Spirituality vs. Spiritualism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 16, 2024
Spirituality involves personal growth and a search for meaning through connections with the universe, while Spiritualism is a belief in communicating with the dead through mediums.
Difference Between Spirituality and Spiritualism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives, often involving a search for meaning in life. It is as much about one’s personal growth and inner peace as it is about developing a connection with something larger than oneself, which can be the universe, nature, or a sense of a higher power. Whereas, Spiritualism specifically focuses on the belief that the dead can communicate with the living, usually through a medium or psychic, and is considered both a religious movement and a practice of communicating with spirits.
Spirituality is not confined to religious belief systems; it is more about personal insight, enlightenment, and a holistic approach to the self's relationship with the cosmos. It emphasizes personal harmony and understanding of the universe's interconnectedness. On the other hand, Spiritualism has a more structured framework, often associated with seances, psychic readings, and a formalized belief system regarding the afterlife and spirit world. It operates on the premise that spirits of the dead exist and have the ability and desire to communicate with the living.
While spirituality can incorporate practices from various religions, philosophies, or personal beliefs to help individuals understand their place in the world and their personal path to peace and fulfillment, spiritualism specifically seeks evidence of life after death and the ability to communicate with those who have passed on. This difference highlights spirituality’s broader, more inclusive nature compared to the more specific, practice-oriented focus of spiritualism.
Spirituality encourages introspection, the pursuit of inner peace, and the development of personal beliefs that contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and fulfillment. It is deeply personal and can evolve over time as individuals seek to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connection to the world around them. Conversely, spiritualism often involves community or group settings, like seances or spiritual gatherings, where practitioners and believers come together to communicate with spirits, seeking comfort, guidance, or proof of the supernatural.
The goals of spirituality and spiritualism also differ significantly. Spirituality’s aim is the individual’s journey towards enlightenment, personal growth, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. In contrast, the goal of spiritualism is more about bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds, providing evidence of the afterlife, and facilitating communication between the living and the dead. This underscores the personal development aspect of spirituality versus the communicative and evidentiary focus of spiritualism.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A personal quest for understanding life’s meaning, often involving a connection with the universe or a higher power.
A belief system focused on communicating with the dead through mediums.
Nature
Broad and inclusive, emphasizing personal growth and inner peace.
Specific and practice-oriented, centered around afterlife communication.
Framework
Flexible, with practices derived from various sources for personal enlightenment.
Structured, with formal practices like seances for communicating with spirits.
Focus
Personal development and understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
Evidence of the afterlife and communication with spirits.
Setting
Often solitary, involving personal meditation and introspection.
Community or group settings, involving collective practices.
Compare with Definitions
Spirituality
Embracing a holistic view of life, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
His spirituality is influenced by the belief that all life forms are connected.
Spiritualism
The study and practice of mediumship to provide evidence of life after death.
She studies spiritualism to understand the mechanisms of mediumship.
Spirituality
The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.
Her spirituality has helped her maintain a positive outlook throughout life's challenges.
Spiritualism
Practices involving seances, psychic readings, and other methods to speak with spirits.
He became interested in spiritualism after experiencing a psychic reading.
Spirituality
A personal or individual belief system focusing on the connection with the divine or the universe.
Through meditation and nature walks, he explores his spirituality.
Spiritualism
A community of believers who seek comfort and guidance through messages from the dead.
The spiritualism community gathers monthly to share experiences and messages from the other side.
Spirituality
The practice of finding purpose and meaning in life, often leading to inner peace.
Yoga is an integral part of her spirituality and daily routine.
Spiritualism
A religious movement based on the communication between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Spiritualism gained popularity in the 19th century with many followers attending séances.
Spirituality
Seeking enlightenment and personal growth through various practices and beliefs.
She practices mindfulness to deepen her spirituality.
Spiritualism
A belief in the ability of the dead to communicate with the living, typically through a medium.
The family attended a spiritualism session to connect with their late grandfather.
Spirituality
The meaning of spirituality has developed and expanded over time, and various connotations can be found alongside each other. Traditionally, spirituality referred to a religious process of re-formation which "aims to recover the original shape of man", oriented at "the image of God" as exemplified by the founders and sacred texts of the religions of the world.
Spiritualism
Spiritualism is a religious movement based on the belief that the spirits of the dead exist and have both the ability and the inclination to communicate with the living. The afterlife, or the "spirit world", is seen by spiritualists, not as a static place, but as one in which spirits continue to evolve.
Spirituality
The state, quality, or fact of being spiritual.
Spiritualism
The belief that the dead communicate with the living, as through a medium.
Spirituality
A religious belief or manner of pursuing a religious life
"the pantheistic spiritualities espoused by Wiccans and other contemporary adherents of nature religions" (Peter Steinfels).
Spiritualism
The practices or doctrines of those holding such a belief.
Spirituality
The clergy.
