Are You Religious or Are You Spiritual?

5 Major Differences between Religion and Spirituality

Introduction

Religion and Spirituality are two terms that are often used by many interchangeably.  But these two are not synonymous. There are essential differences that we should recognize.

Travel all over the world will expose one to the varieties of religious experience alongside its socio-cultural traditions. Yes, religion and spirituality come with different content, packages, and labels.

Although the principles explored in this article apply to all religious traditions, the primary context focuses on the Christian variety. 

The ultimate goal of religion is growth towards deeper spirituality. That is why we learn early on of “pure and undefiled religion.”¹

However, deeper spirituality is often not attained through religion. Religion could become a potent block towards the attainment of this sacred goal. 

This article attempts to elucidate the fundamental differences between religion and spirituality. To be clarified about these differences will help each reader answer the question: “Am I religious or spiritual?”  

A. Religion promotes adherence to structure; Spirituality nurtures relationships. 

The structure that maintains a religious institution is firmly stated in its Constitution and By-laws and Policy Manual. Specific areas commonly addressed in these documents are:

1. Organizational governance. This area delineates who constitutes leadership and who are the followers of this leadership. Here we find how officers are selected, their specific roles, and the length of their terms of offices.
   
   
2. Architectural design. Many religious institutions are recognizable by the architecture of the edifices where activities are held. Several of these designs trace back to centuries-old architectural structures. The more ornate and complex the design, the stronger is its historical narrative.
   
   
3. Financial accounting. How finances are acquired, maintained, and disbursed are delineated in this area. Quite often, the disbursal policies of the finances are to maintain the institution’s reputation and the status of its leadership.
   
   
4. Rules regarding affiliation. Who can be a part of the religious institution and who is considered an outsider is explained in this area. Religious institutions are militant towards maintaining the rules and enforcing them regarding who’s in and who’s out. 

Spirituality, on the other hand, nurtures relationships. If there is a need to structuralize, it is to nurture these relationships so that one feels a sense of belonging and significance.

In maintaining relationships, spirituality encourages actual participation in each other’s lives. There is also a strong emphasis on service so that no human need remains unmet among those who belong.

Being with one another is not just a concept that remains within the cognitive domain. It is observed so that no one is left out to feel isolated. 

If you belong to a religious group for some time, and you still do not feel like part of the group and struggles with isolation and loneliness, maybe you have been playing religion!

It is high time that you explore the nature of relationships of which you have been participating. 

B. Religion likes godly talk; Spirituality desires godly walk. 

A large portion of the energy is expended in promoting godly talk among members of a religious institution.

Emphasis is upon reading and memory of scriptures and/or creeds, reciting scriptural narratives to one another, reminding those who have erred of their obligation as stated forth in biblical passages.

To the eye of an ordinary observer this is quite impressive since not many are able to quote verses from memory. 

Godly talking also tends to narrow conversations to what is right from what is wrong; what is of the devil and what is of God. It is not unusual for godly talkers to answer a normal conversation with bible verses or to label someone who has made a mistake as being used by the devil. 

Spirituality, however, encourages godly walking instead of godly talking. In a deeply spiritual person, talk is cheap and easy; the hard work is to live in godliness.

This does not mean that biblical passages are unimportant. It simply reminds us that biblical passages are not given to dismiss dialog or to prove one’s correctness.

It is also often dangerous to throw passages of the bible to others while not explaining the context of why these passages were written.

And how important it is always to remember that bible passages were written to change the reader’s life and not show off religious superiority! 

Spiritualty also recognizes that many areas in human life cannot be categorized as right or wrong. Two examples: Who is right, someone who wears blue or someone who wears red? Which is correct, to prepare coffee with cream or to put both cream and sugar?

Spirituality tends to prevent judgmentalism unto others, for it searches one’s heart first and seeks if there is any offensive way there. Busyness in searching one’s own heart leaves not enough time to search the hearts of others!

C. Religion perpetuates tradition; Spirituality fosters practical wisdom. 

There is a positive richness in the tradition that is colored by historical narratives. An example is for the child to come home from school every summertime to renew bonding with parents, siblings, and hometown friends.

Another example is for all family members to gather together every first Saturday of the month for a big breakfast to fellowship and keep in touch with each other’s whereabouts. 

When tradition is used however, in the context of religion it connotes a certain rigidity that defies any effort to change.

“This is how we have been doing it!” is a trite reply of a traditionalist to someone who dares to inquire about traditional practices. Here, tradition becomes an all-powerful theme that regulates people’s thoughts and behavior. Let me explain. 

There are two items where tradition is intensely observed:

1. Observance of Rituals.

Any organized religious institution is rich in ritualistic tradition. A ritual is a ceremonial activity of a religious group that is done with regularity and solemnity.

Because these activities are often happening in the context of worship, many rituals have to do with elements of worship.

This includes, but not limited to, the following:  the type and sources of music that are sung; the attire of individuals who participate in the leadership of worship; where, when, and how often the sacramental ordinances are observed; and the time, length, order, and components of worship.

Anyone who tries to change any of these established traditions will receive strong resistance from various sources.

2. Recitation of Creed.

Organized religions have creeds that adherents would recite with regularity at designated times. Some of these are posted on the hallowed halls of the edifice.

Others are regularly printed in written documents for distribution. Failure to recite these creeds from memory upon random request would merit doubt in others regarding one’s faithfulness. 

