~Today's Inspiration~
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It has become quite popular in recent years to distinguish between spirituality and religion.
It’s true that there are valid distinctions between the two, but there are also a number of problematic distinctions which often and unnecessarily divide the two fields of thought.
One principal problem with attempts to separate religion from spirituality is that the former is saddled with everything negative while the latter is exalted with everything positive.
It is important to note the fact that many of the negative things which people attribute to religions are features of some forms of some religions (usually Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), but not of other religions (like Taoism or Buddhism).
Religion is spiritual and spirituality can also be considered religious. One tends to be more personal and private while the other tends to incorporate public rituals and organized doctrines.
The lines between one and the other may often not be clear or distinct depending on the interpretation.
Consider these definitions:
• Religion is an institution established by man for various reasons. Exert control, instill morality, stroke egos, or whatever it does. Organized, structured religions all but remove god from the equation. You confess your sins to a clergy member, go to elaborate churches to worship, told what to pray and when to pray it. All those factors remove you from god.
• Spirituality is born in a person and develops in the person. It may be kick started by a religion, or it may be kick started by a revelation. Spirituality extends to all facets of a person’s life. Spirituality is chosen while religion is often times forced. Being spiritual to me is more important and better than being religious.
• True spirituality is something that is found deep within oneself. It is your way of loving, accepting and relating to the world and people around you. It cannot be found in a church or by believing in a certain way.
It’s true that there are valid distinctions between the two, but there are also a number of problematic distinctions which often and unnecessarily divide the two fields of thought.
One principal problem with attempts to separate religion from spirituality is that the former is saddled with everything negative while the latter is exalted with everything positive.
It is important to note the fact that many of the negative things which people attribute to religions are features of some forms of some religions (usually Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), but not of other religions (like Taoism or Buddhism).
Religion is spiritual and spirituality can also be considered religious. One tends to be more personal and private while the other tends to incorporate public rituals and organized doctrines.
The lines between one and the other may often not be clear or distinct depending on the interpretation.
Consider these definitions:
• Religion is an institution established by man for various reasons. Exert control, instill morality, stroke egos, or whatever it does. Organized, structured religions all but remove god from the equation. You confess your sins to a clergy member, go to elaborate churches to worship, told what to pray and when to pray it. All those factors remove you from god.
• Spirituality is born in a person and develops in the person. It may be kick started by a religion, or it may be kick started by a revelation. Spirituality extends to all facets of a person’s life. Spirituality is chosen while religion is often times forced. Being spiritual to me is more important and better than being religious.
• True spirituality is something that is found deep within oneself. It is your way of loving, accepting and relating to the world and people around you. It cannot be found in a church or by believing in a certain way.
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. (Psalm 71:15 NIV)
Today, let’s consider how we can invest what we have been given in the Kingdom of God.
Prayer: Gracious God, Thank You for giving me new life and hope for the future. Forgive me for being fearful of speaking about You to others. I ask You to give me the courage to tell others about Your forgiveness and saving grace. I am forever grateful that You love and care for me. Amen
©2019 Partners in Hope
Today, let’s consider how we can invest what we have been given in the Kingdom of God.
Prayer: Gracious God, Thank You for giving me new life and hope for the future. Forgive me for being fearful of speaking about You to others. I ask You to give me the courage to tell others about Your forgiveness and saving grace. I am forever grateful that You love and care for me. Amen
©2019 Partners in Hope
