Spiritual vs. Religious

[lovesong]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

 

[allfoak]

The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions.

The Spirit is what religion is all about.
Religion is a practice that connects one to the unseen.
Thus the reason why the idea of reconnecting is part of the definition of religion.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I do not call myself either.
But I see a religious person as one that follows all the tenets of a religion. But not necessarily spiritual.

A spiritual person is primarily concerned with their spiritual well being, and may not necessarily follow a particular religion at all.

The distinction between them, and which applies to us, might be better left to others to decide.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

Religion is about behavior. Spirituality is about the heart.

When we go to our altar and light our candle and say our prayers, we are practicing religion. It's a behavior of gratitude or whatever intent the person came to their altar for.

Spirituality is about the heart. It's the motivation that brought you to the altar to act in that religious way and the goal for being there. It's what (or who?) makes you do what you do and religion is the action of doing it.

So I am spiritual and religious. Spiritual without religion sounds like talk about what we believe in but never showing it by our actions. Religion without spirit is like lighting a candle every morning and evening but not having any reason or meaning behind lighting it (unless there isn't any electricity maybe?).

They go hand in hand.

In my personal view, though, being religious is first and that makes my intent spiritual. So lighting a candle is the intent and prayer. It's not isolated. Just like consecrated ritual items and so on. There is no symbolism involved.

I think that's why people see a distinction. They don't like applying the physical nature of spirituality to the spiritual nature of it. As if the actual physical hug devalues the intent and love behind the hug itself.

 

[Dawnofhope]

The two should go together but increasingly they don't.

Religion is often without spirituality like an empty shell.

People who are spiritual often have no religion. It would be useful to reflect on this further.

In my country religion has increasingly fallen into disrepute for good reason. There's increasing misunderstanding and confusion about what religiion is. People are more comfortable talking about spirituality.

I'm positive about religion and spirituality but only when one genuinely leads to the other.

 

[Spiderman]

I consider Dogma and tradition religious... I'm quite anti-Dogma because it divides people, causes fights, and can't be proven.

But I'd consider myself somewhat religious because I have traditional prayers I pray and rituals, but am more spiritual. I consider people who don't insist that people follow any Dogma to be spiritual rather than religious imo

 

[Sunstone]

I see a difference between religion and spirituality, but this is in part because I define "spirituality" in a rather unique way. To me, a person's spirituality is the manner and extent to which he or she deals with their psychological self; aka, their ego or normal waking consciousness. Since everyone deals with their psychological self in some way or another, and to some extent or another, everyone has some kind of spirituality.

On the other hand, I do not define spirituality as having anything necessarily to do with the supernatural. And while a person always has some kind of spirituality -- some manner and extent to which they deal with their psychological self -- they might or might not be a follower of a religion.

Religions do not necessarily provide guidance to dealing with one's psychological self, and some religions seem to provide much greater guidance than do other religions.

Last, the mystical experience of oneness -- which intrinsically has little or nothing to do with religion (although certain religions might have a lot to do with it) -- tends to radically alter how one deals with his or her psychological self.

 

[2X4]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

I see the distinction because of what I was taught. There's a big difference between the two because religion is based on what is observed by the sense of sight.

Spiritual is something that happens in the Mind that cannot be seen by other people as words, visions, dreams, analogies to help understand things, images that appear that can be drawn or painted on some kind of visible surface to show other people what was in your Mind, musical notes and lyrics that are seen or heard in the Mind or an image that can be invented and built with hands to show other people in the world. There are many things and thoughts that can happen in the Mind that nobody else knows about until you tell them or show them by using your hands to build, play, mold it, or whatever it takes to make them believe in your spiritual kingdom, the Mind.

Religion came from the building of objects with human hands so they usually need visible buildings, ornaments, walls, bridges, etc. along with all the languages that are needed to explain all those hand built objects.

 

[Valerian]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

It’s a worthy question. I do not find formal definitions of either word worth noting, but more how most people perceive their meanings.

When someone says they are spiritual but not religious, I take that as meaning they have a definite belief that there is a God or a spirit world that interacts with mankind on some levels. However, they do not have real strong ideas how that works, and yet, they believe if they medidate or try to connect with these spirits some good will come from that.

Is someone says they are “religious” that does not make much impression on me. To me, it sounds as though they are a believer in the Christian God but really do not do much about it outside of an occasional prayer when worried. Not a devout person.

If someone is truly close to a particular religion or God they will say it as such, i.e. I am a practicing Catholic. They are not ashamed and willing to explain. Same goes for Pentecostal, orthodox Jew, etc.

 

[wizanda]

If you have enough people doing a spiritual tradition, it becomes a religion.

 

[George-ananda]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

I have been having issues with the way those two words are used myself. Let's start by looking at what Webster's dictionary says as dictionaries define words:

Definition of religious

1. relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person> <religious attitudes>
   
   
2. of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances <joined a religious order>

Definition of spiritual

1. of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : incorporeal <spiritual needs>
   

I voted: I call myself spiritual
As a pantheist I am not really 'relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity'. That's so Abrahamic, and so last millennial.

 

[Kirran]

Last, the mystical experience of oneness -- which intrinsically has little or nothing to do with religion (although certain religions might have a lot to do with it) -- tends to radically alter how one deals with his or her psychological self.

Ooh, that was nicely worded, bravo sir.

