What is the difference between being Spiritual and being Religious?

What is the difference between being Spiritual and being Religious?

is it better to be one or the other?

Being spiritual is being in a relationship with God. Being religious is letting someone else set the rules about what your relationship should look like.

Does that make sense?

"Spiritual" is an intentionally vague term that refers to having some kind of spiritual beliefs about life (about souls or deities or the afterlife or anything that goes beyond the physical world). It implies that you do not follow a specific religion or set of beliefs but define them yourself. It's not necessarily "better". That's a personal choice. Some people appreciate having a concise set of beliefs and the community that goes with it. Other people prefer to have a more personal set of beliefs. It's whatever works for you.

'Religious' sort of implies that you follow one specific set of beliefs and faith purely and that you're devoted to it which is perfectly fine and really common (Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus etc). Spiritual is a more vague terms implying that you have some sort of belief about the universe and deity that doesn't necessarily fit into the individual boxes of specific religions.

Spiritual, in my mind, can have two different definitions. One of which is that someone has a deep personal connection with God, or whatever deity he/she follows. The other is that of having a feeling of connection with the universe or others. The first is what I'll call theological spiritualism, while the second is what I'll call worldly spirituality. I'm sure there are better terms than that, but I'm just going with them for now. Religious is referring moreso towards actions, and towards a generalized belief system. Someone who attends church every Sunday, prays everyday, and is actively involved in the church can be described as a religious person.

In my opinion, being theologically spiritual is better than being religious. Someone can be 'religious' just by walking the walk, however for someone to be spiritual it takes a personal commitment and connection in the heart. That spirituality can then prompt the person to become more religious, but that religion is now coming from the heart, rather than outside influences

Let's take the Pharisee of the New Testament. They were very religious. Constantly in public prayer, living their life upon the Torah, leading Temple activities, and being the foremost authority on religious matters. However they weren't spiritual. Their public prayers were fueled by want of attention, they were snoody and proud due to their religion, and actively persecuted and eventually had a man killed because he was perceived as a threat to their religious power.

Simply put, religion without spirituality is dead.

For some people being spiritual means they believe in outside forces but not necessarily fall under any religions. Like some people believe in horoscopes (Astrology) or Wiccan stuff. Usually that is more spiritual than religious. A lot of people consider themselves spiritual but not religious in that sense.

And as others said being spiritual can also mean that they view their beliefs as a relationship with their diety.

To my mind spirituality denotes the quality of someone who actively believes in something beyond, whatever that may be, and who incorporates philosophy linked to their own mindset into their daily life or practices. People who are, "spiritual," are typically more active and conscious of their beliefs, or their research into forming them. Religious, while not a negative term, is more associated with following more developed or pre-engineered belief systems, joining an already established faith. However they can have different or even identical meanings to different people and can become very subjective and semantics-based in conversation.

Spiritual belongs to mind and soul. Being spiritual therefore simply means an individual dealing with more than the material things of everyday life.


Those who are religious believe and follow the doctrines of a particular religion.

I would say in very broad terms:
Religion is accepting set rules to follow.
Spirituality is finding your own rules to follow.

Some people need something to hold on to in life, and following a fixed set of rules (pray to Mekka several times a day, not eat pork, go to church on Sunday, say your prayers when you go to bed, etc..) may very well be a good thing to hold on to. They also give you a sense of belonging with like-minded people. In that case, religion is the way to go.

Being spiritual is trying to find your own way in life, which you may or may not do with the help of other people. You don't have to adhere to fixed rules, but you can make your own: ones that help you achieve your goals.

Which is better? Depends on the person. As I said, some people need/want guidance and a sense of belonging. Some other people cannot stand that and try to find their own way.
There's no such thing as "better". There's only "better for you".

Beliefs versus culture?

Religion is a man made construct to understand the spiritual realm
If you don’t want to accept the man made interpretations and fabrications but feel a connection to God or spiritual beings then that’s ok

Many distance themselves from churches but are still believers in God

Spiritual: new age bullshit
Religious: old age bullshit.

Originally Posted by the_power_slave

Spiritual: new age bullshit
Religious: old age bullshit.

Just because you dont believe in something, that does not give you the right to call it bullshit.
That's a complete lack of respect for the others and for the freedom of thinking and of religion

For me religious is about following a religion, god, texts (bible, torah), church.
Of course, by following, i dont mean blindly and be a sheep

Spiritual can be about that too, but can also be about other stuff, like find a sense to our lives, how to live respecting the nature, etc

Originally Posted by Oscar2005

Just because you dont believe in something, that does not give you the right to call it bullshit.
That's a complete lack of respect for the others and for the freedom of thinking and of religion

Of course he has the right to call something/anything bullshit. It's called freedom of speech.
It does not limit the freedom of religion of anyone in any way. You can still believe what you want, whether he calls it bullshit or not.
And it isn't a lack of respect for others either: he says religion and spirituality are bullshit. He doesn't say that people who are religious or spiritual are bullshit.

You may not agree with his views, but he is free to express his feelings about this subject. Just like you are.

Originally Posted by EvaNL

Of course he has the right to call something/anything bullshit. It's called freedom of speech.
It does not limit the freedom of religion of anyone in any way. You can still believe what you want, whether he calls it bullshit or not.
And it isn't a lack of respect for others either: he says religion and spirituality are bullshit. He doesn't say that people who are religious or spiritual are bullshit.

You may not agree with his views, but he is free to express his feelings about this subject. Just like you are.

Sorry luv, but calling other peoples beliefs 'bullshit' thats an insult

Originally Posted by Oscar2005

Sorry luv, but calling other peoples beliefs 'bullshit' thats an insult

No, your opinion is that it is an insult. There's a diference.

Also, do not condescend me by calling me "luv". Now that IS an insult.

Edit:
Never mind. This is getting offtopic.

Spirituality gives the individual autonomy over his or her interpretation of the soul or spirit, whereas religion implies participation in a communal practice and interpretation of divine belief and worship