Religion is a human characteristic, although it can be difficult to define or to quantify. Gods need not be present in order to have a religion as some religions deny the existence of gods. Belief in an afterlife is not required in a religion as there are some that deny an afterlife or don't define the present and future self in such a manner. Most societies and cultures include a common moral code but it isn't necessarily a product of religion. It can be difficult to distinguish the religious from the nonreligious ideology. But we will do the best we can. Coined in the 1800s, the term "world religions" originally included only Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. It was later expanded to include Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism and Shinto. Today, and for the purposes of categorization here, the term will be given more flexibility. Traditionally, the world's religions are often divided into Eastern and Western religions, but since we will be including some religions that don't fit neatly into either of these two categories. Four religions account for the vast majority of people who identify with a religion, over 75% of the world's population, and over 90% of the religious population of the world. These are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, Approximately 15% of the world's population are secular humanists, or atheists, which is slightly larger than Hinduism and much larger than Buddhism. This leaves about 10% belonging to all of the other religions combined. Although Christianity accounts for only about one-third of the world's religious population, it is more prominently featured here because this directly only lists sites that are in the English language, and Christianity is more greatly represented among web sites in the English language. Along the same lines, while esoteric religions make up a relatively small percentage of the religious population of the world, these religions are well represented in English-language sites.
Categories
Abrahamic ReligionsEastern ReligionsEsoteric Religions | Pagan ReligionsSecular Humanism |
 
 
Feature Article
Spirituality vs Religion

Being modern is usually defined as being accepting or being comfortable on some level with all the diverse options the world has to offer. Not being defined by any labels and having the freedom to move between any available trains of thoughts is a highly-valued option as well. Some trains of thought when it comes to a national identity, are often caught between two polar extremes, for example, the concept of being liberal or conservative.
These two options can be considered as broad-brushing, but in popular and repetitive culture around the globe, these two ideas are among the most popular. Persons deeply entrenched in both camps always would look to make the other side appear as the devil incarnate. The reality is usually quite shocking, no one person is 100% a liberal or 100% a conservative on all issues facing a nation.
The concept of freedom is an expression that is extended into the realm of the supernatural. As such, many persons will sign onto the idea of being spiritual but not religious. Spirituality is a belief in a higher power, it hinges on individuals having personal experiences. It takes issue with organized religion at least in its current form, as it is viewed as being given a set of rules and restrictions instead of daily improvement. A religious movement, on the other hand, has a declared moral barometer stemming from a faith system based on supernatural beings.
The Attraction of Being Spiritual
The issue the Church of today has with spirituality can be summed up in one passage:
Revelation 3 verse 16 "But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"
God is giving a charge to each person to pick a side and remain with that side until their end of days. Just as how most persons would be a proud citizen of their country until their death, so too must Christians have a grounded faith. The issue many persons have with attending church and participating is usually surrounding a man driven doctrine vs a biblical principle. A key example can be women wearing pants in some denominations and in other denominations; worshipers are barred from attending social events such as the movies and even dating. Given the high standard set by Christ, few persons of the world can stand the scrutiny that comes with being a Christian. Therefore, the application of faith must be shown in a way that celebrates God's plan of wanting good superimposed upon Him wanting to bless and expand our holdings while on earth.
Conceptually speaking, it must be made clear that God loves all, but it is the sin of our actions that he despises. It is okay
to think, and to be a scientist, and it is okay to ask God why, so long as the line of blaspheming and denying the Lord is not crossed.
Christian art can only reflect the beauty of a part of his Kingdom; the rest must be reflected in you.
Author bio: Rana Tarakji is an
entrepreneur and a contributing writer at
Stylerail, a lifestyle blog.
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Cross Currents, as well as its publications and associated programs, are sponsored by the Association for Religion and Intellectuall Life, a not-for-profit organization in New York City. It is an online religious magazine for spiritual people seeking to unravel the wisdom of the heart. View insight into religious differences and read the latest issues, including full text articles. The current issue may be sampled online.
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Not sponsored or affiliated with any religious group or organization, the site is an archive of electronic texts about religion, mythology, legends and folklore, and occult and esoteric topics, presented in the English language and, when possible, in the original language as well. Topics may be found by keyword search or by browsing subject categories. Content is also available on DVD or flash drive. ISTA Flash-Drive may be purchased preloaded.
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The Asian & Abrahamic Religions
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