by Dave Brown

Created on: February 15, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

There is a huge difference between religion and spirituality. My religion can be verified by credentials: I hold a master's degree from a Seminary. My spirituality cannot: it is the result of my spending time with God. Religion is a ritual, external set of activities. Spirituality is internal. Scripture states that God sees the heart more than actions. Certainly, spirituality will result in action, but the actions themselves cannot be the source of one's spirituality.

Religion is dangerous in the form it frequently adopts in America. People are frequently taught (in attitude if not in word) that regular church attendance and reading your Bible daily assures your spot in Heaven. Even a cursory reading of the Bible reveals that this is untrue. All actions fall into this category: none of them assure your arrival in a pleasant afterlife. Christ never taught that one would acheive eternal life based on their actions.

Religion, in its proper form (caring for the homeless, feeding the hungry) is the end result of internal spirituality. If religion convinces you that activities usher you into God's presence, then that religion has taken an improper role. One knows Christ in their spirit first, and then through their actions.

Learn more about this author, Dave Brown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.