Please find further resources on Religion within this section of the site.
Quotes
'I'm always surprised when people say that they think that religion and spirituality are completely separate things. I think it’s important to remember that it was someone's spiritual experience that was at the start/source of the creation of all religions! It's probably the adherance to doctrine and institutionalised practices and rituals, as well as the religious conflicts throughout the centuries and in the present time, that have turned so many people away from religions. But at the heart of most religions there are beautiful teachings and spiritual practices which have so much to offer us.' Anna Lubelska, Director of Spiritual England
‘When religion closes people up in their own particular group, it puts belonging to the group, and its success and growth, above love and vulnerability towards others; it no longer nourished and opens the heart. When this happens, religion becomes an ideology, that is to say, a series of ideas that we impose on ourselves, as well as on others; it closes us up behind walls. When religion helps us to open our hearts in love and compassion to those who are not of our faith so as to help them find a source of freedom within their own hearts and to grow in compassion and love of others, then this religion is a source of life.' Jean Vanier in his book 'Becoming Human'.
' All day I think about it, then at night I say it. Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing? I have no idea. My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that, and I intend to end up there.’ Jalal ad-Din Rumi
‘Religion is for people who are scared to go to hell. Spirituality is for people who have already been there.’ Bonnie Raitt
‘Sadly the word ‘religion’ has so many negative connotations that it has now lost its original meaning. It has become a man-made concept that, however well intentioned, can be manipulated by unscrupulous people to exercise control over others. By contrast ‘spirituality’ is personal and outside the control of others. It is our inner voice, our consciousness, our soul, our true identity. It forms the basis of our connection with the earth and all its inhabitants and it is our spirituality that recognises the good in everything and encourages us to strive to become the best we can be.’ Carole McEntee-Taylor, Policy Director, the Spiritual Workers Association
'Religion encompasses aspects of spirituality, usually in the context of belief in a transcendent being or beings. Religious faiths can provie a 'world view', which is acted out in narrative, creeds, symbols, rites, rituals, sacraments and gatherings and the promotion of ties of mutal obligation. It creates a framework within which people seek to understand and interpret and make sense of themselves, their lives and daily experiences' Peter Gilbert, Emeritus Professor of Social Work and Spirituality , Staffordshire University