Spirituality vs. Religion: Understanding the Path to Your Authentic Self

Religion and spirituality are often blended and misunderstood, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. As a young adult, I found this distinction especially murky. Growing up in a Catholic household and attending Catholic school from first grade through college, I was immersed in not only Catholicism but also exposed to Christianity, Wicca, Judaism, and other religious beliefs through the study of theology.

The deeper I explored theology, the clearer it became: being religious does not necessarily mean being spiritual, and being spiritual does not require being religious. But what exactly sets them apart?

The Nature of Religion

Religion is built upon doctrine—a structured set of teachings written by man. To be religious is to adhere to these doctrines, practicing rituals and traditions that guide one’s understanding of morality, divinity, and existence. Religion is an outward expression of seeking answers—providing a framework for being a “good” person.

However, doctrine comes with rules, and where there are rules, there is also the possibility of breaking them. This can lead to guilt when one feels they are not living up to the expectations set by their faith. I, too, experienced this guilt—questioning whether I was a good person simply because I wasn’t following the doctrine to the letter.

But with so many religious doctrines in the world, many of which contradict one another, I found myself wondering: Is being good solely about following a set of external rules? Or is there something deeper?

What Is Spirituality?

Spirituality, in contrast, is the pursuit of going inward—to release fear, pain, and trauma in order to uncover the most authentic version of ourselves. It is the process of healing and freeing ourselves from the emotional and energetic burdens we’ve carried, so we can live in a state of unconditional love, peace, and happiness every day.

Unlike religion, spirituality is not dictated by doctrine or external validation. Since each of us is a unique soul having a human experience, it only makes sense that our spiritual journeys are equally unique.

The essence of spirituality is not about rules or external expectations but about inner transformation. When we commit to healing, releasing fear, and embracing our inner wisdom, we cultivate an existence rooted in love and joy. This inner shift is mirrored in our external reality—changing not only how we experience life but also how we impact the world around us.

Can You Be Religious and Not Spiritual? Or Spiritual and Not Religious?

Absolutely. Religion and spirituality are two different paths. One is based on following an external doctrine, while the other is about journeying inward to discover your truth.

You can be religious without feeling spiritually connected, just as you can be deeply spiritual without following a specific religion. It all comes down to where you seek truth and meaning—outside of yourself or within.

Can You Be Spiritual and Religious?

The answer is yes! You can be both spiritual and religious, and in fact, blending the external structure of religion with the inward journey of spirituality can be a profoundly powerful experience.

Many people assume that spirituality and religion are at odds with one another, but this isn’t true. Spirituality is not affiliated with any one religion, nor is it in conflict with any religious tradition. Instead, spirituality is a personal journey of self-discovery, healing, and connection to the divine—however you define it.

For those who follow a religion, integrating spirituality into their faith practice can deepen their relationship with their beliefs. Rather than simply following doctrine out of obligation or tradition, spirituality invites a more personal, heart-centered connection with the divine—whether that be God, the Universe, Source, or any higher power.

The Invitation to Choose Yourself

No matter where you stand—whether you find comfort in religious tradition or prefer a more personal spiritual journey—You are invited you to choose yourself.

Find a practice that allows you to connect with your most authentic self. Release the pain, trauma, and beliefs that no longer serve you. Let go of the guilt that was never yours to carry. Heal. Love. Transform.

Your spiritual journey is yours alone, and in uncovering the true essence of who you are, you contribute more beauty and light to the world around you.

With Love,

Jenny Ocean