Religion vs. Spirituality

Katy Pelchy
Religion vs. Spirituality
Outside Reading

“Although compatible in many cases, religion and spirituality are opposites. Religion is a holding on to – an espousing of a certain set of dogma or beliefs. In contrast, spirituality is defined as a releasing of all supposition, and thereby becoming open to a relationship with “that which is greater than self.” In other words, religion is a holding on while spirituality is a letting go.”

This paragraph I came across while reading literature citation articles opened my perception of what it means to be religious. I considered myself religious and spiritual, without really thinking there was a difference in the two. This paragraph, however, clearly states the difference, and it is a significant one at that.

I’ve met people who I would now term religious. They are close-minded, completely absorbed in what they term is “right,” and quick to judge someone according to their beliefs, or lack thereof. This is one reason why some people are so turned off by the idea of religion. The bumper sticker “I hate Christians, but I love Christ” comes to mind. Spirituality seems to be the true way of being religious, at least in terms of Christianity. To be spiritual, one doesn’t concern themselves with others. Others may do as they wish, and they should not be judged for their choices. Moreover, spirituality allows one to be open to God in every way, since it is defined in this paragraph as “becoming open to a relationship with that which is greater than self.”

Nature comes to mind with the term “that which is greater than self.” Since many people go out into nature to develop their spirituality, it seems that wilderness is a universal symbol for finding God. Even in biblical times, Jesus went out into the wilderness to pray and find answers. Nature seems to be conduit for finding oneself spiritually.