Spiritual, Not Religious

August 26, 2024 (repost from September 18, 2022)

Religion

Religion is a term that is applied to things that it shouldn’t be; religion is not a blanket term. Religion is a somewhat strict set of rules that one must live by, in order to be considered a member of that particular religion. The different religions have their own nuances.

From all the definitions and descriptions I’ve read, in my opinion, religion is limiting. I have absolutely nothing against any religion, if it makes you happy. I whole-heartedly believe that you should have the freedom to practice your religion and exercise your faith, however it fulfills you, as long as it doesn’t encroach on others and their beliefs.

I consider myself a Christian; I believe that Christ lives. I believe that God provides. I believe in the afterlife, I believe in Heaven and Hell. But, this doesn’t equal religion. Religions believe these things as well, but they each interpret many things in the Bible differently.

Spirituality

Spirituality is a blanket term; it envelopes religion, as well as faith. It’s much more open and inclusive. It is a reference to the spiritual space that we can’t see (which makes some not believe). The spiritual space is a freedom, it’s non-confinement for our souls, and our souls are our authentic selves.

Through our intuition, our spirituality guides us toward what is meant for us, what is good for us and what we need. Spirituality is an openness, an acceptance, and a non-judgmental realm; spiritualists see beyond the realities of what other humans witness with their eyes only. It’s an enlightenment, a clear understanding.

I love the possibilities that spirituality brings.  I love the opportunities that it brings. When you are first spiritually awakened, your “world” becomes much more expansive. You appreciate the sun more, the stars more, the sun more. Nature becomes more astounding and not just a background.

You view others in a way you haven’t before. You experience things, rather than just see them. Everything seems more grandiose. You are grateful for so much more, because it feels as if you’re connecting with everything for the very first time. A spiritual awakening is a re-birth.

I do not put any of these things before God, they are not my idols. But I cherish them because they are gifts from Him.  All things serve a purpose here, and I appreciate that He put them here for us.

Their intersections

Spirituality and Religion correlate, no question. Both institutions believe that there is a Higher Power, they both believe in kindness for creation. They both believe in service to others, and they both believe in the afterlife; our bodies allow us a vessel to protect our souls, but not forever, since our souls weren’t meant for permanent confinement.

Rather than being scared of what happens to their physical bodies when they pass on, both religious folk and spiritualists look forward to what comes next.  I think it’s safe to say that anyone who considers themselves to be religious shares many of the same beliefs and tenets as someone who considers themselves to be spiritual, but seemingly in a more rigid manor.

Neither institution is better than the other, but they certainly vary.

Their deviations

Spirituality applies a variety of methods and tools in its practices. Many of which, religious individuals tend to frown upon. For instance, the use of salt lamps is a topic of unease; some believe that since salt lamps are touted as a method of healing, they are not a Godly practice, because we are supposed to rely on only Him for healing.

The same can be said for crystals, sage, singing bowls and reiki. Another major factor in the general disapproval of these methods is because they are based in non-Christian religions.

Another method that causes concern among religious individuals is manifestation. Manifestation is also known as the Laws of Attraction.  The convergence here is that manifestation is taking control of your own destiny, instead of trusting Him and looking to Him for guidance. An argument could be made that manifestation is simply ask and ye shall receive.

Enough people misconstrue that religion and spirituality are the same, and there are shared elements, but there are also inherent differences.

The main takeaway: you do not have to be religious to be spiritual.

Namaste