So, here we are–”the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey used to say.
Are all religious folks spiritual? Even though religion and spirituality are often used interchangeably, the answer is no–just because one attends church does not always equate to having spirituality.
Both spiritual and religious people seek some of the same goals–to elevate themselves and connect with a Higher Power. Love and peace toward each other is the major theme. Both believe there is more to the world than what is merely physical. Spirituality comes in countless forms for both (i.e. a nature walk, singing, dancing or feeling gratitude)–all in the name of connecting with the Divine. Furthermore, both religion and spirituality offer a sense of purpose, meaning and direction to life–powerful stuff!
To simplify this further, the following is a short list of things that I related to in an article on a site called Mind Valley that helps highlight the differences between religion and spirituality:
1. Spirituality has no rules: As opposed to following a specific ideology/doctrine or a set of rules, spirituality simply lets us follow our heart, it encourages us to listen to our intuition (gut) and do what is right for ourselves and others around us. Basically, it truly sets us free to be the best we can be and to be a loving person with no promise of punishment or reward. The reward is simply our own inner serenity, peace and happiness.
2. Spirituality is based only on love: In many religions there is lots of fear. Fear of the consequences of our actions, fear of what might happen after we die if we don’t live our lives by that religion’s rules.
In comparison, with spirituality there is only Love, it encourages us to focus all of our energy only on the good, and to act only based on love. This is a key point for me health-wise. Choices made out of fear will not place us in our happy place and therefore challenging for our soul–or are we codependently pleasing someone else? In comparison, decisions made out of love will empower us, making us braver, thereby, feeding our soul. Bottom line: authenticity is key to peace and serenity.
3. Religion tells us what they deem as the truth–Spirituality lets us discover it: As opposed to telling us in black and white how the universe was created and why we are here, Spirituality lets us discover these questions and answers for ourselves.
In comparison, spirituality empowers us to find our own truth in all things and sets no limits to how deep we can go in understanding what there is to know.
4. Religion separates, Spirituality unites: As stated previously–In our world, there are over 2,500 religions in the world and they all preach that their story is the correct story.
Spirituality sees the truth in all of those religions and unites them because the truth is the same for all of us despite our differences and uniqueness. It focuses on the quality of the divine message.
5. The difference between Karma and Punishment: Instead of talking about punishment or the threat of hell, Spirituality only speaks of Karma. Simply put–It’s the Law of Attraction–you get back what you give.
6. Walking our own path: This sets us on a journey of enlightenment and self-discovery to which the only limits can be set by ourselves. It encourages us to trust our heart and follow it wherever it may lead us.
If we look at religion it all stems from a deep spirituality. Jesus and Prophet Mohammed for example all had deeply profound spiritual journeys before they embarked on their own paths.
So I do believe that all religion has truth in it and that many people can have both beautiful spiritual souls and religion at the same time, but ultimately anything that separates us or creates division is challenging for our soul and for the greater good of mankind.
Spirituality reminds us that we are not separate, there are no borders, no races and no cultural divides.
All that is true is that we are all one and the only constant is Love.
Even given these differences, the two need not be at odds. Religion at its best is spirituality in community and there’s a lot to be said about that! Meanwhile, spirituality can offer that experience as well with like-minded individuals.
Back to my spiritual evolution: Interestingly enough, once I moved back home to my roots here in Southwestern Wisconsin, admittedly, I attended my family’s church rather infrequently when Mom would go so I could sit next to her and other family members. One Sunday the pastor said “for the next 8 weeks I’m going to preach about other religions and what Christians need to look out for”–seriously?? And guess what, the Sekh murders happened in Milwaukee that very day. What a huge wakeup call for me!! That evening I announced to my family at a preplanned gathering that I could no longer attend my hometown church–I explained I didn’t need the negativity in my life and was disheartened that not much had seemingly changed in all these years–more division and intolerance for differences continued. The next day I approached that pastor (who has since moved on) to let him know my feelings and ask “pastor, aren’t we all one?” And his reply was “oh no we’re not”. We had to agree to disagree. He then added that he would pray for my soul (which seemed quite judgemental at the time), however, I shared that even though prayers are always welcome, Jesus, God & the Holy Spirit and I are communing well together–thank you very much!
So at that juncture in my life–I’ve gave up church for lent. (smile) And it’s been a fairly long lenten season. I’m finding my serenity elsewhere.
My holistic journey continues in all facets–mind, body and spirit with openness of what feels loving, right and good–from yoga, tai chi, meditation, my gratitude journal, my being a light-worker through these articles and a lot of self care with massage, acupuncture and chiropractic–that’s what is working for me at this juncture.
Bottom line this is what I’ve learned through these years: We are all one (Romans 12:5) so let’s work together towards grace, love and compassion for our differences–otherwise there’s negativity and toxicity–not a very healthy deal.
“When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear.” — Buddha
If there is little or no compassion for differences–something to ask ourselves–what is that about and where is that fear coming from? The Bible states: do not judge, or you too will be judged. (Matthew 7:1) Enough said!
As an Air Force nurse, my family and I were blessed to experience many different lands and cultures– opening our compassion and flexibility to differences for which I will forever be grateful! And too, I will be forever grateful for my entire journey–no would haves, could haves, or should haves. It has all made me who I am today–at peace in our house called “Sweet Serenity”. My ongoing daily spiritual evolution is to be my genuine self! Progress–not perfection, right?
Let’s share our light with the world, Warriors and choose the form of spirituality that makes our genuine heart and soul compassionate, joyful and vibrant!