I have a t-shirt that reads, "Religion is for people afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who've already been there."
Sprituality is not the same as religion. Religion is not spirituality. You do not have to be religious to be spiritual. And being religious does not make you spiritual. Going to church every Sunday and donating a portion of your income does not make you spiritual. It also doesn't make you religious. It makes you a religious-follower.
Spirituality is a self-directed and personal inner path. It is the idea that there exists something outside the experience of our 5 limited senses, and the belief that we can understand and be in relationship with the sacred. Most spiritual paths, while individually different, are also unlimited and inclusive.
Spirituality is a self-directed and personal inner path. It is the idea that there exists something outside the experience of our 5 limited senses, and the belief that we can understand and be in relationship with the sacred. Most spiritual paths, while individually different, are also unlimited and inclusive.
Religion is a man made, culture-based doctrine that guides it's people in the practice of spirituality. Because religion is man made and culture-based, it naturally has some of the rules and taboos of that particular culture built into it. Many cultures have chosen to use fear to enforce the man-made rules of that culture, making their religion exclusionary and limited.
In choosing the paths which best express our personal truths and innermost beliefs, we honor ourselves and each other, and most of all, we celebrate Spirit.
In choosing the paths which best express our personal truths and innermost beliefs, we honor ourselves and each other, and most of all, we celebrate Spirit.
Be religious or be spiritual...either way, connect with your Source and celebrate Spirit. Come to Unity of the Hills for unlimited, inclusive spirituality!
I'm holding the high watch!
Rev. Donna
PS: I have a new t-shirt. On the front it reads, "UNITY" and on the sleeve, "Namaste." I love my new t-shirt!
3 comments:
When someone asks me if I am a Christian or religious, I say no, I am spiritual. The reason behind that is 1. It's true and 2. I don't want to wear a label that people think implies they know what I am about-what I believe and stand for based on their understanding of religion or christianity.
If I say I am spiritual, they really don't know what I mean and therefor, if they are brave enough and interested in knowing, they can ask and then we can have a dialogue of sharing and get to know one another better.
Thanks for this, Donna. I feel so bad for those that believe that their Sunday morning ritual, the one where it's an automatic thing to get up, dress the kids, and get to church because some told you a long time ago you'd better, and if you do, you're a spiritual being who is religious now realize that just isn't true. It's completely WRONG I know, cause I used to be one of those people. No longer, though. I hope a lot of people read this differentiation and understand that there are choices to be made. And they get to make them!
Thanks for keeping the high watch!
Tim
Been at the beach in California with family for an early Christmas. Just catching up on the blog!
Thanks for the comments, Lelainia and Tim. It always helps to know someone is reading and understanding...keeps me straight!
Hugs, Donna
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