The other day I was out to a parishioner’s house and a few of their friends were there.\u00a0 Among the topics of conversation was a discussion on how we look at our faith.\u00a0 Do we see our faith as a “religion” or do we see it as a “spirituality”?<\/p>\n
The question is nothing new but I believe it is something that we all need to reflect on from time to time.\u00a0 Viewed this way, “religion” focuses on knowing what’s in the Bible, what the Commandments are, reciting prayers, and physically coming to church.\u00a0 “Spirituality” focuses on how we connect ourselves to God in our hearts and how we apply our faith to our daily lives.\u00a0 Spirituality sees prayer as a conversation with God rather than just reciting prayers.<\/p>\n
Another way to look at it is to take the approach that Paul takes in his Letters that we read in the New Testament (ex.\u00a0 Galatians chapter 5<\/a>).\u00a0 He sees the Law (as read in the Old Testament) as something the people did because that is what the Commandments said.\u00a0 Paul calls us now to cast off the Law and live by the Spirit.\u00a0 Paul is not talking about being a “free spirit” but rather to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.\u00a0 Paul tells us that our observance of the Law cannot save us.\u00a0 We need to live by the Spirit.<\/p>\n So which do you think is the correct approach, religion<\/em> or spirituality?<\/em><\/p>\n If you answered “religion”, I think you are wrong.\u00a0 If you answered “spirituality”, I think you are wrong.\u00a0 Now you are probably thinking I only gave you two choices, how can they both be wrong?\u00a0 Because I believe the correct answer\u00a0has to be\u00a0both<\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Religion is not enough to save us but without religion we lack a genuine foundation for a spirituality.\u00a0 Some people say they are spiritual and don’t need to come to church.\u00a0 I ask what is spirituality without church.\u00a0 Some say everyone needs to interpret the Bible for themselves.\u00a0 I wonder how you begin to interpret it without a foundation based on religion known through church.\u00a0 Remember, the Law came from God.\u00a0 It is good.<\/p>\n