was gonna post this on R&E but figured the nuance would be lost there. Hope you find it interesting
One of the conversations that recur in my life is the difference between spirituality and religion.The best comparison I’ve come across (I don't know who to credit, so if you know, please let me know) is that religion is like being in a fishbowl. You can only swim so far in any direction before you hit the glass of dogma. These are things that people believe to be “truth” when in fact, it is simply faith.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with faith until it becomes an unwavering (and worse, radicalized) “I’m right, you’re wrong, and you’re gonna burn” kind of discussion. I have had more than my fair share of talks like this, and it’s tough to check your temper (and ego to some extent) at the door.
My research enables me to discuss various topics, such as accurate translations of Sacred Texts, but I know from the first two sentences exchanged if the effort is worthless. This, to me, is sad. Some people seem to have lost the ability to discuss using critical thinking skills in a mature and thoughtful manner. That glass wall is firmly reinforced, and they will never see a crack.
NOTE: Not all religious individuals are rigid. This is a very broad brush on the topic.
Spirituality is different. Instead of that small space (and one might say small mind), there’s an entire ocean to explore. You know you haven’t seen all of it. You come to specific ideologies, philosophies, and beliefs based on your part of the ocean. However, knowing that there is FAR more space you’ve never entered, and that exploring the “more” could reveal your perspective to be partially or completely wrong, defines the significant difference between religion and spirituality.
I am okay with that. The scientist in me thirsts for knowledge. For many of the religious, new knowledge or differences in construct threaten their paradigm. Meanwhile, out in the ocean, those differences and discoveries could save your life (or soul, if you will).
If you come across an open-minded person, ask them to join you in a swim. Splish, splash, explore further. Talk, transform, transmute. Celebrate the natural alchemy available.
One reason I've long been opposed to Monotheism is its intolerance.
As you doubtless know, 'pagan' faiths in pre-Christian times were much more tolerant. People took their Gods with them to other countries, nobody thought any the less of them. 'Well, he's Egyptian, so he worships Amun.' No big deal.
When the Hebrews returned from Babylon they seemed to 'get religion' in the worst way - possibly due to a desire to preserve their national identity. Christians followed that approach, as did Muslims. Greco-Romans NEVER understood it.
Christians seem to have a need to feel persecuted - and to persecute others.-greenman
Sounds wonderful! The tiny fishbowls are so limited that its inhabitants are unable to escape or
to even see outside of its opaque, stained glass to recognize that the world they reside in is so pathetically small compared to the entirety of the actual world that is not enclosed in filmy glass.
Disagreement and new ideas cause them to fear their enclosure cracking so they reinforce it at every turn, refusing to hear anything that threatens their "safe" little world of rigid walls.
If you come up against a wall or cavern in the ocean, look into the crevices, and ways around or over it. There is always something new and interesting to see, learn and take in... in the vast spaces... no matter how small or large the space, whether inward or outward. Sometimes the small spaces are where life is hiding.
on June 26, 2025, 10:30 am
