This is a question that has many answers to many people. Religion can be defined as a moral and ethical practice that leads to service to God and to man. One definition out of Webster’s dictionary defines it as an institutionalized system. I take it to mean that those who practice some form of religion are bound by certain laws and rules. One may refrain from living outside of those rules in fear of punishment or being ostracized. As a result, there are those who use religion to control a group of people, through fear, but not necessarily through the fear of the Lord.
Spirituality is a state of existence or a state of being in which one is of, like, and with God in their daily practices. Spirituality is a path to the realization of your true existence as a child of God. Religion and spirituality are not the same, however the question remains, can they exist without the other? It is in my experience that spirituality can enhance one’s religious experience or religious duties, just as religion can put one on a path to spirituality through the devout practices of that religion. However, I do believe that if one is not careful and open-minded religion could fence in true spirituality. True spirituality is freedom and allows one to extend past the mental and spiritual bounds of any religion or institution.
Our Re-establisher Prophet William S. Crowdy taught is that religion is a duty. James 1:27, tells us that “Pure religion and undefiled before God is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”. So religion is an outward expression of service to God and man, and spirituality is an inward expression of a relationship between you and God. Both are necessary, both are vital parts of man.
So the answer to the question requires personal thought and reflection. Some are able to ascend to levels of spirituality without religion, or religious practices. Others may need the structure, foundation, or discipline that some religions require to be able to step on the path to spirituality. If the religion is based on service to God and man, and based on edifying the Saints, then it can be a pure and complete path to spirituality. So I am certain that religion and spirituality are not dependent upon one another, and they can exist as a standalone entity, but should they is really the question.
Written by Khaliah I. Wilson, MS.Ed., Certified Health Education Specialist
We are discussing this topic live on August 1st at Temple Beth-el. We'd love to have you join us! Click here to register.
No comments:
Post a Comment