Quote:
Originally Posted by InJoy  I think it happens all the time. Often there are other things, completely outside the spiritual realm, such as money or other agenda, that drive some religions or religious groups. Haven't you ever met someone who used religion as a weapon? Take the groups who claim that God hates certain groups of people, and commit violent or heartless acts in God's name, for instance. They are religious, but I don't think they are in touch with their Spirit.
By my understanding and definition, religion is that which is made by man. Spirituality is that which is made by God. |
There are an unfortunate number of those groups scattered throughout our history, yet I'm sure that if we look into
their history, we'll find motives and messages ascribed to God, or another spiritual being. Humans then misinterpret those motives and messages, leading to the violence. It's still spirituality, but spirituality which has been warped and turned into something harmful.
I'm sure many would argue that's not true spirituality, but
they still believe they're doing God's work, so I can't dismiss the negative sides of spiritual beliefs so easily.
I agree with Jenny's description of the nature of religion. Perhaps the distinction between religion and spirituality would be made clearer by considering religion an
organisation of spiritual beliefs. It is possible to have spiritual beliefs, and undertake spiritual practices outside of religion, but I'm not convinced it is possible to truly be religious without some aspect of spirituality (however misguided or misinterpreted that spirituality may have become).
Conversely I believe it's possible to undertake spiritual practices outside of both spirituality
and religion. Yoga or meditation for example. As I
mention in my blog, they were initially spiritual practices, but spirituality isn't a necessary part.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cantando Being at peace with oneself and others is a major part of spirituality. Unless we achieve this, how can we experience the inner joy of being in the present, eternal moment? Whether we achieve this through religion or some belief system, or just happen to have it naturally, depends on the individual and the state of his soul. |
Nice. In other words the journey, and the state of being in which it is undertaken, is more important than the belief system we use to explain or justify it
