Spiritual vs. Religious

[InfiniteNow]

No... this it not some death match setup with an octagon and eye gouges and joint locks made illegal, but a question asking for your personal opinion on the matter.

I'd like to ask that everybody put some thought into their post (even if you wouldn't normally post in the Theology forum, maybe this is a good opportunity to branch out) and only post in this thread once, but know this might be a stretch. That said...


I consider myself to be spiritual, but not religious. Is there really a difference? If so, what describes this difference? If there is no difference, what are you using to justify your point? Any other thoughts that I may have forgotten? Please include.


Just one post by all? I'll give that an Absolute Maybe.


Curiously,



EDIT: Post as often as you wish. It was a good idea, but poorly implemented. There have been no arguments in the thread, just open sharing. That's what I wanted anyway. Cheers.

[cwes99_03]

IMHO, because really that is what you are asking for, the difference would be subscribing to one religious thought (the doctrines etc associated with the religion) where someone who calls themself spiritual would either be non-denominational or agnostic in some fashion.

Funny thing is from my understanding of Hinduism (a religion with many deities, possibly in the hundreds) each person who is of the Hindu belief may worship only one God, though believe that there are others that could be worshipped. So I guess it depends on how broad you want to make the term religion. In this case I would suggest making worship of each different particular god in that religion a different denomination (if in nothing else but in name). Would that be possible if there isn't a particular way in which that God wants to be worshipped? You'd have to know what the different holy books say.

This also sort of falls into the lines of my earlier thread of religion vs. philosophy if anyone wants to take a look at that before commenting.

[Racoon]

There can be a difference.

Religion + Zealots = Muhammed Drawings debacle...

When some dude asked Buddha:
"Are you a man or a God?"
Buddha replied, "I am Awake"

Spiritual and/or religious is a matter of perception.

I heard a long time ago, in a Galaxy far, far away...
And I will never forget it...

"Reality Is..., the Reality You Create".

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by InfiniteNow

I consider myself to be spiritual, but not religious. Is there really a difference? If so, what describes this difference?

___Spiritual refers to an individual's feeling/belief in something larger & intangible than one's self. Religion refers to organizations of people with similar spiritual feelings/beliefs intent on convincing others of the truth of those feelings/beliefs.

[orbsycli]

Originally Posted by Turtle

___Spiritual refers to an individual's feeling/belief in something larger & intangible than one's self. Religion refers to organizations of people with similar spiritual feelings/beliefs intent on convincing others of the truth of those feelings/beliefs.

With that said, our universal mind makes me cringe with spirituality in the lotus position. *Nods peacefully

[cwes99_03]

My apologies, for pointing out mistaken opinions, as this thread is apparently only for opinion and not truth.

[InfiniteNow]

Originally Posted by cwes99_03

Well minus the intent on convincing part, because some "religions" do not feel this is necessary.

Oh cwes... you had to be the first.

I'd like to ask that everybody put some thought into their post and only post in this thread once.

My hope is to hear honest opinions and prevent needless arguments...



EDIT: Post as often as you wish. It was a good idea, but poorly implemented. There have been no arguments in the thread, just open sharing. That's what I wanted anyway. Cheers.

[Biochemist]

Religion is a set of practices that one believes in. It would be perfectly acceptable (in normal usage) to suggest that one execirses religiously. "Religion" does not require a church. It is true that we we speak of "organized religion", we usually mean a set of folks that adopt the same practices.

There is only a circumspect relationship between religious practices and religious doctrine (i.e., teachings).

Spitiruality is a personal connection. You can argue that the personal connection is to other people or to God. But a personal is spiritual to the extent that they value things unseen. Ergo, you can be spiritual and well founded or spiritual and completely nutty.

[infamous]

Originally Posted by Biochemist

Ergo, you can be spiritual and well founded or spiritual and completely nutty.

Case in point; The Heaven's Gate cult.....................Infy

[Pyrotex]

Originally Posted by Turtle

Spiritual refers to an individual's feeling/belief in something larger & intangible than one's self.... [/right]

I have fought with this word "spiritual" for 40 years. Ever since I tried so hard to be a fundementalist Bible thumper... and failed.

After 40 years, I have come up with this interpretation:

Spirituality is the ART of crafting a worthwhile and fulfilled Life, by conciously building workable and productive "bridges" between:
1. your mind and your body;
2. your mind and your emotions/needs/cravings;
3. your self and other human beings;
4. your duties and society;
5. your existence and your mortality;
6. your understanding and the cosmic expanse of reality;
7. your capabilities and your accomplishments.
8. your interests and your contributions.

In other words, you're a Bonsai Tree!