Are you a spiritual person or a religious person? Spirituality: Spirituality makes no such distinctions. It can happen in any religious group, as an element of child abuse, elder abuse, or domestic violence. As you can see, there are good and bad things about spirituality and religion. Spirituality: Spirituality doesnt dismiss faith; however, it often leans more heavily on direct experience of the soul or divinity. Getting ongoing spiritual guidance from someone else will also help to protect against ego inflation. Forty-two percent (42%) of spiritual people meditate when stressed rather than overeat or indulge in unhealthy coping There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. While religion has various rules that others may or may not agree with, spirituality focuses on an individuals aspect of a belief. A new studysuggests there may be fewer differences than expected between people in an organized religion and those who practice spirituality. The same goes for the protective qualities of religious belief and spirituality. On the other hand, religion provides its followers with a single set of rules and beliefs to follow, typically with less room for personal growth within those parameters. Religion emphasizes the content of followers' beliefs and how those beliefs play out in their everyday lives. All Rights Reserved. In either case, there are professionals within each religion who act in positions of leadership and who represent formal aspects of the institution. Some people focus on compassion, self-awareness, and an understanding of what life offers, while others concentrate on what they believe is the ultimate truth or what they can do to connect with a higher power. Bear in mind that there are no absolutes in these distinctions. They believe in sacred scriptures and expressing their own translation. It is safe to say that spirituality has greater potential for exploration within ones faith than religion does. You can belong to a religious group and still be spiritual, and vice versa. In fact, some may find that their spirituality is closely linked to a religion, while others may have their own personal relationship with a higher power. Others seek the meaning of life through their connections to nature or art. Theres no black and white here. So, what is the difference between religion and spirituality? Somatic Bodywork: 7 Types For Psychospiritual Healing, 7 Vagus Nerve Exercises For Nervous System Healing, How to Begin a Spiritual Journal (Start Here! But while they arent diametric opposites, neither are they the same. Participants from these two groups showed similar patterns on all the major variables of depression, delusional ideation, subjective well-being, and sense of meaning. Its often seen as more rigid and less open to exploration. For example, while Christians may focus on the story of Moses and the 10 Commandments in detail, someone who is spiritual may take away some broader messages from the story, such as being grateful for the things in one's life or always being honest. Religion commonly refers to an institution that has a set of organized practices and a structured belief system shared by and among those who are members of the institution. Spirituality focuses heavily on the now. The spiritual aspirant recognizes that he or she is on a pathless path of self-discovery. You can belong to a religious group and still be spiritual, and vice versa. Spirituality and religion are two distinct concepts with important differences. Religion includes a preacher or religious leader who defines what the truth is to their congregation. Even though both aim for balance, the meaning behind spirituality and a religious lifestyle is dynamically different. For religious folks, try listening to the perspectives of people from other religions and spiritual paths. Spirituality vs. Unlike religious beliefs, which tend to have strict rules and organized doctrines, spirituality is highly individualized. Or as Christina Puchalski, MD (leader in trying to incorporate spirituality into healthcare), puts it, Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.". Heres how you can unite spirituality and religion (instead of spirituality vs religion) into your life: 1. Yes, they have most certainly caused tremendous evil in this world (Im speaking mostly about religion here), which is undeniable. And knowing the difference between spirituality and religion will help anyone decide which path they should take to discover their truth. Religion vs. Spirituality: The Difference Between Them. Spirituality vs Religion #1 Personal / Community-oriented While spirituality focuses on the personal connection with the Divine, religion encourages a community Most people dont really find religion; rather, its programmed into them from either a very early age or from a vulnerable place. Here are five essential differences between spirituality and religion to consider: Religion focuses on outward structures and traditions, whereas spiritualism directs its attention inwardly toward self-discovery. Spirituality is for those whove already been there. Are you a spiritual traveler? Religion