There are many paths to and through spirituality and religion.
I would like to discuss some of the interesting features of the many traditions, beliefs and practices we call World Religions, Faith Groups, New Religious Movements, Ways of Life, or Spiritual Paths.
First of all:
What is the difference between Religion and Spirituality?
In my opinion, religions are agreed upon sets of beliefs and practices that groups of people may identify with. It has been said that religion comes from the roots re- and -ligio meaning something along the lines of "to be reconnected with", or "to be bound to". Religions are a standardized way for people who have shared faith experience to come together and connect with each other and something greater. Often religions have codified beliefs about the nature of the universe, the divine, right action, morality, and other tenets of faith that inform their practices. Practices vary from rituals such as Catholic Mass, to meditation practices such as Vipassana, to venerating ancestors with offerings, and much more.
In my experience, spirituality is an orientation toward beliefs and practices that are meaningful to the individual person. Spirituality is a posture, in a way. It is a person's approach to the world based in their beliefs and practices. Spirituality is a way for the individual or group to express their feelings of awe and wonder, ask their deep questions, seek answers and to celebrate. Not all spiritual people are religious, but some are both. For example, a person who is spiritual but not religious may find truth in many paths, and have an eclectic spirituality that encompasses beliefs and practices of various traditions that are meaningful for them. Or they may have no practices, and hold few beliefs such as Nichomachean ethics or hylozoism. The structure and law found in many religions does not necessarily apply to spiritual paths, so they vary greatly.
I would like to discuss some of the interesting features of the many traditions, beliefs and practices we call World Religions, Faith Groups, New Religious Movements, Ways of Life, or Spiritual Paths.
First of all:
What is the difference between Religion and Spirituality?
In my opinion, religions are agreed upon sets of beliefs and practices that groups of people may identify with. It has been said that religion comes from the roots re- and -ligio meaning something along the lines of "to be reconnected with", or "to be bound to". Religions are a standardized way for people who have shared faith experience to come together and connect with each other and something greater. Often religions have codified beliefs about the nature of the universe, the divine, right action, morality, and other tenets of faith that inform their practices. Practices vary from rituals such as Catholic Mass, to meditation practices such as Vipassana, to venerating ancestors with offerings, and much more.
In my experience, spirituality is an orientation toward beliefs and practices that are meaningful to the individual person. Spirituality is a posture, in a way. It is a person's approach to the world based in their beliefs and practices. Spirituality is a way for the individual or group to express their feelings of awe and wonder, ask their deep questions, seek answers and to celebrate. Not all spiritual people are religious, but some are both. For example, a person who is spiritual but not religious may find truth in many paths, and have an eclectic spirituality that encompasses beliefs and practices of various traditions that are meaningful for them. Or they may have no practices, and hold few beliefs such as Nichomachean ethics or hylozoism. The structure and law found in many religions does not necessarily apply to spiritual paths, so they vary greatly.
There are many great resources out there for people looking to explore, I can recommend my favourites for a brief glimpse of what each path is about:
Jacki Moss, Spiritual Consultant. Voice Mail: (705) 209-9848 or E-mail: [email protected]