similarities between spirituality and religion
In discussing the similarities between spirituality and religion we see that both words coincide with each other. According to Hays and Erford, “a related term to spirituality is religion which represents the behaviors and practices of individual’s faith. Thus, religion is the organizing construct of spirituality"(2014, 2010, pg. 9). As you think and read more into spirituality and religion, you can see that there is a differences in them. It's not a big differences because eventually they will both come together or fall under the same umbrella. Those differences is that religion is an organization/ body of people expressing their beliefs/ way of life in a divine power. Some religions include Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism. Spiritually "provides direction, meaning, and purpose and guides other components for individuals" (Hays and Erford, 2014, 2010, pg. 9). So you have your organization and or the place you worship in, and then within that, spiritually kicks in that will provide you with meaning and direction giving you that connection with other individuals and the universe. Poll and Smith's model of spiritual identity is based on one's self in relation to God. The model consist of 4 stages starting from early childhood, when you really don't know much about religion because you are young and don't really understand the concept when your parents are trying to teach you about the bible. The model then goes all the way up until you fully understand and have a relationship with God. The first stage is called the preawareness stage this is when individuals have not yet been through spiritual experiences. The second stage is the awakening stage this stage emerge when one has been through a crisis or meaningful challenge in life, leaving one emotionally hurt and needing a helping hand so they then become aware of God. The third stage is the recognition stage which "involves a cognitive and emotional understanding of God that permeates all life existence and experiences" (Hays and Erford, 2014, 2010, pg. 54). The fourth and final stage is the integration stage this according to Hays and Erford is "marked by internalized notions of God that order perceptions, interactions, relationships, and behaviors" (2014, 2010, pg. 54). I totally agree with the 4 stages of Poll and Smith's model of spiritual identity. I agree because as I look back at my life and examine my childhood, I really never understood the Lord and what praying even meant. It wasn't until I grew older and begun getting in trouble or lost love ones, that I started actually fully understanding what praying to the lord our God did for me.