The Difference Between Religion and Spirituality: A Personal Reflection

Aug 13, 2020

My friend Paul sent me a post this morning.

Paul is an intelligent man, a thoughtful father, son, and friend. He’s also an atheist. Nobody’s perfect.

The post he sent was about the difference between religion and spirituality—a topic that comes up often between us. And while I typically scroll past such debates, this one gave me pause. It said:

Religion is for those who need someone to tell them what to do.
Spirituality is for those who listen to their inner voice.
Religion has rules.
Spirituality invites you to question everything.
Religion is human.
Spirituality is Divine.

At first glance, these kinds of statements might seem profound or even freeing. But they can unintentionally reduce religion to a caricature, and spirituality to something untethered.

So let’s unpack this. With respect. With honesty. And maybe with a bit of grace.

Religion Is Not One — There Are Many

It’s true. Religion isn’t a single structure. There are many organized religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and more. Each offers a unique worldview, sacred texts, moral codes, and rituals.

From this diversity, people often conclude that religion divides us.

But we could just as easily say that language divides us—and yet, no one thinks we should abandon communication.

Religion is how human communities attempt to live out what they believe is spiritually true, often passed down through centuries of tradition. It gives us ritual, order, and collective memory. It invites us into a shared way of worship and belonging.

Spirituality Is One — But Still Needs Anchoring

Spirituality, in contrast, is often seen as internal and personal. It's that quiet sense that there’s more to life than what we see. That we are souls having a human experience, not the other way around.

And I agree with that deeply.

But spirituality without truth can become directionless, like a compass with no North. Feeling something doesn't always make it trustworthy.

Spirituality can open our hearts—but without structure, it might not form our lives.

Does Religion Tell You What to Do?

Yes. But not in the way critics mean it.

Religion doesn’t remove your freedom—it guides it. Just as a piano student needs the rules of music before composing, the soul needs moral and spiritual formation before it can truly be free.

If religion is a map, then spirituality is the journey. But without the map, you’re just walking in circles.

Does Spirituality Live in the Present?

The post claimed:

Religion lives in the past and future.
Spirituality lives in the present.

But as a Catholic, I see that our religion embraces all three. We remember the past (the life of Christ), we hope for the future (eternal life), and we live that faith out in the present moment.

Spirituality without memory forgets our roots. Religion without presence becomes routine.

Both are necessary. One informs the other.

Is Spirituality More Divine?

I wrestled with that line:
"Religion is human. Spirituality is Divine."

Religion, yes, has human elements—structures, traditions, communities. But when religion is alive and grounded in truth, it channels the Divine through the human. Just as Christ took on flesh, religion becomes the vehicle where the eternal meets the earthly.

And what is more spiritual than the Eucharist—heaven touching earth?

My Faith Is Both Religious and Spiritual

Yes, I follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. I go to Mass. I recite prayers. I observe holy days. That’s my religion.

But I also pray in silence. I reflect. I listen. I try to live in union with God in daily life. That’s my spirituality.

It’s not either-or.

Religion is the scaffolding, spirituality is the inner structure. The Church gives me sacraments, Scripture, community, and accountability—all of which nourish and shape my spiritual life.

Why This Matters

Many people today say they are “spiritual but not religious.”

I get it. They want meaning without the baggage—connection without constraint.

But what if the two are not enemies?

What if spirituality is meant to be fulfilled, not replaced, by religion?

And what if the rules of religion aren’t chains, but guardrails that keep us from falling?

We Are Spiritual Beings on a Human Journey

The post ended with a beautiful truth:
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

I agree with that.

But to live that truth fully, we need both the whisper of the soul and the wisdom of the ages. We need both religion and spirituality. Together, they teach us how to live—and how to love.

What Do You Think?

Does this resonate with your experience?

Are you someone who leans more into personal spirituality, or do you find comfort and clarity in the religious traditions passed down through generations?

Wherever you find yourself on the journey, I’d love to hear from you.

Want to Explore Further?

If you’re curious about integrating faith and spirituality, here are some resources:

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