Journey Inward/Journey Outward

What is the relationship between spirituality and religion? This question provoked a lively discussion in my World Religions class last night.

Most of us viewed spirituality as having to do with inwardness and solitude, while religion is communal. However, there is not a sharp dichotomy between the two. Rather, there is overlap and interconnection between spirituality and religion. The yin-yang symbol above captures their interrelationship.

Religion without spirituality is lifeless. Spirituality without religion tends toward isolation and individualism. Spirituality provides the connection with the sacred that inspires and motivates us to practice our chosen religion. There is a strong overlap between religious and spiritual values such as compassion, empathy, joy, hope and love.

I like Elizabeth O'Connor's view that spirituality needs a "journey inward" and a "journey outward." For the journey outward, religion can provide the means to serve the greater good. Religion is organized to help those in need and spirituality provides the energy to help.

Organized religion has a negative perception. Yet, at its best, religion is organized to serve humanity. I believe we need both inwardness and community in order to realize our full potential as humans. Spirituality and religion together can help us become fully human.

Spiritual And Religious

When someone discovers that I'm an ordained minister they often say something like, "I don't go to church, but I'm very spiritual." Their need to justify why they don't go to church probably has to do with guilt. Or, maybe they just feel awkward talking to a minister and feel the need to say something.

Yet, a growing number of people consider themselves "spiritual, but not religious." This phrase seems to mean that they don't participate in organized religion (i.e. attending worship services), but still follow a spiritual path.

I want to affirm anyone who is a spiritual seeker. Living a spiritual life is a very good thing. Spirituality is most often practiced privately while we're alone. Prayer, meditation, contemplation are primarily done individually, even if you're in a group.

Religion, however, has a strong communal dimension. The heart of religion is worship, which is done in a community. Also, religion provides an outlet for helping and serving others.

I think spirituality and religion can compliment each other. We need the individual inspiration and connection that spirituality offers. We also need a community to foster spiritual growth and to provide opportunities for serving others. As humans, we are individuals, but individuals-in-relationship. We can be spiritual and religious.