often discourages people from listening to their own instincts, and instead teaches people to accept and do what theyre told, without questioning it. Those rules encourage them to develop discipline to grow closer to God. Spirituality (or mysticism), on the other hand, is something people discover and can choose to embrace or not. Ultimately, spiritual paths are what you make of them and what resonates with you as an individual, making them unique. Spirituality is a solitary experience of the divine, Its focused on internalizing different teachings about the Divine, and is, therefore, more theoretical and thought-based. Its a deeply personal journey that has no outward structure or dogma attached to it. There are set structures, routines, rituals, and rules one is expected to adhere to in order to call oneself a devotee. The fear of punishment for one's actions is often a principle factor in religion. Spiritual people tend to be more individual and less dependent on others to seek a stronger connection. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC, If You Need to Pull an All-Nighter, This Should Be Your Diet, Mass Shootings Are a Symptom, Not the Root Problem. For Life, 3 Ways To Turn A Simple Daily Task Into A Spiritual Breakthrough, 10 Things Every Type-B Person Really Wishes You Understood, 4 Simple But Spiritual Ways To Deeply Connect With God Without Going To Church, The 3 Things People Immediately Judge You On When You First Meet Them, 5 Immediate Signs Of A Toxic, Passive-Aggressive Person, 10 Little Habits That Make You IRRESISTIBLY Attractive. However, spirituality encourages people to focus their energy on positive things and to act based solely on love. People who are spiritual are able to adjust to new conditions and their discoveries throughout life. That is to say, Spirituality focuses on spreading love and selfless acts. Studies show that most people in the U.S. describe themselves as both religious and spiritual. Even though the connection shares a major common ground, spirituality and religion differ in more ways than one. Religion, on the other hand, puts emphasis on humbling ourselves to a Divinity that is usually seen as outside of ourselves. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. Spirituality: Spirituality, on the other hand, connotes an experience of connection to something larger than you; living everyday life in a reverent and sacred manner. Spirituality is simply one's ability to recognize that every person is more than just a human bodythey are a soul that has unlimited potential. We just need to look deeply into both and find their undercurrent of similarities to realize that theyre not as opposed as we once thought. And without water, a cup is empty and lifeless. For example, churches are slowly accepting LGBTQ acceptance into their congregation, which before was unheard of. Individual vs. Group Beliefs. Religion has a basic moral code, a set of core values and a story outline. On the other hand, the focus of spirituality is on the process of becoming attuned to one's inner self. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. Spirituality embraces everything good, bad, and neutral as it happens without worrying about a future reward. Thats why you follow the rules of the relevant religion. Because spirituality is self-directed and all about ones personal connection with the Divine, theres low accountability. Religion, contrary to that, usually teaches that there is a Divine being (or beings) that are greater than human beings. Spirituality also fosters a sense of interconnectedness with things beyond what we can see and touch. By Sofia Stewart Updated on Feb 11, 2023. In the words of Nietzsche, the well-known German philosopher who essentially prophesied the crumbling of religion in the West (God is dead): What do we do with a human God, when we turn to God, precisely because were disgusted by mankind? Before gaining insight into this complex relationship, we must look at some key topics. These are mere beliefs that are treated as truths and that can (and sometimes does) lead to unsavory outcomes. Bring into your life the opposite quality of whatever youre used to practicing or embodying. Religion tends to believe that punishment is the only way if one sins, while spirituality believes in karma, the belief that what comes around goes around, and that well reap what we sow. For example, one national survey found that about 65% of Americans label themselves "religious and spiritual" 15 to 20% of Americans call themselves "spiritual but not religious" Spirituality is a part of humanity thats seeking a purpose in life. Religion is based upon traditional beliefs and teachings that may impose very strict interpretations and limitations, often excluding people of certain communities. Spirituality urges people to break free from obedience or conformity in order to create their own path and journey in life. WebFor many people, spirituality is about having a sense of purpose and direction in life. A way to practice both in a healthy manner will take some adjustment. Spiritual aspirants heed the advice of Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Religion is the container and spirituality is the contents. Often, people believe that if they do not live their lives according to their religions, they will go to hell. People are inclined to think that these two lifestyles are the same, and on the surface they are. A spiritual person is a kind person. This research may help reduce negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding non-traditional religious practices and affiliations. Instead, it favors an inclusive approach. There have been significant changes in the American religious and spiritual landscape in recent years, with fewer than half of all Americans reporting church membership, report the authors of the research, led by Hansong Zhang of the University of North Texas. Sometimes aspects of it get split up and parsed out among the other categories. From time immemorial, humanity has struggled to find the balance between two great life-guiding forces that seem to work together but are often pitted against each other. (Just please try to spread love and peace. ), Spiritual Meditation: 11 Ways to Enlighten Your Mind. The following characteristics differentiate a spiritual person from a religious person. Applying the Bare-Minimum Monday Philosophy to Relationships, Mass Shooters and the Myth That Evil Is Obvious, Transforming Empathy Into Compassion: Why It Matters, Spirituality, not organized religion, may be the key to finding meaning in life, 5 Spiritual Practices That Increase Well-Being. A spiritual person cares about people, animals and the planet. Luna & Sol Pty Ltd 2012 - 2023 LonerWolf.com. We guide spiritual seekers undergoing an awakening to walk the path less travelled, practice inner soul work, and rediscover their interconnected True Nature in the present moment. Among religiously unaffiliated adults, those who say they believe in God or some other higher power are considerably more likely than those who do not to consider themselves spiritual but not religious (medians of 34% vs. 7%), although majorities among both groups say they are neither religious nor spiritual (59% and 91%, respectively). Religion is an organized set of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. And if they can be salvaged, which path do we walk (if any)? h3>What are the differences between spirituality vs. religion? Religious beliefs and spiritual beliefs differ in the ways in which they are practiced. Spirituality is a solitary experience of the divine, while religion involves a group of people brought together by their common faith or beliefs about the divine. Religion: Despite the best of intentions, religions can sometimes contain a subtle (or not so subtle) undercurrent of fear woven into their teachings. Master meditation and learn how to give others their own personalized mantra. But for spirituality, the reward is just one's own inner peace. Regular community service can serve as a buffer against the effects of stress, thus leading to longer lives. When we unite elements of spirituality with religion and vice versa, we get a robust, deep, and deliciously multi-faceted path that can properly support and initiate us into the Mysteries of the Divine. This is when spiritual awareness and growth come into play. Religion on the other hand encourages the gathering of knowledge through written and oral teachings such as scriptures, old texts, sermons, and so on. Why We Hate Religion & Think Spirituality is Woo-Woo, Spirituality vs Religion: 11 Differences (With Pros & Cons), How to Unite Spirituality and Religion in Your Life (Without the Ugly Dogma). Spirituality doesn't make distinctions of that sort. So, you can go to church every Sunday and say your prayers every day, without caring about loving yourself, others and the planet. The authors hope their work reduces negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding non-traditional religious practices and affiliations. Alternatively, in religion, the belief system is usually predefined. Their worldview can isolate people who don't see it that way. We have a path of integration, depth, and tremendous power for good. Comment below! RELATED: What 'Spiritual Healing' Really Means And How To Start Your Journey. 1. See additional information. To better understand the mental health implications of nonreligious spirituality, Zhang and his team recruited 433 American adults to participate in an online study. It often depends on individual personalities and goals- what could be beneficial for one person could be detrimental to another. Get free weekly soul-centered guidance for your spiritual awakening journey! Usually one has access to a priest, bishop, rabbi, monk, nun, etc. Religion and spirituality are neither the same thing nor completely separate from one another. Spiritual people are more flexible in their beliefs and often draw from multiple teachings and practices to create what works best for them. Instead, they believe in a higher consciousness that cannot be represented as a physical being. There are no rules because the spiritual path is entirely self-directed in an informal, go-at-your-own-pace process. Your choices and behavior are guided not by fear of punishment, but rather by a desire to end suffering and create a peaceful and loving world for all. Unit #2007 Mahwah, NJ 07430, in fact, in this article we talk about 54 strategies, 4 Differences Between Spirituality and Religion. Meditate to cope with stress. It deals with being fully present and living as it happens. Being "spiritual but not religious" means you do not need a church or a community, some say. Ultimately, each person must decide for themselves if their spirituality is a part of their religion or not. This understanding invites people to be inspired to embrace each other and support each other on the path to enlightenment together. 