What is spirituality? Why is it different then religion?

Answer 1

Practically every religion (Christianity, Catholicism, Judaism, etc.) involves a feeling of spirituality.

Answer 2

I would broadly conclude that spirituality is the way that mortals relate to the immortal.
I believe religion whether organized or non is best described as the common beliefs and practices (both personal and/or communal) that stem from common conviction on matters of spirituality.

Answer 3

i'll get a ton of ''thumbs down'' ratings for this, but you simply can't have one without the other. the people who say ''oh yeah, i'm so spiritual because i meditate, but i'm an atheist'' simply misunderstand the word they use. ''spiritual'' refers to the spirit. if you don't believe you have a spirit, you really can't be spiritual, now can you?

on the other hand, any christian who says ''yeah, i'm spiritual, but i'm definitely not religious'' is also misusing terms. christianity is a religion. a christian's spirituality stems from his religion, and is in no way, shape, or form independent of it.

that being said, a person can be more spiritual than religious, or more religious than spiritual, but where there is a lack of balance, there is a lack of fullness. contrary to popular opinion, the two are not mutually exclusive terms. just because ''religion'' has become somewhat of a dirty word that ''spiritual'' people don't like to associate themselves with doesn't mean they're not religious.

Answer 4

I am a spiritual being having a human experience. My spirit is connected to the Holy Spirit and my life is also spiritual because of that connection.

Answer 5

My definition of Spirituality is there is an all knowing, all loving being of light most people call God. Living a spiritual life means giving your life and being of service to this entity, believing we are all connected, no one is better than anyone else, accepting all for what they believe because there is a reason for everything and everyone, non-believers included, you just have to open your mind and find it. Cause and effect, karma, life after death, lost souls, Angels.

I do not take the bible literally, and do not judge those who do. I have studied many other religions all over the world and find that the core of beliefs are the same, it is the translation of what "God" or the name you call the Higher Power, that gets jumbled and causes conflicts, war, & doubt. The core message is LOVE unconditionally. To find the meaning of this is the journey of life.

There is only one God and he/she has no identity crisis, people have an identity crisis with him. I believe everyone is to find their own truth, their own path by learning to listen to their higher self. Everyone has a higher self, a stored data bank of knowledge. Having only one God, a person can't go wrong. I also believe that God is so much better than the God portrayed in the Bible. I do believe in Jesus and his life who died in order to show how much God loves us and for the lesson of forgiveness. A good book I recommend in understanding is "Anatomy of the Spirit" by Caroline Myss.

Answer 6

Sleepy: A fantastic question ! As a Christian, I will give you the "fast food" answer. "Religion" tells its observers that he or she IS a mistake [sin] ; whereas, "Spirituality" tells its imbibers, that he or she MAKES mistakes [sin]. a vast difference, as you can see. Elaboration: "Religion" promotes legalism (ritualistic do's & don'ts), which produces CONformity [ex-ternal]. Conversly; "Spirituality" promotes relationship with God, the Father. It is based in faith, grace and Jesus Christ. In turn, this produces TRANSforming [internal], of the mind to God's attitude.
Now; you see why there are "Christians" and there are Christians, out there !!! Look for the genuine thing !!!

Answer 7

Spirituality is the way to realize your self, faith, truth etc. This doesn't need any supportive aspects to achieve your goals.

Religion on the other hand is the way which might help you being spiritual. This needs many supportive aspects like belief, discipline etc.

But both of them lead to one destination if followed diligently. This is because to realize god or yourself, you don't need follow a religion. If you are spiritual that's enough.

Answer 8

Spirituality is your own personal connection you have with God. Religion is the collective experience of that connection with like minded individuals and God as well.

Answer 9

Spirituality is acting out the Belief that YOU hold towards god.
Religion is a group of people that distorts One's belief into something that applies to a general society.and they usualy want $$$

Answer 10

they don't differ,spirituality is the conduit thru which religion is carried