being spiritual and being religious? In your opinion which is healthier for mankind in the long run. This question is open to all but please do me a favor. Do NOT quote me Bible passages. I was a christian for 30yrs and attended private christian schools for three. I probably know as much as many of you do on how to use the bible to justify any answer I would give to anyone. I want to know what YOU have to say. Why YOU think one is healthier than the other. I don't want some biblical theology about it.
2007-03-27 18:56:04 · 12 answers · asked by swee_pea630 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In my opinion...
Being spiritual means that you feel the divine all around you and take joy in anything that brings healthy balance into your life and makes you want to become a better person in someway.
Being religious means that you observe a particular teaching and only that teaching. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, some people "miss the forest for the trees". Religious individuals can dwell so long on the details that they forget about the big picture.
This is of course a generalization and being so, is flawed by its very nature ^_^...so I am sorry if I offend.
I tend to think that being spiritual is better but understand the need that some people have for religious "stability".
2007-03-27 19:08:14 · answer #1 · answered by selene_sama 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Being religious is a double sided coin, some religious people spend their whole life being the very best people they can be and do a lot of good, on the other side religion can and does cause so much strife.
Being spiritual, recognising that there is a spiritual world and so on, is a different thing, as a Christian I would have to say that spirituality is by far the best if channelled towards God.
If spirituality is directed elsewhere then it will certainly not benefit the individual and ultimately will not benefit society.
This is a very short answer to a deep question and as such does not really explain what I mean.
JB
2007-03-28 02:15:51 · answer #2 · answered by J B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Being religious (to me anyway) is more about doing certain things because the religion says so. It seems a bit mind numbing actually. Alot of religions discourage questions and questioning why their religion deems certain things right or wrong. When you're spiritual, it's more about a relationship with God(s) than a person doing certain things on a certain day to supposedly appease God. I don't know which is better for society. Both are good when they're done correctly but, oneo r the other isn't always a good choice for certain people. Some people need religion or they'd just freak out. Some people would freak out if they had a religion. I think choosing what's best for oneself is good for society. As long as it's legal and not hurting anyone, I don't see the problem with choosing your own part and doing what works for you.
I have no idea what the bible says about this topic. I'm spiritual, not religious. I found religion to be hypocritical and imposing. It's not the religion's fault really, just some of the people who follow it.
2007-03-28 02:08:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In some respects, they are the same thing. But usually when people say "I'm spiritual, not religious", they are trying to say something like "I believe in some kind of supreme being that is pure love and light and doesn't hold me accountable for my thoughts, words, or actions". Other times, they might be implying that they are into spiritualism.
What's healthier is irrelevant; however, when people don't feel accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, and they believe life is only about satisfying one's self, it opens the door for great wickedness.
2007-03-28 02:10:35 · answer #4 · answered by MJQ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why did you leave? The difference.... being spiritual as a christian means living a true christian life, forgetting the outside world keeping your relationship with Jesus Christ who is the one that gets you through every day helping you forget the outside world. Being religious is doing the things you think are "right" helping people, going to church, being kind, but not REALLY having a true relationship with God/ Jesus Christ.
2007-03-28 02:03:14 · answer #5 · answered by butterflybaby20082007 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
seems to me that a person can be spiritual by seeking truth for themselves without relying on being told the 'truth' by others.
[and yeah, there's a gazillion "truths"]
being religious seems to require *accepting* someone else's version of the 'truth'.
maybe this is ok, maybe not.
maybe life is too short to get your questions answered by teh 'religion-of-choice' available at close hand. dunno
I asked too many questions to be religious.
In teh long run, the individual's life might be 'healthier' by being religious (if they can submit to the group thinking)
however, in teh long run for humanity as a whole, I'd have to vote for being spiritual over being religious since this appears to lead to greater understanding of humanity's place in the universe.
2007-03-28 04:11:08 · answer #6 · answered by atheistforthebirthofjesus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a believer but not a practitioner. I believe that being religious is going through the physical motions of faith ie going to church, saying grace etc. Being spiritual is conversing with your heart and soul and truly believing and living your faith.
2007-03-28 02:06:09 · answer #7 · answered by Ronald H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spirituality doesn't require signing up to anything, therefore it is inherently "healthier" for individuals, and by extension for mankind as a whole.
Interesting question.
2007-03-28 02:06:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Anything that is tied to emotion is spirit.
Anything that is tied to definition can be misconstrued as religion.
i prefer a life of feeling to a life of meaning. But the two are the same in the end.
2007-03-28 02:33:46 · answer #9 · answered by voidlesshope 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being spiritual is personal while being religious means integrating your beliefs socially.
2007-03-28 02:09:35 · answer #10 · answered by TarKettle 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