Religion VS Spirituality

Have you ever tried explaining the difference between religion and spirituality to someone? I know (and love) the saying: "Religion is for those who don't want to go to hell. Spirituality is for those that have been to hell and don't want to go back." But I'm talking about discussion, not a quick answer.

Skipper, a newcomer to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, had asked me to sponsor her. We are both members of the recovery program ETA, which is a Spiritual program, not a religious one. Most alcoholics subscribe to the theory: if some is good, more is better. Skipper felt this way about questions. This normally would have driven me insane (already a short trip) but Skipper was sincerely seeking knowledge. I will put a lot of effort into helping someone that is seeking understanding. Here is what I came up with.

Say you and a couple of friends want to go to California for a music festival. (Who doesn't want to go to California?) You find when and where the festival is to be held and make hotel reservations for the dates of the festival. None of you have ever been to California. You discuss the best way to travel.

Barbie thinks the best way to get there is to take a plane. It is the fastest way and there isn't really that much effort to get there by plane; pack your bag, stand in line, strip and unpack your bag, dress and repack your bag, find the gate where your plane is parked and get on it.

Midge feels the best way to get there is by train. It is much less expensive than a plane and you don't have to take your clothes off. Plus you get to see some scenery along the way. It takes longer, but a train is a relaxing way to travel. Barbie and Midge begin to argue about why their chosen travel modes are the best way to go.

Ken thinks the best way to get there is to drive. It takes even longer than the train this way, but Ken wants the added benefit of having his car to get around in while he's there. It is cheaper than a plane or a train. Barbie, Midge and Ken begin to argue about the cost of gasoline, wear and tear on the car, length of the trip, etc., and whether it is really cheaper in the long run.

Brad thinks the best way to get there is to roller skate. Barbie, Midge and Ken stare at him in disbelief and wonder if Brad has a brain. They can't believe he is serious about this mode of transportation. Midge thinks they might want to un-invite him. Brad starts talking about saving the environment and money by using no fuel but his own muscles. Brad is sure that people will open their homes and provide him with food and shelter. He begins a flowery lecture about people being basically very kind and will help him with whatever he might need along the way. Barbie throws up and Ken asks if Brad took his medication today.

They all start to argue, each of them certain that their way is the best way and try to convince the others to agree. Experts are brought in, crowds gather to see what all the commotion is about and end up joining the fray.

What is the goal? The goal is to get to California, but this goal has been forgotten in the argument over the best way to achieve the goal. The result is that nobody will make it to California in time for the festival if they don't choose the mode of travel that is best for themselves. They can even mix up the various modes of travel; skate to the train station, take the train to a large airport, fly the rest of the way and rent a car when they get there.

In ETA, the goal is to establish a relationship with the old HP (get to California). That is Spirituality. How you establish that relationship is immaterial (mode of transportation). That is religion. It doesn't matter how you get there; it only matters that you get there.

What are your thoughts? How do you explain the difference between Spirituality and religion?

Have a good and sober day.