Religion versus Spirituality

[dyanaprajna2011]

Religion and spirituality; are there differences, or are they the same thing? Are they mutually exclusive, or are there overlaps between the two?

 

[Tarheeler]

My rabbi once asked what the difference between the two was, and my daughter gave what I thought to be a fitting answer: Spirituality is what we feel, religion is what we do.

Spirituality deals with feelings, emotions, and internal balance. It's the connection we feel to whatever is out there. It's individual and vauge.

Religion is a system; it's full of ritual and defining what is sacred and setting it apart from the mundane. It gives shape and identity to our spirituality.

 

[Jainarayan]

Overlap to a degree, imo. In my own situation, I worship the deities, I pray, I meditate, but I perform only one ritual... lamp lighting, incense, water, and sweets offerings. I think of them often and try to do things with them in mind. I think that's spiritual. I've come to dislike attending temple because of the rituals. I feel that is religion.

 

[sandandfoam]

My rabbi once asked what the difference between the two was, and my daughter gave what I thought to be a fitting answer: Spirituality is what we feel, religion is what we do.

Spirituality deals with feelings, emotions, and internal balance. It's the connection we feel to whatever is out there. It's individual and vauge.

Religion is a system; it's full of ritual and defining what is sacred and setting it apart from the mundane. It gives shape and identity to our spirituality.

I think your daughter is a bright girl

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

I think your daughter is a bright girl

I agree.

 

[InvestigateTruth]

Religion and spirituality; are there differences, or are they the same thing? Are they mutually exclusive, or are there overlaps between the two?

In Baha'i Faith, Spirituality is part of the Religion.
Religion has two parts: Spirituality and Social Laws.
Spirituality means, having virtues, kindness, patience, forgiveness, generosity and etc.

In Baha'i View, the source and root of spiritual teachings is Religion. The ultimate goal of spirituality is nearness to God.

 

[RJ50]

In spite of sadly being a 'born again' as a young person, I have NEVER felt anything one could term as 'spirituality..

 

[crossfire]

The temple of spirituality is the heart/mind/citta.

 

[RJ50]

Oh well my mind isn't a temple in that case!

 

[crossfire]

Oh well my mind isn't a temple in that case!

My rabbi once asked what the difference between the two was, and my daughter gave what I thought to be a fitting answer: Spirituality is what we feel, religion is what we do.

Spirituality deals with feelings, emotions, and internal balance. It's the connection we feel to whatever is out there. It's individual and vauge.

Religion is a system; it's full of ritual and defining what is sacred and setting it apart from the mundane. It gives shape and identity to our spirituality.

Isn't your heart/mind your own personal sacred (private) space? It's certainly not public space!

 

[RJ50]

Isn't your heart/mind your own personal sacred (private) space? It's certainly not public space!

It is my personal space, yes, but I certainly wouldn't describe it as sacred!

 

[crossfire]

It is my personal space, yes, but I certainly wouldn't describe it as sacred!

Fair enough!

 

[Quintessence]

I do not distinguish, and I avoid using the word "spirituality."

 

[Lintfelmy]

"Religion is for people that don't want to go to hell.
Spirituality is for people that have already been there." Not that I believe in hell. Or heaven for that matter...It is an interesting quote none the less