What is the difference between Religion and Spirituality?

1. 61

   aiquemanposted 9 years ago

   What is the difference between Religion and Spirituality?

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2. 87

   tsmogposted 9 years ago

   Even though there may be argument essentially IMHO religion is a process whereas spirituality is an awareness.

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      firework23posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I can see what you mean Tim and I don't disagree because religion focuses on methods to pull you closer to God here on our plain while spirituality focuses beyond our realm of understanding. Very succinctly written Tim.

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   2. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Tam: Exactly what I've been trying to tell ALL! Prepare for "reconciliation" to THE SPIRIT from whence we came!

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3. 70

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   Religion is usually organized and follows a particular doctrine and deity. Spirituality may be something as simple as believing we're all connected. It's more free flowing thoughts without a need for structure or some "middleman" to tell one how to do it.
   Spirituality is more of an inner personal journey of enlightenment.

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   1. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Religion "man-made" interpretation of Scripture! Spirituality is inherited when "understanding" (via Holy Spirit) of His Word becomes known which prepares us for "reconciliation" based on one's "faith"  II Cor 5:17-20! He (v20) "begs us!"

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   2. 70

      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      God made man and man made religion.
      The original purpose of religion was similar to government in that it was designed to give the people structure and laws. Before the "birth of Christ" there was no such thing as Christianity!

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   3. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dash: I agree!  As it is today (government religion=Catholic) while other denominations derive from such! All man-made!  Dash have u studied the origination of the word "Christian?" I have found that "unbelievers" used derogatively!

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4. 52

   Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

   To put it bluntly, "Religion is a LIE" an "interpretation" by man or The Church (Catholic; the devil's advocate) to lose souls (John 10:10)! Don't forget, this is Satan's Kingdom who paints a "beautiful" picture of deception and if not filled with the Holy Spirit, one cannot discern "untruth" for it "looks" (carnally) truthful!  That's why II Timothy 2:15 says "Study (you study) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be be ashamed, "RIGHTLY DIVIDING" the Word of truth!"  Which is exactly what I've been telling ALL!  We must "study" for ourselves!  Forget "Tradition!"  Forget "Teachings!" Forget "Your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)," but "study" praying with supplication, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal His Word unto you.  Is that not what Jesus said He would do?  "Lead and guide us into ALL truth" through the Power of the Holy Spirit? (John 14:26; 16:13)  Don't you believe His Word?
   
   "Spirituality" is on a "Higher Level."  When one is "filled with the Holy Spirit, then read, praying and asking for revelation of "truth" or understanding which is "revealed" as promised in John (above)!  The "Spiritual journey" we are walking, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is preparing us for "reconciliation" with our Creator! II Corinthians 5:17-20 says (v17) Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; BEHOLD, all things are come new, (v18) And all things are of God, who "reconciled" us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of "reconciliation," (v19) To wit, God was in Christ "reconciling" the world unto himself (Jesus is GOD), not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of "reconciliation." (v20) NOW THEN, we are ambassadors for Christ, as God did beseech you by us; we "BEG" you in CHRIST'S STEAD, be ye "reconciled" unto GOD!"
   
   Verse 17 says "...we become NEW CREATIONS"  who NOW "see" His Word with "Spiritual" eyes which those who have been "taught," can not "see!"  That why "Believers" argue amongst themselves!  Some have been "taught" vs. "THE SPIRIT" giving an understanding of His Word!
   
   The preceding Verse (16) said {paraphrasing}  "..know we no man after the flesh..."  We have NOW moved HIGHER than "man's thinking" (Religion) into the "Spiritual realm" even as Christ has moved from "flesh" back into the "Spiritual realm!"  Aren't we "Christians?"  Didn't He move from flesh back to Spirit?  Isn't the definition of "Christian" Christ-like?  If so, we should follow in His Footsteps, which is  ALL SPIRITUAL!

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   1. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I re-read what GOD wrote above and said "LOOK @ JESUS!"  (He Writes, not me!) 
      
      Get reading (READY) "Church!" Jesus is gathering those who "understand!" (Galatians 1:6-9)
      
      God "desires" Spirit (Jn 4:24)!

