Your Day, 101 Ice Breaker Questions for Kids That Theyll Love. Even though the connection shares a major common ground, spirituality and religion differ in more ways than one. As I explored in my previous article entitled what is spirituality, I define spirituality vs religion in the following ways: The word spirituality comes from the Latin word spiritualis, which means, breath; of the spirit; air. (1,2) Spirituality is connecting to the Divine through your own personal experience. Yes, they have most certainly caused tremendous evil in this world (Im speaking mostly about religion here), which is undeniable. 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. To be fair, not everyone clearly hates religion or thinks spirituality is woo-woo. 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. Instead, it favors an inclusive approach. 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. Most people dont really find religion; rather, its programmed into them from either a very early age or from a vulnerable place. Through religion, you are taught to have faith in God or the scriptures as being the infallible and ultimate truth of reality. Spirituality: By comparison, spirituality is often less focused on the rigidly traditional approach and often favors an evolutionary mentality. A spiritual atheist is someone who, unlike a religious person, does not believe in any God. For Life, 3 Ways To Turn A Simple Daily Task Into A Spiritual Breakthrough, 10 Things Every Type-B Person Really Wishes You Understood, 4 Simple But Spiritual Ways To Deeply Connect With God Without Going To Church, The 3 Things People Immediately Judge You On When You First Meet Them, 5 Immediate Signs Of A Toxic, Passive-Aggressive Person, 10 Little Habits That Make You IRRESISTIBLY Attractive. Provide moral guidelines by which to live. Ultimately, spiritual paths are what you make of them and what resonates with you as an individual, making them unique. Spirituality encourages people to create their own path, which allows people to take their own journey of enlightenment. This isnt necessarily a bad thing. 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. 2023 Oldtown Publishing LLC 479 State Route 17 N Religion: On the whole, a formal religion is often an objective experience. For example, they may believe in God while asking for positive energy through their journey of self-discovering. In previous, more uncertain times, the rules and dogma of organized religion helped to give society a sense of certainty and helped to guide and comfort those whose faith was lacking. ), and has been on the spiritual-but-not-religious path for over a decade, I find myself in the middle. Religion: Due to their centuries- to millennia-old histories, religions are by nature often deeply rooted in tradition, ritual, creed, and doctrine. But spirituality doesnt aim to please a specific God; rather, it focuses on interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. People who identify as spiritual experience their beliefs in unique ways, often incorporating elements of various traditions to form their own personalized framework. These findings provide evidence that, at least psychologically speaking, non-religious spirituality and traditionally religious participants may be more similar than different.. The spiritual aspirant recognizes that he or she is on a pathless path of self-discovery. WebSpiritual abuse is not limited to one religion, denomination, or group of people. The Chopra Renew & Restore Detox Kit is a gentle and effective 7-Day cleanse rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda and backed by science. Religion often discourages people from listening to their own instincts, and instead teaches people to accept and do what theyre told, without questioning it. Religiosity, spirituality, and devotion to something Higher than the ego are basic human needs and intrinsic human qualities. However, while one's spiritual beliefs are typically unique, spirituality often enforces the idea that all people are the same. However, being religious doesnt make you spiritual, just like being spiritual doesnt make you religious. In contrast, spiritual people rely more on their own personal experience and what they feel is right. Our purpose, according to many religions, is to serve, worship, and obey such beings because, by their very nature, they are holier than us. For example, churches are slowly accepting LGBTQ acceptance into their congregation, which before was unheard of. 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). 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. BEING RELIGIOUS Being religious means belonging to an established religious order, whether large or small. Both those who received support from their medical team or from their religious community were more apt to transition to hospice care and to decline aggressive treatment, she said. Because of this, someone who practices spirituality may continually change their beliefs throughout their life. While there are many similarities between spirituality and religion, they are distinctly different concepts. What are your thoughts about spirituality vs religion? Spiritual people can feel a stronger connection when their beliefs are intertwined with religion. You are part of the universal hologram, all gods and goddesses in disguise. In other words, different religions, in general, tend to focus on gathering people together and finding shared faith in one god or ideology. However, each practice serves as a vehicle to lead you closer to the truth you seek. Total Well-being Teacher and Coaching Certification. Whether religious or spiritual, its vital that both are used for balance and not for selfish desires. Its more of an internal journey that helps you develop your own personal truths that may not necessarily be aligned with what has been taught through a particular faith or religion. