Are you religious or spiritual? Do you need to choose between the two or are they inextricably linked to one another? You might have used the words religion and spirituality interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. People have been searching for big truths about life and the universe for a long time. In this quest, there are two main paths: religion and spirituality. More: Religious wisdom and spiritual interpretations of mindfulness
I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.
John Lennon
While they have some similarities and are related, they also have differences. Religion is like a personal or organized set of beliefs and practices where people worship God or the supernatural. On the other hand, spirituality is about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself and living your everyday life with reverence and a sense of sacredness. In the words of Christina Puchalski, MD, who works on bringing spirituality into healthcare, “Spirituality is the part of being human that looks for meaning and purpose and feels connected to the moment, yourself, others, nature, and things that are important or sacred.” More: Brain-wave frequencies: Technical aspects
Religious or spiritual: Insights from a recent Pew Research Center Survey in the U.S.
In recent years, more Americans are not so much into organized religion. However, a new survey from the Pew Research Center found that lots of people still believe in spirits or something beyond this world, even if they don’t see themselves as religious.
The survey discovered that:
- 83% of all U.S. adults think that people have a soul or spirit, not just a body.
- 81% believe there is something spiritual beyond what we see in the natural world.
- 74% think there are things that science can’t explain.
- 45% have felt suddenly connected to something from outside this world.
- 38% have strongly felt like they were in touch with someone who passed away.
- 30% have personally felt or encountered a spirit or some unseen spiritual forces.
In general, about 70% of U.S. adults can be called “spiritual” because they see themselves as spiritual people or feel that spirituality is very important in their lives. More: Scientifically established influence of the sea on brainwaves
Understanding the differences between religion and spirituality
Religions usually build upon the lives and teachings of historical or important figures like Christ, Buddha, Moses, Krishna, or Muhammad. We learn about their holy or wise lives through stories passed down over time, both spoken and written. People in a community worship and show devotion to these figures, forming the basis for religious practices and rituals. On the other hand, spirituality often comes from applying the teachings of a founder practically. As the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho wisely said, “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.”
If you find these definitions a bit mixed up and overlapping, you’re not alone. Some people see themselves as spiritual but not religious, while others might be religious without being very spiritual. More: The spiritual harmony and beliefs of Mormons
In general, a formal religion is often an objective experience. This means there’s usually a greater focus on external things like houses of worship, books of scripture, eternal rituals, and observances. It’s like putting your attention on the things around you. Spirituality, however, leans more toward self-referral or understanding your inner self. It’s an inward journey that involves a shift in awareness rather than some external activity. Spirituality is much more about inner understanding than outer worship. This doesn’t mean worship isn’t part of spirituality. It’s just about where your devotion and worship are directed – either to an external practice, object, or figurehead, or to your soul, higher self, or the divinity within. More: Achieve your purpose with a mindful coach
Harmony of beliefs
So, are you religious or spiritual? The answer may reside in the rich tapestry of your beliefs and experiences. Perhaps, in the end, the pursuit of meaning and connection involves a delicate dance between the external and the internal, a harmonious integration of the sacred and the self. As we navigate our unique paths, let us recognize the validity of diverse approaches to understanding the profound mysteries of existence, acknowledging that the distinctions between religious and spiritual are as diverse as the human experiences they seek to comprehend. More: Discover your true path with North Node
