Love Lorenz Selda August 21, 2023

G.E. 1 Paper 1

Religion is a set of organized beliefs, practices, and systems that most often relate to the
belief and worship of a controlling force, such as a personal god or another supernatural being
(Stibidich, 2022). While some aspect of religion is rooted in traditions, religion bounds one
belief that the believers uphold, which includes establishing moral beliefs and principles.
Meanwhile, spirituality includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves,
involving a search for meaning of life, and is generally a human experience, a transcendence that
touches each one of us (Delagran, 2023). This suggests that spirituality in a sense is more of a
personal relationship.

The influence varies greatly depending on the individual's personal experience with both
concepts. One may be spiritual: the context relates to an individual's sense of being and an
understanding of their way of life, as well as their belief in a higher power above, yet they do not
practice or identify with an organized body. On the other hand, one can be religious without
being spiritual, that is, a ceremonious person who lacks the fundamental connection. I see this as
an outward sign rather than internalizing what he's doing. But there is a significant point to
consider as well: the compatibility between religiosity and spirituality. This perception has a
living impact on a person who follows religious teachings while seeking an inner connection
with a greater one through pious devotion and practice.

From my personal perspective, I could say that spirituality is integral to being religious.
As I became part of the Liturgical core committee of our Parish, I ought to be pious in my
actions towards liturgy. While being so exposed to the rubrics of the ceremonies and overly
familiar with the Holy Mass, I often saw myself solely observing the rites of the liturgy being
meaningless and therefore, it was only an external projection of being religious. Being spiritual
in this sense is for me to pause and reflect, what has been the message for me? What does this
Greater being want me to see? I seek to understand the meaning of what I am doing, and it could
only be done if I truly participate with full, active, and conscious participation while the impact
of being religious without spirituality is emptiness, meaningless and dull. To consider entering
into the sense of being spiritual gives so much meaning when it is applied to religiosity.