9 Differences Between Religion And Spirituality

In my post, Journey To Awareness, I wrote about my journey from religion to spirituality. This might have been confusing for some. Reason being, religion and spirituality, are used by many as if they are synonyms. Although there are some people in religious settings who are spiritual, this could be farther from the truth.

First of all, religion is a human invention. While, spirituality relates to the spirit or the essence of humanity. That’s why you can find so many different kinds of religions. Anyone can come up with a philosophy, and if they get enough people to trust in what they say, they can form a religion.

Just look at L. Ron Hubbard. This man came onto the scene with his book Dianetics. At first, he claimed this book was a form of psychiatry or psychology. But he changed that claim after some material he sent to the American Psychological Association for validation was dismissed as “a passing fad, like the hula hoop.” He then reinvented himself, and his book, into what is now called the religion Scientology.

In my opinion, religion is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a great gateway to the deeper commitment of spirituality. One just has to be very careful where they put their faith. As Jesus once said, “Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9)

Jesus also had a thing or two to say about religious leaders. “I’ve had it with you! You’re hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God’s kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won’t let anyone else in either. You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned.” (Matthew 23:13-15)

In closing, I’d like to leave you with 9 Differences Between Religion And Spirituality.

1. Religion focuses on dogmas and rules that are followed by a particular sect or group of people. Spirituality focuses on the soul that dwells within and compassion for all.
2. Religion focuses on redemption or validation from outside sources. Spirituality focuses on going within to realize that you are already validated simply because you are a child of God.
3. Religion shapes the character of the individual. Spirituality shapes the individual himself.
4. Religion makes a person disciplined. Spirituality makes a person strong in mind, body, and spirit.
5. Religion aims at building faiths and customs Spirituality aims at building the strength of the soul.
6. Religion is often about who’s in and who’s out.  They have an “us against them” attitude. Spirituality rejects this dualism and knows we are all One.
7. Religion frightens people with sin and threatens them with eternal damnation. (It is meant to keep people in line.) Spirituality uplifts people with encouragement and a belief that life is a safe place.
8. Religion teaches a form of prayer that is almost like begging. (Oh please God, help me find a job!) Spirituality teaches a form of prayer that is affirmative. (Thank You God, for my perfect job.) This is just as Jesus said to pray. “I tell you therefore: everything you ask and pray for, believe that you have it already, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
9. Religion tries to keep people weak and dependent, convincing people they have no power of their own. Spirituality shows people their strengths and abilities as a child of God, just like Jesus. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do. (John 14:12) KJV (Translation: In most solemn truth I tell you, he who trusts or believes what I say – the things which I do he shall do also; and greater things than these he shall do)

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