This short post continues with the theme of Religion and Spirituality.
The core values of religion and spirituality may overlap and intersect, and each can include or exclude the other. It is therefore possible, although unusual, to have a church affiliation that includes spirituality. Except for a few denominations such as Unity and Spiritualist, spiritual networks rarely mention or encourage a religious connection. More often, the relationship between these two significantly different core understandings of God and Spirit is not understood, made clear, or addressed.
Religion and spirituality differ in how we look at, understand, relate to, and manifest God in our lives.
MY GUIDED DEFINITIONS
Religion is a specific system of beliefs based on human-created tenets about God. It both unites and divides people.
Spirituality is that which concerns internal, unseen energies of God or soul. It is innate, quiet, invisible, and soul fulfilling.
TWO ANONYMOUS QUOTES
“Religion is for people who do not want to go to hell. Spirituality is for people who have been to hell and do not want to go back.”
“The nearer the church, the farther from God.”
RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY
The following chart contrasts and clarifies the extremes of Religion and Spirituality. Remember, it is possible to merge the highest aspects of both with larger interpretation and understanding. This chart is an expansion of what is included in Life’s Healing Setups in Chapter 7: Spiritual Evolution in Section 45: Sacred Perspectives starting on page 470.
| RELIGION (The God Business) |
SPIRITUALITY (God Attuned Souls) |
|---|---|
| God external/we’re separate | God internal and external, ONE |
| Judgmental and often fosters blame/victim/fear | Loving, fearless |
| Beliefs/Dogma/Rituals | Individual Guidance/Understandings |
| Divides through beliefs | Accepts and unites all |
| Faith (God can, passive) | Trust (God will, active) |
| God all-powerful | God all-powerful/we co-create in His Image |
| We’re sinful/guilty/penance | We’re God’s, no sin, learn from mistakes |
| Unworthy | Inherently One with God/Divine perfection as souls |
| Requires sacrifice to please | Sacrifice meaningless, encourages joy |
| Worship/rituals/altars/expected behavior | Beingness/internal altar |
| Controls through ego eyes | God Source, Manager, Controller |
| Bible exclusive Word of God | Bible/Personal Guidance/Knowing/Truth |
| Prayer (ask, plead, bargain) | Thoughts are prayers/claim/manifest |
| Discipline and study to be a good Christian | Remove low energies to manifest divinity |
| Tithe (“should”) | Desire generosity/service |
| Duty/fear driven | Freedom/inspiration/love |
If you would like more explanation of these above listed ideas, let me know which ones in the comment section below. I will write them up for the next post in July. Otherwise, next time we will look at reincarnation in the Bible.
I like this chart. I’m going to print it out to show Nick and Elise.
Thank you, Michele!