Spiritual guidance for anyone seeking a path to God. explorefaith.org

 

Explore God's Love Explore Your Faith Explore the Church Explore Who We Are  

Home
> Questions of Faith and Doubt > What is the difference between spirituality and religion...?
 
 
Join our mailing list
Join our mailing list
 
Send this page to a friend

Support explorefaith.org

Give us your feedback
 

EXPLORE THE CHURCH
What is the difference between spirituality and religion?

Terms like “spirituality,” “faith,” and “religion” mean different things to different people and often are used interchangeably. I will tell you what they mean to me.

I think “faith” refers to our response to God’s love. It is belief in a divine being whom we cannot see or adequately understand, and the hope that is God’s gift to us. Faith has some element of decision to it, but at its core, faith is like a child crying out to a parent.

“Religion” refers to the customs and practices (such as prayer, worship, sacraments) that enable us to act out our faith.

“Spirituality,” as I understand it, refers to some of those customs and practices, such as prayer and praise, as opposed to study and mission work.

The distinctions can seem artificial, and I wouldn’t suggest making too much of them.

 

--Tom Ehrich


 


RELATED LINKS


Is it all right to be spiritual without being religious?

LISTEN to Marcus Borg on spirituality versus religion


More Questions of Faith and Doubt


Explore Your Faith in Community

What are you asking?
Columnist Tom Ehrich responds to your questions

   


(Return to Top)

 

Send this article to a friend.

Home | Explore God's Love | Explore Your Faith | Explore the Church | Who We Are
Reflections | Stepping Stones | Oasis | Lifelines | Bulletin Board | Search |Contact Us |
 
  Search
Copyright ©1999-2007 explorefaith.org