What's the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?

Article Title: What's the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?
from https://beyondthezonespirit.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/whats-the-differenc...
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Religion, Spirit, Spirituality, "Spiritual Thoughts", The Spiritual Path, "Inspiration", "Inspirational Thoughts", “Empowerment”
Web Sites:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=C...

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter's blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

https://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/craigs-list-of-blogs-update...

and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/

+ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."

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What's the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?

from my blog www.godandformula1.wordpress.com and my book at http://www.amazon.com/God-Formula-One-Beyond-Zone/ (paperback)

(Also available from Amazon as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0 )

What is RELIGION?:

In his book 'VISION OF POWER AND GLORY', John Kehoe examines the difference between spirituality and religion: Like him, I believe that you do not have to have any one particular belief to nurture yourself spiritually. It is not adopting a religion, which is of critical importance; but rather by undergoing a spiritual awakening, which gives us comfort to get through the trials and tribulations of life. Why is that? Because all that religion is, is a set of beliefs. You adopt a set of principles or body of knowledge, eg. Christian, Jewish, Malay, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. Anything at all...and hasn't religion and other rigid dogmas caused so many wars over the years - from the beginning of man. However, everyone is convinced there is the one true way - that theirs is the only religion to hold. And this often causes strife in family's and countries. But is there only one true religion which is correct? There is no one true way, I believe. There are as many ways as there are people to find God, the spirit of the Universe itself...and all that is good in life.

I believe that all religions can comfort and nourish the soul - as long as you are a true believer in the ALMIGHTY, a Power Greater than Oneself...and have FAITH in "his" (why does God have to be a "Him"?) will (or God's plan for you or whatever you may wish to call Infinite Spirit). Religion brings comfort and "security of belief", a "certainty" to people. So religion in itself can be a very good thing. * SPIRITUALITY:

What is spirituality?

Spirituality goes much deeper than religion. At least I believe so. It is the innermost sense of you. Spirituality is far more than what is in your heart - it is all of you: your heart, your soul and your entire BEING (including your spirit).

What is the Spirit?: Awaken to the spirit deep within you. The universe is pouring out to us all the time. Follow the spirit that leads to your heart. It's a matter of our EVOLUTION as human beings. It belongs to every single human being - this feeling of belonging to the human race. The feeling of spirituality is pouring out to us and beckoning us to make the most of our lives through the power of the ALMIGHTY. "Reborn Christians" often say they have this feeling. I truly believe there is more to life than myself. It is your own thoughts and beliefs which are all-important; but they are guided by ourselves and by the "Person/Higher Power" way up above us. I believe God, as the Ultimate Source gives us hints through thoughts entering our subconscious mind about what path to take, following our dreams (perhaps dreams far bigger than we could conceive on our own). Or people we meet along our path who can help us...and we in turn help them. I truly believe God, our Creator or whatever you understand Him to be (why does "it" have to be a "He"?) is the Source of everything, the Ultimate Source or 'Ground of All Being'). And one day we will be able to see the fruits of our labours and our BELIEFS for ourselves. This is what keeps me going on my long and arduous quest as a writer. Just like Odysseus from Greek mythology. Reap, sow, then wait for the bumper harvest. It is sure to come. You too can plant that first seed to inner peace and serenity, joy, fullness, compassion for others, and especially love. Then see the fruits of the germination of your spirit, just like the rose bud blooms in spring. With true spirituality your life will be filled with tranquillity and happiness. Spirituality is taught to us as a duty and obligation (we have to go to church and pray, otherwise 'the devil' will wreak havoc upon our lives); but it is a path that brings us great joy and enlightenment (or as John Kehoe in his book 'Vision of Power and Glory' calls it "enlightened self interest"), if we simply relax and TRUST the process and enjoy the journey. I believe this new feeling of serenity and calm acceptance can make us all become better sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, wives/husbands, parents - but more importantly, better human beings (even a more astute businessman, who makes a lot of money- if that is what you really want). Because with true spirituality every aspect of your being becomes enhanced. This feeling of spirituality is experienced deep within yourself. In your heart, but more in your soul, you feel a closeness to nature and to your CREATOR. It's as if you are having a personal chat with Him. Then you will see the fruits of your new spirituality in your own life. It's just like a new spirit of awakening deep inside you and you feel released from the problems clouding your sky, the pressing burdens which are weighing you down.

