What’s the Diff?
Posted by
Aarti on
November 3rd, 2009 . Filed under:
Uncategorized .
Uh oh folks. Two posts in one day. I’m on a roll!
I’d like to cast a poll about a question that’s been buzzing around my bonnet for the past few days.
What’s the difference between being spiritual and being religious? Are they mutually exclusive?
I’ve noticed that people take great pains to place themselves in one category rather than the other… and speak of being “religious” in a pejorative way. Why is that? What do you think? I kinda think I’m both, but I’m not even sure I know what is meant by either term, so I don’t know!
So, help me out: what does it mean to you? I’m flummoxed!
Thanks guys!
-x-
aarti
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
My two cents (and literally – if I explained my whole belief system it would be my $1,000,000) –
I see religious as bound by the bounds of one religion or sect’s beliefs, rules and structure.
I see spirituality as belief in a higher power without the boundaries of a single religion’s belief system.
Here’s an interesting perspective:
http://evolvingthoughts.net/2009/09/22/religious-nones/
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I think maybe the distinction comes because religion is man-made while ‘spiritual’ might imply a more direct connection to God. Maybe.
June 18th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I agree with JKJV and Jax but Jax, what is God? It really depends on what your definition of God is.
Someone who considers themselves spiritual most likely believes in higher power, to me this power is the universe/energy, they will probably believe/know that they are God and have full control over their own life, I believe the soul is a beautiful thing and is free to do whatever it wants and whatever makes it happy. In the world of spirituality there is no sin, there is no evil, there just is. There aren’t set rules, just live your life knowing and being aware of the world you live in…. ugh… i don’t know lol I should be working this can get heavy. As long as you get the gist of where I’m going.
August 6th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I agree that “religion” is man-made, but “spirituality” can be as well. (man-made as opposed to Christ-centered.) Almost anything can be a religion. I had a pastor who said he used to answer the question “are you religious” this way: “If by ‘religious’ you mean that I practice rituals for the sake of saying I did, hopiing it will get me to heaven, then no, I’m not religious. But if by “religious” you mean do I have a faith grounded in the saving knowledge of salvation through the blood of Christ and a relationship with Him, then yes, I am ‘religious’.” I thought that was a great way for him explain the difference. If someone asks if I’m religious I say no, I’m a born-again Christian, a sinner saved by Grace!!