Time and again I hear people say, “I’m not religious; I’m spiritual.” Their words are usually tinged with some fear or even disdain at being labeled as religious.
Some people explain that because they don’t have the time or inclination to go to a place of worship such as a temple, church or mosque to pray, they don’t consider themselves religious.
Others tell me that since they don’t adopt all the religious teachings and practices of their faith unquestioningly, they are not religious.
Yet others prefer to follow their own inner guidance, beliefs and traditions when connecting to, and worshipping the divine higher power
The truth is, a spiritual person may also be religious; and a religious person may be very spiritual.
You can practice your personal blend of religion and spirituality by living spiritual truths within the parameters of your own religion.
Here’s how Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa did this. . .
Merging Spirituality with Religion
Mahatma Gandhi was a devout Hindu with a spiritual vision. He found strength, courage, and wisdom in the teachings of the holy book called the Bhagavad Gita.
Using it to guide his life, he fought to gain India’s independence from British rule while holding fast to the spiritual ideal of nonviolence.
Keeping in mind the fundamental spiritual truth that we are all one, he understood that there is no need to harm others even as he struggled to stand firm on his goals and principles. He said, ”My religion is based on truth and nonviolence. Truth is my God. Nonviolence is the means of realizing Him.”
Mother Theresa once said, “I heard the call to give up all and follow Christ into the slums to serve him among the poorest of the poor.”
Her vision was spiritual (Oneness with others and therefore, love and serve all unconditionally) and her love for Christ came from her religious background.
So being religious and spiritual can, and do go hand in hand.
Religions Stand on Spiritual Truths
We often don’t agree or accept some of the religious beliefs, rules and practices. If they are not understood or explained incorrectly, we tend to let them go.
But by focusing on the outer aspects of religion we are forgetting that spirituality provides the fundamental principles underlying all religions.
When we seek out a deeper understanding of the spiritual philosophy, the purpose, the science, and even the cultural and historical backdrop of the teachings and practices, we may be able to better appreciate the reasoning behind them.
If the people who follow and preach religion are not able to answer our questions, or the practices and observances curb our freedom and seem arbitrary, we could do a little research on our own. Then we can decide whether to adopt the religion and its practices or not.
If we move away from religion because of an aversion to following the prescribed practices, or even to the people who practice them, we may be throwing the proverbial “baby out with the bathwater.”
In other words, we could be rejecting what is good and useful along with the practices and observances that we don’t like, or that don’t make sense to us.
Religions have served a vital role in the lives of people for generations. We may need to upgrade our understanding and hold onto the spiritual truths they stand on, while continuing to question blind adherence to certain religious beliefs and practices.
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I have found while helping families as a social worker that through challenging times,many people found comfort, faith and endurance in their religious community and through prayer.
As you say, though, comfort, faith and endurance can come from beliefs and inspirations that are not particularly related to religion.
Thanks Eleanor. Yes.. comfort, faith and endurance are not exclusive to any particular religion but are universally valued by all people..
Hi, this has really helped me thank you ???? I love and believe in God and Jesus.. I’m also on my spiritual path & enlightenment.. there’s a constant stigma that if we become spiritual, we can’t possibly believe god created the universe.. I know this sounds crazy but it worries me sick thinking I have to pick my faith which I always would over being spiritual ???? ????
Even those following a spiritual path ultimately believe in God. They don’t call Him/She/It “G-O-D” but they give it other names such as Source, The Universe, Nature, All-that-Is. These are all different names for the one Creator and Source form which we all come from. People pursuing the path of spirituality may not want to follow religious rituals and practices but really speaking, they have substituted them with their own rituals and practices. Ultimately Elaine, there is no difference in the essence of both religion and spirituality. We have separated them as though they are different paths. Religions are based on spiritual principles. It’s simply the how–to and interpretation that differ. We are all One seeking the One.
I’m glad to know that you now feel comfortable knowing you are on path!
Interesting
Thanks for this explanation. Raised with a solid spiritual-religious foundation, was what kept me on my feet, despite my doubts and conflicting questions at times. That said, I believe one should always question one’s beliefs and religious practices based on God’s word and be willing to learn from others as well.
God has no religion nor denomination. Throughout the Bible speaks of the spirit of man, which isn’t tied to any particular religion or faith.God bless!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I like how you say: “God has no religion nor denomination.” Very true!
hi, I am religious and believe in god but my spiritual path has been calling out to me. Can I still believe that all is one and the universe helps us while believing that God/Jesus is a teacher to help guide my life? thanks.
Hello Julia, Absolutely! Being spiritual does not mean you have to stop believing in God or Jesus. I’ve written an article that you may find useful entitled, “Can you be both spiritual and religious?” https://www.manishamelwani.com/can-you-be-both-spiritual-and-religious/
There is only One Truth/Source/Cause expressing in all of creation. Being everywhere, spirituality tells us that this Truth also exists in your own heart—as your own true Self! Religion calls it God/Father in heaven/Krishna/Allah/Elohim etc. Our goal is to realise our oneness with this Truth or God.
So spirituality and religion are not essentially different. Faith in God/Higher Power/ Truth/ Universe/Creator/Source/The Self (all synonyms) is necessary to walk the path of both religion and spirituality because the goal is the same.
In my book, “So you’re a spiritual being–now what? I have dedicated a whole chapter to understanding spirituality and religion. You can read more about my book here: https://www.manishamelwani.com/about-the-book/