Q&A: Does Being Spiritual Mean Being Religious?

Q: Dear Soul Analyse,

I have recently become more spiritual, I guess you could call it the start of my spiritual journey and I am learning more about myself and the world than I ever knew possible but there is a question that always plays on my mind – does being spiritual mean being religious?

I have no interest whatsoever in exploring any kind of religion and the idea of it instantly switches me off, I’m not religious and I don’t believe I ever will be. So often when I read about spirituality there are also mentions of God and it’s left me feeling pretty confused.

I don’t want to get off this spiritual path, I’ve found it greatly rewarding but if religion is mandatory then I guess I have no choice but to leave it behind…

Please tell me whether I can still be spiritual without being religious? I eagerly await your response!

Yours, Confused Mike

A: Dear Mike,

Thank you for your question – you may or may not be aware that this is a hot topic at the moment – there is research to suggest that people in the UK and US are increasingly turning to spirituality and not religion, so you are certainly not alone. 

It would be totally incorrect to imply that in order to be spiritual, you have to believe in God. Spirituality involves believing in a power greater than ourselves, connecting with the true self and living in the present moment – none of which require religion, or a label. In fact we would all be a lot happier if we stopped labelling things – we label ourselves, religions, races, the list goes on and this does nothing but separate us from one another, and it also separates us from the essence of our being.  

The term ‘God’ has been used so loosely over the years that it now has several interpretations, so it’s not a surprise you are feeling pretty confused. When something is given a label, it is then easy for people to stereotype and make assumptions about the meaning behind it. 

The best advice we can offer is don’t label, as attaching a label to anything only takes away from its true meaning. If you choose not to label then you no longer have an issue. 

We are all spiritual beings having a human experience, not the other way around, so nothing can stand in the way of your spiritual journey, not religion or anything else for that matter. 

You might like to read ‘Ten Signs of Spiritual Awakening,’ which outlines the main spiritual awakening symptoms.  

If any other readers would like to ask a question click here for details.

Yours, S.A