Exploring spirituality and religion
'Spirituality doesn't have to be religious but any healthy form of religion will be spiritual.'
NHS Scotland publication Spiritual Care Matters
It is the case that in the past spirituality was considered to be just a small part of the religious tradition. You will find that today the focus has moved with religion being a small part of spirituality.
What is religion?
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'The belief in, and worshiping of, a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal 'God' or gods.' or 'A particular system of faith and worship.'
Oxford English Dictionary
The general characteristics of religious beliefs are:
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What is spirituality?
The word ‘spirituality’ comes from the Latin word ‘spiritus’ which means ‘breath’ or ‘life’.
The Latin word ‘spiritulis’ means ‘person of the spirit’.
'The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.'
Oxford English Dictionary
The general characteristics of spirituality are:
- The experience or expression of the sacred or the search for meaning in life events and a desire and need to be connected to the universe.
- A quality that goes beyond religious affiliation that strives for inspiration, meaning and purpose, even in those who do not believe in a god, highlighting how connected we are to other people and the world.
How do spiritual or religious beliefs affect recovery?
The table below lists the ways spirituality can be helpful or unhelpful.
| Helpful | Unhelpful |
|---|---|
| Clarifies personal boundaries. | Makes you feel scared. |
| Provides guidance. | Puts you under pressure. |
| Provides a way of making amends. | Gives you lots of impossible rules to follow. |
| Provides a way of understanding life events. | Cuts you off from your family and friends. |
| Provides moral and ethical guidance to work out what is acceptable behaviour. | Makes you feel as though you are being judged. |
| Provides beliefs on love and forgiveness which can help reconcile differences. | Encourages you to become preoccupied with guilt. |
| Spiritual healers, in addition to the use of mental health services. | Makes you vulnerable to exploitation. |
| Rituals, such as particular prayers. | Encourages black and white thinking. |
| Empowers people to move in the direction of meaningful communication. |
Some religions and religious beliefs are not always helpful to people with mental health difficulties. You might feel guilty or judged. Sometimes people may feel excluded or feel prejudice. Difficulties with your mental health will sometimes make you more vulnerable. Extreme religious groups may sometimes seek out vulnerable people and attempt to draw them into a cult or sect.