Can someone become spiritual but not religious?

Answer 1

what's the point of becoming spiritual if you don't even believe in the spirit your being spiritual with? and how does one become spiritual without having said deity to believe in?

Answer 2

I don't have THE answer, I only have what I perceive to be the truth. It might not apply to everybody, but I'm not trying to force my views on anyone else.

I'm 50 years old and have been in and out of various churches throughout much of my life. I have seen what kinds of trouble can get stirred up by the folks who see their beliefs as the only ones anyone should accept. Look around our nation, and indeed our world right now and I think I make my point. In many cases, "religion" can be an agent for good in the world, but in more cases (I believe) its narrow, dogmatic, fear-based theology causes more harm than good.

Spirituality, on the other hand, can be achieved without an association with any organized religion. Human beings are a special life form on this planet due to our consciousness. We can attain a higher form of consciousness by cultivating the spiritual side of our being. Contemplative meditation as practiced by the Buddhists is one such way. You might rightly argue that Buddhism is a religion, and yes, I'd have to agree that many practitioners treat it as such. It is also valid, however, to view it as a philosophy, a model for living one's life, instead of a religion.

Am I a spiritual person? Have I attained 'enlightenment'? No, in both cases. But I am aware of the path, and I am in search of the answers. I may never really find "answers", but I feel I can experience a great deal of spiritual growth merely in the seeking.

Namaste

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste

Answer 3

I absolutely believe that people can be spiritual but not religious! I used to be so religious my nickname with my family was the Bible Banger. I went to church all the time and drove most normal folks crazy trying to get them to convert to my beliefs. I wasn't happy, however, and I never felt fulfilled. I also started realizing how judgmental some of the people were to others.
One day I just quit going to church. The church doctrine and the egos of some of the church members were really more than I could stand. My relationship with my Creator has become one of true love and understanding. I believe that spirituality is the culmination of belief and religious teachings. For me, "Religion" got in the way of my spiritual growth.

Answer 4

People call me spiritual all the time, but I'm also religious just not like anyone else.

Being spiritual is just being content and accepting of life and everything in it. Open minded, good hearted and intelligent.

Answer 5

I believe so. I consider myself spiritual, but I do not adhere to any organized religion. I call myself a "Jewish Existentialist Goddess Worshipper" because I am Jewish by heritage, an existentialist because I believe people should take responsibility for their own actions, and a goddess worshipper because I love Inanna, the Sumerian Goddess of Love and Beauty. Having spiritual beliefs does not require adherence to any particular religion.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

Absolutely. Religion is just a set of rules developed by MAN.
I know a spiritual ATHEIST as a matter of fact. Interesting guy.
I wrote a long article about atheism and paganism on my blog recently, and how they are related. It might interest you.

Answer 8

Absolutely. That would be me.

The standard, institutionalized versions of worship do nothing for me. My spiritual feelings are what guide my words and actions as I interact with people around me, but I do not feel driven or obligated to participate in "group worship" in the traditional sense.

Answer 9

I think they can. Religiousness is the act of doing something such as ceremonies, going to church, basically just "doing things you should do", while being spiritual is about you and your faith. It is personal and the standards of that relationship are soley up to you and your beliefs.

Answer 10

spirituality doesn't necessarily involve a "god" but religion does. The answer is yes. new agers are spiritual without religion for the most part, I thin.