Guest Author - Linda J. Paul

In my opinion, each world religion is based on a set of rules, moral principles, and historical doctrine. Whether this set of beliefs is practiced within the setting of a church, in a group of like-minded people or on a solitary basis doesn't really matter. Religion is an organized view of the how, what, when and where of creation. Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Muslim belief all fit into the category of religions. The nuances may vary from sect to sect, but the basic foundation is the same.

Philosophy is a bit different than religion. Philosophical based belief systems such as Buddhism do not attempt to describe creation or afterlife. Buddhism attempts to explain the best way to live a life based on peace and harmony within one's self. Taoism is a similar type of philosophy.

Modern day Paganism falls in between organized religion and philosophy. When Paganism is practiced through the honoring of deities as a main belief structure, it might lean more toward religion. However, when it is practiced as a system of belief which honors and respects the Earth, but does not attempt to define the process of creation, it becomes more of a philosophy.

Spirituality, on the other hand, may encompass a whole plethora of beliefs taken from various religions, philosophies, and belief systems. Spiritually based people have usually explored many different pathways of faith and belief. They have chosen the bits and pieces from each system that fit into their spiritual life style and let go of the rules, regulations and dogma that don't fit.

Personally, I practice both. I am a Unitarian Universalist by religiosity , and a Pagan, Buddhist, Jew, Christian, Hindu by spiritual nature. I like the structure of a meeting place with organized events and services that I find in a U.U. Church. Unitarian Universalism encompasses all faiths and beliefs, so I am very comfortable in that setting. But, I also love the freedom to join in Pagan circles on the Esbats and Sabbats (full moons and festival days). I like to attend Buddhist meetings, celebrate the Jewish Shavuot's , study the Gnostic interpretations of the life of Jesus, and keep statues of Kali and Shiva on my Altar.

I have devoted much of my life studies to speaking, teaching and learning about world religions, philosophies and beliefs. It is my joy and my passion. And, I could never have done that had I confined all of my thoughts and musings into one specific and self-limiting belief system.