Religion Versus Spirituality

The relationship between religion and spirituality is a very deep and controversial subject, and one that many people do not like to discuss. Major conflicts can arise and friendships have been broken due to sincere feelings on the part of both parties. Many people who
consider themself a spiritualist believe in one higher universal power that cannot be described
or defined. Spiritualists view religions as man made. They believe these religions are organizations built on dogma and rules which human beings have formulated. Most religions believe that their
dogma is from the word of God. But, according to the spiritualist, depending on which religion you adhere to, it appears that God communicates in many different publications.  The spiritualists believe those publications were and are written by humans. Some spiritualists believe that many religions have attempted to describe God in the image and likeness of mankind. Surely, God would not be so limited, is what the spiritualists argue. So, the conflict goes on and on. Religions are very structured organizations of people who feel it is mandatory to attend some sort of service somewhere, such as Christianity's traditional Sunday service each week. Some services are very structured and ceremonial, while others are more relaxed and non-ritualistic. You are sometimes also commanded to give 10% of your income to the church in order to keep it going and to help needy people, sometimes locally and sometimes in other countries, in order to bring them religious beliefs. In most churches, there is a minister, pastor, priest, or rabbi who directs the meetings and gives a sermon, which can be from twenty minutes to one hour. He also does counseling, gives sermons at funerals, works with youth groups, conducts weddings sanctioned by the state, and is a pillar of moral strength in the community.  A spiritualist is someone who believes in a higher being, who believes in treating other people the way they would want to be treated, and who lives their life doing good deeds for others. They may have turned their backs on structured religion, sometimes due to a bad experience with someone who is influential in the church. They are good people who do not necessarily feel going to church will make you good or that not attending will make you a bad person. Depending upon your philosophy, religion and spirituality do not have to be mutually exclusive, although some believe they are.