Spiritualism
A philosophy, doctrine, or religion emphasizing the spiritual aspect of being.
Spirituality
Often spiritualities Something, such as property or revenue, that belongs to the church or to a cleric.
Spiritualism
(philosophy) A doctrine, opposing materialism, that claims transcendency of the divine being, the altogether spiritual character of reality and the value of inwardness of consciousness.
Spirituality
The quality or state of being spiritual.
Spiritualism
A belief that the dead communicate with the living, especially through a medium. Used in a broader sense than spiritism/Kardecism.
Spirituality
Concern for that which is unseen and intangible, as opposed to physical or mundane.
Spiritualism
The quality or state of being spiritual.
Spirituality
Appreciation for religious values.
Spiritualism
The quality or state of being spiritual.
Spirituality
(obsolete) That which belongs to the church, or to a person as an ecclesiastic, or to religion, as distinct from temporalities.
Spiritualism
The doctrine, in opposition to the materialists, that all which exists is spirit, or soul - that what is called the external world is either a succession of notions impressed on the mind by the Deity, as maintained by Berkeley, or else the mere educt of the mind itself, as taught by Fichte.
Spirituality
(obsolete) An ecclesiastical body; the whole body of the clergy, as distinct from, or opposed to, the temporality.
Spiritualism
A belief that departed spirits hold intercourse with mortals by means of physical phenomena, as by rappng, or during abnormal mental states, as in trances, or the like, commonly manifested through a person of special susceptibility, called a medium; spiritism; the doctrines and practices of spiritualists.
What is called spiritualism should, I think, be called a mental species of materialism.
Spirituality
The quality or state of being spiritual; incorporeality; heavenly-mindedness.
A pleasure made for the soul, suitable to its spirituality.
If this light be not spiritual, yet it approacheth nearest to spirituality.
Much of our spirituality and comfort in public worship depends on the state of mind in which we come.
Spiritualism
(theology) any doctrine that asserts the separate existence of God
Spirituality
That which belongs to the church, or to a person as an ecclesiastic, or to religion, as distinct from temporalities.
During the vacancy of a see, the archbishop is guardian of the spiritualities thereof.
Spiritualism
The belief that the spirits of dead people can communicate with people who are still alive (especially via a medium)
Spirituality
An ecclesiastical body; the whole body of the clergy, as distinct from, or opposed to, the temporality.
Five entire subsidies were granted to the king by the spirituality.
Spiritualism
Concern with things of the spirit
Spirituality
Property or income owned by a church
Spirituality
Concern with things of the spirit
Common Curiosities
Is spiritualism considered a religion?
Spiritualism can be considered both a religion and a practice, depending on the context and the way individuals engage with its beliefs and activities.
What role do mediums play in spiritualism?
Mediums are central to spiritualism as they are believed to have the ability to communicate directly with spirits, acting as a bridge between the living and the dead.
What defines spiritualism?
Spiritualism is a belief and practice focused on communicating with the dead through mediums, aiming to provide evidence of the afterlife.
What is spirituality?
Spirituality is a personal search for meaning, involving a connection with the universe or a higher power, focusing on inner peace and enlightenment.
How does spirituality affect personal growth?
Spirituality encourages introspection and self-awareness, leading to personal growth, a sense of purpose, and a deeper understanding of life’s interconnectedness.
Why do people turn to spiritualism?
People may turn to spiritualism for comfort, closure, or curiosity about the afterlife, seeking to communicate with loved ones who have passed away.
How does one begin exploring spirituality?
Exploring spirituality can begin with reflection on personal beliefs, engaging in practices like meditation or yoga, and seeking connections with nature or the cosmos.
Can someone be spiritual without being religious?
Yes, spirituality is a personal experience that transcends organized religion, focusing on individual beliefs and practices related to life’s meaning and connection with the universe.
Can spiritualism provide comfort after a loss?
Many find comfort in spiritualism after a loss, as it offers a possibility of continued existence and communication with loved ones who have passed away.
Can spirituality and spiritualism overlap?
Yes, individuals may incorporate elements of spiritualism into their spiritual practices, but spirituality is broader and not confined to communication with the dead.
What evidence supports spiritualism?
Evidence in spiritualism is largely anecdotal, based on personal experiences during séances, psychic readings, or other forms of mediumship.
Do all spiritual practices involve belief in a higher power?
Not necessarily; while many spiritual practices involve belief in a higher power or the divine, others focus on personal well-being and connection with the natural world.
How is spirituality practiced?
Spirituality is practiced through meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or any activity that fosters a connection with the self, the divine, or the universe.
Is there a community aspect to spiritualism?
Yes, spiritualism often involves community gatherings, such as séances or spiritualist church services, where individuals come together to communicate with spirits.
How do critics view spiritualism?
Critics of spiritualism often question the validity of mediumship and communications with the dead, citing a lack of empirical evidence and the potential for fraud.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
