Amneris

yes, you could put it that way, but true religion is also internalized - it begins without as something you are taught, but becomes what you feel.

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Get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me. -Muhammad Ali

spiderlashes5000

They are interconnected for me, too. Can't separate.

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3b (with 3c tendencies) on modified CG

CelticMoonDance

Religion when lived, through thought, action and emotion, is internalized and therefore becomes the essence of the persons soul and spirit (spirituality) Wow, this was a hard one for me to verbalize. Thanks for the help Amneris. I was able to learn something about myself. I love that

Oregano (formerly babywavy)

I feel that spirituality is what many of you described as being either spirituality OR religion.

Spirituality is you're belief in another higher power. It is your belief of who or what is responsible for all creation and energy. It is your soul and heart, and your belief of a higher power, being, or entity.

Religion is the church. It is the history, and the rules you follow, as well as the traditions and ceremonies you practice. It's the guideline you are given to follow.

For example:
A Catholics' spirituality is their belief and faith in God, and Christ. Their religion is their being baptized, attending mass, praying to particular Saints.

I am very spiritual, but do not consider myself religious. I believe that you can have one without the other.

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~ the artist formerly known as babywavy ~

Please excuse any typos. For the time being, we are blaming it on my computer.

dia99

I agree that you can have spirituality without religion. But, I think religion can and does help a lot of people to stay committed and focus to the ideals they hold spiritually. Being involved with a church that does mission work, feeds the poor, etc, helps someone who believes that is God's will for them to have a group of people to do it with, and also a human accountability system to help stay focused on what they believe to be the truth.

You can also have religion without spirituality. This is people who go to church (or group, meeting, mosque, etc) with no relationship or true belief in the ideals set forth by the religion.

I wouldn't want to have to choose between religion and relationship (spirituality). I think God gave us religion to help us with our personal spiritual journeys, and it is a tool. But, if I had to choose one it would always be spirituality over religion.

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People rise to the standard expected of them. GC

CelticMoonDance

I understand exactly what you mean. So, far me I should go w/ Religion because it has become my spirituality. Kind of the chicken or the egg

Costenya

Hmmm...this is a complicated question.

I would have to agree with Dia in that I define myself as Biblical, which to some who be a combination of religious and spiritual. I don't like the word "religious" because it conjures up images of legalistic and overzealous behavior. A religious Christian follows rules only, a spiritual Christian walks and is led by the Spirit. I would categorize myself as the latter. This does not mean that we are exempt from "rules" and principles that govern Christian life. But, my spiritual life isn't just about following a set of prescribe rules but of having a relationship with God, which is the product of a Spirit-led life.

I follow church traditions only if they are founded on Biblical truths and principles. I think a lot of what's going on today in the [Christinan] church is church "culture" that's being passed off as the way to be a Christian.

I believe it's possible to have "spirituality" without having religion. Look around.

However, my spirituality is governed by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God.

ScaryCurl

That's me to a "T."

Oregano (formerly babywavy)

Exactly.

__________________
~ the artist formerly known as babywavy ~

Please excuse any typos. For the time being, we are blaming it on my computer.

spiderlashes5000

In the book Religion for Dummies (or is it Idiot's Guide to Religion?) they are defined in the following way...I'm paraphrasing:

spirituality - your perceived role in the universe, your connection with the cosmos, your explanation of the mysteries of life, your belief (possibly) in the existence of a divine being(s)

religion - the organized teaching and practice of a set of spiritual beliefs, worship of a devine being(s) or higher power, customs, rituals, traditions and rules for memership in a group that practices as you do, possibly a holy/sacred text that outlines your beliefs

So, basically, spirituality is nonorganized, nonformal personal beliefs. Religion is structured, formal and inclusive.

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3b (with 3c tendencies) on modified CG

mazey

That’s how I defined the two and I picked spiritual, since I do not subscribe to any organized religion.

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Madonna getting upset with her daughter for dressing too slutty is like Mr. T getting upset with his son for pitying too many fools.