Is there a difference between spirituality and religion?

Question

And either way you answer please tell why you believe this way. If you believe there is a difference please explain the difference.

I like the cookies and box reference but I didn't ask this because I do not know, I asked because I would like to hear what others feel, think, and believe. Thanks

I, like many in today's society, no longer say I am religious or that I follow a religion. Religion has become almost taboo to many.

I agree with those of you who said Religion and spirituality used to go hand in hand and many years ago nobody would have even thought about the difference much less asked about it. However, religion has since become more and more dogmatic and twisted. Religious leaders are not living what they speak. And many seek a more healthy spiritual life.

For me, I am spiritual and I follow a spiritual path. Spirituality is about finding out who I am and becoming who I am meant to be. Learning from experiences and teaching when I can. Sharing my existance with all other beings. Spirituality is about peace, kindness, and hope. Religion should be but it is still based in fear and control.

I open this up to voting now because I appreciate all your answers and cannot choose myself.

Answer 1

Seems as though in recent years people have drawn a line between the two whereas in the past they were linked or even considered to be one and the same. This is largely because people have observed persons who claim to be religious, even religious leaders, acting in the most reprehensible manner.

Man was created in God's image. (Genesis 1:27) This means that he has a spiritual side that needs feeding just as his physical body does. A person can not be complete if he ignores his spiritual need. (Matthew 5:3) A spiritual person is more acutely aware of his spiritual need. He seeks to fill this need in some way. Some seek to fill this need through religion. But just as you can't feed your body just anything and expect to be healthy, you can not feed your spirit just anything.
That is the problem with much of the religious practices of today. Some I compare to spiritual junk food. Not healthful but not really all that harmful unless one eats it exclusively or in large amounts. A lot of it, however, is truly spiritual poison that can only lead to a persons becoming or remaining spiritually dead.

True religion should feed ones spirit. This spiritual food should lead one to become a better person, one who displays the fruits of God's spirit, a healthier person spiritually. It should lead to a happier, more contented life.

Some persons have instictively left off from following organized religion because of feeling ther spiritual needs were not being addressed, while not really knowing how or where to find wholesome spitual food. They may find some satisfaction in such things as reading the Bible or reveling in nature. But this does not seem to be enough for the truly spiritual person.

(continued)
Genuine spirituality includes honest self-examination and and humble prayer. It includes a longing to get to know ones Creator and serve him in a way that He approves. That is where religion comes in. A prescribed method of worship begins to emerge as ones search takes one deeper into God's word and "the mind of Christ" 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.

Answer 2

I think you've already gotten the best points above to add up into your very cleverly intelligent mind. Religion is keeping it organized as it regulates a form of group in spirituality, So as 'YES' it requires one to follow through within its set beliefs and principles. It may call for a duty to abide the rules of a certain organization or formed group, whereas Spirituality is much more free and uninhibited in beliefs and interactions with the living universe in one's consciousness or creations. However the only thing that relates similarity between religion and spirituality is that both have their own (composed) spiritual values regardless of whatever..(specifically whether good or bad) xxPQ..

Answer 3

Religion- as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary

An EXPRESSION of man's belief in and reverence for a superhuman power recognized as the creator and governor of the universe.

Spirituality

That which is traditionally believed to be the vital principle or animating force within living beings.

WoW ! thanks for the question- I learned a lot- the two words seem to layer each other nicely. Not exactly what I thought I would discover.

Answer 4

Religion is a set of beliefs, values and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. It is a subset of a larger rubric called spirituality.
Spirituality is being concerned with things of the spirit—the big questions of meaning, metaphysics, existence. Being spiritual is thinking about, wondering about, and exploring the deepest aspects of reality, values, morals, and meanings. In simple words, it means the seeking of the true purpose of a human life.

Answer 5

Yes, in fact it is hugely different but related to each other. Religion can be considered the skin of the banana and Spirituality is the edible part of the banana inside the skin. In order to reach our SELF, we need to go beyond the skin.

Answer 6

Spirituality has nothing to deel with the religion, acording to me spirituality is link and relation between the individual and almighty. This is irrespective of the religion. Religion is just as a school. we all go to different schools but gain the same knowledge, and give same board exams.
hence spirituality is the ultimate goal and religion is the path.

Answer 7

A lot of people follow a religion without ever having really experienced it. I can't speak for other religions, but as a Christian I've seen many church people whose religion revolves around a set of morals and rituals.

Spirituality, in Christian terms, would mean seeking, experiencing, knowing God.

Answer 8

Religion is man made - Spirituality is Intrinsic

Answer 9

many aethiests have spirituality but no religion
religion is something you claim
spirituality is inherant , in all you say and do

Answer 10

that's like asking what's the difference between cookies and the box that they come in.