 

[Mindmaster]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

I see myself as an atheist who repeatedly meanders past what others conventionally would agree that term to mean. That's to say, I try to keep my eyes open, don't deny my life experiences, etc even if they are subjective I find all bits of info important. I find that spirituality and religion aren't really terms that suit me, but that is because I find no need for rote repetition or doing things out of tradition. I also wouldn't believe anyone else on these subjects, so I have no faith to speak of. Mostly what I know, I've experienced and that's all I trust in.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Religious. If a person is not religious, then they are undisciplined. I have a long way to go, but I am religious. Spiritual? That is too vague a word. It is like saying 'Sublime'.

 

[Milton Platt]

I was recently thinking about the distinction between the labels "spiritual" and "religious". Personally I see little to no difference between the two terms and dislike when people make a big deal out of their distinction, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks about this. The only real difference I could see is that "spiritual" hints at less dogmatic, more individualistic forms of religion whereas "religious" hints are more group-oriented and structured forms, but even this minor distinction seems to be lost when looking at some of the more unorganized religions. So what, if anything, is the difference? Do you like the distinction? Which term do you choose to go by, if any?

I'll include my first poll in here too, if you all don't mind taking it. If you do, please answer both questions in it, I couldn't make two polls.

The problem with the word spiritual is there is no commonly accepted definition. It can mean almost anything these days.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I have been having issues with the way those two words are used myself. Let's start by looking at what Webster's dictionary says as dictionaries define words:

Definition of religious

1. relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity <a religious person> <religious attitudes>
   
   
2. of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances <joined a religious order>

Definition of spiritual

1. of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : incorporeal <spiritual needs>

I voted: I call myself spiritual
As a pantheist I am not really 'relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity'. That's so Abrahamic, and so last millennial.

The definition is off. Buddhism is a religion and has no deities. Theyd say we arent spiritual because of it but how we practice our faith (religion) and why we practice makes up the spiritualify itself.

How can one back a cake when they believe in the recipe, taste it just by thinking of it, even put the indegredients and utencils out to make the cake but never lift a finger to actually bake he cake?

Religion focuses on baking the cake. Its the physical explanation of ones faith. Spiritually delves into the relationship you have with it. Why and what the ingredients mean when thry hit your tongue.

Deities arent needed for the general definition of the word.

Definition of religion

1. 1a : the state of a religious <a nun in her 20th year of religion>b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
   
   
2. 2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
   
   
3. 3archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
   
   
4. 4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

Its not a combination of them. Religion means different things by context, culture, politics, and era.

Its a devotion in a conformed mannor. The object or person of devotion is absent. The dictionaries lean toward christian views. For example, in 1913 marriage was:

The act of marrying, or the state of being married; legal union of a man and a woman for life, as husband and wife; wedlock; matrimony.
Marriage is honorable in all.
- Heb. xiii. 4.
2. The marriage vow or contract.
3. A feast made on the occasion of a marriage.
The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king which made a marriage for his son.
- Matt. xxii. 2.
4. Any intimate or close union.
5. In pinochle, bézique, and similar games at cards, the combination of a king and queen of the same suit. If of the trump suit, it is called a royal marria

Def. Marriage 1913

Been like that since the early 1990s. Then it switches to...

1. a (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage <same-sex marriage>b : the mutual relation of married persons : wedlockc : the institution whereby individuals are joined in a marriage
   
   
2. 2: an act of marrying or the rite by which the married status is effected; especially : the wedding ceremony and attendant festivities or formalities
   
   
3. 3: an intimate or close union <the marriage of painting and poetry — J. T. Shawcross>
   

Can we really trust the dictionary guys?

But common definition is religion is an Act of devotion.

Spirituality is defined differently by person. Dictionary cant fine common grounds unfortunately.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

I am currently not religious, because religion is the social practice of ritual oriented to that which is considered sacred by the group, and I am not a member of any such practicing group.

I do consider myself spiritual. I like @Sunstone 's entry above, but I'm not sure I fully agree. I see spirituality as being concerned with the individual's relationship with her/his environment, including (but not limited to) that which the individual holds to be sacred.

While this is how I see it, I don't think I see that many others looking at it quite this way.

 

[SomeRandom]

I find myself struggling with the difference between religion and spirituality a lot. I think they should work in tandem, but not at the expense of anyone.

But something that has always kind of bugged me is how important are the rituals specifically.
Are the rituals performed at my local temple really about connecting with "The Nameless, Formless One?" Or are they just robotic actions done because tradition says it has to be? Are certain rituals doomed to failure if you don't have, for example, Tulsi? (freshly picked basil.)
Does God not pardon you if you don't get blessed by a Catholic Priest (sorry, I'm not particularly familiar with the terminology.)
Both the religious and the spiritual (though usually less inclined to do so) place a lot of emphasis on ritual purity. Rituals done in a specific way. Is this religious or robotic tradition.

A religious person who just follows religion because that's what they were taught might not be particularly spiritual. But in saying that a person who is brought up to be spiritual and only follows that might not be particularly religious or spiritual.

So I just guess it depends on the person.

 

[icehorse]

The two should go together but increasingly they don't.

I disagree. Religion has attempted to usurp spirituality and has besmirched it instead. Religion often attempts to take credit in realms outside of its domain, I think as a way to try to keep itself relevant.

 

[Dawnofhope]

I disagree. Religion has attempted to usurp spirituality and has besmirched it instead. Religion often attempts to take credit in realms outside of its domain, I think as a way to try to keep itself relevant.

I agree with your disagreement but also see the positive influence religion has had on the moral and intellectual life in both individuals and civilisations. Its hard to study history and be blinded to the profound influence religion as had on at least the arts and sciences.