The document discusses the differences between religion and spirituality. Religion is described as more transactional and institutional, involving adherence to specific rules, doctrines, and moral codes set by governing bodies. It focuses on worship of historical or archetypal figures. Spirituality is described as more internal, focusing on practical application of teachings through personal experience and evolution. It emphasizes inclusivity, self-discovery, and seeing all beings as family. While religion can provide structure and community, spirituality allows for more freedom and diversity in one's faith journey and practice.

1. What is the difference between
Religion and Spirituality?

2. As we find ourselves amongst uncertain times, many of
us have begun asking ourselves the deeper soul
questions of life: Who am I? What do I want? What is
my purpose? What is the meaning of life? Historically,
people have turned to religion or spirituality to help
address / find meaning to these difficult, yet prominent
questions of life.

3. For many of us, the terms religion and spirituality have
been used interchangeably in times past. However,
there is a current trend among the younger generation
to use the term, spiritual but not religious to describe
personal faith practices.

4. This phrase insinuates that there must in fact be a
difference between the two terms. With some help
from the Chopra Center* and my own experience as a
Spiritual Director**, let’s take a look at what these
differences might look like.

5. In my experience in the realm of spiritual formation,
the easiest way for me to sum up the difference
between religion and spirituality is by using terms
coined by Franciscan Priest Richard Rohr: transaction
vs. transformation.

6. Religion falls into the transaction category as it often
mirrors a well-run family business. Often
institutionalized, religions are based on the life of a
historical or archetypal figure who is the subject of
worship, devotion, and practice of community.

7. Generally, a religious institution is run by some sort of
governing board that holds its members to specific,
moral rules, doctrines, laws, sacred scriptures, and
practices; thus being more external in nature. Much
like the family business example, religion is deeply
rooted in tradition.

8. As a means of accomplishing accurate transmission
throughout history, the organization often requires an
unconditional belief in the religion’s teachings. Due to
the sometimes rigid rules for belonging, religions can
often be seen as having an undercurrent of fear and
exclusivity.

9. I want to point out that while to some of us the
transactions of religion may seem pretty black and
white, many individuals find the rigidity of religion to
be a comfort in the midst of life chaos and crisis. For
these individuals, the commonality of belief and
community can create a solid grounding amidst the
unpredictability of life.

10. While many remain in the religious pocket, it has been
my experience that others may move from religion to
spirituality, or jump straight into spirituality without a
religious base.

11. For some who begin in a religious circle, the demands
of religious practice and belief can weigh heavy and
they may at some point look for an option that allows
for a bit more diversity and freedom. Some may call
this process faith deconstruction.

12. While religion may focus its worship on the historic or
archetypal figure, Spirituality focuses on the practical
application of the founder’s teachings and thus has a
much more internal approach than religion. As the
“family business” side of religion can be seen with the
naked eye, spirituality is not often seen, but internally
experienced by the individual.

13. Many who call themselves spiritual enjoy the less-
formulaic aspects of faith and trust the “pathless path”
of mystery and self-discovery. Instead of an
unconditional belief in religious teachings, spirituality
lends itself to truths that evolve and expand, which is a
more direct experience of the soul.

14. While the members of religion enjoy a more exclusive,
tight-knit family system, those engaged in spirituality
see all beings as family and favor inclusivity of everyone
being on a path to awakening and support these paths
with unconditional love and kindness.

15. Depending on where you are on your journey toward
inner awakening, either religion or spirituality could be
a good fit. Even the path of agnosticism and atheism
can be practices of awakening and are sources of “push
back” which can actually push you forward.

16. Wherever you find yourself on the journey of
awakening, I would find it a personal honor to sit with
you as a travel companion of sorts; pointing out the
sights you may have overlooked, the bumps that have
you stuck, and the road map your life is already laying
out before you.