Author
Home > Sociology > What is the Difference Between Spirituality and Spiritualism?

Guilherme Mazui

•5 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Spirituality and Spiritualism?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between spirituality and spiritualism lies in their focus and the nature of their practices.

Spirituality is a state of mind that is achieved through personal efforts and experiences, and it encompasses the balance of the mind, body, and soul. It is a way of life and does not necessarily involve religion. Spirituality focuses on personal well-being, self-development, and the cultivation of a spiritual attitude based on the belief in God and the individual Self or Soul. Key aspects of spirituality include:

  • Journey of the soul
  • Personal well-being and self-development
  • Balance of mind, body, and soul
  • Connection with Spirit
  • Clarity and sense of purpose in life

Spiritualism, on the other hand, is a specific belief or philosophy that deals with matters concerning the spirit, its nature, existence, mediums, ghosts, afterlife, spiritual powers, healing, angels, gods and goddesses, heaven and hell, and occult worlds. Spiritualism is often practiced within certain religious or cultural contexts and may involve contacting spirits and ancestors for guidance and wisdom. Key aspects of spiritualism include:

  • Belief in an invisible world inhabited by disembodied souls of people
  • Communication with spirits of the dead
  • Practices and philosophies related to the afterlife, spirit communication, mediums, and deities

In summary, spirituality focuses on the individual's personal growth and connection with their inner self, while spiritualism is a broader concept that involves specific beliefs and practices related to the spirit world and communication with spirits.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Spirituality and Spiritualism?
  • Comparative Table: Spirituality vs Spiritualism

    • Comparative Table: Spirituality vs Spiritualism

    Here is a table outlining the differences between spirituality and spiritualism:

    Aspect Spirituality Spiritualism
    Definition Spirituality refers to the aspect of humanity that seeks and expresses meaning in life, often through a connection to something larger than oneself. Spiritualism is a metaphysical belief that the world is made up of at least two fundamental substances, matter and spirit. It is often associated with the belief that departed souls can interact with the living, usually through the assistance of a medium.
    Origin Spirituality is a broad concept that can be found in various religious and non-religious traditions, often focusing on personal growth and direct experience of the soul or divinity. Spiritualism emerged as a distinct movement in the 19th century, based on the belief that spirits of the dead can communicate with the living through mediums.
    Belief System Spirituality does not rely solely on established religious beliefs or dogmas, and it often embraces a consciousness-based worldview that supports all human beings on their path. Spiritualism involves specific beliefs about the nature of the relationship between spirit and matter, as well as the ability of mediums to communicate with spirits of the dead.
    Practices Spirituality encompasses various practices, such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, which can be found in different religious and non-religious traditions. Spiritualism involves practices like séances, automatic writing, and the use of Ouija boards to communicate with spirits of the dead, usually with the assistance of a medium.
    Community Spirituality often focuses on personal connections with the divine and inner growth, and it can be experienced within or outside of religious frameworks. Spiritualism typically involves a community-centered connection with the divine, as spiritualists often gather in groups or organizations to practice their beliefs and communicate with spirits of the dead.

    In summary, spirituality is a broader concept that focuses on personal growth and direct experiences of the soul or divinity, while spiritualism is a specific belief system and movement that involves the communication with spirits of the dead through mediums. Both concepts involve the exploration of the spiritual aspect of human life, but they differ in their beliefs, practices, and community structures.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.