Worship vs. Oneness?

The word worship has been carried through the ages from a time of lower consciousness where what was known was known and what was unknown was feared. These were times guided by literal interpretation. These were times when clergy were seen to be closest to God. Due to the evolution of mankind changes have taken place and will continue to as higher consciousness levels are reached. God is honored and revered as always, however, the practices of worship have changed through human evolution. The concept of oneness should not diminish the honor and reverence held for God as the Creator. Having been taught that God is everywhere and is part of everything, I do not recall any exclusions or fine print so does this not include humans? Oneness is simply an expression of this – being one as an individual at the same time as being One, part of the whole. There is common belief in that there is connectivity between a person and their soul. There is common belief in that the soul is within the physical body. There is common belief in that the soul lives on after death. There is common belief that there is connectivity between the soul and God. Despite the common beliefs, religious teachings depict a time of God separation. Following the common belief trail from the connectivity of a person to their soul to their soul to God, Oneness shows the means by which being one with God can exist.

Outside vs. Within?

Without going too in depth on this, it is a similar concept to the one above. Your belief of where God resides depends on your perspective of God and all that entails. Let’s use the message that God is with you as an example. It can be interpreted as meaning outside of you as it is usually depicted in pictures or it can be interpreted as meaning within you as in your heart. The difference in this comparison lies in the interpretation of ‘within’ meaning the soul which is known as your higher self and considered to be your “God’s Spark” (connection). It has been taught that God is in everything and is everywhere making God both within and outside.

Separates vs. Unites?

This makes me think of the concept of separate not divided. Granted there are many denominations of religion each having specific beliefs. Can the same not be said about spirituality? Yes, it can. Both, spiritualty and religion, are established from the same foundational belief in God (regardless of the name used) and is the unifying factor. Article: Separate not Divided

Fear Hell vs. Create Heaven?

Most know the concept of heaven and hell as well as the concept of creating heaven on earth. As the first concept is taught, heaven is a good place and hell a bad one. This may have been learned through a religious means or even through the many movies depicting them as such. The concept centers around where the soul goes after death. The idea of going to hell for eternity instilled fear in many throughout history as was used as a means of control. Spirituality acknowledges the existence of spiritual realms. Are not heaven and hell spiritual realms? Whether or not it exists is a choice of belief. Can it be said that the concept of heaven on earth is associated with religion with the Lord’s Prayer stating “thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”? What constitutes being heaven-like is subjective so it is an individual matter. To me, this simply means finding peace within yourself and living this life.

Fear & Restriction vs. Love & Freedom?

Fear of hell and damnation as discussed above is a matter of interpretation and belief. The practice of religious and spiritual sects having specific beliefs is not new and some of them may be considered to be restrictive. However, the statement that religion is based on fear and restriction while spirituality is based on love and freedom I believe to be misleading. As I stated before, the foundational base for both is the belief in God. Did God create religious denominations or spiritual sects? No, man did. More were created and some were dissolved as beliefs were modified and expanded from increased consciousness. The same applies to those deemed as taboo… some remained as such while others had the designation lifted. Fear, restriction, love and freedom are subjective words with the perceived meaning being in the eye of the beholder. All spiritual belief is a choice and can be changed at any time.

Single Drop in Ocean vs. Ocean in Single Drop?

It’s being suggested that through religion an individual is only an individual and that through spirituality an individual is more. It sounds as though the religious side of the comparison speaks to an individual feeling divided from everything while existing in it. This signifies a lack of feeling of connectiveness to the collective through self while the spirituality side seems to speak to having the feeling of connectiveness to the collective through self which encompasses all. I believe both sides of this comparison can be experienced in life and adjustments made based on your individual belief system.

Others Experiences vs. Personal Experience?

This one I have to admit I believed and wrote about. Through personal spiritual growth, I have realized that it is not a matter of one or the other … it is both. Both are beneficial to spiritual growth. Events of the past hold teachings (lessons) to be learned and applied in life. When not learned through past events i.e. the experiences of others, how do they get taught? They will be taught through present day situations and events. Spiritual awareness is gained and possibilities exposed through the experiences of others, past and present. It is the seeking of knowledge through lived examples for reference not comparison. It is seeking knowledge to embrace your experiences not replace them. Awareness is important for your own experiences. It is your own experiences and beliefs that help increase your vibrational level.

It is important to remember to keep that which resonates as truth to you and explore further that which you are unsure about. Being like-minded does not mean that you stop thinking for yourself and follow blindly or that you can’t change your mind about what you believe. What resonates with you as truth can and will change through the process of personal growth. Your beliefs may also change through the process of spiritual growth. Please remember that unlearning is a part of learning. Although believed and portrayed as, spirituality and religion are not opposing sides.

Both have the same foundational belief in God and both are connected with God.