Spirituality and religion are often used interchangeably to describe someone’s faith or existential views; however, these two words hold very different meanings. They share similar qualities and can certainly be talked about together, but they still consist of different concepts.
Religion is defined as “the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods, and as a particular system of faith and worship”. Religion tends to follow more specific or outlines rules, rituals, or traditions that members follow. Members of the same religion typically identify as a community. While people within the same religion can have differing beliefs, they are related by common factors that the particular religion has to offer.
Spirituality is more difficult to define and is more abstract as far as practice and implementation. The dictionary definition of spirituality is “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things”. Other definitions and interpretations include “the personal quest for meaning in life” and “anything involved in feeding the soul of the practicing person”.
Anyone can be spiritual, religious, or both, and the method of practice for either is always a personal preference. If you are interested in becoming spiritual, religious, or both, you do not have to follow any set rules to be a part of either and are allowed to practice in a way that works best for you. Some ways to learn and get more involved include:
- Talking to people you trust about their thoughts and experiences and what they do for spiritual wellness
- Doing research: reading books, watching movies or documentaries, exploring websites or group meetings for spirituality or certain religions
- Figure out what spirituality and religion mean to Self-reflect and think about your values and what you want to gain from spirituality or religion
- Having mantras or positive affirmations that help make you feel good
- Try and be more aware of the things and people around you, acknowledging the life that we are all apart of and sharing
Key Takeaways
Religion: organized, typically community/group based, specific practices, common belief in a higher power
Spirituality: less structured/organized, typically individual based, more abstract concept, variety of practices and ways of engagement, centered around peace/the mind, body, and soul, existentialism view
However you choose to be, spiritual or religious, it should feel comfortable and uplifting for you. What feeds your spirituality may not work for someone else, and vice versa. Remember to be kind to yourself and remind yourself that finding spirituality or religion is often a lifelong process, and the only “right” way to do it. We all have unique perspectives of the world and have the freedom to interpret it whatever way works best!
-Alison Reynolds, Graduate Student Assistant
References:
https://millennial-grind.com/5-ways-to-be-more-spiritual-without-religion/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/spirituality-without-religion https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4957758/#:~:text=Spirituality%20and%2