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Someone asked me the other day about a friend of theirs who told them they were not religious, they were “spiritual”. They asked me what that meant. I have often run into people who have told me very proudly that they were spiritual and not religious. There is a distinct difference.

Often in our complex world of diversity and complicated morality, there seems to be a blurring of definitions. Indeed, in our current society, there seems to be very few clear definitions of almost anything. We see this in the right to be born alive, the complex marriage rules and genders, and even sports, which have blurred areas that were so clear and obvious years ago and have now become complex. It seems we have structured reality to fit any group or area of human existence. Here is the problem: when you accept the variety of outcomes and life patterns, you lose the central focus for most human beings who are trying to live in ordinary circumstances. I am not saying that these alternatives to the mainstream are not valuable; what I am saying is that when truth is seen in all its nuances, it is difficult to maintain focus.

I have been a painter for many years, and I have learned that if you mix every color on your palette, you end up with gray. Gray is neither black nor white; it is neutral. What happens in society if you see every exception to the norm? You end up with a culture that is “Gray”, that is neutral. We are currently living through a gray-scale society. It is difficult for the norm to be seen and accepted as a pathway to interaction in the community.

I am aware of the many philosophers and thinkers of our time and their defense of an integrated and diverse acceptance of the individual in society; however, society at large seems fractured and fragile amid this kind of multiple truths and thinking. Why do I bring this up? Let’s go back to the definition of “Spirituality” and “Religion”. Spirituality is a private relationship with nature or the Divine being, whatever you hold as the powers that be in living. Religion, on the other hand, is similar in that the root is the same, in how we deal with the powers that be. The difference is that religion is about the community formed by believers. It is not a singular vision but a shared ideal of what we shall call God. Religion is about a relationship with that divine force. As a Christian, it is about the personal relationship with Jesus and the Trinity. Spirituality is a private vision; Christianity is a personal relationship with God. It is about the expectations of this relationship and the grace given. There is a definite understanding of belonging not only to God but also to the community.

The lack of focus for the majority in our current culture is causing disconnects, particularly with young people. They seek meaning in their lives through shallow endeavors. They want a persona created by the media from cultural icons or celebrities. They do not see the responsibilities or commitments that make a community function. Our current culture is held together by a shell of principles, enforced by law in many instances, rather than by kindness and concern for others. It is a selfish view that leads to anxiety, mental problems, and disappointment in life itself. If we do not see our neighbor, the community becomes a loose group of events that do not touch the individual’s life. Is this not what is happening? If our

common humanity does not drive an appreciation for the bond of our persons, we are in a singular environment that neither touches nor participates in the common good.

Christianity has been a religion for the last 2000 years. It speaks about the need for relationships and the sanctity of a worshipping community. It gives us the assurance of a personal relationship with God himself; we are His children. We are the Church; we, the individuals, make the Church. Church is a community where God dwells, greeting His children. God is love, and love to be love must have a direction. Christianity is about love of God and love of neighbor. Love draws us out of ourselves to participate with others; it gives us compassion, care, forgiveness, and appreciation. This love develops joy and peace. Spirituality can make us aware of our world, but it does not deepen us as human beings in our interactions with others and community worship. It does not give us a distinct pathway to community involvement or the greater good. It is private in its single path.

” Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22