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   2. 57

      firework23posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Spot on. The Bible is read very differently with spiritual eyes.

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   3. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Fire: There r no "frauds" in Christ! Consider Matt 13:11-13 when the disciples asked Jesus "Why do u speak in parables?" He replied, {paraphrasing}  "So those who don't have the Holy Spirit "CAN'T UNDERSTAND!"

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5. 64

   humzahposted 9 years ago

   IMO spirituality is more open and connects you to God and The Universe at a very spiritual, basic and soul-ly level while religion is merely a 'boxing' of the concept of spirituality. That's why spirituality enables you to connect with one another and with God at a higher level than religion.
   Secondly, religion was made by man for man while spirituality is based on something far more influential, vast and meaningful- it is a concept that is based on the notion that our souls existed before our bodies did. You'll notice all Prophets were spiritual, too, but not all spiritual people were prophets. Why? Because their followers attached labels to the concepts taught by the Prophet and convoluted spiritual principles and basics into something far more corrupt and convoluted.

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   1. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Amen!  Precisely!  This should be "Best Answer!"  Your statement "...religion is merely a 'boxing' of the concept of spirituality."  Touche!  (Jn 10:10)! 
      
      "...spirit enables you 2 connect w/1 another.." if not, argue for it's "teachings"v"Spirit"

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   2. 64

      humzahposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, so much Norine I hope I do get best answer

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   3. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You're welcome!  When "Truth" is told GOD smiles!
      
      Doesn't really matter, does it!  GOD "sees!"

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6. 71

   manatita44posted 9 years ago

   "The essence of Religion is to fear God and obey God.
   
   The quintessence of Spirituality is to know God and become another God." -Sri Chinmoy.
   
   Religion teaches of God and it is generally confined to a specific Faith by its followers. Spirituality is like a giant umbrella, used to give shelter to ALL, both East and West on a rainy day.
   
   Religion separates, analysis, chops things up. Spirituality is like a child: spontaneous, accommodating, embraces life and Love with a vastness-heart. It sees we and ours, instead of I and mines. It knows only Oneness.
   
   Religion is confined to boxes, Spirituality loves to fly, like and eagle, and is very vast. Spirituality welcomes the rose as well as the orchids in the same garden, and the flute or piano in life's orchestra. Religion says that this is my patch, and the other is yours.
   
   Spirituality is happy with your beliefs. What does it matter if you say Light or Self or Enlightenment, or believe only in your family and friends? Enclosed in the Love that you offer them, is the Light of Spirit.Hope all this helps.

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      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      "Spirituality is happy with your beliefs." Why would u say that? God is a THE SPIRIT & He is a "jealous God" (Deut 6:15), then why would He be "...happy w/ur beliefs?"  There's only 1 Way!
      
      You do have a way w/words, but not according to Scriptu

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   2. 71

      manatita44posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      My Sweet Friend, Norine,
      
      I am so happy that you are a fan. It is impossible to stand beneath the Sun and not feel its warmth.
      
      Yes, God is Spirit, and when you serve selflessly, you're serving Spirit, name or no name. In Love and Light.

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   3. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Man: When u r anyone do not talk according to what He has written, I MUST tell, not to offend rather to tell what He has said! Christianity is not about "appeasing" ALL, so "name or no name" GOD doesn't like (Phil 2:10)!

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7. 68

   Jordan Travisposted 9 years ago

   Religion involves taking part in regular, planned activities with the goal of making one's self feel better.
   Spirituality involves one being in touch with God or spirits of any kind with the goal of gaining fulfillment.
   I believe the two converge with faith.

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8. 60

   SpiritusShepherdposted 9 years ago

   Religion: the belief in a god or in a group of gods
   
   : an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
   
   : an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group
   
   Spirituality:the quality or state of being concerned with religion or religious matters : the quality or state of being spiritual
   
   In my honest opinion there is no difference between religion and spirituality. Both are how we live and carry out our beliefs everyday.
   
   There are those who say they are more spiritual than religious and they simply mean that they choose to carry out their beliefs alone or perhaps with a few friends outside the confines of "organized" religion.
   