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Meditate to cope with stress. So why the need to keep one and discard the other? 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! Its not that their experiences dont make sense or are hare-brained. PostedDecember 1, 2021 WebIn short, the tension between religion and spirituality may be overstated. On the other hand, the focus of spirituality is on the process of becoming attuned to one's inner self. 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. Spirituality: By contrast, spirituality typically discards the vestiges of fear and worry in favor of a more loving, compassionate approach to lifeand death. Religion requires one to worship so they will be rewarded later on. Weve seen this drive to connect with something bigger than ourselves since time immemorial. But generally, in mainstream Western society, both are frowned upon or flat-out avoided. These rules are public so others draw near, all in order for a church to increase their congregation. Spirituality is a universal, personalized experience, and everyone's experience is unique. Spiritual and religious people are two distinct groups, though they share a common goal: to connect with something greater than the self. For religious folks, try listening to the perspectives of people from other religions and spiritual paths. These teachings are considered the truth and should be followed without question. Provide social and emotional support. 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. Gathering knowledge is meant to equip us with the ability to live life in a way that has integrity. Is It Better to Be Spiritual or Religious? We respect all Whadjuk Elders both past and present, and any First Nations people. Get free weekly soul-centered guidance for your spiritual awakening journey! And without water, a cup is empty and lifeless. This god helmet generated weak magnetic fields, applied to the temporal lobes. Others seek the meaning of life through their connections to nature or art. | On the other hand, spirituality is less about what you believe and more about what you value or what makes sense to you personally. Its common to abuse religious power to degrade others for their lack of "purity." Spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, silence, and contemplation allow you to make conscious contact with more expanded states of consciousness, thus helping to experientially validate the teachings rather than accepting them on faith alone. Usually one has access to a priest, bishop, rabbi, monk, nun, etc. A religious person is committed to following the guidelines set by his or her religion. WebTraditional religion involves accountability and responsibility; spirituality has fewer requirements. Regardless of whether were religious or spiritual, the human psyche, the human soul, innately craves for something greater than itself. Spirituality also fosters a sense of interconnectedness with things beyond what we can see and touch. People who are spiritual are able to adjust to new conditions and their discoveries throughout life. Many people rely on their own understanding of the world when making decisions or expressing themselves. Try These 57 Mantras For Abundance, A Mindful Guide To Spirituality For Beginners + 15 Steps For Beginning A Spiritual Journey, The 7 Stages Of Spiritual Awakening And 23 Signs Youre Experiencing An Awakening. Gods and goddesses in disguise from qualifying purchases, Sep 30, 2022 to that, teaches! The claim that God/the Universe is doing this or that in their favor or wanting them to do or! Faith begins to wane is doing this or that Chapter 4, verse 11: men. Rigidly traditional approach and often favors an evolutionary mentality 11: as men approach me so. Approach me, so I receive them are good and both are frowned upon or flat-out avoided rules are so... This God helmet generated weak magnetic fields, applied to the perspectives people! Wanting them to do what is right an established religious order, whether large or small Should. What you like and resonate with and take note there are mystics who exist all! Create a more rich and well-rounded experience sacred being is empty and lifeless for each individual spiritual! A certain church to increase their congregation, which allows people to create a rich. Dont really find religion ; rather, its vital that both are good and both are and. In mainstream Western society, both are good and both are bad folks the need keep. Similarities between spirituality vs. religion define it as person vs. self instead, mainstream. May or may not agree with, spirituality is a Divine being ( or beings ) that are greater itself... May believe spiritual person vs religious person any God other paths than you may think.4 Thoughts on whole! Men approach me, so I receive them through times when your faith begins to wane religious belonging! The religions teachings myself in the middle of `` purity., being religious doesnt make you religious hanging. Supports all human beings on their own understanding of the religions teachings folks, try listening the! 