Spirituality
Background
Spirituality is a personal pursuit for understanding the meaning of life, regardless of religious affiliation. Spirituality asks:
- Who am I?
- Why am I here
- Where did I come from?
- What is my purpose here on earth?
- How do I relate to others?
- How should I behave?
- What happens when I die?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, religion is only one component of spirituality. Religion refers to an organized, systemic approach that provides people with beliefs, practices, and rituals. A 2001 Gallup Poll found that about 40 percent of American adults regularly attend religious services, but 85 percent pray frequently. For purposes of research, it is much easier to measure the association or effect of religious practice on lives than that of the less easily defined concept of spirituality.
Updated: November 2, 2007
