Is there a difference?

[transientlife]

What do YOU think?

Is there a difference between being spiritual and being religious?

What are your personal definitions of spiritual and religious?

My personal view is that a "spiritual" Christian (for example) is one who looks to the teachings and pure essence of Christianity, while a "religious" Christian is more focused on every little detail of every little aspect, I guess what they would call a more "legalistic" view of Christianity.

I hope that makes sense

 

[NHI]

What do YOU think?

Is there a difference between being spiritual and being religious?

What are your personal definitions of spiritual and religious?

My personal view is that a "spiritual" Christian (for example) is one who looks to the teachings and pure essence of Christianity, while a "religious" Christian is more focused on every little detail of every little aspect, I guess what they would call a more "legalistic" view of Christianity.

I hope that makes sense

Personally, I see those two terms in relation to "Christianity" to be: spiritual talking/relating one on one with God, and religious being part of a church/group/sect

 

[f16fan12]

Being religious is saying the prayers when you should, while being spiritual is actually believing in them.

 

[Lifesaver]

I don't see much difference.

Religion comes from the Latin religare (probably mispelt), which means to re-connect; to re-estabilish the connection we originally had with God but lost.

 

[transientlife]

But what would your personal definitions be, Lifesaver?

 

[Philosoft]

spiritual talking/relating one on one with God

I think you'll find the more common term for this is "mysticism."

In any case, I think it's safe to call most Buddhists "spiritual," but I would stop short of "religious."

 

[Radio-Free Gnosis]

My personal view is that a "spiritual" Christian (for example) is one who looks to the teachings and pure essence of Christianity, while a "religious" Christian is more focused on every little detail of every little aspect, I guess what they would call a more "legalistic" view of Christianity.

I agree. Though I call them "Literalists" instead of "Legalistic," though Legalistic works just as well.

 

[Emmy]

I do not think that there is a difference,but I truly do not know. Perhaps you could ask a Vicar or Pastor.To be spiritual sounds a bit more serious I think.Greetings Emmy.

 

[Eudaimonist]

As I see it, being "spiritual" means having an internal focus, as opposed to being overly outwardly focused and "materialistic". IOW, to have a concern for the growth and development of one's "spirit", however that is conceived.

As strange as it may sound to Christians, I regard myself as a spiritual person. But my spirituality is of a vastly different sort than Christian spirituality. For example, self-esteem and a heroic sense of life figure prominantly in my spirituality.

 

[TwinCrier]

Anything to do with the supernatural can be considered 'spiritual' but someone may believe in ghosts or aliens or such and not consider that their religion. Someone may be devoted to something non-spiritual as their religion... like they may worship a non-deity or money. What about those suicide cults? I would consider them religious but not spiritual. I think there are lots of false religions that are based on someone's rituals that are not spiritual at all.

 

[revrobor]

I avoid all labels. I have surrendered my life to God and seek to walk in obedience to Him. I will not join a denominational church and do not call myself a "Christian" because the word has come into such mis-use and so much wrong has been done in the name of "Christianity" which, really, is no more than a religious system established and perverted by men. Should anyone ask I am a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have little use for the religion known as "Christianity". Yes, I attend "church" but will not join as it is generally seen as agreement with all that church teaches or believes.

 

[Skellybones]

Religion is a travesty when compared to spirituality.
Spirituality is the raw faith and core of your Path, while religion is only a community "founded" in its (the particular Path's) name.

Religion is boundaries, restrictions, social priorities, etc.
Spirituality is what religion wants to be but demands loyalty from followers.

See where I'm comming from?

 

[transientlife]

Spirituality is internal - governed more by self and personal relationship with higher power and, religion is external and governs over it's believers and the entire relationship of the following with higher power? Something like that?

 

[tkster]

I am sure that for each individual the words "religious" and "spiritual" mean different things. However, if by spiritual you mean feelings, I would have to say the most effectibe people would be Christians who came to Christ because of truth, not because of how they felt. The truth hurts.

take care,
tk

 

[transientlife]

Yeah that's why I asked for personal definitions.

 

[katherinethegreat]

Religion is a travesty when compared to spirituality.
Spirituality is the raw faith and core of your Path, while religion is only a community "founded" in its (the particular Path's) name.

Religion is boundaries, restrictions, social priorities, etc.
Spirituality is what religion wants to be but demands loyalty from followers.

See where I'm comming from?

i totally agree

i would much rather be spritual than religious..because most religious people want to blow people up..ie AL QUIDA and the Jews vs. palestine in the middle east....spiritual people such as gandi...they did more good

 

[Schism]

does anybody go to their high school counselor and say they want to be a t.v. preacher?


they go to find help--which in common wording, a person wants to find their own peace not the peace for others

 

[- DRA -]

What do YOU think?

Is there a difference between being spiritual and being religious?

What are your personal definitions of spiritual and religious?

My personal view is that a "spiritual" Christian (for example) is one who looks to the teachings and pure essence of Christianity, while a "religious" Christian is more focused on every little detail of every little aspect, I guess what they would call a more "legalistic" view of Christianity.

I hope that makes sense

Yes, there is a difference. The Athenians were religious, but not spiritual (Acts 17:16-32). Likewise, the Jews were religious, but not spiritually minded (Rom. 10:1-3).

I tend to view "religious" as worshipping or showing reverence to something.

I tend to think of passages like 1 Cor. 2:14-16, Gal. 6:1, and 1 Cor. 10:1-12 when I think of "spiritual."