Entry 580 - Religion vs Spirituality

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Written November 2020

At the end of the day, words and meanings will never truly do justice to what reality is, but hopefully, this contrast between adhering exclusively to a specific religion (in this case, mainstream Christianity) and choosing to see one as one with all (being open spiritually) is like experientially. One is not better than the other. They both are valid experiences to explore. Enjoy the contrast.

Religion is like putting a goldfish in a tiny tank in the ocean. Spirituality is the goldfish in the entire ocean.

Religion is, “I see God through a limited lens.” Spirituality is, “I see God beyond all lenses.”

Religion is forming your ideas of God through scriptures. Spirituality is spending time with God and going beyond ideas and scriptures.

Religion is believing in other people’s experiences of God, and spirituality is knowing God through my own experience with Him.

Religion says you must interpret God through our doctrines, traditions, and beliefs or else you worship a false god. Spirituality doesn’t limit God to words on a piece of paper or an idea in the head.

Religion says, “Your relationship with God is only legitimate within our religion.” Spirituality says, “Your relationship with God is legitimate regardless of whether you’re inside a religion or outside of one.”

Religion says you will go to hell if you do not obey and follow our doctrine. Spirituality says the only hell there is, is the one you create within your own mind.

Religions control you by using guilt, shame, and fear. Spirituality is freedom from guilt, shame, and fear.

Religion will call you damned if you don’t convert. Spirituality will affirm your perfection and oneness with all that is in every situation.

Religion is based on clearly divided lines that separate it from other religions. Spirituality says, “Let all come to the feast and enjoy what the Father has prepared for His Children.”

Religion equates salvation with thinking like the group. Spirituality knows its inherent salvation, having experienced firsthand the oneness that unites all.

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