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A few short definitions to summarise and end off this section...

Religion is "living in order to die" - that is, preparing on earth for the next life.

Spirituality is "living in order to live life to the fullest". It's a feeling of being at peace with oneself.

I believe those two definitions encompass the true differences between religion and spirituality.

Remember to always strive for balance in your life: between your material wants and your desire for spirituality.

Getting a bit "heavy" in this section, Mr Philosopher. And a tiny bit of humour to end off this very serious subject that we have been looking at...

"Religion is for those who fear going to hell; whilst spirituality is for those who've already been there." - anon

Elevate your thoughts to live at the highest level of humanity. Then shine YOUR own bright light on the world.

Shared by Craig Lock ("Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder")

"God is a mystery, the 'mystery of life', a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become."

"God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable."

"There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity" . "If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another; if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother; if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear, I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.

If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here.

If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain.

If by life's roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest, though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave, I shall not have lived in vain while here."

Anonymous

Today, don't just try to make a living... try to make a difference

"If a man is called to be a street-sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well, that all the hosts of heaven will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.

- Martin Luther King, Jr

"Success. It is open to each individual to choose the goal and go after it - growth and human essence known as character. Perhaps the ultimate purpose of life itself is the testing of the human spirit, to develop out of it something better, more nearly perfect. For after the sands and the dust of the human body has been buried, only the human spirit is left to go on. Each individual in his or her lifetime is entrusted with a fragment of that human essence, to be a spark of his own existence from birth to death. Rich? Has he or she enriched the life spirit, which was given to them? Successful? Has he or she made the spark glow more brightly."

- Howard Whitman in Og Mandino's 'University of Success'.

About the submitter:

Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life's magical journey ... and that brings him the greatest joy

Craig's mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and try to help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.The various books that Craig "felt inspired to write" are available at

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=C...

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children -

MINE!

"A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely."

The submitter's blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

https://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/craigs-list-of-blogs-update...

and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/craigs-blogs-and-writings/

+ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com

"Together, one mind, one life at a time, let's see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials."

"Happiness deep down within Serenity with each sunshine Success in every facet of your life Family beside you, friends close and caring Health inside you Love that never ends Special memories of all the yesterdays A bright today with much to be thankful for A path that leads to tomorrow Dreams to come true Appreciation of the wonderful things in life A quiet wish, a gentle wish, for peace and happiness."

- "a humble talented anon lady" (but I know who)

"These powerful, deep and moving words from Neale Donald Walsh have great significance to me in my journey...and this is my reason for sharing...

"The moment of your greatest darkness may yet become your grandest gift. As you are gifted, so too will you gift others, giving to them the highest treasure: to BE THEMSELVES.

Let this be your task, let this be your greatest joy: to give back to themselves...even in their darkest hour." - adapted (slightly) from Neale Donald Walsch ('Conversations with God 3')

and to end off (at last!) thanks so much for sharing these beautiful and inspiring words, Larry...

"I wish you well on a rainy day I wish you rainbows to brighten your day To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth to remind you that happiness can happen when you least expect it.

I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile to show you the simple beauty of life and to give you the magic of dreams come true.

I wish you rainbows I wish you well."

- Larry S. Chenges

from my blog www.godandformula1.wordpress.com and my book at http://www.amazon.com/God-Formula-One-Beyond-Zone/ (paperback)

(Also available from Amazon as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0 )

PPS

"If the Lord makes you successful, I'll keep you humble."

- a wife (I won't say whose)

"Life each day as if it's your last... and one day you're sure to be right!"

As they carry me to my deathbed, I'll be saying: "Lord, Can you just give me one more hour to finish off one last article. PLEASE!"

- craig (as inspired by the quote of singer, Barry Manilow)

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

from https://beyondthezonespirit.wordpress.com/2014/01/29/whats-the-differenc...