Religion is a set of beliefs and behaviors that is organized. It includes a belief in a deity, worldviews, ethics, morals, and sanctified places. The purpose of religion is to help people connect to their Higher Power. Often, religions are based on archetypal figures, historical figures, and texts.
Spirituality is a human desire to understand the meaning of life. It can be related to religion for some people, but may not be for others. Many people consider themselves spiritual but are not religious.
A study by Barna Research discovered that “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) individuals differ from religious counterparts in many ways. They have higher convictions about their teachings and have less ambiguity about their definition of religion. This is important to recognize because traditional religious beliefs can create a rigid worldview.
Although many religions have profound spiritual texts, such as the Bible, a spiritual perspective suggests that no one has a monopoly on truth. All religions seek to preserve the essence of their teachings. However, this does not mean that they are intolerant. Religious institutions guard their practices carefully and often protect their members from outside criticism.
Despite the differences, all participants considered themselves spiritual. Most of them believed in a Higher Power, church attendance, meditation, and fasting. Some, like a woman who survived genocide, perceived that it was a second chance to connect to God.
For some, the concept of a Higher Power can provide comfort during a stressful life event. Others, however, may worry about eternal retribution, divine judgement, and divine wrath.