Spirituality as Individualistic
When one reviews the nature of spirituality, many reflect on the personal and individualistic nature of it. One mentally sees a cloistered nun, or a desert monk praying alone. Or one considers a guru praying in a temple meditating upon theological ideals.
Spirituality is the personal aspect of religion. It can and does exist apart from organized religion which represents a more social nature of religion. Hence it is possible for someone to be very
However, I would conclude that by the very nature of humanity, there is a social need that binds people together. This is where one’s spirituality flows into the community and shares itself for the betterment of others.
In this way organized religion binds people together while spirituality individually feeds the soul. A person who only goes to church every Sunday but has no prayer life is barren while a person who spiritually nourishes his soul but never shares his inner light misses the entire point of human charity.
From this conclusion, I would contend a private spiritual life is essential as well as a spiritual social life. Does organized religion provide that outlet for spirituality? To some it would, while others may simply contend, various acts of charity and interaction with the community would suffice.
Some religions find less need and emphasis for social gathering and binding dogmatic creeds, while other religions find social interconnection and universal dogmatic agreement to be essential.
In the end, what form of spirituality do you embrace and how do you share it with the world?
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Mark Moran, MA, GC-C. SCC-C