   In essence this is still a "religion" because it is still : an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group.

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   1. 60

      SpiritusShepherdposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      https://youtu.be/TbsadOQK_6A

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   2. 52

      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Kris: Did JESUS say He was "religious?" Why? Because HE was "Spiritual" & wants us to be (Jn 4:24)!  "Organized" religion KILLS!  (Prov 14:12)

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9. 0

   ValKarasposted 9 years ago

   While definition of religion may vary depending on WHICH one we are talking about  -  spirituality is about personal evolution, intellectual and emotional FREEDOM being its central theme. Freedom from the paradigm, meaning dehypnotizing oneself from social consciousness. In that respect we could even say that spirituality is opposite from religion, which imposes certain views, beliefs, and rituals. In religion you are not free to question anything, because it's "God's word". So, "kneel to believe", don't believe first.
   
   In spirituality, love and harmony are very strong on the list of priorities. In religion, love is often mentioned as a synonymous to God, but since the followers of practically every religion have started some mass killing in recent and remote history, we are obviously not talking about the same kind of "love".
   
   Furthermore, in spirituality we are treating "belief" as merely a function of the brain. A hypnotized person may temporarily "believe" that he is a dog, and will bark, salivate, and walk on his four. In some primitive societies, there is still a strong "belief" that, if their witch-doctor points a bone at them, they have to die  -   and they actually do. So, "beliefs" are not a reflection of a divine truth, but a deliberate or submissive programing of the mind. Spiritual people are therefore very careful what they believe in. Their beliefs are generated from intuitive wisdom to be life promoting, positivistic, constructive  - and nothing to do with negative concepts like "suffering, sacrifice, sin, demons, etc.
   
   By the way, I am not an atheist, but I don't belong to any of the existing organized religions. I don't need another human being to tell me what I SHOULD believe in  -  I've got my own mind. However, to each his own  -  I respect others' choices like my own.

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      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Viad: Seems you've "tested the spirits" but have forgotten you were to see "which one was of God" (I Jn 4:1)! Atheist or unbeliever=SAME!  If one doesn't believe WORD, believing "right" is still "wrong!"

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      ValKarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine: I admire your devotion to the source of your spirituality  -  which seems to be a book. It's O.K. for people to be different. I don't advertise my truth as the "right" one. It's only MINE, and that makes it "right" for me.

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      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Vlad:  Provide another "book" with as many "fulfilled prophecies" written BEFORE bible then you can say a "book."  Otherwise; you've been DECEIVED!
      Yes, all have a choice but even "right for me" doesn't make it "right!"
      Bible says - still WRONG!

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      ValKarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine: I have read over thousand non-fiction books about psycho-philosophy of life. Didn't stop after reading Bible. We all have different intellectual "appetites". You should be happy that you found your answers  -  you don't sound it so far. .

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      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Vlad: I regret to inform you I HAVE READ (BA/Psychology/MA hrs/Theology) other books!  However, as per my request, please provide a book with as many accurate prophecies as bible.  If not, Galatians 6:3; I Cor 3:18!

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      ValKarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine: Don't "regret", be proud of your education, especially if it helped you to find enough peace not to have a need of imposing your beliefs unto others. So educated, and not a single hub yet? Just enjoying criticising? Use your Psych.B.A.

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      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Vlad:Regret?Assumption?U KNOW what that does!My "peace" comes fm WORD not education! WORD="Teach!" Hubs?When GOD says,not man!So educated, not a relationship w/Spirit as yet?More important than ed! Use WORD to communicate w/Spirit! Provide book!

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      ValKarasposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Norine:  Sorry, all this is making less and less sense to me, so let's quit. As for my last words - get informed, you may learn that historically and scientifically ALL "prophecies" have been proven false, based on myth and contradictions. Be well.

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      Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Vlad: Only a "self taught" FOOL justifies sin with LIES!Dying is inevitable, what then?Nothing?You think?However, you will find it's better to have believed in a "myth" which promises "eternal life,"than NOTHING!Good luck!That's ALL u have-a gamble!

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