For the purpose of this website, I will give my own spirituality definition and religion definition.
The words religion and spirituality have taken on so many meanings that they require explanation from those of us who use them.
(This is the same or similar information as in the graphic above.)
My spirituality definition is summed up by the quote from Jeremiah which teaches us to listen to the still small voice of God.
The larger religions include the following:
A definition of spirituality isn't easily separated from a definition of religion. Many spiritual groups share the characteristics of religion by having their own beliefs, community, code of conduct, practices of devotion, problem-solving approaches, rituals and stories.
It is interesting to note that by the above definition of religion, atheists too are each likely to have their own religion.
Whenever a belief is imposed with rigidity it may cause harm. It can restrict our freedom and lead to conflict between those who hold different beliefs.
A belief in God, applied rigidly, can make us feel more separate, feel more fear of God, and lead us away from the freedom of the spiritual experience.
The poem addresses the question: in what way is religion different from spirituality?
Religion subdues the chaos in our life,
of great use in times of change and grief–
birth, marriage, death– such a relief
for someone to know what to do.
Religion helps us reach consensus on how to behave–
important when there are many different ways
of doing things.
Religion teaches the difference between right and wrong,
helps us belong in our community.
But spirituality is anarchic, individual.
We give up the need to fit in.
We listen to the spirit within
and do what God would have us do.
Do we not need both?
Let us accept the church of man
and stand within it to find
the Church of God.
© Katherine T Owen
Other inspirational poems by the author of a-spiritual-journey-of-healing.com.
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How to use spirituality quotes as part of your spiritual practice.
A Book From Someone Who Is Spiritual and Religious
The poem above appears in my upcoming book Through Diversity to Unity - A Journey with Spirituality and Religion.
This is a book which takes the reader with me a I seek to answer questions of faith and inquiry such as:
The book is packed with accessible content poems relevant to anyone who asks questions of faith whether in or out of religion.
The narrative conveys my own journey as I reach the conclusion that through the diversity of our different faiths we can also celebrate the unity of the spiritual experience.
Sign up to the website to keep in touch and to hear when Through Diversity to Unity is available.
Are spirituality and religion the same things? No.
Can they be complementary? Yes.
Move from Spirituality Definition, Religion Definition to the home page – A Practical Spirituality.
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(by the author of a-spiritual-journey-of-healing.com)
For 14 years, Katherine T Owen was severely disabled with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, unable to walk, with little speech, and with inadequate care.
Katherine's small beautiful collection of poems take the reader with her as she journeys to know both self love and
God's love.
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the PAPERBACK of
Be Loved Beloved
"One thing that struck me was the stripping of ego in the work. Most of us have a comfy ego façade, but weakness and disease tore Katherine’s away. The poems in Be Loved Beloved come from the heart."
Dana Taylor, Author of Ever-Flowing Streams: Tapping into Healing Energy