Religion, faith and spirituality, the chief topics of this category and its subcategories, refers to a set of tenets or practices, often associated with belief in a supernatural power that controls human destiny. Other, more loosely related topics, such as paranormal, are also housed here.

Faith, spirituality, belief, and religion are words that are often regarded as synonymous and used interchangeably. They do have different meanings, however.

Spirituality can mean something different to everyone. For many, it is a reference to participation in organized religion or attendance at a place of worship. For others, it can be a non-religious experience that varies greatly from person to person. Some find spirituality in meditation or private prayer, in yoga, or a belief in the supernatural. Others may find it taking a walk in the woods or lying in a field.

Although the ways in which we experience spirituality differs, the instinct toward spirituality is ingrained in human beings. People have an innate need to seek a deeper purpose, significance, and meaning in their lives, their relationships, and in their experiences. The need for spirituality is a part of what it means to be human. This is important even to atheists, who do not seek to find it in the supernatural.

Belief is a reference to the truths that we learn as a result of our spiritual journey. Whenever we decide that one thing is true and another is not, we are articulating our beliefs. Our beliefs are formed as a result of our efforts to satisfy our need for spirituality, largely by engaging in various spiritual practices and endeavors.

Belief is a firmly held opinion or strong confidence that is based on sound logic.

Faith, on the other hand, indicates stronger confidence to accomplish greater goals. Belief builds faith. While belief is born of a logical conclusion, faith is based on something more than logic. It is based on trust. Faith generally paves the way for optimism. It is a strong belief in something that cannot be seen or felt. Belief requires proof, while faith has no need of a question.

Faith is often defined as belief without evidence, but that can be a mistaken idea when you consider the faith is strengthened by belief, and belief requires sound logic. For example, I may believe in God as a result of a rational examination of the evidence, but have faith that God will answer my prayers. Faith is not necessarily blind.

Religion refers to a group of people who share similar beliefs, and who have determined to combine their efforts, to provide support for going deeper into these beliefs, and to hold one another accountable. Most religions eventually codify their beliefs into sacred texts, and develop various rituals, ceremonies, and practices designed to achieve deeper connections with the common beliefs of the community.

A wide variety of topics related to belief, faith, religion, and spirituality are appropriate for the several levels of subcategories found within this category. These may include ancient and modern religions, atheism and antitheism, the paranormal, and the various spiritual entities from any of these religions.

Ideas and concepts related to relationships between church and state, as well as science and religion, cults, reincarnation, ordination, and religious studies are also appropriate.

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