Connie Tinoco

HUMA 1100
Religion Theme Writing Assignment
07/27/15
Pick two distinct philosophies/religions. Describe ways in which these two
philosophies/religions are inferior or superior to each other, and why you think so.
I would like to contrast the differences of traditional spirituality (or as many call
religion) and that of contemporary spirituality. Within the realm of traditional spirituality are the
Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sufism, and Jihad), Asian traditions (Buddhism,
Hinduism, and Sikhism), and the traditional faiths practiced by the indigenous tribes belonging
to Africa and the Americas. All of these traditional spiritual beliefs along with the practices that
pertain to them have been around at least more than 100 years.
Contemporary spirituality is the new way of thinking where spirituality is not
codependent on any specific religion. For course, contemporary spirituality is quite a new
philosophy. According to Hanegraaff (1996), New Age spirituality (also known as
contemporary spirituality) has had roots in Theosophy (a philosophy concerned with seeking
hidden wisdom that offers the individual enlightenment to the mysteries of the universe) and
Anthroposophy (a philosophy that postulates the existence of an comprehensible spiritual world
that is available by direct experience through inner development) but it moreso emerged around
the 1970s.
Generally, modern spiritualists believe in the existence of different spiritual paths and
that is up to the individual to make his or her own unique path to enlightenment and fulfillment.
Many contemporary spiritualists define themselves as not practicing a religion but still finding
ways of being spiritual despite religion. For example, back in 2005 a web poll sponsored by

Belief.net asked pollers if they separated religion and spirituality, and if so; did they practice
both, one, or neither? About 24% of the US pollers stated they were spiritual but not religious.
Personally, I see contemporary spirituality as being more superior to that of the traditional
way. Contemporary spirituality is unique to every individual the individual has more freedom
and agency to achieve a higher sense of purpose and well-being which is the goal of a majority
of religions.
I understand that there are some religions, especially the Abrahamic faiths, which worry
not solely in that aspect but to also save the individual from damnation. The individual can only
be saved by believing and being closer to God(s). To this argument, I say let the individual
decide. That specific religion can be followed if one fears so much about his or her own
salvation. One can still be a contemporary spiritualist if one follows a specific religion as part of
the set to feel spiritual. However; by being a contemporary spiritualist, one solely decides for his
or her own self as to what spiritual path to follow- no one elses.
This is where I have a problem with the views of traditional spiritualists. If one cares so
much about anothers well-being; why would one force another to belief something he or she
feels is not correct for himself or herself? Religion and spirituality are two very large parts that
make up an individuals sense of being and purpose. There should be respect for anothers way
of thinking.
Modern spirituality is centered on the deepest values and meanings by which people
live...It envisions an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/ her being,
(Sheldrake, 2007, pg 1-3).
Furthermore, it is adaptable to time because it depends on the individuals determination.
With traditional religions, there is a lot of controversy with one another when the topic arises on

doctrine. One aspect that fuels so much to the fire, is that of language and how it changes over
time. In some religions, the followers follow their doctrine literally to the point where the
doctrine was written so long ago in order to maintain its credibility. This action is quite
honorable, but when the thoughts of the religion are encompassed with current politics,
economics, public health, and other worldly issues; how one should practice his or her own
religion is questioned by all, maybe even the one practicing it.
Add others to the crowd and uncertainty definitely arises. Fights, discussions, allegations
may grow. By conforming with the philosophy of modern spirituality, one grows respect or at
least tolerates the way followers of their same religion may interpret the doctrine. The goal is not
to find out who is right or wrong. Its about oneself and becoming a better person by gaining a
larger understanding and purpose to life.
I see contemporary spirituality as being superior to modern spirituality because of the
qualities a person with this insight may have. A person with this type of philosophy would better
be able to get along with people of other religions, perhaps adapt or at least study other religions
practices, and become more knowledgeable of the world.
Last of all, those who are contemporary spiritualist have the freedom to engage in a main
religion as well or seek to immerse distinct or similar religions. They can even avoid religion
altogether as mentioned before. Whereas, traditional spiritualist are more rigid and stubborn to
think more freely. It is harder for them to rationalize that their way of thinking may be incorrect
and their thirst to seek isnt as parched.

References

Hanegraaff, Wouter J. (1996), New Age Religion and Western Culture. Esotericism in the mirror
of Secular Thought, Leiden/New York/Koln: E.J.Brill
Sheldrake, P. (2007), A Brief History of Spirituality, Wiley-Blackwell, New York