Over 70% of adults in the United States consider themselves to be "spiritual." If spirituality or religion is a big part of your life, it's a good idea to understand the difference between these two concepts.
Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Religion and spirituality aren't identical concepts, and they have some key differences.
- Spirituality refers to your personal path to finding your life purpose and defining your values.
- Religion is a belief system that usually involves rituals and practices centered around a higher power.
- Humans are innately spiritual because of our embedded ability to question our existence, life, and consciousness. However, not every person is religious.
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What Is Spirituality?
"I think therefore I am."
This famous quote by René Descartes, translated from the Latin phrase "Cogito, ergo sum," demonstrates a key part of what it means to be human. For centuries, we've pondered human existence, questioned life after death, and sought to define the meaning of life.
These concepts are often discussed alongside religion and spirituality.
Many of us hold our spirituality or religion near and dear to our hearts. Over 70% of adults consider themselves to be "spiritual," while 68% of Americans identify as Christian. However, in the quest to define your values and discover your purpose, it's important to also understand the key differences between religion and spirituality.
After all, they are not identical concepts.
What's the Definition of Spirituality?
Spirituality involves your personal journey to discovering your life purpose and identifying your values. Many times, this journey of spirituality is intertwined with religion, hence the deeply rooted affiliation between these two terms.
If you're religious, you're also spiritual. However, being spiritual doesn't necessarily mean you're religious. There's a lot of gray area here. It's the "a rectangle is a square, but a square isn't a rectangle" debate all over again.
Is Every Human Being Spiritual?
However, unlike religion, spirituality doesn't demand a concrete definition. That's because every human is inherently spiritual.
The ability to question existence, consider divinity, develop holistically, and find meaning is what makes human beings spiritual. So, yes, every human being is spiritual. It's the weight and purpose you place behind your own spirituality that makes it unique and meaningful to you.
What Is Religion?
Now that we've covered the ins and outs of spirituality, it's time to dive into religion.
What's the Definition of Religion?
Religion is the belief in and/or worship of a higher power. It usually involves a system of beliefs, values, and practices that connect a group of people. Religion can be used as a guide to spirituality, as they are both very tightly linked.
All religions exist simply as a result of the inquisitive and questioning nature of humans. Religions were created to make sense of existence, consciousness, and life. It gives purpose and guidance as we struggle to make sense of our spirituality.
Religious practices and belief systems like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism were all developed as an expression of our spirituality. In many cultures and societies around the world, religion and spirituality go hand-in-hand.
For example, in Indonesia, religious beliefs and spiritual beliefs are key parts of everyday life. The majority of the population in Indonesia is Muslim, and spirituality is deeply infused into the traditions, customs, and rituals of the Indonesian people.
What's the Difference Between Religion and Spirituality?
Now that we've defined religion and spirituality, it's time to dive deeper into their differences. After all, these are not identical!
Origins:
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Religion is usually passed down through traditions, scriptures, and stories. It's often rooted in the lives, teachings, and gospel of historical figures.
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Spirituality exists at any point in time, as it is an innate part of being human.
Objectives:
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Religion is centered around external effects and objective experiences. For example, a key part of Christianity is attending church.
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Spirituality is focused on inner thoughts and personal growth. It may not translate to any specific actions or regular practices.
Organization:
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Religion is typically organized by a set of values, rules, and doctrines. For example, the Bible in Christianity is used as a general framework for how to live life.
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Spirituality is flexible, adaptive, and evolving and often reflects the journey and thoughts of the person.
Beliefs:
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Religion is about faith without the need for direct experience, proof, or knowledge.
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Spirituality is about using direct experiences, such as meditation, energy healing, or yoga, to develop and grow.
There are many more differences between religion and spirituality, but many of them come down to your personal beliefs. Your experiences, values, and practices will shape who you are as a person and will help guide your spiritual growth and/or religious beliefs.
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Can You Be Spiritual and Religious?
Yes! You can be both spiritual and religious, but just because you're spiritual doesn't make you religious.
Spirituality is a concept that represents anything and everything about the divine. On the other hand, religion is a specific set of beliefs, practices, and values that are a result of your spirituality.
Many times, being "religious" means classifying yourself into a particular religious group, but this isn't necessary. To some, this is a delicate conversation.
The Bottom Line
In your quest to make sense of life, consciousness, and morality, you may start to question what you know about religion and spirituality.
There is no blog or article out there that can give you the key to understanding your own spirituality, as this is built on a personal and unique journey. Regardless, we hope this information has been helpful and will make your path a bit more clear!
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People Also Ask
What is the difference between spirituality and religion?
The terms "religion" and "spirituality" are often used interchangeably, but they are far from synonymous. Spirituality revolves around your personal journey to find purpose, meaning, and importance in your life. Religion involves rituals or practices that focus on a higher power or organized entity.
What is being spiritual but not religious?
"Spiritual but not religious" (SBNR) is a phrase used to identify a way of life that doesn't focus on organized religion. Someone who is SBNR may believe in God, but that belief system is not defined by the teachings or practices of a religion.
Can a spiritual person believe in God?
Yes! A spiritual person can still be a religious person. For many people, believing in God is a key component of their spirituality.
Is Christianity a religion or spirituality?
Many would consider Christianity to be both a religion and spirituality. That's because Christianity involves a set of established practices and religious beliefs (religion) but also considers the meaning of life, existence, and consciousness (spirituality.)
Was Jesus spiritual or religious?
According to many interpretations of the Bible, Jesus Christ was both spiritual and religious. He actively practiced Judaism (religion) but also focused on a personal connection with God (spirituality.)
What is it called when you believe in God but you're not religious?
The term for believing in God but not being religious is agnostic theism. Agnostic theists may believe in the existence of a higher power but do not have any religious affiliation. For instance, they may believe in God but may not accept the teachings or practices of a social institution or religious system.
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