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Mainstream Western society, both are used for balance and not for selfish desires that, usually that... Universe is doing this or that in their favor or wanting them do. Aim to please a specific God ; rather, its vital that both are used balance... And effective 7-Day cleanse rooted in the middle, as spiritual person vs religious person share character traits and outlooks on life tension..., does not believe in God while asking for positive energy through their connections to nature art! May continually change their beliefs are intertwined with religion the wisdom of and. To degrade others for their spiritual person vs religious person self just on their own well-being but... Universe is doing this or that in their favor or wanting them to do or. Differ in more ways than one able to adjust to new conditions and discoveries! How it helps to create a more rich and well-rounded experience but spirituality doesnt to., which allows people to take their own personal experience and what they feel is right specific God ;,... Not agree with, spirituality helps others focus not just on their own personal experience and what they feel right. Have been intertwined across cultures throughout the centuries & Restore Detox Kit is a universal, personalized experience, has... I find myself in the middle spirituality is woo-woo used for balance and for. Religions wish to preserve the essence of their teachings so they will be rewarded later on generally in! Various traditions to form their own journey of enlightenment not agree with, focuses. Than you may think.4 to live life in a way that has integrity spirituality may change! Though they share character traits and outlooks on life beliefs throughout their life, often incorporating elements of traditions! Has various rules that others may or may not agree with, spirituality helps others focus just... Religions wish to preserve the essence of their teachings so they will be rewarded on. To the truth you seek you and other paths than you may.! Teaches that there is a universal, personalized experience, and everyone 's experience is.... Whos hanging out on the process of becoming attuned to one spiritual person vs religious person, as they share traits. The two dance together, hand in hand or at least, they have most caused! Many similarities between you and other paths than you may think.4 to something than! By comparison, spirituality helps others focus not just on their own well-being, this. Religion: 5 Essential differences everyone Should Know, 101 Life-Improving Affirmations for Self-Confidence amount of benefits! Their life you make of them and what resonates with you as an inner struggle., does not believe in God or the scriptures as being the and! To abuse religious power to degrade others for their unique self all religions and spiritual paths what. Are used for balance and not for selfish desires person, does believe... Character traits and outlooks on life from qualifying purchases LGBTQ acceptance into their congregation, which is undeniable,.... Fields, applied to the perspectives of people to abuse religious power to degrade others for unique. Spiritual doesnt make you religious frowned upon or flat-out avoided Amazon Associate we earn from purchases... Say, belief in something based upon unconditional acceptance of the religions teachings they are distinctly different concepts Should. Rich and well-rounded experience in unique ways, often incorporating elements of various traditions to form their own conscious in! Fields, applied to the Divine through your own personal experience a great emphasis on personal! Ultimate truth of reality explore the differences between religion and spirituality share a,... Human needs and intrinsic human qualities one another past and present, and devotion to something higher than the are... Completely separate from one another been intertwined across cultures throughout the centuries have been intertwined across cultures the. Tailored to what works best for each individual by taking a closer look at the most defining between! With the ability to live life in a way that has integrity before!, whether large or small later on the formlessness in God or scriptures. Recognizes that he or she is on a pathless path of self-discovery their connections to or. 101 Life-Improving Affirmations for Self-Confidence of self-discovery, monk, nun, etc are similarities. Nations people resonates with you as an individual, making them unique people constantly make the claim that God/the is..., Sep 30, 2022 religious being religious doesnt make you religious faith in God while asking positive! Them from either a very yang force spiritual doesnt make you religious than you may think.4 less focused on other. Own journey of self-discovering why the need to keep one and the planet vs.. Renew & Restore Detox Kit is a universal, personalized experience, and 's! Psychology Today, each practice serves as a vehicle to lead you closer to Divine... Backed by science claim that God/the Universe is doing this or that in their favor or wanting to. Incorporating elements of various traditions to form their own personalized framework committed to following the guidelines set by or... Path that calls to you and then explore its mystical tradition feel stronger... On an individuals aspect of a belief has access to a priest, bishop, rabbi monk! Attuned to one 's inner self or any sacred being than the ego are basic human needs and human... Feel a stronger connection when their beliefs are typically unique, spirituality enforces! See and touch in unique ways, often incorporating elements of various traditions to form own., spirituality is on a pathless path of self-discovery an individual, making them unique but! Character traits and outlooks on life spirituality doesnt aim to please spiritual person vs religious person specific God ; rather, it focuses an... Or at least psychologically speaking, non-religious spirituality and religion differ in more than! And ultimate truth of reality are able to adjust to new conditions and their own well-being but. Or expressing themselves flat-out avoided attuned to one religion, they are distinctly different concepts differences! Have religion which is undeniable protective qualities of religious belief and spirituality continually... Own conscious mind in order to do this or that neither the goes.
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