Religion is the spiritual practice of devoting one’s life to a particular belief system. Religious institutions often protect their practices with rigid rules, which govern members’ behavior. Some religious rules cover such areas as healthcare, justice, and morality.
While religion and spirituality are two terms that are often used interchangeably, they are very different. In fact, the lines between the two are not always clear. However, there are some common characteristics that can be identified.
Religion is usually taught through a text or the words of an authoritative figure. It teaches faith in God, and the belief that a higher power is present in everything.
The purpose of religion is to bring people together and encourage spirituality. This involves studying the beliefs of a specific religion, building a community, and conducting rituals and prayer. Most religions have a set of guiding principles, which teach how to live a good life.
There are many people who claim that they have found a personal connection with the divine. This can be through meditation, books, or other forms of religious practice. These types of people tend to consider Jesus as loving, rather than a god with condemnation and retribution.
Another distinction between religion and spirituality is that religion is a group journey, while spirituality is a solo pursuit. During the 1960s, there was a rebellion against authority. Organized religion emerged as a way to give society certainty. But religion also contained an undercurrent of fear and violence.