Religion vs. Spirituality: A Contemporary Conundrum

Abstract

Religion today appears in trouble while spirituality is in ascendency. This essay proposes a partnership model for their frequently vexed relationship. It begins with nuanced profiles of religion and spirituality, and points out that 195 religious institutions emerge to perpetuate religious traditions and the spiritualities that enliven them. Unfortunately, such institutions can end up obliterating the values and experience they were established to nurture. Historic tensions between religion and spirituality are now exacerbated by postmodernity and various ideological criticisms of religion. Nonetheless, the essay concludes that (a chastened) religion remains the optimal context for Christian spirituality to flourish.