What is the Difference Between Religion and Spirituality?

This is a common question we get from folks who are exploring what it means to grow spiritually, yet they are no longer anchored to a particular religious community.  Where shall they go to gain what they hope for?  Must I reject one (religion) to acquire the other?  Is it possible to delve into spirituality without a religious context?  Is religion a better path to deepen my spirituality?  All good questions that are worth examining and the answer is unique to the individual seeker.

In his book “Holy Longing,” Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, unpacks very concisely what spirituality is.  He explains that our spiritual nature is something we are born with, everyone has it, and it cannot be denied.  The “ity” on the end of the word “spiritual” simply means the state or condition of our spirit.  What is spirit?  It is the passionate energy within us that longs to connect with something greater than ourselves. The Greeks called it eros, he says, the passionate word for love. We see it in paintings as a glow around the subject, such as a halo.   This energy longs to be channeled towards a higher power for interior fulfillment. This is a deep need for every human person. For most, a higher power is God, for some it is higher values or ideals.  For others it may be a mistaken higher good that is not sustainable (by example, cultural achievements, etc).

Religion is one container for channeling this energy that longs to be in union with something greater than ourselves.  It is simply one container. Connecting to nature can be another.  Creativity can be another.  A vocation that leads to a higher good in the world can be another.  Sometimes we can misplace this energy into containers that disappoint or is never enough, but that is certainly one that people try.  Acquiring is one of those areas (goods, power, success, knowledge). The spiritual life is all about trial and error. Eventually, we can find that resting place where this spiritual energy can be channeled in fulfilling and fruitful ways, for both the seeker and the world in which they live.

Spiritual Direction questions for journaling:

1. If you could describe Spirit within you right now, what might it look like?  If it were a painting, what would it be?  What does it tell you about yourself and what you long for?

2. What have been fulfilling and fruitful containers for you in the past?  What have been disappointing ones? 

3. With this examination, how might you like to explore your spirituality more?