Morality, religion, spirituality...and the Truth

There is a saying that has gained ground in modern Christianity that I believe is slightly problematic. It goes "I'm not religious, I'm spiritual". Why I find this saying bothersome is that although the speakers may mean well, spirituality is open to the same opportunities for the errors they are turning away from religion for.

Let me explain my point this way: the journey to transcendence - becoming a superior version of one’s self - has 4 stages:

Morality

Religion

Spirituality

Truth

Morality is what unites both religious and atheists. The focus is on “doing good stuff”. Feeding the poor. Helping the weak. Making the right choices. Doing these help you feel like a better human being.

Religion takes it further by defining goodness through a system of rites, rituals, practices...all alleged to have divine origins. But you will need to complete all the laid-out rules and regulations of religion before you can be termed “perfect”.

Spirituality defines superiority by your degree of connection to the spirit realm. Which is basically how often or how well you receive direction or communication from a world different from this one.

Christians that believe that spirituality is the highest level forget that the spirit realm includes both good and bad influences. It is not just enough to be guided by the Spirit, you need to confirm it is the right spirit you are listening to. That’s why the Bible says “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1).

This is where the last level - truth - comes in. Jesus says those that worship God must worship Him in spirit and in TRUTH (John 4:23). And that He is the Way, the TRUTH, and the life (John 14:6). 

What truly elevates humanity is the truth. There is a way that seems right but the end is death. We can only discern this through truth. Truth clears up the confusion and cuts through the deception. It lets us discern things for what they truly are. It separates the shadow from the substance - it shows us what truly makes us good, instead of what appears to make us good. 

God wants us all saved and to come to the knowledge of the TRUTH (1 Tim 2:4).

Truth should be the goal for Christians. Don’t stop at spirituality - press towards truth. 

“And ye shall know the truth. And the truth shall make you free” - Jesus Christ