Scattered thoughts around being spiritual vs being religious

I've come across quite a number of people claiming they are spiritual but not religious and this has always baffled me. In my mind the two cannot be separated. I'm still to explore this topic, but thought I'd share as I learn.

I've also noticed that, this phrase of being "spiritual" often means not needing to be bound by God's moral standard but simply having a relationship with God and going about living about your life. Or just acknowledging God is Lord but not living in light of this truth. But in all honesty, you (I) cannot sincerely have a relationship with God without honouring Him. Obedience is part of the relationship.

Here are some thoughts to reflect on:

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

- James 1:27

True religion is obedience to ALL the commandments of God. - TDG 314

Religion does not consist in works, but religion works; it is not dormant. - 7BC 935

Many seem to feel that religion has a tendency to make its possessor narrow and cramped, but genuine religion does not have a narrowing influence; it is the lack of religion that cramps the faculties and narrows the mind. When a man is narrow, it is an evidence that he needs the grace of God, the heavenly anointing; for a Christian is one whom the Lord, the God of hosts, can work through, that he may keep the ways of the Lord of the earth and make manifest His will to men. - 7BC 93

Religion is needed in the home. Only this can prevent the grievous wrongs which so often embitter married life. Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will be guests in the home, and their holy vigils will hallow the marriage chamber. Debasing sensuality will be banished. Upward to God will the thoughts be directed; to Him will the heart’s devotion ascend.- AH 94.3

What *if* being spiritual = being religious? 😃

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