Spiritual but not Religious

by socrates44San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

Oct 2013 1,187 Views 9 comments

Spiritual but not Religious

Spiritual but not religious
what does it really mean
This claim is quite prevalent
on today's scene

Is it just a new age fad
or is it contradictory
If in fact it is the latter
then what is the discrepancy

Religion has divided a person
into body, mind and spirit
It claims it seeks the spirit's welfare
and is sincere about it

If religion really deals with the spirit
then why is there such a fuss
that many still continue to claim
they are spiritual but not religious

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posted: Oct 2013

About this poem:

Many persons today claim to be spiritual but not religious, even at CS.
I am curious to know the views of CS members on this topic and to share them with others.
What do you think? Please comment especially if you are such a person!

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Comments (9)

fjamesj9701DunkinDonuts, Florida USAOct 24, 2013

This is what I mean my friend, excellent. I carry maybe similar beliefs that Im sure we could discuss. I believe in relationship not religion. Religion to me judges, criticizes, and separates because religion is based on a mans traditions and beliefs. So many contradictions can be found in religion verses what is actually said in scripture. I read from the bible myself and thats where I find relation and failure in all religions. Excellent write . Jesse

online today!

socrates44OPSan Fernando, Trinidad and TobagoOct 25, 2013

Hi Jesse

Thank you very much for your comment. I have read your article "Losing Religion" which elaborates on your view concerning hypocrisy and contradiction in religion. It gives me a fair idea of why you do not identify with religion indicating that you are not religious. You say you believe in relationship, not religion. But what about the other part about being spiritual. I would like to know how others view the term "spiritual". What in your view, constitutes spirituality? I also welcome a discussion with you. Thanks!
Have a nice day!

online today!

socrates44OPSan Fernando, Trinidad and TobagoOct 25, 2013

Hi Serenity

Thanks for your comment. Hope you have been keeping well. The phrase "Spiritual but not Religious" appears in several requests for profiles in relation to one's religion for various groups. I have always been curious to know how others view it especially those who claim to be in that category. I think that, initially, the terms were synonymous with each other but they are not so anymore.
I agree with Redex and you that one does not need the dogma or confines of religion to be a good person. I am just wondering if such persons view themselves as being "spiritual".
How do you view the word "spiritual". Is it of any significance to you?
All the best to you! Have a nice day!

RedexNorthumberland, England UKOct 26, 2013

Socrates you have me thinking SPIRITUAL

Its just a word I think meaning many things to many people. The word has changed its meaning as we people evolve.
Religion and belief is up to the person how they take it or use it, that in itself is a personel thing too. Some people like a standard to live by and attain to. Others like a mind free of containment to any one dogma.
As I change and grow so does my thinking so things you cannot touch, define, thoughts, to me are spiritual. I hope to leave some of that behind when I become a speck again and join in the whole.

online today!

socrates44OPSan Fernando, Trinidad and TobagoOct 26, 2013

Hi Jesse, Redex, Serenity, Tiara001, Ziusidra

Thank each one of you for your comment. They are all very interesting. The debate is on going and I invite others to express their views also. I view this as a knowledge sharing exercise where CS members can feel free to comment on each other's views directly to each other.

Here are some interesting links on the topic to explore(some support the views expressed):

http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/mistic/mistic_10.htm

http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Books/2002/07/Spiritual-But-Not-Religious.aspx

http://ideas.time.com/2013/03/21/viewpoint-the-problem-with-being-spiritual-but-not-religious/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-and-deb-shapiro/religion-and-spirituality_b_967951.html

You can do a google search on "spirituality vs religion" for more links to explore.

Thank you and have a nice day!

Tiara001Singapore, Central Singapore SingaporeOct 27, 2013

Sorry, I failed to put the first para of my comment in quotes. I was actually quoting from an opinion expressed in the website that Socrates put up (http://ideas.time.com/2013/03/21/viewpoint-the-problem-with-being-spiritual-but-not-religious/).

Merely an opinion on an opinion, with all due respect to the author of the article.

RedexNorthumberland, England UKOct 27, 2013

Socrates I feel a bit awkward now

people have discusions on blogs or forums but yours hold such interest its knocking poetry back

Take care looking forward to more poems

IBjunkinWestchester, Illinois USAOct 27, 2013

Yeah, U R right. I believe spiritualism is universal,but religion is what gets people killed. How unfortunate for those narrow of mind. I do believe in God and the 10 commandments,but also there is a set of universal laws that apply in reference to personal behavior,responsibility,attitude,etc. That was one neat write.

online today!

socrates44OPSan Fernando, Trinidad and TobagoOct 27, 2013

Jesse

Your focus on your "relationship with God" and your non-identification with religion seem to suggest that you experience a direct link with God that is independent of religion.
This may be viewed as a form of "spirituality" according to the current use of the word.
Please correct me if I have misinterpreted what you have stated.
Have a nice day!

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