What's the difference?

[lark2 (deleted)]

What's the difference?

I know its a distinction often made but I wonder what it means to anyone posting on here, I think that in their time and place many of the sources of spirituality valued by individuals who have turned their back on organised religion or religiosity are in fact organised religion and religiosity themselves.

[fringey]

In my humble opinion, being spiritual means that you repsect the spiritual aspects of life without having to actually practice them or join a religion. Religions all have their own set of things they believe in and that their followers are supposed to practice. Being spiritual means you recognize there is something more, but don't necessarily feel a need to do more than recognize it.

Patrick
a.k.a. Fringey, The Fringe Element
"A life lived without passion is a life not lived."

[sandip140]

.Life is with challenges and oportunities , which would provide the destinations and goals for individual. Craetivity, discovery , understanding, relations, innvative approaches etc.. are surely required. Eventually human freez him/herself on peach which can be thorugh spiritual way.

[myselfl]

.no comment about peaches

[etherealpaula (deleted)]

`TO ME SPIRITUALITY IS A DIRECT LINE TO GOD. I CHOOSE NOT TO BE INTO ORGANIZED RELIGION BECAUSE IT IS FEAR BASED AND GUILT BASED.

[pureheart777]

.thank you for sharing what you did. so many of us out here feel the same way. organized religion also didnt work for me as i feel it takes away the ability to think for ones self and not like the masses....

[shannontg]

`Spirituality is personal, but religion is social.

[hannahh (deleted)]

*When we allow the Wisdom of Inner Knowing be our Guide we,ll never become lost,or lose site of where we,re going*

[justjoan]

``When you are overwhelmed with grief or a devastating sitiuation current in your life, you are most likely to become lost for awhile until you become accustomed to the circumstances, have your wits together, and then you will have the mental stability to concenstrate on your inner wisdom. Otherwise people will think they have lost their minds if they think they have to be in total control of their logical knowledge at all times. The mind can take so much and it will loose focus for awhile, but it always comes back and stronger for it. That's when God holds us tight until have time to deal with it sensibly.

[justjoan]

[deleted]

[justjoan]

[deleted]

[hannahh (deleted)]

*Ignorance breeds in pools of unawarenes.
Because when we loose ourselves in the midst of the crowd,
Sometimes we forget to be attentive,
To those who really need us around*
I beleieve that that is why it is Written *Where there is no vision the people perish*

[scorpio29]

`What is the difference between religion and spirituality? Here's a handy chart, comparing religion to spirituality.


Spirituality
Religion
Spirituality is inborn. Spiritual experiences are as natural to human beings as breathing.
Religion was created by humans to explain, contain, and stimulate spiritual experiences. Spirituality is an experience within yourself, inexpressible and unforgettable.

Religion is other people telling you what that experience is supposed to be.
Spirituality holds that you and the Divine are One, inseparable. Thus, the purpose of spirituality is simply to fully remember this fundamental truth. Religion claims that the Divine exists outside of you, and you are apart from it. Thus, the purpose of religion is then to make you acceptable to this outside judge. Spirituality asserts that you are inherently perfect, whole, and lovable. You do not need to "heal" or change. Although you will be happier if you realise your perfection, which is what spirituality helps you do. Religion asserts that humans are imperfect and/or ignorant, if not actively sinful and evil. Religion then aims to set you straight and guide you how to improve yourself. Spirituality acknowledges that everyone's spirituality is uncompromisingly unique; no one can say what another's spiritual path could be. Religion imposes one person's spiritual experience upon others. Spirituality aims for personal experience of the Divine, and an internal understanding of what you believe to be true. Religion aims for acceptance of what other people have experienced and said to be true. Spirituality is having a personal, intimate relationship with your Source. Religion seeks a relationship with the Divine, but not union. Religion separates you from the Divine, while seeming to encourage closeness. Spirituality is the seeking of union with the Divine.

Religion is the rules about the seeking.
Spirituality does not have rules. The most it offers is guidelines and spiritual practices that have helped others and are likely to benefit you. Religion insists on its rules as absolute truths. Spirituality is internally focused. What occurs is between you and the Divine, alone. Religion is externally focused. The experience isn't the focus, but whether you're following the rules is.

Spirituality is talking to God yourself, and hearing the Divine's response.
Religion puts an intermediary (priest) between you and the Divine. It is someone else interpreting the Divine for you. In spirituality, morality is subject only to the approval of the Divine. In religion, morality is dictated by obedience to an authoritarian rulebook (law). The aim of spirituality is to create opportunities for direct experience ofthe Divine. The aim of religion is to make you a cohesive, beneficial member of the congregation. Spirituality is having a mature relationship with your Divine Source. Religion is the toddler-version of spirituality: it is a stepping stone and guide toward spiritual union. Spirituality is learning to be your own Sacred Chalice, your own container for Divine Energy.

Religion serves as a container for spirituality, for those who have found the real purpose of religion. For others, religion acts as a pseudo-spirituality, relieving them of the responsibility to actually live a spiritual life.
Spirituality insists that you can only KNOW what you have experienced for yourself. Religion usually demands unquestioning obedience to dogma. You KNOW what you are told to know. In spirituality, everyone has the potential to achieve the goal of full awakening, by whatever path is right for them. In religion, the goal of personal "salvation" is achieved only by those who adhere to its beliefs and rules. Spirituality is meant to serve the Divine, and by extension, all of life.

Religion is meant to serve spirituality, yet it is commonly twisted around to be exactly the opposite. Or worse, it serves the goals who seek control and "power."
Spirituality champions personal power. It reminds us that true power can only be found within yourself, not in controlling people or events. Religion confuses the basic issues of power and control. It tries to control others, rather than seeking to control self. Spirituality seeks to liberate you from dependence in any form. Religion keeps you dependent and spiritally immature . . . unless you perceive the spirituality beyond it.

[scorpio29]

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[scorpio29]

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