Perhaps only in my own mind is there a clear distinction between “spiritual” and “religious.” Annoyingly, they are often used interchangeably, particularly by those _ often fanatics _ trying to prove some point.
“Religious” implies the acceptance of some cult _ its writings, rituals, moral guidelines, and so forth. Often in the US, it also indicates a belief in an anthropomorphic figure or spirit with superpowers. Praying is invoked as magic rites. And the congregation huddles in common social support against the evil non-believers of the outside world.
By contrast, “spiritual” indicates an awareness of the grandeur of all existence, and our own inability to fully comprehend it. Certain exercises such as meditation are invoked to more fully engage “enchantment” with the world. Highly personal, and more or less not a religion in a conventional sense.
Now each may interact with one another. Some religious people are spiritual, and vice versa. Enchantment arrives in many ways, one can surely be enlightened through rituals. Different rituals, different methods, and different mixtures work for different people.
My main quarrel is that religious people tend to be quite intolerant of one another and other groups. They claim to be the only true path. And they want to force everyone into the same exact mold. Or else
I’m quite spiritual, but hardly religious. And proud of it.
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 