SPIRITUALITY VERSUS RELIGION

When it comes to spirituality and religion, many people have different views and opinions. The debate over whether God is real or not can never come to an end. We would argue to the ends of the earth. Truth be told, we all believe that there is a higher force, some sort of dominating power, that rules our lives and nature as a whole. Nothing happens just by chance. We are also among the countless chances in the universe!

So, how do you relate to your maker? Is it by spirituality or by religion?

Religion is a specific set of organized beliefs and practices, usually shared by a community or a group. Spirituality, on the other hand, is more of an individual practice and gives a sense of peace and purpose. Spirituality is personal, while religion is institutional. The two practices can be confused with each other, but they are not the same thing.

Religion conveys the relationship that individuals have with their creator. Normally referred to as “holy, divine, absolute, or even sacred”. Religion also capitalizes on the fate of an individual after death. Religion is governed effectively by the use of “holy” books that contain their own set of rules, the dos and don't s. For example, Judaism has the Torah, Muslims follow the Koran, and Christians follow the Bible.

Religion involves both collective and individual prayers, worship, meditation, moral conduct, and participation in religious activities. The set of rules and their obedience are what constitute reverence, worship, or obedience to the “god” or superior being. The set of rules pertains to the believers dressing, marriages, healthcare, and justice system, among many other dynamics of life.

Spirituality, on the other hand, is more of a personal journey and experience that gives an individual a sense of purpose. People have different views of spirituality. To some, it's about a belief in God and active participation in organized religion, while others believe that it's about non-religious experiences that involve getting in touch with oneself through quiet reflection, time in nature, private prayer, yoga, and meditation.

Psychology has proven that many individuals today identify as spiritual because religion has proven to be limiting in terms of exploration and self-love. Spirituality is more of an awareness of your soul and inner worship compared to religion, which is more of an external worship. The following are the clearly outlined outcomes of spirituality and religion in society today. 

Fear versus love: Teachings in religion such as the genesis of sin, divine judgment, God’s wrath, or eternal punishment create anxiety. One keeps worrying whether they are good enough to deserve their creators’ mercy, impacting their behavior greatly. On the other hand, spirituality is in favor of a more compassionate approach to life and death. A spiritual individual's behavior is more geared toward ending suffering and creating peace.

Belief vs. spiritual experience: Religion requires that you have unconditional acceptance of the teachings of the religion. Religion does not require any evidence to validate its claims. All you need is faith. Spirituality, on the other hand, focuses on experience through practices such as yoga and meditation, allowing you to make conscious contact with a more expanded state of consciousness, making you able to validate the teachings.

Individual versus group belief: Religion involves a group of people brought together by a common faith and aims at building one's character due to the importance placed on the group of rules. Spirituality, on the other hand, is a solitary experience that concentrates more on an individual's soul. 

Progression of beliefs: In spirituality, you tend to be more knowledgeable through the constant study of your spirituality. On the other hand, religion is predefined. The authorities in religion usually reinforce or communicate changes regarding belief systems for the members of the group to follow.

Spirituality has no rules: Spiritual people don’t follow a set of rules but always arrive at their own truths while developing their spirituality. Individuals practicing spirituality often follow their own intuition and choose to do things that are in their own best interest.

Origin of Beliefs: Religious people's belief systems come from previous experiences of religious founders and parables. Spiritualists, on the other hand, develop their beliefs through their own experiences, through trial and error. This is said to be better because people discover their truths without setting any limits as to the depth of their understanding. It encourages people to take their journey of enlightenment through self-discovery without boundaries, enabling them to trust their instincts. Spiritualists believe that every person is more than just a human body. Every person is a small god! 

In conclusion, when it comes to spirituality and religion, neither is inherently good or bad. Religion maintains a defined, tangible code of ethics, while spirituality is limitless and undefinable. Both methods of worship are, however, channeled towards creating a more meaningful and better life. Did you know that a person can be religious and spiritual at the same time? It is possible to be part of a system governed by predetermined rules and doctrines and also connect with your higher self through personal experiences. It is a matter of choice!