"What happens is that people who are very religious but who are not in touch with reality, cannot be spiritual"
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This quote by Keith Miller examines the distinction in between being religious and being spiritual, recommending that being extremely concentrated on spiritual practices without a grounded sense of reality might hinder true spirituality. Miller asserts that individuals who are deeply religious-- strictly adhering to routines, doctrines, and the institutional elements of faith-- might detach from reality if their focus is too narrow or rigid. This disconnection can prevent them from experiencing spirituality in a genuine and extensive manner.
To comprehend this idea, it's essential to explore the distinction between worship and spirituality. Religiosity often includes an adherence to the specific beliefs and practices of an organized religion. It is characterized by engagement with rituals, moral codes, and customs. On the other hand, spirituality is more about a person's personal experience and connection with the divine, the universe, or one's innermost self. It involves a sense of peace, transcendence, and comprehending that may or might not be connected to a particular spiritual structure.
Miller's quote suggests that a simply religious focus, untempered by a consideration of reality, can become a barrier to spirituality. Reality here can be analyzed as the wider human experience that includes diverse viewpoints, openness to change, and the capability to question and reflect. When religious individuals are not in touch with truth-- when they overlook or dismiss the intricacies of the contemporary world and alternative ways of thinking-- they may become dogmatic or inflexible. This mindset can decrease their capability for self-awareness, empathy, and spiritual growth, as spirituality often needs openness, introspection, and a connection to the world beyond prescribed teachings.
In essence, Miller supporters for a well balanced approach where one's religious beliefs are harmoniously incorporated with an awareness and engagement with the realities of life, motivating people to cultivate a spirituality that is both rooted and extensive.
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