Jordyn Sliger
Tara Goodrich
English Two
May 14, 2019
Is New Age Spirituality Better Than Religion?
Have you ever felt pressured or obligated to do something because of you or someone you’ve known personal religious beliefs? There are many different opinionated arguments when it comes to this specific topic as it can come across as a more sensitive thing to speak on as it questions your own and others beliefs. Despite the controversy, there are points to be made that can validate that there has to be something out there better for a person’s enlightenment in the world other than an ancient and regulated religion.
One of the reasons as to why spirituality is better than most religious practices is that spirituality is generally more tolerant of other religions, cultures and beliefs. Some religious practices are often very close minded when it comes to being tolerant of others personal beliefs. Some religions often refuse to accept anyone who is homosexual, transgenders, premarital sex and marrying outside of your religion meaning to not marry someone without the same religion as you (Yasmin). On the opposite of this, spirituality does not have a specific set of guidelines that prevail what is “right” and what is “wrong” therefor making it more difficult to say they are intolerant of any other culture or lifestyle that is not their own. Personal spirituality does not teach to hate or disapprove of any specific group and more than often applauded and praises self experimentation.
A following reason as to why spirituality is better for a individual is that unlike religious practices, spirituality teaches experimentation and hopes to inspire instead of containing someone in a figmitated “box” (Travis). Spirituality is about self expression and finding your own way in life, while religion informs to oblige by the rules given or you will be granted a one way ticket to hell. Religion demands validation and dedication to a holy spirit, spirituality asks for self preservation and to realize the world and energies surrounding you at all times. A spiritual journey is meant to help better understand yourself and learn to keep away from negativity in your life without any limitations (Yasmin). Spirituality is a journey while religion is a reinforced form.
A final reason as to why new age spirituality is better for the soul than religion is that spirituality does not teach that one way is the only immisson to eternal salvation, while any other religion takes advantage of the followers by placing fear into their minds (Gordon). By preying on the fearful, that does not come across with good intentions. Religion steals the power from those who follow by manifesting into deep fears of being condemned to a eternal place of flames for not obliging to what the bible demands (Barbra). Spirituality on the other hand does not make endless demands or regulations on what is right and wrong, it allows self-expression without placing the little voice in the back of your head which makes you question if this is acceptable or not to “god.”
In conclusion, spirituality is more healthy for the mind, body, emotions, soul and ego when being opposed to typical religions. Spirituality offers a wider rage of space to experiment, learn, express things and learn more about your inner self and self conscious. When being compared to regulated religions, spirituality is not as constricted on what you may and may not do, along with it does not pressure those committed to it into a sense of fear to gain a following. Religion demands certain things of a person, while new age spirituality allows the individual to decide what they commit to the journey. Religion restricts. Spirituality allows.
Tara Goodrich
English Two
May 14, 2019
Is New Age Spirituality Better Than Religion?
Have you ever felt pressured or obligated to do something because of you or someone you’ve known personal religious beliefs? There are many different opinionated arguments when it comes to this specific topic as it can come across as a more sensitive thing to speak on as it questions your own and others beliefs. Despite the controversy, there are points to be made that can validate that there has to be something out there better for a person’s enlightenment in the world other than an ancient and regulated religion.
One of the reasons as to why spirituality is better than most religious practices is that spirituality is generally more tolerant of other religions, cultures and beliefs. Some religious practices are often very close minded when it comes to being tolerant of others personal beliefs. Some religions often refuse to accept anyone who is homosexual, transgenders, premarital sex and marrying outside of your religion meaning to not marry someone without the same religion as you (Yasmin). On the opposite of this, spirituality does not have a specific set of guidelines that prevail what is “right” and what is “wrong” therefor making it more difficult to say they are intolerant of any other culture or lifestyle that is not their own. Personal spirituality does not teach to hate or disapprove of any specific group and more than often applauded and praises self experimentation.
A following reason as to why spirituality is better for a individual is that unlike religious practices, spirituality teaches experimentation and hopes to inspire instead of containing someone in a figmitated “box” (Travis). Spirituality is about self expression and finding your own way in life, while religion informs to oblige by the rules given or you will be granted a one way ticket to hell. Religion demands validation and dedication to a holy spirit, spirituality asks for self preservation and to realize the world and energies surrounding you at all times. A spiritual journey is meant to help better understand yourself and learn to keep away from negativity in your life without any limitations (Yasmin). Spirituality is a journey while religion is a reinforced form.
A final reason as to why new age spirituality is better for the soul than religion is that spirituality does not teach that one way is the only immisson to eternal salvation, while any other religion takes advantage of the followers by placing fear into their minds (Gordon). By preying on the fearful, that does not come across with good intentions. Religion steals the power from those who follow by manifesting into deep fears of being condemned to a eternal place of flames for not obliging to what the bible demands (Barbra). Spirituality on the other hand does not make endless demands or regulations on what is right and wrong, it allows self-expression without placing the little voice in the back of your head which makes you question if this is acceptable or not to “god.”
In conclusion, spirituality is more healthy for the mind, body, emotions, soul and ego when being opposed to typical religions. Spirituality offers a wider rage of space to experiment, learn, express things and learn more about your inner self and self conscious. When being compared to regulated religions, spirituality is not as constricted on what you may and may not do, along with it does not pressure those committed to it into a sense of fear to gain a following. Religion demands certain things of a person, while new age spirituality allows the individual to decide what they commit to the journey. Religion restricts. Spirituality allows.