Is there a difference between religion and spirituality?

what does the bible say?

True religion and spirituality are distinct yet inseparable aspects of a vibrant Christian life although the world uses the terms religion and spirituality in ways that do not reflect true, biblical faith. The world often sees religion as a crutch or an antiquated belief system while they view spirituality as a New Age experience that connects a person with the spiritual. Yes, religion involves what we believe. But it reflects godly beliefs expressed through actions of love, service, and moral integrity (James 1:27; 2 Timothy 3:5). True spirituality allows us to put what we believe into practice as it is the inward transformation that shapes who we are done by the Holy Spirit as we surrender to Him (Romans 12:1-2). Mere outward practices or the pursuit of spiritual experiences fall short of biblical faith (Matthew 23:27–28); genuine Christianity unites belief with transformation, producing a life that radiates Christ’s light (Matthew 5:16). As we surrender to God and allow His Spirit to renew us, our faith becomes both authentic and active, impacting the world around us. True religion and spirituality change us from the inside out, calling us to live lives marked by both devotion and godly action.

from the old testament

• This topic is more specifically addressed in the New Testament.

from the new testament

• Biblically speaking, religion and spirituality should be united, and the end result should be good works to the glory of God. Matthew 5:16 says: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
• Jesus is avidly against mere religion that is performed for the accolades of others (Matthew 23:27–28). Our true religion in the Christian faith should be loving others well, just as Jesus commanded us.
• True Christian spirituality is to dedicate ourselves to the worship and service of God and to be supernaturally transformed. Spirituality is defined clearly in Romans 12:1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
• True religion is biblical godliness, whereas empty religion merely has “the appearance of godliness” (2 Timothy 3:5).
• In James 1:27 religion is associated with the application of one’s belief in ways that help the needy and lead to a more spiritual lifestyle. The verse also carries an implicit warning against false or empty religion.

implications for today

Religion and spirituality are two related yet distinct terms associated with faith. Religion denotes “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, usually involving devotional and ritual observances and a moral code.” In contrast, spirituality can be defined as “the quality of being spiritual” (both definitions adapted from www.dictionary.com). While religion usually promotes a creed and has a defined code of ethics, spirituality is more abstract and exists in the nebulous realm of the undefinable. Today, religion is often seen as a crutch or an antiquated, traditional belief system while spirituality is often seen as a New Age experience or movement that connects a person to the spiritual world. Because of this, an increasing number of people in postmodern Western culture view spirituality as good and religion as bad. In actuality, neither spirituality nor religion is inherently good or bad, and really, the worldly understanding of religion and spirituality misses the point. We as believers are called to live out true religion and spirituality. What we believe matters, and how we practice it matters. It is both what we know and who we are. We do not seek a “spiritual experience;” rather, we seek to be spiritually transformed as we surrender to the One who made us, knows us, loves us, and gave Himself for us. This spiritual transformation changes us from the inside out and leads to a changed life. This is true religion and spirituality, and this is the light that we are called to reflect in this world (Matthew 5:16).

Recap

understand

• Religion focuses on beliefs that lead to action; spirituality is inward transformation by the Holy Spirit.
• True faith unites belief with action through transformation.
• Genuine religion and spirituality produce lives of devotion, service, and Christlikeness.

reflect

• How have you heard religion and spirituality used, and what does the Bible actually say about these terms?
• How are you allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out?
• How are you living out your faith authentically, showing the unity of religion and spirituality?

engage

• How do we distinguish between empty religion and true spirituality?
• How are belief and action rooted in transformation integrated to reflect Christ to others?
• How can we encourage each other to pursue both inward transformation and outward acts of love and service?