What is the difference between spirituality and religion?

1. 73

   Darrell Robertsposted 10 years ago

   What is the difference between spirituality and religion?

   replyreport
2. 84

   bethperryposted 10 years ago

   I believe religion is the formalized practice(s) of a shared spiritual belief.

   replyreport
3. 76

   d.williamposted 10 years ago

   Religion is a business that  has little to do with spirituality these days.  They are in the business of control over people.  Most people who belong to an organized religion would like to think they have more of a connection to God than those who do not, but that can not be further from the truth.
     Spirituality is the concern for the spirit of individuals in reference to having a "soul" that is a connected part of what we consider the Oneness of the Universe. 
   You can be spiritual without belonging to any kind of religious sect.  It is that connection we have with the spirit of the Creator and has nothing to do with religion at all.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      jonnycomelatelyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Down to earth as usual....

      replyreport
   2. 73

      Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with most of your statement.  I just think that religion should teach us that we are individual as well as part of a whole.  We should love all in all.

      replyreport
4. 66

   mintinfoposted 10 years ago

   Spirit is the heightened condition of a living Soul that is functioning with fairness, equity, and accountability. Religion is an attempt to mimic the Spirit.

   replyreport
   1. 39

      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Love this answer I totally agree.

      replyreport
5. 0

   MysticMoonlightposted 10 years ago

   I believe that religion is more formal and structured for its followers whereas spirituality is more about embracing the freedom of finding what practice works for you and applying it on a personal level.
   Great question

   replyreport
   1. 73

      Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi MysticMoonlight, I love your screen name as well as your answer.

      replyreport
   2. 0

      MysticMoonlightposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you very much on both accounts, Darrell

      replyreport
6. 59

   Jo_Goldsmith11posted 10 years ago

   I have been apart of a few religions over my lifetime. When I became aware that the spirit needs to be nurtured and cared for and not the practice of going in different directions which all seem to lead to the same place. Emptiness, judgement, anger and sometimes one can feel overwhelmed by the choices of others in the name sake of that type of "religious practices".  The label of religion is not something I see as a means to be enlightened or the ability to grow in walking with the one who wished for all to know his truth, feel his love and mercy each and every day of their lives.

   replyreport
7. 74

   Dan Barfieldposted 10 years ago

   Spiritual practice is individual, religious practice is institutional.

   replyreport
8. 87

   SidKempposted 10 years ago

   Religion is the sacred cup. Spirituality is the sacred water or fire that fills the cup, and also overflows and pours in from other sources and fills the entire universe.

   replyreport
9. 0

   JThomp42posted 10 years ago

   Religion is a way that man gets you to follow a set of rules. Religion is not for me. I consider myself spiritual saved by God's grace through his son Jesus Christ dying on the cross to save all. Jesus is my savior, God is the Father.

   replyreport
10. 79

    Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years ago

    Spirituality is your relationship with God.  Religion is the vehicle through which you practice it.

    replyreport
    1. 73

       Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I like this answer, I think along those same lines.  Good luck in life.

       replyreport
11. 59

    taburkettposted 10 years ago

    spirituality is the individuals search for divine power.
    religion is an avenue to support that search.

    replyreport
12. 69

    WalterPoonposted 10 years ago

    Spirituality is a goal, while religion is a vehicle. When I see two persons arguing over whose religion is the true religion, it sounds to me as if they are arguing over whose car is better. When it comes to attaining health, it is like arguing over whose doctor is cleverer.
    All of us are at different stages in our spiritual development, and different religions suits different people better. We know that Lamborghini is a good car but can everyone afford that?

    replyreport
    1. 73

       Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       This is a great answer.  I would love a Lamborghini, but I have to settle for a Toyota instead, regardless it is what is on the inside that counts, and that should be a living spirit seeking happiness.  Best wishes

       replyreport
13. 0

    Dawn Aliceposted 10 years ago

    Religion is a structured institution with hierarchy and a set of guide-lines in the form of dogma. Most religions believe in a god or gods which they worship through various rituals.  When one is a member of a particular religion then they would have obligations to fulfil as part of that community.
    Spirituality is available to all humans’ regards of religion. Religious people can be both spiritual and religious. Spiritual people need not be religious, but follow their heart from a soul level. 
    Some of us might need the discipline and commitment of a supporting community through a religion. The rest of us though find inner peace through our unique connection to the universal freedom of spirituality.

    replyreport
14. 70

    ParadigmEnactedposted 10 years ago

    Religion is a set of rituals that everybody has to follow. Spirituality is simply the recognition that their is a higher order and the lifelong attempt to gain understanding and decipher meaning.

    replyreport