Spirituality vs. Religious?

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Hi everyone.

i was wondering if someone could explain the difference between spirituality and religion to me. I understand that religion is more of a set standard and guidleine that one adheres to, but to me, when I think spirituality its synonymous with religion but Im learnings get they are completely separate. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

Here is a good website that differentiates the two-

Spirituality

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The definition of these terms seem to grow and evolve as our society does, but personally I believe spirituality is part of being religious but you don't need religion to be spiritual.

Spirituality is the faith, the connection, the feeling, and its embodied and experienced in many ways.

Religion is the structure or organization. For some its door to opening up spiritually, for others its a cage trying to limit the limitless. Being religious is the combination of the two.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Well said ^^^^

I am absolutely not religious - dislike all the bureaucratic nonsense of rules & regulations that apparently govern/determine religious compliance. Let's not forget that 'religion' has fostered more cruelty, inhumanity, death and destruction than any other causes. But I do believe that there is a higher power and we're all connected; I don't need a 3rd party to communicate with that higher power; and kindness and benevolence are qualities that should distinguish humanity.

That being said, I will respect, and support any sort of 'religious' observance or ritual that is important to my patient... as long is it is not harmful.

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