Spirit unites
Religion segregates
Spirit does not judge
Religion compares
Spirit is forgiving
Religion condemns
Spirit is of God
Religion believes in a God
Spirit is Universal Intelligence
Religion is man
Spirit is freeing
Religion controlling
Spirit is wholeness
Religions are pieces
Spirit accepts all
Religion accepts few
Spirit is natural
Religion is forced
Spirit is power through giving and loveReligion is power through greed and good intention
These things from ancient times arise from one:
The sky is whole and clear
The earth is whole and firm
The spirit is whole and full
When man interferes with the Tao
The sky becomes filthy
The earth becomes depleted
The equilibrium crumbles
Creatures become extinct
From the 39th verse of the Tao Te Ching
Love this post, Marshall. I have always struggled with society’s definition of Spirit versus Religion. Your words here do a fabulous job of clarifying the difference, and offering guidance within one's self, rather than exterior motives.
ReplyDeleteMarshall
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I've read this post numerous times. The particular line "Spirit is of God. Religion believes in a God" is something that I've struggled with for many years, obviously due to my up bringing. However, thanks to all our chats, and this post it's no longer a struggle. Thanks my friend.
xo