What is the difference between religion and spirituality?

Answer 1

"Religion is a human phenomenon that defies easy definition. It is commonly understood as a group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object (real or imagined), person (real or imagined), or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, or divine, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with such belief or system of thought."

"Spirituality is, in a narrow sense, a concern with matters of the spirit. The spiritual, concerning as it does eternal verities regarding Man's ultimate nature, is often contrasted with the temporal or the worldly. The central defining characteristic of spirituality is a sense of connection to a much greater whole which includes an emotional experience of religious awe and reverence."

Basically, religion is the practice of a belief system that usually defines how you should act, behave, and so on. Spirituality is a connection to your spirit and Mother Nature.

They are commonly confused, but should not be, as they are two very different terms.

Answer 2

The difference between religion and spirituality is...

Religion condemns and spirituality is freedom and a life style in Jesus Christ. How so? I'm glad you asked. In the Old Testament of the Bible there was the Law to keep order and governed as to how people lived before the birth of Christ. Unfortunately when a person slipped the religious leaders kind of used the Law to shame people in a way that they would become condemned. However, when Jesus Christ came, He came not to do away with the Law but to fulfill the the Law so that grace would abound. Meaning that He knew we were flesh and people make mistakes. Jesus died for our sins so that we could be free. Living under grace instead of the curse of the Law. New Testament principles of the Bible teaches if you are one of Jesus' disciples there is no more condemnation you are covered under His blood and God's grace will abound in your life.

I hope this helps!

In Christ Love,

Servant

Answer 3

Religion is man's attempt to cover his sins by his own works. Spirituality is God's Word being obeyed and the faith therin exercised daily in a person's Christian life. Look at Adam and Eve. What happened when they realized they were naked? THEY ATTEMPTED TO COVER UP WITH FIG LEAVES! This was man's first act of religion. What did God show them they had to do after they were kicked out of the Garden? Before he kicked them out, He made clothing from the skins of a goat he killed. The BLOOD that was shed was representative of the fact that only a life sacrifice could cover sin and clothe our shame. This is the beginning of spirituality; the realization of the magnitude of Christ's death on the Cross and what it takes to remain free from sin since we no longer have to kill an animal nor die ourselves to be rid of the sin.

Answer 4

Religion - Service and worship of God or the Supernatural. Personal set of institionalized system of religious attitudes.

Spirituality - Quality of states of being spiritual.

Basically as I understand the difference as this: Religion is mans attempts, services, rules, practices, creeds, rituals to reach out to God. To serve Him and Worship Him. There are thousands of different types of churches and religions who all offer their own variation, twist and interpertation of the bible. I see religion as all those things you do in church to worship and serve God. Such as singing hymns, communion services, preaching sermons, bible school classes. Activities such as committee meetings, social events, charitable and community events, etc.

Spirituality to me is: My personal relationship to a living God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I have an inner person, (Soul, Spirit, Heart) that longs to communicate with God. It is a personal faith in God and fellowship with Him.

Personally, I beleive in Christianity and follow the teachings of the Bible. Here is what some of those teachings say:Hebrews 10:25 "Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together.....".
This in one verse that says that we as christians should meet together in a service or meeting. Thus organized religion.

Acts 2:41 - 47 talks about the first church who meet daily, broke bread and received teaching. Thus organized religion.

Galatians and Ephesians of the Bible have much to say about being spiritual. Especially Gal chaper 5 and 6. and Epesians chapter 5 and 6. I hope this sheds some more light on the subject for you.

Answer 5

Religion is an institution created by man and communties. Spirituality is a personal exploration created by the self.

Answer 6

Spirituality doesn't pass a collection plate.