Spirituality and Religion

Religion is based on a set of beliefs on a superpower beyond ourselves named God. It is also based on worshiping the superpower, practicing rituals that are based on creed and historical texts such as the Quran and the Bible (Patel and Armas 95). On the other hand, spirituality believes that there is a superpower is within us and also people should have personal beliefs that enhance spiritual development. Religion emphasizes believing and faith in believing while spirituality emphasizes being yourself by listening to your intuition and doing what is right for yourself and others. Furthermore, spirituality focuses on love and positive energy, which contrasts religion that focuses on fear of consequences of actions against its rituals and practices.

According to Patel and Armas (101), almost half of the world population are religious with over 30 percent being Christians, 20 percent Muslims and others being Hindus, Jewish, and Buddhist. Its popularity is mainly linked to family, cultural or social background of individuals that limit their ability to focus on spirituality. People tend to maintain and practice family and cultural beliefs hence making religion to be popular from generation to generation. Religion is often associated with morals and fear, therefore people associated themselves with religion due to fear of suffering. Group identity also influences the popularity of religion, where people focus on religion to identify themselves with a certain group and to be accepted to the society.

Finding inner peace and happiness can be challenging for many people. However, one can pursue happiness and inner peace by practicing spirituality, which allows people to discover themselves through activities that promote inner peace such mediation. For instance, meditation allows one to eliminate thoughts that hinder peace of mind.

Works Cited
Patel, Cynthia Joan, and Armas E. E. Shikongo. “Handling Spirituality/Religion in Professional Training: Experiences of a Sample of Muslim Psychology Students.” Journal of Religion & Health, vol. 45, no. 1, Spring 2006, pp. 93–112.