Spirituality on the other hand fosters the growth of practical wisdom instead of simply adhering to rituals and creeds.

The first inquiry to be asked in spirituality is this: What is the wisdom for observing the traditional practice? Is the practice that is perpetuated relevant today?

For example, what is the relevance of singing the abolitionists’ song “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in today’s reality? 

Another question is: Can any of these traditional practices be modified so that they will be well-received and thus promote spiritual growth? What spirituality is after is simply the development of practical wisdom among those who belong to the group. After all, becoming more mature in the faith is really growing in wisdom!

D. Religion encourages external appearance; Spirituality concerns internal reality.  

Among the religious, reputation is of premium value. The religious will expend all kinds of resources to enhance reputation.

Advertising agencies and individuals with expertise in good marketing are hired to promote the reputation of the religious institution. 

Furthermore, it is not unusual for a religious group to promote the thought that bigger is usually better. So, in the name of religion, we see big buildings, big budgets, and big numbers.

The thinking plays on the psychology of humans who have equated success with something materially touchable.  Small is perceived as either ineffective or lacking in influence. 

Alongside the preceding thought, religion aligns with a lifestyle of acquisition. To the religious, to have more is both a symbol of success and brings one to a sense of security.

Success is a common theme that is taught among adherents. Suffering of any form is shunned and perceived as unnecessary, for it brings no lessons to life. 

Appearance also focuses on how one is perceived by others. So, regardless of what’s happening in the heart or within one’s family life, the most important thing is that one publicly appears alright!

The direct outcome of this is a life projected outwardly in pretense. Hypocrisy or wearing a mask is a common observation among religious individuals. 

On the other hand, spirituality is concerned with internal reality, the affairs of the heart. Therefore, the primary focus is developing a sterling character that leads to a life of integrity.

To the deeply spiritual person, caring for the character is a priority over projecting a good reputation. 

Deeper spirituality enhances growth in personal integrity. A person with stable spirituality is the same at home and work. You will find him or her to be genuine wherever the person is found. 

In spirituality, a life of example is the most powerful tool to influence others. It is neither possession of things that will rot in time nor eloquence of speech that is hollow without a changed heart. 

E. Religion promotes sacrifice; Spirituality prefers obedience. 

Make no mistake, sacrifice is necessary to have deeper spirituality. But the sacrifice in religion is not for this purpose.

The primary purpose for the sacrifice in religion is the betterment of the institution, especially in promoting its good image, and not of the individual’s growth. 

The topic of sacrifice is quite sensitive in nature since it is called by all disciples to live a sacrificial life. But there is a biblical verse, which reads, “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”²

This was a direct statement of the prophet Samuel in rebuke of Saul who lived a life of compromise. 

Sacrifice here is used to refer to a religious practice that is basically ritualistic in nature. It is an act of giving away what is considered of great value for a higher good as perceived by the community. A common practice in biblical times is to offer an animal, like a ram or a goat. The fatter the animal, the more valuable is the sacrifice. 

The original intent of making a sacrifice is either to make atonement for one’s sins or to pay homage to the deity.

As time went on, however, the ceremony was used for other purposes, such as enhancing one’s religious reputation. It is not done to express genuine sorrow for one’s personal sinfulness with a commitment to the fresh renewal of life. 

The direct statement which declares “to obey is better than sacrifice” is so instructive for development of spirituality.

Why is obedience better than religious sacrifice?

Obedience is better because it prevents the individual from entertaining a life of unfaithfulness. It is better because it fosters joy in the understanding that one pleases God.

It is better because it is proactive in doing the will of the Higher Power instead of a pattern of disobedience followed by offers of sacrifice. It is better because, at the end of the day, it does not need a religious ritual anymore to please the Divine!

To sacrifice so that one will appear good in the eyes of others is religion. On the other hand, to sacrifice because this will enhance one’s obedience to the LORD’s instruction is profound spirituality. 

Conclusion

One major, though quiet, resistance of mine to obey the teaching of Christ regarding adult baptism was the thought that I have to change my religion! It took me quite a long period of delay to finally agree in my heart that this is a matter of obedience to my Lord.

The death of Jesus was occasioned by the seething anger of the crowd as instigated by religious leaders. In the name of religious bigotry, the only begotten Son of God was crucified and died a death fitting for a hardened criminal. 

Is it not a wonder therefore that one of the major blocks towards embracing biblical Christianity that promotes a deeply personal and vital relationship with God through His Son is religion?

This is illustrated by a young man who in his zeal for his neighbors to experience the joy he has in the Lord knocked at the neighbor’s door to give a piece of track.

When the neighbor opened the door and asked rather sternly what he wants, the young man simply responded, “I wish to give you this track so you can know more about the purpose of God for each of us.”

In apparently triggered anger, the neighbor replied, “No need! I already have my religion!” and promptly slammed the door to the young man’s face.

So my friends who read this blog, I asked you gently, “Are you religious or are your spiritual?”

Only you can answer this in your heart. If in all honestly, you agree that through these years you have been playing the game of religion, I wish to encourage you to pause and surrender your life to the lordship of the One who was sent to die on your behalf so you can experience forgiveness and eternal life.

He knows exactly what is your heart, so you can silently voice your desire to be connected with Him in a vital and personal way.

There is no need for you to impress Him with the quality of your prayers. After all, He is not in this game called religion!

Footnote

^{1 Pure and undefiled religion is taught in the first chapter of the Book of James in the Holy Bible.} 

^{2 “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15::22}