Being religious does not mean that one cannot be spiritual.

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These differences are general and therefore not applicable to all the different organised religions. Some of these differences may not apply to your specific religion. Being religious does not mean that one cannot be spiritual or vice versa. It is also possible to be both religious and spiritual. Some people had no religious education, but they are spiritual in the sense that they live in awe of their Creator. 

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RELIGION	SPIRITUALITY
1. Externally imposed beliefs, values, dogma and doctrine as interpreted by the clergy, an ordained priest or rabbi.	1. An internal search for the Truth and no external, authoritative body or dogma.
2. Religion provides the answers to most of the fundamental questions. Most religions disapprove of and discourage their followers to think for themselves or to question the dogma.	2. There are no pre-formulated answers. It is essential that you explore different traditions, question and use your enquiring mind. You need to discern in order to determine the Truth.
3. One is to a certain degree dependent on one’s ordained priest who acts as an intermediary or gatekeeper to heaven.	3. One is capable of establishing a direct and personal relationship with the Creator.
4. Some organised religions are fear based as the followers are threatened with hell fire, brimstone and the wrath of God.	4. God is Love and Light and the emphasis is on an unconditional and a non-judgemental Higher Power.
5. There is a specific time and place of worship, such as a cathedral, synagogue mosque, church or temple.	5. There is no specific time or place of worship. You live in awe of God all the time. God is everywhere and now here.
6. Some organised religions tend to induce guilt and attempt to keep people dependent.	6. Spirituality empowers the individual, because God is loving and compassionate and wants one to feel worthy.
7. Some religions demand total obedience, poverty and celibacy if it is your vocation to serve God.	7. God can be served by anyone in any position (even if you enjoy affluence). God is unconditional.
8. Religion has divided people, created friction, conflict and war. Millions have been killed in the name of religion. Polarisation also occurs within the same religious order.	8. People from different cultures, races and religious denominations gather in peace and harmony in their devotion to the Divine. There is no division, discrimination or judgement.
9. Some religions support a patriarchal system and women are regarded as inferior. Women are banned from certain ceremonies, denied an education in certain Holy Scriptures and they may not be ordained as priests.	9. There is no discrimination with regard to gender. We are all equal and children of the Creator; the Creator has no preferences and regards all of us as His children. Nobody is denied access to any Holy Scripture.
10. Discrimination against members of a different faith or denomination. There are also religions that claim exclusivity, in other words their doctrine is the only path to salvation.	10. Unconditional positive regard for one’s fellow man, regardless of his creed. One’s neighbour is loved, honoured and respected, just as one loves and respects oneself.
11. Depending on the religion, one is limited to a specific Scripture, Text or Bible and there are religions that claim that their text is the only ‘Truth’.	11. All the Scriptures and the teachings of all the great Masters are available and perused without judgement. One uses the ability to discern to find one’s own Truth.
12. Many people, who claim that they are ‘religious’, do not practise what they preach.	12. Most truly spiritual people live a life of integrity, in congruence with their spiritual values and in total harmony with their fellow man.
13. Most religious traditions have a more narrow-minded approach and a tendency to be suspicious of information that does not fit in with their doctrine and beliefs.	13. An eclectic and far more open-minded approach, as well as a tendency to focus on Universal Laws and Truths.
14. Some religious orders tend to discriminate against, reject, victimise or condemn other races, prostitutes, illegitimate children and/or homosexuals.	14. Unconditional acceptance and a non-judgemental attitude towards other races, minority groups or those victimised by society.

By Susan Minnaar