religiosity VS spirituality... what's your point of view?
105424
I believe religion is man made and spirituality is God made.\nToo many man made religious beliefs and rules, spirituality is the relationships between man and God.
570846
"Religious" = A person that subscribes to a specific faith. "Spiritual" = A person who doesn't necessarily subscribe to any faith, but who believes in a Power(s) greater than themselves and tries to live by spiritual principles. ~~~ The two aren't mutually exclusive, but can be.
216467
Religion is membership in a group, spirituality is a relationship with God.
1187083
Copied from my blog for this very popular question.  I tell you, I am shooting up to level 6 just cuz of this question!  :-D  Yeaaa!\n\nOh, ummm, it's Atheism for the philosophy and atheist for one who practices atheism.  :-)\n\nI, as only one spiritual atheist, am here to learn about the various religions, philosophies and spiritualities of the world.  I always held fascination with religions in general (not just christianity---ALL religions, old and new).   I do not seek a "god" belief, but here to seek how people attain inner-peace, self-knowledge, inner-wisdom and how they attain peace in their lives in general---and that I might learn a thing or two. :-)   I seek to find and improve on my own atheistic spirituality, to improve upon myself. Isn't that what spirituality is basically about? I believe so! \n\nI also hang out here NOT to "defeat religion" but mainly to give the "other side" of the equation, to give information, and to let others know that there are more than one valid way to see, learn and experience the world.   R/S section is not "just reserved for the theists". It is reserved for all.
590279
I am atheist and spiritual.  Spirituality, imho, does NOT require a "god" belief.  Being spiritual can mean studying various religious texts to learn from their teachings (but not to convert or pray to their "god"), it can also mean learning how to live the life one really wants to live---happy, content, calm, peaceful.\n\nSpirituality is a very broad term---it can be defined differently by different people.
540769
Yes, I feel we should reinterpret if it makes no sense.  This is not to say we should change the meaning in order to rationalize our behavior.  If our behavior doesn't agree with spiritual teachings, that's ok.  But we should accept that they are different, and not try to make them "match".\n\nI don't feel one has to view religion/spirituality with an "all or nothing" approach.  If I like 3 things about religion X, and 4 things about religion Y, it's ok for me to believe in both.  (I realize there are people who will disagree with me, but this is how I see it for myself.)
643299
I don't have any religious beliefs.\nI'm just an all-around believer in the spiritual.\nI have these beliefs because of my personal experiences with religion.
515142
As to religion, it is a belief system that is still being widely practiced. Spirituality is the pursuit of growing as a spiritual being regardless of method. \n\nMythology is a religious belief system that is no longer being practiced. Folklore comes from the belief in the existence of unnatural beings but are not worshipped as deities.
779200
spirituality is within yourself. It makes you feel good and at peace.  It does not mean one believes in God or even a "higher being", it is personal. For me it is being in nature. When I am out in the woods, sitting on a high rock and looking down at the water, watching life, I am at peace.
911678
Basically we are talking of the difference between Religion & Spirituality.\n   \nIn this case, I will assume Religion teaches of one God, a Supreme Being. We are taught that there are given truths & rituals of that religion, one & only one true faith, which must be followed if we wish to avoid certain, negative consequences. Our discipline comes from outside ourselves. They teach us it is dangerous to think for ourselves in many instances. We are judged by that God (& usually by the people of the common faith).  Faithfulness to the faith promises a definite, specific reward.\n  \n  Spirituality has no set truths, no specific set of guidelines, no specific method, no specific outcome for specific behaviors. It is strictly a process, a journey each takes toward personal enlightenment & meaning. Our own efforts determine our spiritual fitness & quality of life. We learn self-discipline through practice. Along this journey we have the choice to either choose a God or something else. The choice is infinite, limited only by our level of enlightenment. \n\n    Religion always left me cold, & for a long time my life had no meaning. Friends convinced me to try a spiritual (not religious)  path. I read & meditated a lot. I came to realize we were given brains for a reason. Eventually I chose a god of my understanding that I choose to call God. I have not tried to define & limit God  For me, mine works without a specific faith. For others, their spiritual life does not require a Supreme Something, & that works for them. Others go back to their places of worship because that is what works for them. To have a truly deep faith, we must make that personal choice. When we truly make that personal choice, we have no need to impose our beliefs on others. Peace.
708944
religion maybe......but not spiritual thinking.
905938
Depends on the person... \n\nFor me spiritual means a personal relationship with my beliefs, not being dictated by a minister or church. I go to a nondenominational church because I find that some religions are extremists... God is a forgiving God not a God of fear or vengeance which a lot of churches still teach... I mean come on if God sent his son so that we might live how could that be anything but love, forgiveness, and kindness...\n\nHope this somewhat answers your question\n\nHave a GREAT day!
703186
RELIGION is sitting in a church pew, thinking about fishing.\n\nSPIRITUALITY  is sitting in a boat fishing, thinking about GOD!
7942
Althought spirituality may be associated with religion, a true spiritual person may have no religion at all.  On the other hand a relgious person may not be spiritual in the least. Sprituality to me is knowing one self and becoming one with your surroundings and nature.  Think ZEN.
551311
God is a Spirituality Utility Vehicle.\n\n(sorry, I could not resist - no I am not religious, it was just to much to resist)
987491
Well I have recently found my faith and I do now worship a God through Christianity although I am hesitant about denominations and which to choose to attend church so now I just research.  I understand where people who are nonbelievers are coming from because I was for my whole life.  I have also heard that God is a security blanket, and if so, what's wrong with that?  Why can't we have security in our lives and the feeling that there is some higher power looking out for us when we pray and accept them into our lives, then yes its comforting and what's wrong with wanting security or believing in something that makes us feel better about the world and ourselves.  I'm not about converting people or being a missionary so I respect whatever anyone believes... but I personally like to think there is a higher power.
477833
Cool, I can learn another perspective on life and spirituality.  I think it is always a good thing to be open to at least listening to others ideas and ways of life.  It doesn't mean I have to change or believe their ways and beliefs are right or wrong, maybe just different than mine. And whether I agree with their beliefs or not is no excuse for me to be a rude neighbor.