Lesson 6: Spiritual Self

Description of the lesson

Introductory Activity 6
Instruction: There are 2 questions below. Choose only 1 question to answer. Answer briefly
and concisely the chosen question.
 How do you prove that God exist?
 How do you prove that God does not exist?

UNDERSTANDING RELIGION
Religion is an organized system of ideas about the spiritual or supernatural realm that is
accompanied by rituals. Through rituals, people attempt to influence things that they think are
beyond their control.
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism are just some of the big
religions that the world has. All of these religions believe in a God or Supreme Being. All of
which believe that someone, a Supernatural being, is greater than them.
In this lesson, we will not be discussing what Religion is the ultimate truth. Rather,
Religion is just one component of this lesson. In your religion, whatever it may be, we have
different rituals and practices. Would you happen to know certain rituals and practices in your
religion? Share them below.
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 In every Religion, there are varied ways of rituals and practices that makes the religion
unique from others. But being unique is not the only reason why we have these rituals. Let’s
explore the purposes of religion as a whole.
Purpose of Religion
 To explain things –
Religion is created by man to have an explanation of certaing things. For instance,
we need an explanation of how we were created in this world, thus Christianity has
the bible to explain how we were created by God. There are other ways religion
explains different things. Such as how to live, how to interact with others, how to
build a relationship with the Supreme Being and so much more.
 To establish order –
Religion is also like a country where there are rules that are set for its members to
follow. Religion is there in order to establish peace, order and harmony among its
members. Take for example the 10 commandments, it’s a very straightforward
document of rules to follow for every Christian. This rules promote peace to its
members.
 To justify things –
There are times in our life wherein we wanted to justify or we wanted to have a
reason for something that happens in our life. Often times, religion is there to justify
for us. An example of this is when one of our loved one dies and we are trying to
accept that fact, religion then justifies that all living being eventually dies to be
reunited with the Supreme Being. With our justification, we then are turned to be
more hopeful that sorrowful with the situation.
 Socializes people –
Since a religion cannot be a religion without its members, this makes it an avenue for
people to socialize. The members get to share certain beliefs and practices that
makes the religion grow, both on number and quality. Being in a certain Religion
makes you interact with people whom you share the same belief. Each of the
members can help one another through tithes, donations, advocacies etc.
 Vehicle for passage into a different domain –
Every religion has a lot of rituals and practices and one of those are the practices for
every “next stage” of the individual’s life. Examples of this is are the rituals for
baptism, for marriage and even the rituals when someone dies.

The religion that we have and practice leads us to a life that is in accordance to our
beliefs. Thus, often times, we find meaning of our lives through religion. However, not
everybody needs to have a religion to find the meaning in one’s life. Other people find meaning
in many ways. This looking for the meanings of one’s life is called the spirituality.

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What is Spirituality?
Spirituality also concerns an aspect of the divine and supernatural but is often times
limited to the individual, with no need for any formal organization. This is the search for
meaning and direction in life and the ways by which one may preserve these.
Have you experienced times wherein you tried to question what your purpose in life is?
Or have you tried to ask yourself what direction are you heading to? These existential questions
are part of who you are. The spiritual self is the aspect of who you are who constantly checks
how we are with ourselves. It is the aspect that looks for the meaning of what we do.
Spirituality is more on the individual’s active role in searching for one’s meaning and
direction in life. However, spirituality is also always connected with religion. Religion is an
organized system of ideas about the spiritual sphere or the supernatural along with associated
ceremonial practices by which people try to interpret and/or influence aspects of the universe
otherwise beyond their control. All religions recognize the importance of spirituality in one’s
life. A person’s spirituality may be expressed through religion and participation in religious
rituals and ceremonies. Spirituality and religion fulfil social and psychological needs such as
finding an explanation to suffering and death. Also, through the practice of these religious
activities, people may find comfort, security, and stability in trying times. Furthermore,
spirituality and religion may be a source of love, hope, and affection.
However, we must remember that not everybody find their meaning within the religion.
There is were spirituality plays its role. Whether or not we practice our religion, our spirituality
should always be there. One’s purpose in life may not be clear at times, but it doesn’t mean it’s
not there, we need to be the one actively searching for it.
Thus, whether we believe in God or not, how do we use this
belief or disbelief in order to find the meaning and purpose of our life.

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APPLICATION
Name: _________________________________________ Course, Year & Section:
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Directions: Answer the following questions in the space provided below.

1. How is Spirituality similar with religion?

2. Which among the two – Spirituality or Religion – is more important?

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