How does spirituality and religion differ?

Question

Great answers so far. I know the difference. I like to see the belief and opinions of others.

Answer 1

spirituality is what you feel. religion is what they tell you you should feel.

Answer 2

One may argue that religion and spirituality must co-exists - it can not be explained separately.

A religion is a collection of beliefs, traditions, faith, methodology, moral codes, values, rituals, education - all compiled based on one or more philosophical school(s) of thought with spirituality being one of it's objective. A religion defines and develops a culture that is followed by the people who practice that religion.

Spirituality can be termed as an essential substance in every religion. It can be debated that, there is no meaning to a religion without spirituality. Spirituality helps one understand the philisophy that helped create the religion.

Answer 3

It only depends on how you are using the word. In many instances, they are the same. In other instances they are almost opposite.


religion

Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely
Date:
13th century

1 a: the state of a religious b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices3archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
— re·li·gion·less adjective

spirituality

Main Entry:
spir·i·tu·al·i·ty Listen to the pronunciation of spirituality
Pronunciation:
\ˌspir-i-chə-ˈwa-lə-tē\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural spir·i·tu·al·i·ties
Date:
15th century

1 : something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such 2 : clergy 3 : sensitivity or attachment to religious values 4 : the quality or state of being spiritual

Answer 4

The word "religion" has two possible origins. The most common is a Latin word that meant "to bind to". This is the definition chosen by the Church fathers and to this day one must declare that he believes the Apostle's Creed to be considered "Christian". One is "bound to" those beliefs.

The second, more classical meaning was from a word meaning "a careful observation of and attending to the numinous". Since "numen" means an "indwelling guiding force or spirit", this definition of "Religion" is akin to the christian notion of attending to the "still soft voice" of conscience.

To me, to practice religion is to honor both these ideas of religion. I will have no truck with many beliefs of organized religion. I believe many of them are nothing more than superstition. There is a great deal though, which is essential to "the life more abundant". Chief among them is the Golden rule.

I disagree strenously with those who say that SPIRITUAL is "feelings". Such notions is at the root of those saccharine, maudlin "inspirational" tear-jerking stories that find their way to my mailbox. I consider that cra- as nothing more than emotional masturbation. The clue real meaning for SPIRITUAL is also in the root word in Latin. It is breath, or to breathe. Its the same root word as for expire, inspire, etc. In those days, and who today can present a better argument, folks believed that Life entered the body with the first breath, hence one was infused with life, i.e., spirit. Spirit is, as mentioned above, associated with the "numen". "Spirit" means one's attitude, one's motivation. One has a "spirit" of giving, a "spirit" of love, a "spirit" of reconciliation, etc. "Spiritual" is, therefore, that which motivates one. The "Holy Spirit" is that spirit of love and compassion whic was in the Christ. The notion of a "spirit" as emotional or feeling is half right though. But those spirits are carnal, like lust, greed, etc. The notion of "a spirit", that is, some diaphanous, wispy form and personality that lingers around and haunts houses, gravesites and that sort of thing is fit for children and haloween trick 'r treat, but not much else.

It is permitted to play-pretend on haloween though.

Answer 5

Religion is imposed from without. A set of rules or a mythology accepted as history. Spirituality is a personal search for enlightenment usually thorugh meditation and self-discipline.

Answer 6

Isa 58 tells us what God considers to be true religion. They do not differ, but only in people's opinions. There is only one God, one Son of God and one Holy Spirit. All spirituality comes from this Trinity.

Answer 7

Religion institutionalizes spirituality.

Answer 8

Religion is man made rules, regulations and a lot of BS. Spirituality is real.

Answer 9

spirituality is between you and God. Religion is the institutional structure that can provide a framework for your faith, but tends to serve as a control mechanism by folks who want to get their hands in your wallet, control what you believe, tell you how to live your life, who to vote for, etc.

Answer 10

Religion is man made rules. Spirituality is what you feel in your heart. I hope this has helped, Blessings.