Giok, you are quite right that hypocrisy is common in organized religions. It is also common in other organized forms of human activity...like politics! :-) I think it's people that are the problem, not religion per se.


Dave - Here's what it means to me...

Spiritual means: seeking the inner meaning of Life by any means possible, and finding a way to live by Love rather than Fear in the process of doing that.

Religious means: adhering to the holy books, beliefs, and rules and requirements of an organized religion...in a way exclusive TO that religion...and practicing the various rites and forms set out in those holy books and rules, and worshipping the holy figure(s) you are told to worship in that religion.

Those are two very different processes. The first requires a great deal more self-development and free thinking, in my opinion. Some genuinely spiritual people, however, may be found within the ranks of ANY organized religion, although they are probably in the minority. Spirituality does not require membership in a religion.