What Is the Difference Between Religion and Spirituality?Posted by Baxter Winters on April 25th, 2021 Have you ever heard someone say they are spiritual but not religious? This is a common answer for those who do not follow a certain religion, but who have confidence in a higher power. What's the difference between religion and spirituality? This question is a difficult one to approach, and the solution will greatly be determined by who you ask, but in simplistic terms: religion is a "pathway to God" and spirituality is a broader term, encompassing religion, essentially saying there is a connection between humanity and something "larger." Religion There are various religions practiced worldwide, and many followers will argue that their religion is the one to follow and have confidence in. Commonly practiced religions include: Paganism, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Muslim, Confucianism, Daois, Asatru, Atheist and Agnostic, Pantheist, MODERN and the list continues on. Each religion comes with their very own set of beliefs about who "God" is (or whether He even exists to begin with) and how to exist through Him, to achieve the best possible afterlife. Each religion has its set of beliefs regarding what goes on to those who usually do not practice because they should, and their very own interpretations of their Holy books, such as the Bible, or the Koran. Regardless of what religion you claim to be, you have your own thoughts and feelings about its core values, and you also are in control of how you live by them. Nobody person can say a particular religion is better than another for any fact. Once you choose a religion to check out, you choose the one you best identify with, and can believe in the most. Spirituality Those who are spiritual usually do not necessarily go without religion, but those that do not identify with a particular religion can still consider themselves as "spiritual." more info that believe human existence to be a fraction of the overall equation, that is, those who believe humanity to be a part of something larger, are spiritual. They could not have the answers in regards to what that larger something is, plus they may not learn how to describe it, but they do not believe we are here because the sole creation. It is not necessarily "God" they believe in, however they don't discount the existence of a higher power. Religion gives individuals who follow them a specific group of beliefs to greatly help them fine tune their spirituality, while those who usually do not follow a religion are more open to interpretation of their own beliefs, based on what they know and experience within their day-to-day lives. Regardless of what religion you might or might not follow, spirituality is a broader term that encompasses everything. Though you may never follow any religion, or you might choose to change your religion, everything falls under being spiritual. Only you can decide what this means to be "religious" or what this means to be "spiritual."Like it? Share it! More by this author |