14 Aug Exploring Spirituality and Religion

Spirituality and religion are terms considered to have the same meaning, even though individuals may relate to them in different ways. Both are connected to understanding the meaning of life and its connection to a higher power on an individual and group level. Although, spirituality and religion share similarities, they are very different in practice.

Definitions and Characteristics

Spirituality – related to one’s soul and inner self, seeking to achieve peace and purpose based on guidance from a higher power (God, Spirit, Divine Source)

• Application is based on the founder’s teachings.
• Recognizes truth in all religions because everything originates from a divine source.
• Seeks to focus on the divine message found within the different versions of religion.
• Can be viewed as a state of being, individuals seek to live a life guided by Spirit. Meditation and prayer are incorporated to make conscious decisions based on how they feel Spirit is guiding them.

Religion – structured belief system and practices shared by a community, group, or institution that is instrumental when developing a relationship with God.

• Application is based on the beliefs, lives, and teachings of a historical figure such as Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Krishna, and Muhammad.
• Composed of subgroups, which may foster an environment that creates division. Each subgroup believes their version of the religion holds more validity.
• Passed down from generation to generation.
• Can be viewed as a state of doing because action is taken to attend worship services to pray, participate in rituals (ex: communion), and assemble with others who share their beliefs.

“Religion is belief in someone else’s experience. Spirituality is having your own experience.” – Deepak Chopra

Misconceptions about Spirituality and Religion

Many individuals are misinformed when it comes to spirituality. Some make the assumption an individual who identifies as spiritual but not religious (SBNR) does not believe in God, which is far from being true. Spirituality embraces different perspectives and ways an individual experience having a relationship with God. Also, it recognizes the essence of God in all things (ex: nature, animals).

When it comes to religion some individuals believe they are all the same. If you compare some of the stories/teachings, they share many similarities. However, the practices may vary for each one. For example, one religion may stipulate praying a specified number of times at certain times during the day. Then, another religion may suggest praying through out the day when an individual feels the need to do so. 

My Thoughts and Experiences

Personally, I do not feel there is a wrong or right way to worship God and you have to follow what resonates with your soul and personal journey in life. After all, our souls come from God and we were born with free will to experience different situations in life to promote growth within our souls. 

I consider myself to be spiritual and I believe truth is found in all religions. Throughout my life, I have always respected other’s beliefs. Regardless of what an individual believes in, it is their experience and personal journey; therefore, who are we to question their beliefs. We do not know what is intended for the individual to learn from that particular experience. 

At a former job, one of my co-workers was a Jehovah Witness. When we had celebrations at work, he would not participate based on his beliefs. Even though he did not participate, I would always save food for him at the end. When his church hosted special events, he would invite me to attend. At the time, I was a member of a Methodist church but it did not prevent me from attending the event because in my mind it was just another way of worshipping God. However, a Jehovah Witness will never attend another church outside of their own, which ties back to their specific practice. 

I grew up in a Baptist home, was baptized as a Methodist, then eventually I ended up attending a non-denominational church. Unfortunately, while attending the Methodist church, I experienced some issues that caused me to stop attending church for at least two years before attending the non-denominational church. As we know, sometimes there are individuals who attend church with the wrong intentions. 

During the two years, I still believed in God, prayed, and read the bible accordingly. I was still blessed and did not experience any adverse situations because I was not attending church in the traditional sense. This marked the beginning of spirituality resonating with my soul. I started to realize what one of my uncles meant when he said, “Church is in your heart.” He was not a church goer but he believed in God.

After the two years, I started attending the non-denominational church because being a member of a church is a big deal in the African American culture. However, after a few years, I decided to follow what resonated with my soul and not being tied to a specific religion/denomination. 

I am at peace on my journey and I live with purpose to carry out God’s plan for my life. When you least expect it, confirmations and reminders are sent to you. About three years ago, I was at a store in the check out line waiting to pay for my items. There was a guy at the counter paying for his items and talking about God to a woman behind him. He gave her a metal cross then proceeded to the exit.

Before leaving the store, he turned around and came to me and said, “You walk with God,” but he was actually asking a question. I looked at him and was wondering why he turned around to ask me that. Then, he asked me again and I replied yes. He said he knew it because he felt a strong presence with me. He gave me a metal cross then left the store. 

Recap

At the end of the day, you have to follow what resonates with your soul and is in alignment with your personal journey. God is concerned with your heart and intentions because spirituality and religion originate from the same source. Both are different ways individuals seek to have a relationship with God. We must learn to respect other’s beliefs even if they are different from our own. Remember, what is true for one individual may not be true for another.

I believe the ultimate goal is to be in alignment with the true essence of God and reflect unconditional love, peace, and joy. It will contribute to the greater good of humanity.