Spiritualism vs Christianity: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between Spiritualism vs Christianity? While they’re both belief systems, only one is a religion.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Spiritualism vs Christianity? While Christianity may contain aspects of Spiritualism, Spiritualism is not the same as Christianity.

Christianity is a religion and therefore has a doctrine of rules to follow. Spirituality, on the other hand, is much more self-motivated. It doesn’t come with rules, it’s up to you to decide between right and wrong based on your spiritual views.

This post will cover the differences between spirituality vs religion, as well as, Spiritualism vs Christianity. It will also cover why many people are moving from Christianity to Spiritualism. As well as, answer questions such as, can you be spiritual and believe in God, what do Christians think about spirituality, do Spiritualists believe in the bible, and what does the bible say about spirituality?

This post is all about Spiritualism vs Christianity!

 

Spirituality vs Religion

To start, let’s talk about the difference between spirituality and religion. Religion is an organized belief system, meaning someone else invented it and the belief has existed for many years, being practiced by many people. An organized belief system likely has a set of rules or doctrines that those partaking must follow. Therefore, religion is generally more outwardly focused, relying on rituals such as prayer, attending church, synagogue, etc.

Spirituality, on the other hand, is more inwardly focused. It’s about the purpose and meaning you assign to your life. Spirituality often includes a connection to the divine, but it doesn’t have to. Almost everyone is spiritual in some capacity, even if they don’t consider themselves to be. Most people have something they believe in that gives their life a greater purpose, whether it’s God, or simply serving humanity.

Spirituality can also include an outward practice, such as prayer, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help deepen your internal connection to the divine, or whatever you believe in. However, these practices aren’t required to have a deep spiritual life. Spirituality is, after all, about your beliefs and how you live. It is not contingent on the things you do.

 

Related: What is Spirituality? How Does It Differ from Religion?

 

Spiritualism vs Christianity

So, what exactly is the difference between Spiritualism and Christianity? Well, as we’ve established, Christianity is a religion. It has a doctrine. Most Christians attend Church every Sunday, pray regularly, read their bible, celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter, and do their best to uphold the Ten Commandments. How strict each Christian is with these can vary, but the general idea is the same.

Sin

Unlike Spiritualists, Christians believe in the concept of sin. This means there is a definitive right and wrong, as established by God and they must abide by these rules. On the other hand, Spiritualists believe it is up to them to decide what is morally correct. They believe God or Spirit exists within them, giving them the knowledge to discern.

Belief in God’s Word

Christians accept God’s word as being wholly and completely true. They strive to live a life according to God’s will.

On the other hand, Spiritualists may accept certain parts of various religious texts or may not consider them at all. Their beliefs are more personally curated according to what feels true for them.

Spiritualism in Christianity

Some Christians may even consider themselves to be spiritual. If their focus is less on ritual and more on their relationship with God, they could, very well, be more spiritual than religious. This doesn’t, however, change the fact that Christianity, no matter how you spin it, is still a religion.

As you can see, the lines between Spiritualism and Christianity can somewhat blur depending on how someone chooses to practice. However, someone who is just spiritual likely has chosen the label because they don’t want to be associated with the dogma religion often brings with it.

 

Related: What is Spirituality in Religion?

 

Christianity to Spiritualism:
Why so Many Young People are Converting

Something that isn’t uncommon to see today is people transitioning from Christianity or other religions to Spiritualism. This can occur for several reasons and is commonly seen among the younger generations. The fact of the matter is, that times are changing, and all the ways religion was once seen as helpful younger people are seeing as outdated.

People have become so much more open-minded and the rigidity of religion feels more oppressive than freeing. Younger people are exposed to so many more different types of people now, with access to the internet and a growing acceptance of varying identities. The rules and outlooks of religion are becoming dated and even offensive to the way many people view the world today.

Of course, there are Christians who find a way to reconcile their worldview with their religious beliefs, but many are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to do.

 

Can You be Spiritual and Believe in God?

Yes, you can be spiritual and believe in God. You don’t have to be religious to have a belief in God. Some Spiritualists may believe in a higher power but choose not to call it God. Some feel the word God carries a lot of dogma from its religious connotations. So, instead, they may call it the Universe, Source, or Spirit. They may feel this better encapsulates the essence of God, seeing “Him” as far more than a human figure.

Those who are spiritual, are also less likely to refer to God as a “He”, opting instead for neutral or feminine pronouns. This could reflect their view of Spirit as far beyond our human comprehension; more of an energy than a person. Or their desire to bring the feminine aspect back to God.

 

What do Christians Think About Spirituality?

Christians don’t often think positively of spirituality. The concept of spirituality in the confines of Christianity is generally seen favourably. However, outside of those confines, it’s seen as heresy or, in some cases, even demonic.

When many Christians think of spirituality, they often think of New Age Spirituality. New Age, however, is only one modality of Spiritualism and not “True” Spiritualism.

New Age Spirituality relies on tools such as crystals and tarot cards. It also uses divination and astrology in its belief system. In this way, New Age is more akin to a religion than Spiritualism.

 

Do Spiritualists Believe in the Bible?

Most Spiritualists don’t believe in the bible. They may believe in aspects of it, especially if they once were Christian, but for the most part, the bible doesn’t align with most of what Spiritualists believe.

Spiritualists don’t follow any rules or religious texts unless they specifically choose to do so.

They may believe in Jesus as a historical figure, or for some even a spiritual one but their interpretation of Jesus and the bible is entirely up to their discretion.

 

What Does the Bible Say About Spirituality?

Christians believe in “biblical spirituality” aka spirituality according to the Bible. Biblical spirituality means you were born of God and changed by the grace of Jesus Christ. You live according to Spirit and your empowerment by Spirit draws others towards it too. It means you have a personal relationship with God and constantly seek him out.

The Bible, however, condemns practices such as worshiping deities, or other gods or goddesses, invoking spirits, witchcraft, astrology and other such practices that could be considered spiritual.

 

As you can see, while there may be some overlap between Spiritualism and Christianity, there are also many differences. Christianity is a more traditional religion that follows a doctrine. Whereas, Spiritualism is much more self-motivated.

Neither one is inherently better or more superior than the other. Our belief system is incredibly personal to each of us, and the reasons for which belief we choose to follow depends on various factors, such as culture, upbringing, and how we view the world.

 

by Morgan Peters

 

Other Posts You May Like:

The Relationship Between Spirituality and Mental Health

7 Life-Changing Causes of Spiritual Awakening

What it Means to be Wiccan – The Pagan Religion on the Rise

 

Sources:

“A Statement on Biblical Spirituality.” A Statement on Biblical Spirituality, Andrews University, www.andrews.edu/sem/sdats_bibspir.pdf. Accessed 16 May 2024.