How can one be spiritual and not religious?

Question

PLEASE ONLY ANSWER IF YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF THIS WAY!

I should clarify, i meant atheists who claim to be 'spiritual'

So far, only jgold answered the actual question ac

So far, only jgold answered the actual question

Answer 1

I do not believe in god. I do not question His existence, I firmly believe that there is no god. Yet I do believe that all life is connected, all things connected and that all things are just part of a greater whole that is called, in eastern tradition, the Tao. The Tao is nothing less than the universe and everything in it. Everything in the Tao is connected in one way or another, all life, all matter, all energy. As it is clear that energy flows, it is natural to assume that energy flows between all things, nothing is excluded. In this way, I feel a connection with all life, all matter, all energy, and thus feel "spiritual", yet not religious.

And I feel that a belief in a sentient, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent god(s) as defined in the judeo-christian-muslim-hindu religions makes one religious, regardless if they ascribe to judaism, any sect of christianity or any other religion that focuses on a god (or gods) as described above.

I would not describe Buddhism as a religion, but rather a philosophy, BTW. I think Buddhism has been mislabeled as a religion for millenia. The Buddha himself would scoff at the way he has been partially deified. He has been noted as saying "I am a teacher, nothing more, nothing less".

Answer 2

First off I am a Christian. Many people classify Christianity as a religion and it isn't. Christianity is a relationship between man and God and does not require a middleman. Religion however, is something that is manmade and full of errors and lies. Being spiritual means that you have direct fellowship with God. Being religious means that you are follow some manmade religion and teachings.

Read John 3:3-6 and Ephesians 2:8-9

Answer 3

Being spiritual to me is to have your antenna up ....to be open to everything that is not always visible to the naked eye. For example if you feel a message from a higher power and it's as real to you as the nose on your face....then that is spiritual...or if you start creating poetry and you feel it comes from a special place ....that could be spiritual. If you have something miraculous happen to you like an out of body experience when having an operation....that could be spiritual.....Religion on the other hand to me is accepting the teachings of a organized religion. You gather with others who believe the same as you. You behave in a certain way because you believe in that certain religious group's rules and teachings.
In my opinion they can go together or stand alone......

Answer 4

Being spiritual is really how you choose to live your life day to day and has nothing to do with religion per se. One can be 'religious' and be spiritual but if you are being 'guided' by a religious leader you are not necessarily spiritual. The ancient Druids were very spiritual yet I would hardly call them religious. Being one with the elements and sharing that in the way you live with others, is very spiritual indeed. One's spirit comes from within and is not taught to you by another person or an organized congregation.

Answer 5

Religious would be people's perception of organized religions. Those who attend churches, and do all the things that seem to equate with being a part of what God wants...would be religious. But spirituality is more than the appearence of those outward things. It is the reality of a relationship with God. It is the inward knowledge that you are walking with God. Your life is dedicated to Him in such a way that, while you may still attend some congregation, the things you do are more than outward activities...they are a real life lived with God.

Answer 6

Well, if you ask me what religion I am, I am Baptist. That is, I enjoy the Baptist services, although I also enjoy other religious services as well. To me, if it is a worship fit for God, then I'm okay with it!

It doesn't matter to me if you take the offering first, do a "Last Supper Service" every Sunday, or like to sing for a couple of hours before a good sermon, it's all good! And isn't that what religion is all about? The method we use to worship God? Whatever method that brings you closer to Him, well, do that.

I think if you follow the Bible, no matter what religious credo you ascribe to, you'll be just fine :)

Answer 7

You can love things of the earth such as mother nature.Be joined with it,connected to it.Sit and let your feelings become one with the universe.That is spiritual.(Example)Religion is an Idea of how one should be and Be with others of like mind ,join together in Living a set life style.

Answer 8

First off, let's make a few definitions. Being religious is having a belief in a church & it's doctorine. Being spiritial is believing in god (or what ever name you know him by) without following the dogma & politicial idealogy of a church. I hope this help with a little persptive.

Answer 9

Religion implies association with one set of rules, believes, or way of life. Spirituality is a connection with other things, beings, and objects not always tangible, so yes, I believe so.

Answer 10

Depends on your conotation or denotation of the word 'religious'...

"2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices"

My spiritualness is a personal set of beliefs, ya know. I have my very own personal God that I created just for me... no one else's... I am kinda selfish that way.

RICHARD