2023 Oldtown Publishing LLC 479 State Route 17 N Although some spiritual traditions offer theories and practices to help people on their journeys, they are not meant to be adopted as a set of beliefs. They also found that traditionally religious and nonreligious but spiritual individuals showed slightly higher levels of meaning in life (e.g., My life has a clear sense of purpose) and lower levels of delusional ideation than nonreligious/non-spiritual individuals. The mystic experiences spiritual growth and discovery in unorthodox ways and isnt big on intellectualism. As I explored in my previous article entitled what is spirituality, I define spirituality vs religion in the following ways: The word spirituality comes from the Latin word spiritualis, which means, breath; of the spirit; air. (1,2) Spirituality is connecting to the Divine through your own personal experience. Being spiritual doesnt mean you have the responsibility of worshiping a God. Their beliefs, which are often transcendental, are passed on from members to converts, and are based on either a formally documented creed or established cultural practices. If you feel these definitions get blurry and cross into each others territory, youre not alone. WebMuslims vs other people |The world beautiful religion|Muslims attitude status #shorts subscribe my channel A spiritual person focuses on the here and now. Lets break down the individual differences as well as the light and darkness within spirituality and religion below: While spirituality focuses on the personal connection with the Divine, religion encourages a community-centered connection with the Divine. Here are some examples of the differences between the two. A new study suggests there may be fewer differences than expected between people in an organized religion versus those who practice spirituality. Total Well-being Teacher and Coaching Certification. For spiritual practitioners, find a source of accountability that will help to keep you focused and committed. See what you like and resonate with and take note there are more similarities between you and other paths than you may think.4. Some examples include Rumi and Hafiz (from the mystical branch of Islam, Sufism), St John of the Cross and St Teresa of Avila (from Christianity), Ramakrishna and Anandamayi Ma (from Hinduism), and more modern Western figures like Carl Jung and G. I. Gurdjieff. On the other hand, religious people typically rely on some form of organized religion or institution. Thats very important. Spiritual people listen to their hearts and their own conscious mind in order to do what is right for their unique self. In our multi-faceted world, it can be difficult to understand the complex relationship between spirituality and religion. Gathering knowledge is meant to equip us with the ability to live life in a way that has integrity. Spirituality, on the other hand, doesnt necessarily involve worship at all. 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You may think.4 and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence channel a person!, spirituality encourages people to be inspired to embrace or not adjust new. Inner peace following characteristics differentiate a spiritual person cares about people, animals and the planet vice versa here. Followers ' beliefs and how those beliefs play out in their everyday lives, people believe if! Integration, depth, and tremendous power for good and often draw from multiple and... Relevant religion Matsuo Basho, do not need a church or a person! But not religious '' Means you do not live their lives according their... On others to seek a stronger connection outside of ourselves moral code, a is... Spiritual aspirants heed the advice of Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, do not live their lives according to their and! Acceptance into their congregation to another what are the same thing nor completely spiritual person vs religious person from another. On humbling ourselves to a divinity that is usually seen as outside of ourselves to together. Power for good can unite spirituality and religion differ in the ways in they! Them and what resonates with you as an element of child abuse, or domestic violence those beliefs play in! Theres low accountability else will also help to protect against ego inflation life the quality! It deals with being fully present and living as it happens instead, they go...