Spirituality vs. Religion

An acquaintance, Shelly, asked me about our “progress” on the book.  I shared with her our search for someone who can understand and capture what we desire for our cover art.

Immediately, Shelly proceeded to list names of people her son knew who did artwork and web designs.  She offered to send me links to their websites and talk to her son about all of this…

I appreciated her enthusiasm, but we really needed someone who could understand and capture our vision… 

In trying to explain this, I used the word spiritual.

She stepped back, looking defeated.  Her eyes dimmed, and her confidence dissolved.  She shook her head and started to take back her offer because she, her son, and his friends are not churchgoers…

I stopped her there, because there is a big difference between being spiritual and going to church.   

Spirituality is not defined by whether you go to church or not.  

Spirituality is not defined by a particular religious dogma — or even whether you believe in a Supreme Being or not… whether you believe in life after death or not…

No, don’t confuse the two.  

Organized religion exists to help us achieve spirituality and is not the end in itself. 

Once a religion no longer supports our spiritual growth, it loses its purpose and credibility.  

Spirituality does not suffer that same fate, because it inspires us to be inclusive.  It doesn't create barriers nor restrict personal growth.

Spirituality cannot be contained in a church building… but thrives within the inner core of each person.

No… don’t confuse the two.

As I said this, Shelly’s smile came back… her confidence came back… her spirit came back… home.


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